Analog calculators for the Ham Radio

With the Electrical Age analog calculators faced new challenges.

The requirement to simplify calculations for technicians resulted in the popularity of nomograms and slide rules.

Slide rules Slide rule history - Slide rule tutorial

Following the invention of electricity and its applications in electronics the slide rules were fitted with scales designed to solve the emerging iusses of capacity, impedance, resistance, etc.
You can read about its development in this interesting publication.

Hemmi 266 slide rule for electronics engineers, virtual simulation

Regolo Concise - Front Regolo Concise - Rear

Front and back of the Concise Radio slide rule

Regolo IWA

IWA 0272 Specialized Slide Rule for Radio Designers

In these fields, unlike in the conventional design, basic technicians and radio communication enthusiasts must frequently takle mathematical challenges. The slide rule is a universal calculator and, sililar to contemprary calculators, necessitates an operator who understand the requidred formulas and knows how to imput them on the device.

The spread of radio led large segments of the population to build their own equipment. They were called "makers," proficent craftsmen who lackedg any formal training in mathematics. To design a radio apparatus at home, a simpler tool than slide rules was needed, similar to our apps or specialized software.

In the analog world, this service was performed by nomograms and slide charts, designed to solve single problems without having to know the mathematical formula.

Nomograms Nomography: history and tutorial

Nomography, illustrated in the dedicated section, allowed anyone to perform calculations easily without requiring mathematical knowledge.

The nomogram consists of three or more scaled lines: the values of the problem to be solved are located on the outer scales. By drawing a straight line between them, the outcome can be determined at the intersection with the central scale.