Old-time plotter
I like browsing through junkyards, in search of objects like this one: mahogany box with wooden rollers and small light bulbs to illuminate maps. Old-times plotter, enabling reading big-format maps in confined space. Confined space + mahogany = Meritaten so I acquire this dirty and broken piece of marine equipment.
Apart from being very dirty it lacked light bulbs, mechanism was not working and the glass was gone. Hence the price, almost nothing. Entertaining evening’s project.
Mechanism fix was simple - just add some friction with self-vulcanising rubber tape and adjust timing belt (wire-spring) and life became good again.
Small light bulbs 3,8V came from my secret storage. The unit is battery driven: 4,5V old time flat battery, still available in Tempo Vätö.
Illumination is, by todays standards, rather poor but it adds atmosphere to the whole thing.
Readable enough in low-light.
I fitted 3mm thick Plexi-glass, press-fitted and secured with double-sided tape. The job was complete, unit is now fully operational.
Current course and position can be marked with simple wooden contraption.
Map is driven by 2 wooden knobs on the side.
I’m not yet sure if this indeed will be mounted on Meritaten. I have a plan making proper navigation table - I suspect there was one above pilot berth, there are wooden rails which might have been used for it.
Maybe the “plotter” will find its place on board but for now it became a part of room decoration.