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Object Overview
The Taylor Forecast Computer, created around the 1950s, is a mechanical device designed to predict weather based on barometric pressure and wind direction. Its lightweight construction is made entirely of cardboard, making it both practical and easy to use.
The device consists of a rectangular cardboard base printed with instructions, scales, and weather forecast terms. The base includes wind directions (such as northeast and south) and forecast predictions like “RAIN” or “FAIR.” Attached to the base are two rotating cardboard dials, one on each side. The dial on one side is used for forecasting when the barometer shows falling pressure, while the other side is for rising pressure. Each dial is marked with barometric pressure values in inches of mercury (e.g., 30.01 inHg) and is divided into segments indicating changes in pressure, such as “Rising,” “Falling,” and “Steady.”
To use the Taylor Forecast Computer, the user first measures barometric pressure twice a day using a barometer (adjusted to sea level) and determines whether the pressure is rising, falling, or steady. The user also observes the wind direction. Next, they select the appropriate side of the device—either “Rising” or “Falling”—and rotate the dial to align the recorded barometric pressure value with the wind direction. The weather forecast appears in a window on the base, corresponding to the chosen pressure value and wind direction. For example, if the pressure reads 30.01 inHg, is slowly falling, and the wind is coming from the northeast, the forecast displayed might be “RAIN.”
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brass, cardboard, paper
The device uses simple forecast terms: “RAIN” indicates precipitation of more than 0.01 inches (which could mean snow or sleet in cold weather), while “FAIR” suggests clear to cloudy skies with less than 0.01 inches of precipitation.
The Taylor Forecast Computer provides reliable weather predictions for a period of 12 to 24 hours after the readings. Its intuitive design and ease of use made it a valuable tool for farmers, hikers, and weather enthusiasts. This mechanical forecasting device is a perfect example of mid-20th-century ingenuity, combining simplicity and functionality to deliver practical weather insights.
The Taylor Instrument Companies have long been known for their interest in weather forecasting and, above all, their desire to assist consumers by presenting predictions in a clear and simple way. One notable example of this effort is their characteristic barometers combined with “Stormguides”, where users could get weather forecasts directly on the barometer’s dial.
Another popular tool, the Weather Instruction Chart with a movable pointer, was used to make predictions based on barometric readings and was sold during the 1950s for just 75 cents, offering an affordable yet effective weather forecasting solution for everyday users.