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What is this odd little box I've been storing for years?

I received this switch/pot a few years ago with a used preamp and have never been able to identify it. When I asked the seller he said he didn't know either, he just thought it was part of the preamp (it's not). I wish I could post a picture here - but it's about a 3.5"black cube, with an older brown AC cord, an on/off rocker switch, fuse holder and small attenuator pot on the front. I though it might be a wireless remote switch for a turntable, but can't find any similar images online. Any ventured guesses would greatly helpful
Glenn 
gwbeers
almarg's avatar
almarg
8,673 posts
 
Might it be a timer of some sort? Perhaps when the knob is turned up to some setting and the device is turned on a motor drive causes the "attenuator pot" to work its way down to its minimum position, at which time a sound is emitted.

Are there any slots or other openings through which a sound could be emitted? Also, would it be practical to open the device and look inside?

Regards,
-- Al 
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
4,382 posts
 
It reminds me of that movie, The Box. Don't turn a thing or accept any offers from Frank Langella. 😄
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
14,147 posts
 
If it doesn’t have that snake oil feel I’m out.
gwbeers OP
62 posts
 
HaHa! The worst thing is I can't figure out what to call it, to find a reference online. The shaft of the pot only turns 180 degrees. Inside there's a transformer (EWC31004GO5), the base of the cylindrical fuse holder, the rear of the pot is a rheostat with a black resistor inline to the transformer (no timer-but great idea). I had an old JA Michel Transcriptor
turntable whose on off switch used a magnet to open and close the circuit.Wondering if this might be of that era (early 60's)
cleeds
2,065 posts
 
gwbeers
Very well made, doesn't have that snake oil feel.
What is "snake oil feel?"
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