Measuring projection tachistoscope shutter characteristics

Projection tachistoscopes have shutters that control the presentation of stimuli. Shutter characteristics such as opening times, closing times, and mechanical reliability are important factors in applications of these tachistoscopes. The device described in this report allows the operating characteristics of shutters used in projection tachistoscopes to be evaluated. The use of the device is illustrated by measurements of three commercially available tachistoscope shutters. Each shutter was characterized by five parameters: opening and closing speeds, the lag between shutter activation and operation, the briefest stimulus presentation that the shutter allowed, and the shutter’s ability to repeat exposure durations accurately.