Definition

1. Noun:
   • An instrument for indicating synchronization: A device that shows whether two periodic motions or alternating currents are in phase (occurring at the same time and rate). It visually indicates if the cycles are synchronous.
   • A pilot's instrument: Specifically, an instrument in multi-engine aircraft that enables the pilot to synchronize the rotational speeds of the propellers.

Usage

• The synchronoscope is used in electrical engineering to check the phase relationship between two alternating current sources before connecting them.
• In aviation, a pilot uses the synchronoscope to adjust engine RPMs so the propellers turn at the same speed, reducing vibration and noise.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The engineer used a synchronoscope to ensure the generator was in phase with the grid before closing the circuit breaker.
  • A steady needle on the synchronoscope indicates the propellers are perfectly synchronized.

Advanced Usage

• "To bring into synchronism using a synchronoscope": The process of adjusting the speed or phase of one system to match another, guided by the instrument's reading.
  • The technician brought the standby generator online by carefully watching the synchronoscope.

Variants and Related Words

• Synchroscope (n): An alternative spelling and the more common form of the word "synchronoscope". It has the same meaning.
  • The control panel featured a large synchroscope for monitoring the generators.

Synonyms

• Phase sequence indicator: A device with a similar function for checking the order of phases in a polyphase electrical system.
• Sync indicator: A general term for any instrument that shows synchronization status.

Related Technical Terms

• Synchronism (n): The state of being synchronous, occurring at the same time and rate.
  • The synchronoscope confirmed the synchronism of the two waveforms.
• Synchronize (v): To cause to occur or operate at the same time or rate.
  • The pilot used the instrument to synchronize the engines.

Noun

1. an instrument that indicates whether two periodic motions are synchronous (especially an instrument that enables a pilot to synchronize the propellers of a plane that has two or more engines)