Understanding the timing machine

The timing machine listens to the ticking. It calculates rate from the interval between beats and estimates amplitude from the duration of a beat sound and the lift-angle setting. Here you can explore the result — and what happens if the lift-angle setting is wrong.

Vibrations per hour Actual amplitude Actual lift angle of the movement Timing-machine setting Rate Beat error

How the timing machine calculates

The trace is calculated, not measured. The formula θ₀ = λ / (2·sin(π·f·t)) assumes harmonic motion and engagement symmetrical about the rest position; clearances, the sound-detection threshold and movement tolerances make the reading an estimate.