Parallel ruler development?

[Seagreen]

Can anyone remember a type of parallel ruler that was pantographed by tapes? Called 'Chart- mate' or 'Chart buddy' or ruler mate.
It was a clear ruler on a hub, attached to a pair of sprung tapes within a black casting and that sat screwed in the top left corner of the chart table.
Are they still around? And what are they called?

 

[rogerthebodger]

Can anyone remember a type of parallel ruler that was pantographed by tapes? Called 'Chart- mate' or 'Chart buddy' or ruler mate.
It was a clear ruler on a hub, attached to a pair of sprung tapes within a black casting and that sat screwed in the top left corner of the chart table.
Are they still around? And what are they called?

Sounds like an old type of pantograph type engineering drawing board.

 

[Hydrozoan]

There is a reference here http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?218808-navigation by johnalison to '... a gizmo attached by parallel tapes to a corner of the chart table which is easy to use, even one-handed (and also has a protractor built-in)' - might that be it?

 

[Seagreen]

Certainly seems to be. I had one on my chart table but it seems to have gone walkabout. Was searching for a possible ebay replacement as they/it is really really good at staying on the chart table and not sliding onto the floor.

 

[pvb]

"What's a chart table, Grandad?"

 

[Seagreen]

Yes, that's it. "can you navigate me to...?"
"hold on, I'll just turn on my phone."