Ban the Imperial Measures Forever!

AJames · #1 20-09-2007, 01:56 PM

Hi Y'all....

I have a question to pose...

Should we not have a total ban on using inches to describe the sizes of telescope aperture and stick to the metric system only - expressed either centimetres or metres?

With the Yanks and the Brits persisting with their antiquated imperial measures, surely its time we finally sink their non compliance with the rest of the civilised world?

AJames

erick (Eric) · #2 20-09-2007, 02:04 PM

Yes!

But I'll never be able to explain how tall I am

ps. I've "fixed" my signature.

Ric · #3 20-09-2007, 02:31 PM

I'm comfortable with either system, but I can see the merits in standardising to metric for science and astro equipment.

Cheers

JimmyH155 · #4 20-09-2007, 02:39 PM

I have, and always will, use inches - SORRY

- What I will NEVER NEVER do is use (as so many contributors to our Astro mag do ) is use centimeters.

Centimeters are housewives units, fine for neck, bust and waists, not for scientific instruments.
Oh by the way, my Lightbridge is a 304.8 job. Isn't it so much easier to say 12 inches? Why change things just for the sake of change?

ballaratdragons (Ken) · #5 20-09-2007, 02:52 PM

I was brought up an imperialist, and I still use imperial. Whenever I read (or hear) a unit in metric, I have to grab the tape measure to see what size it is.

Maybe Metric is easier, but depends what you were brought up on. I am not able to do instant conversions in my head, so I fumble for the tape measure quite often.

I have ticked: 'Imperial Measures Can Live With the Metric System' because I personally prefer to stick with the Imperial system, but I also realise that Metric is the recognised system in Australia, and my kids use it.

wasyoungonce (Brendan) · #6 20-09-2007, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyH155

Isn't it so much easier to say 12 inches?

Showoff, lets hope you are talking about the lightbridge!

ballaratdragons (Ken) · #7 20-09-2007, 02:57 PM

Even the Japanese don't know which way to go

I have items made in Japan that have both Metric and Imperial threads on them

Now that's confusing!

DJDD · #8 20-09-2007, 02:59 PM

does anyone still use shillings and pounds?

if we all start using metric then when older astronomers leave for the the Great Beyond (not wishing any harm on anyone

) then no one will be around to remember that a 300mm telescope used to be called a 12" scope.

ballaratdragons (Ken) · #9 20-09-2007, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJDD

does anyone still use shillings and pounds?

if we all start using metric then when older astronomers leave for the the Great Beyond (not wishing any harm on anyone

) then no one will be around to remember that a 300mm telescope used to be called a 12" scope.

The Yanks and Poms will

mickoking · #10 20-09-2007, 03:07 PM

Viva Metric

iceman (Mike) · #11 20-09-2007, 03:08 PM

Metric! Don't all the astronomers and scientists (in all countries) have to use metric anyhow?

It's just popularising it in the US that falls down.

Outbackmanyep · #12 20-09-2007, 03:11 PM

Imperial measurements are in way too deep to change them!
Wait till you get to Whitworth sizes and threads!!!!
Pain in the backside, im in an industry where i deal with different sizes and threads all the time, you can get Japanese and German metric sizes, as for telescopes it really doesnt bother me at all although........i would like to see uniformity, but then some mongrel product supplier will always change things to suit them, much the same as screwdrivers you get phillips head, torx head, roberts head (square) , flat blade , and a new one i saw the other day was triangular in shape!
ARRRRGH!

Outbackmanyep · #13 20-09-2007, 03:15 PM

[quote=DJDD;254706]does anyone still use shillings and pounds?

.[/quote/]

Shillings and pounds.....

How about weight measurements, carat, grains, ounces, dwt....

Older style measurements...rods, links, chains, cubits

Worlds gone crazy!

erick (Eric) · #14 20-09-2007, 03:17 PM

I remember my Dad weighing bulk sugar onto ships. Long tons, short tons, tonnes!!!?????

Gas Giant (Andrew) · #15 20-09-2007, 03:24 PM

Long live the British Thermal Unit!

[1ponders] (Paul) · #16 20-09-2007, 03:58 PM

Hmmm...hard call. If we get rid of non-metric systems does that mean we have to get rid of the Light Year, the parsec and the AU????

I can happily live with both, infact I have to. When you have students that vary in ages from 16 - 65+ then you have to be flexible. I think eventually those countries that hold out will eventually convert over.......fighting all the way

ving (David) · #17 20-09-2007, 04:19 PM

everything should be measured in lengths of string...

Glenhuon (Bill) · #18 20-09-2007, 04:36 PM

I use both systems, was schooled in imperial but used metric for most of my working life in engineering. Still occasionally get confused and quote something as 12" long by 10mm thick. And yes, centimetres are for measuring cloth and ladies body sizes, not for anything engineered.
We had a welder who did the same thing as me regularly, so we made him a rule marked in Minches and Intiletres.

DJDD · #19 20-09-2007, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Glenhuon

We had a welder who did the same thing as me regularly, so we made him a rule marked in Minches and Intiletres.

----

is it an urban myth that the Space Shuttle disaster was caused by just such confusion- imperial versus metric? or was it some other confusion.

ving (David) · #20 20-09-2007, 04:46 PM

one could (as i do) mix and match to ones needs... some people find this annoying and state i should use one or the other and not both, especially at the same time...
when they tell me this i state quite simply that there are people dying in third world countries.