--- In TekScopes@..., "keithostertag" wrote:
What are sources for shipping cartons for vintage Tek scopes, like the 500 and 7000 series? I rarely find boxes that large, or sturdy. Are there common items/businesses that use that size/type box?
Any other tips for shipping/packing?
Thanks,
Keith Ostertag
Keith,
In addition to the numerous suggestions offered for packaging filler, I will add a tip that I found very effective. Quite often during shipping the knobs on a heavy scope become broken as the scope shifts around in its package. Although they are lighter instruments than 500 series, I found 7000 series scopes are more susceptible to this damage, as the knob shells are thinner.
I find a scrap cardboard box that has a bottom dimension as close as possible to the front panel height and width of the scope. I then cut the sides of the box about 8 cm (3 inches) from the bottom of the box. If the box dimensions exceed the size of the scope, I trim the corners on two sides. Leaving one corner intact. I then fold the box bottom to snuggly fit the front of the scope, keeping the bottom a few cm away from the end of the knobs. It may be necessary to trim cutouts for the feet in the front of the scope. I then tape the sides of the box to the sides of the scope with packing tape, on all four sides (top, bottom and both sides). I have found that this technique is effective in preventing the knobs from being damaged during shipment.
Instruments with isolated knobs, switches or BNC connectors on the rear can protect these with a simple piece of cardboard, folded in a V shape and securely taped to the rear panel.
Steve
