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Re: Tek push-button lettering using pressing iron transfer of laser printed text on non-sticking paper

 

Hi Gang:

I generated script on my computer that most closely matched the script on the 485's I work on then print the result on laser approved decal paper. I run the paper through the laser printer several times to ensure adequate fusing. The paper is available at Kinkos, Office Depot or other suppliers. I use the kind that transfers when wet. I cover the tops of the decals on the buttons with Scotch tape and carefully trim the edges with a sharp scalpel after the decal is fully dry.

Reed Dickinson
reed714@...


Re: Tektronix 453 Power Indicator Bulb needed

 

On 2018-06-19 1:40 PM, ROLYNN PRECHTL K7DFW wrote:

I get that, but the lamp is still a consumable that will wear out again.


==========================================================

A 386 lamp has a MTBF of 15,000 or 40,000 hours depending on what data sheet you look at.

How many hours do you operate your 453 in a lifetime?
You do make an excellent point, although I expect they are somewhat more
sensitive to environmental conditions, temp, vibration, shock and so on.

That said I'm not planning on operating mine on an active volcano either.

--Toby


Rolynn
Tek Bvtn and Sunset 1966-1971




Re: 576 Curve Tracer: Trace moving off screen and jittering when pressing CAL/Zero

Craig Sawyers
 

That is exactly what I did with mine, pretty much to the letter. Glad that it worked for you too.

Craig

I removed some circuit boards to get access to the switch board. I then took a syringe with a curved
tip
and sucked a small amount of deoxit inside the syringe. I stuck the tip of the syringe into the back
of
the switch, pulled air in, and slammed down on the plunger to try and mist the deoxit into the
switch
as deep as I could. This worked well.


Re: Tek push-button lettering using pressing iron transfer of laser printed text on non-sticking paper

 

Jeff,
Ed (Breya) nailed it and indeed some printers drivers also have the option.
In the case where your printer driver has it, you don't even need to use CutePDF writer.
But it's so handy and freely available that it doesn't worth the trouble to look elsewhere (if you're a Windows user).

By the way, either using CutePDF writer, or your own print driver (with Mirror capability) there's an additional setting that all should be wary about.
You need to change the setting for "True Type Font" from "Substitute with Device font" to "Download as Softfont"

This is what will assure that the printer driver will actually use the "UniversCondensed" font to render the text on the page and not some internal font that is "similar".
I've been always puzzled by why this option usually defaults to "Substitute with Device Font" on pretty much every printer driver,! A setting which basically ruins any page composition, if you're using any non-conventional font.

Rgrds,

Fabio

On Tue, Jun 19, 2018 at 08:06 am, Jeff Urban wrote:


How do you get the printer to print backwards ? (or is that in the font ?)


Re: Tek push-button lettering using pressing iron transfer of laser printed text on non-sticking paper

 

Thanks JJ,
I`ll try to find it nearby, at some local artist's store.
I may very well change my approach for the buttons of my 7623A.
Those buttons (of my 7623A) are not faded (maybe only one) but they're all stained yellow and I liked very much the way those buttons of the 465 got after sanded and polished.
A nice and light gray was hiding under that ugly yellowish stain.
Now that I have a good, reliable and repeatable way of re-labeling them. I may very well risk cleaning them all and re-label them.
Rgrds,
Fabio

On Tue, Jun 19, 2018 at 09:49 am, JJ wrote:


Fabio, The white stuff is Liquitex - an acrylic paint medium used by
artists to mix colors. Comes in assorted thicknesses and finishes. I used
the medium matt finish. They all dry clear. You can also put a coat over
the transfer to seal it. Some people use Mod Podge - water based sealer.
Excellent results as well. Any art supply store will carry them. Amazon has
it. Very popular stuff!

Try it on a piece plastic to get some experience using it. You get hooked
transferring everything in sight! Have fun!

JJ


Re: Up to date capacitor list for Tek 2465A and 2465B scopes (2018)

 

There are several ways it could be done. Either a list of modern parts from one or more OEMs for each model, to a database for as many replacements for Tek parts as possible and maybe hosted on another website where you would enter the Tek part number to find a possible replacement. Common items can be replaced but Tek specific would still have to come from someone's boneyard.


Michael A. Terrell

-----Original Message-----
From: Brian Cockburn <brian.cockburn.1959@...>
Sent: Jun 19, 2018 9:47 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [TekScopes] Up to date capacitor list for Tek 2465A and 2465B scopes (2018)

Michael,

That sounds like a great idea. Is it reasonable to assume that a given part, like a 47uF 35V electrolytic, would have a single modern replacement recommendation? Or would it perhaps be necessary to use the Tek part number as the 'index' into the set of new part pages?

Either way, there could be a wiki page for each part, with notes associated with it like the ref-des for various models and any gotchas.
Then each model could have a list, by ref-des, of the parts that are candidates for replacement, with each line then clicking-through to the part page. The lists could perhaps even be partitioned into obvious areas like SMPS, PS, Vert, Trig, TB, etc. The only downside to this (general wiki pages) would be that it wouldn't be simple to get a BoM for the replacements for a model. That sort of stuff requires a more data base like back end I expect.

Cheers, Brian.


Re: Tek push-button lettering using pressing iron transfer of laser printed text on non-sticking paper

 

Ed,
It was sort of an amateur (and anxiety driven) approach.
The fact is that I printed that sheet on my work's laser printer (on a Friday) and didn't know then if the toner would even stick to the buttons.
I didn't think then of adding any cross-hairs or other alignment aids.
I took the sheet home on the weekend and first trials worked so well and transferred so effortlessly that I kept going and found a way to align the labels I had at hand.
Sure enough, it took me some trials and some failed batches, but I wouldn't stand waiting another week to try again.
I think that printing a rectangle border of the size of the buttons would help to cut 4 flaps that would fold and match edge-with-edge, creating a small hollow box that could be put together with adhesive tape, and the button would just drop in.
It would certainly improve the process.

Rgrds,

Fabio

On Tue, Jun 19, 2018 at 09:13 am, Ed Breya wrote:


Fabio mentioned some difficulties in aligning the text onto the button faces.
How about maybe adding guidelines or some kind of extra markings around the
texts to help cut out the physical transfer pieces? If the cruciform cutouts
can be made nicely registered to the text positions, then the edges could
squared up when wrapped over the buttons, assuring proper alignment.

Ed


Re: Tektronix 453 Power Indicator Bulb needed

 

I get that, but the lamp is still a consumable that will wear out again.


==========================================================

A 386 lamp has a MTBF of 15,000 or 40,000 hours depending on what data sheet you look at.

How many hours do you operate your 453 in a lifetime?


Rolynn
Tek Bvtn and Sunset 1966-1971


Re: Tek push-button lettering using pressing iron transfer of laser printed text on non-sticking paper

 

Fabio, The white stuff is Liquitex - an acrylic paint medium used by
artists to mix colors. Comes in assorted thicknesses and finishes. I used
the medium matt finish. They all dry clear. You can also put a coat over
the transfer to seal it. Some people use Mod Podge - water based sealer.
Excellent results as well. Any art supply store will carry them. Amazon has
it. Very popular stuff!

Try it on a piece plastic to get some experience using it. You get hooked
transferring everything in sight! Have fun!

JJ

On Tuesday, June 19, 2018, Fabio Trevisan <fabio.tr3visan@...> wrote:

Hi JJ,
On the video, it really seemed easy and the result awesome.
I have some trouble to identify what was that white glue he applied.
I don't know if it's something that is common use to people who does hand
craft stuff, or if it's just a "chic" version of white glue (Vinyl Glue)
commonly used to glue wood and paper.
Does it stick well to plastics?
Bearing in mind that the buttons are non-porous plastic, and small, will
it eventually form a film that will peel off from the button's edges?
Will the film retain its transparency over time? Because it will remain
under the letters and we can't get rid of the film without removing the
letters themselves.

On Mon, Jun 18, 2018 at 05:07 pm, JJ wrote:

I've used the cold transfer method - it works a lot better than heat
transfer for transferring images. There are many youtube videos on the
method. The process can be used on just about any medium - wood, plastic,
metal:

Check out "TheCrafsman" - very cool and entertaining:


Enjoy,

JJ



Re: Up to date capacitor list for Tek 2465A and 2465B scopes (2018)

 

On 19 Jun 2018, at 15:11, M Yachad <yachadm@...> wrote:

How would I define that Excel file as modifiable online by any group member, without the necessity to download it, and then upload it again?

Sort-of cloud-editable
Google Sheets () is fairly good for that. Overleaf () is good too, though you define tables in LaTeX rather than a spreadsheet per se. Office365 might do it too; it would directly support Excel but maybe requires a paid Office365 account?

However, these all have the limitation of requiring that you know the link in order to see the document.

Or does anyone have any better ideas?
The TekWiki wiki would be ideal, assuming would-be editors can get appropriate accounts.


Re: Up to date capacitor list for Tek 2465A and 2465B scopes (2018)

 

Men

I'll take on this project, to develop a multi-user reference parts list.

I would like to upload an Excel file, with the relevant data - my recommendations to start with (all referred parts have been tested and confirmed suitable by users who have bought my Ebay kits over the past 3 years). However I would like any interested member to be able to go in and modify that file on line, so that it is a reflection of all the members.

How would I define that Excel file as modifiable online by any group member, without the necessity to download it, and then upload it again?

Sort-of cloud-editable

Or does anyone have any better ideas?

Menahem


CRT in Tek 2235

georgeK KB1HFT
 

I understand that the Tek2235 wants a 154-0861-00 CRT, which seems to be made of Unobtanium.

Are there any known substitutions?

Are there any _available_ known Substitutions?

Thanks in advance!

73

-georgeK KB1HFT


Re: 576 Curve Tracer: Trace moving off screen and jittering when pressing CAL/Zero

 

I removed some circuit boards to get access to the switch board. I then took a syringe with a curved tip and sucked a small amount of deoxit inside the syringe. I stuck the tip of the syringe into the back of the switch, pulled air in, and slammed down on the plunger to try and mist the deoxit into the switch as deep as I could. This worked well.


Re: Tek push-button lettering using pressing iron transfer of laser printed text on non-sticking paper

 

Fabio mentioned some difficulties in aligning the text onto the button faces. How about maybe adding guidelines or some kind of extra markings around the texts to help cut out the physical transfer pieces? If the cruciform cutouts can be made nicely registered to the text positions, then the edges could squared up when wrapped over the buttons, assuring proper alignment.

Ed


Re: Self Governance of TekScopes.

Craig Sawyers
 

I think if more of these old groups were still viable, there would be even fewer off-
topic conversations here.
Viva Tekscopes!
Other groups/forums that are good and very active are;

Greenkeys to do with old teletypes, but with the
occasional foray into cryptographs.
UK vintage radio which is absolutely ruthlessly
moderated. Off topic posts are deleted, period, and within minutes.
Golborne Vintage Radio self-moderated, or very light
touch moderation.
Steve Hoffman (Audiophile mastering) essentially self-moderated or light
touch forums. Generally audio system related, and good natured (not a given, on the majority of audio
forums).

There are others, such as the General Radio forum, and another on slide rules, which are very quiet
indeed.


Re: Tek push-button lettering using pressing iron transfer of laser printed text on non-sticking paper

 

Jeff,

Fabio already reported how to do the mirror imaging:

"6. Printed the file to PDF, using CutePDF writer and used the "Mirrored Output" option from the Advanced -> PostScript options."

I am also interested in this process. I downloaded the free app, and it worked - it can store a scaled, mirror-image version pdf of the Word file. I also found that with digging into the deeper printer settings, you may be able to directly print mirrored and scaled - it depends on the printer, I think (mine is a Brother HL-2070). When I tried to do it this way, however, it caused a printer error - it said the margins were off-scale. It may be fixable with more setting adjustments, but I think it's easiest to just get the app, then you can make a nice pdf of what it will look like, then just print it out if OK.

Nice work, Fabio.

Ed


Re: Self Governance of TekScopes.

 

I too was going to say that Dennis' request that the "Elders" keep topics relevant is not really asking them to "moderate" so much as to quietly guide and end the thread.? It depends on your definition of 'moderate" but it seems reasonable given that Dennis is the one who can actually pull a message off the server and so squelch the conversation for good (i.e. moderate).? But the rest of us users can use self discipline to make that effort unnecessary.??
I've been really impressed by this group's ability (and that of the HP equipment group) to stay on topic and keep this group functional long after the "death of the internet as we know it" came about.? If you want proof of that, just check out rec.crafts.metalworking, which is one of the google groups that was originally a Usenet group.? ?There are sill interested folks there, who correspond about machining, but the group is SWAMPED by political messages and adds for various male enhancement products, and it's a real shame it's more or less gone to shit.? ?I think if more of these old groups were still viable, there would be even fewer off-topic conversations here.
Viva Tekscopes!
Dan----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On Monday, June 18, 2018, 2:12:38 PM EDT, Dennis Tillman W7PF <dennis@...> wrote:

Hi John,
As I tried to make clear, the moderator, that's me, doesn't have the time to read every post even if I am responsible for keeping their content relevant.

I was asking for help of the "TekScopes Elders" who have been here for so long that they have an intrinsic ability to judge when something has drifted off topic and the skill to gently nudge it back to Tektronix.

Dennis Tillman W7PF


Re: Tektronix 453 Power Indicator Bulb needed

 

On 2018-06-19 6:21 AM, Dale H. Cook wrote:
At 10:13 PM 6/18/2018, Toby wrote:

... why is there no interest in replacing the bulb with LED?
Probably because the lamps are cheap, easily available, and a lot less
work.
I get that, but the lamp is still a consumable that will wear out again.
How much extra work would a LED specifically be?

(I own a 453 fwiw)


Dale H. Cook, GR/HP/Tek Collector, Roanoke/Lynchburg, VA





Re: Tek push-button lettering using pressing iron transfer of laser printed text on non-sticking paper

 

Fabio;

Is it necessary after doing the transfer to apply some coating to protect the transferred lettering? Or is the transfer of sufficient durability to not need that?

Joe


Re: Tek push-button lettering using pressing iron transfer of laser printed text on non-sticking paper

 

How do you get the printer to print backwards ? (or is that in the font ?)