Re: Fixing a 7603 Power Supply
This is somewhat off-topic, but I'm setting out to make one working 7B53A from two damaged and dead ones. This actually shouldn't be too difficult as the damaged one just needs to have it's TIME/DIV switch assembly, and one slide switch replaced, and those don't seem to be damaged on the poor, corroded 7B53A that I'm already taking apart.
While taking the corroded 7B53A apart, however, I noticed that the push buttons (other than the single-sweep reset button) don't seem to have any illuminating lamps. They do, however, seem to be build to have lamps, both because the back end of the plunger is beveled to redirect light along the clear plunger, and because the button housing seems to have mount points for a light cage/baffle.
I've experimented with shining a laser pointer down the back of the back of the switch assembly, and the engaged pushbutton lights up quite beautifully. I expect that I could wire up and mount some LEDs at the top or bottom back of the switch assembly to illuminate the engaged buttons, and that half a dozen diodes will not be a significant current drain on the +5V rail, at least not compared to incandescent lamps.
Without the cage/baffle to keep the light from spilling all over the interior of the plug-in the transparent skirt on the TIME/DIV knob also illuminates in an especially subtle and pleasing way.
One 5mm LED is able to illuminate all four buttons in a column very nicely.
-- Jeff Dutky
|
Re: Binding Post Thumb/Head Nut Replacements
Shaun,
I'm not too concerned about the color, I just wanted something that was close to the right length and outer diameter, and that had some kind of knurling. The nuts that I ordered are black oxide, which is nice and understated on the instruments, but is still quite different than the original thumb nuts. I see on Amazon that similar "internal wrenching allen nuts" are available in stainless steel finish, which would be a much closer match to the original, but I haven't found 1/4-28 in stainless steel finish, and the prices on Amazon are absurd (or maybe that's just the quantities that are absurd).
I fully expect the brass inserts to work perfectly, but they will certainly stand out with respect to the rest of the instrument face. I've seen some "restored" oscilloscopes on-line where the BNC connectors have been replaced with gold plated ones. The brass inserts will look almost as silly.
I am frustrated, however, that I was not able to find exact replacements for the Tek binding post nuts. I found lots of diamond knurled thumb nuts, but most were too long, and/or their outer diameter was much too large. Most were also made of aluminum, which I am scared to have in direct contact with the steel binding post (maybe that fear is misplaced? The binding post is already in direct contact with the frame and face plate, both of which are make of aluminum in most, if not all Tek instruments).
I purchased a handful of NOS Tek binding posts with thumb nuts, of the smaller size for TM500 plug-ins, on eBay, and those should be enough for my use, but I haven't found any of the 3/8 inch length nuts commonly used on 500-series scopes and plug-ins.
-- Jeff Dutky
|
Re: FTAGH: Free to a good home: 465/475 scopes
I know that we are way off topic, but since we are talking about previous shipping experiences, FedEx is my worst one. Any Tektronix scope that was delivered via FedEx has been totally destroyed. The last scope delivered by FedEx was a 531A, and the CRT was in tiny pieces and the type CA plug-in was destroyed also. My camera in front of the house caught everything, the driver was shoved the package out of the back of the truck and the camera picked up the implosion of the CRT. The driver actually left the package on the sidewalk in front of my home. I have tried to bring this scope back to life but the entire scope is twisted in a very subtle way that it can't be used. However, in regards to UPS, I have yet to receive a Tektronix scope severely damaged. My 2 561A's, 564, 565, 503 and 504 were delivered by UPS with no issues. I still am upset about my 531A, so I will have to fix up my 533A which is going to be a big job. In either case, it depends on who cares about their jobs or not. Just my 2 cents.
Brenda
|
Chris,
This is excellent news. This whole thread was making my anxiety go off the charts. I'm very relieved to hear that Dennis is okay.
-- Jeff Dutky
|
Re: Binding Post Thumb/Head Nut Replacements
Unfortunately, McMaster Carr chooses not to do business with individuals in Canada so we northerners must look elsewhere. Interestingly enough, I ordered from them when working for a large company in Canada, but cannot do so now having left the organization.
That said, our American friends can certainly use McMaster Carr.
Shaun M
|
Re: Binding Post Thumb/Head Nut Replacements
Greetings,
FWIW explore McMaster Carr.
Couldn¡¯t hurt.
Ken
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On 10Jul, 2021, at 3:22 PM, Jeff Dutky <jeff.dutky@...> wrote:
I've got a couple scopes and plug-ins that are missing the knurled thumb nuts from some of their ground binding posts, and I've been searching for replacements for a few months.
The binding post is a 1/4-28 thread, and the nuts are about 3/8 inch outer diameter, and 3/8 inch tall (there are shorter nuts for some TM500 and 5000-series plug-ins that are only 1/4 inch tall, but those are not the ones I'm interested in).
I've found one reasonable replacement (not a good cosmetic match, but very close to the same size, and still looks pretty good on the instrument). It's an "internal wrenching allen nut, 1/4-28" and there are a few for sale on eBay ;data=04%7C01%7C%7Ce80826e5ad4244674f7b08d943e8dc0a%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637615489658567430%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=HNKW6inaGtbYvhdl5I6TTxxJBFdC9osy4iGBfileGPs%3D&reserved=0 (I am not affiliated with the seller), but I'm sure you can probably find these from regular distributors (e.g. Fastnell) with the proper specs in hand.
I'm also looking at some 1/4-28 threaded brass inserts as possible replacements, but those have not arrived yet (taking, as they say, a slow boat from China). I will report on their suitability when they arrive.
-- Jeff Dutky
|
Re: Binding Post Thumb/Head Nut Replacements
Jeff:
The threaded brass inserts you mention work fine on all my Tek plug-ins here: Chinese brass inserts 1/4-28 x 7.5mm. They are easily tightened down by hand and lock down snugly.
Now, the colour does not match the original part, but I think a close approximation could be accomplished with an appropriate rattle-can paint and bake process.
Shaun M
|
Chris,
I really appreciate the information.
GOD Bless and Thanks,
rich!
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On 7/10/2021 8:53 PM, Chris van Lint wrote: I have just had a looong conversation with Dennis. The time in Bellevue is 7 hours ahead of Brisbane AUS - BUT the *previous day*. Dennis is OK and he hopes to be back in the saddle within the not too distant future.
Chris
On 10/07/2021 15:27, Dave Casey wrote:
I have a cell number for Dennis from a couple years ago. I could give him a
call if anyone who knows him better hasn't already.
Dave Casey
On Fri, Jul 9, 2021 at 8:25 PM Dave Daniel <kc0wjn@...> wrote:
Is there anyone who lives close by who can check on him?
DaveD
On Jul 9, 2021, at 21:18, Phillip Potter <p.potter@...> wrote:
?I posted on Tubetesters and haven¡¯t heard from him there, either!
Hoping all is ok.
Phil
On Jul 9, 2021, at 6:28 PM, Vince Vielhaber <vev@...> wrote:
No, he hasn't responded to me either. I looked and the last time he posted to the list (that I can see) was 5/31.
Vince.
On 07/09/2021 07:56 PM, Raymond Domp Frank wrote:
On Tue, Jul 6, 2021 at 06:23 PM, Raymond Domp Frank wrote:
A few days ago, I sent a PM to Dennis, because I hadn't seen a
message from
him for a while.
So far, no response.
Does anyone know whether his area is perhaps still off-line because
of the
heatwave?
No response has been posted on this message.
Anyone?
Raymond
--
Michigan VHF Corporation -- nobucks dot net
K8ZW -
|
I have just had a looong conversation with Dennis.? The time in Bellevue is 7 hours ahead of Brisbane AUS - BUT the *previous day*.? Dennis is OK and he hopes to be back in the saddle within the not too distant future.
Chris
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On 10/07/2021 15:27, Dave Casey wrote: I have a cell number for Dennis from a couple years ago. I could give him a
call if anyone who knows him better hasn't already.
Dave Casey
On Fri, Jul 9, 2021 at 8:25 PM Dave Daniel <kc0wjn@...> wrote:
Is there anyone who lives close by who can check on him?
DaveD
On Jul 9, 2021, at 21:18, Phillip Potter <p.potter@...> wrote:
?I posted on Tubetesters and haven¡¯t heard from him there, either!
Hoping all is ok.
Phil
On Jul 9, 2021, at 6:28 PM, Vince Vielhaber <vev@...> wrote:
No, he hasn't responded to me either. I looked and the last time he posted to the list (that I can see) was 5/31.
Vince.
On 07/09/2021 07:56 PM, Raymond Domp Frank wrote:
On Tue, Jul 6, 2021 at 06:23 PM, Raymond Domp Frank wrote:
A few days ago, I sent a PM to Dennis, because I hadn't seen a
message from
him for a while.
So far, no response.
Does anyone know whether his area is perhaps still off-line because
of the
heatwave?
No response has been posted on this message.
Anyone?
Raymond
--
Michigan VHF Corporation -- nobucks dot net
K8ZW -
|
Re: FTAGH: Free to a good home: 465/475 scopes
FWIW I bought a LeCroy DDA-120 which was shipped via FedEx. It was completely smashed. In part poor packing and in part poor handling (dropped several feet). I do agree that UPS is rougher, but with proper packing it's not often a problem. I have had a *lot* of boat anchors shipped to me via UPS and FedEx the last few years. Packing makes the difference.
Reg
|
Re: Tek 154-0235-00, where does it belong to?
Kieth,
Yes, I got your message, and just replied. I am interested.
-- Jeff Dutky
|
Re: TDS5054B all LEDs lit, blank screen
David,
For almost $1000 (including shipping) there are units that are much more obviously functional on the auction site. I'm not sure why you would buy this unit at that price.
It does look like a nice scope, if you like the fly-by-wire instruments.
-- Jeff Dutky
|
Binding Post Thumb/Head Nut Replacements
I've got a couple scopes and plug-ins that are missing the knurled thumb nuts from some of their ground binding posts, and I've been searching for replacements for a few months.
The binding post is a 1/4-28 thread, and the nuts are about 3/8 inch outer diameter, and 3/8 inch tall (there are shorter nuts for some TM500 and 5000-series plug-ins that are only 1/4 inch tall, but those are not the ones I'm interested in).
I've found one reasonable replacement (not a good cosmetic match, but very close to the same size, and still looks pretty good on the instrument). It's an "internal wrenching allen nut, 1/4-28" and there are a few for sale on eBay (I am not affiliated with the seller), but I'm sure you can probably find these from regular distributors (e.g. Fastnell) with the proper specs in hand.
I'm also looking at some 1/4-28 threaded brass inserts as possible replacements, but those have not arrived yet (taking, as they say, a slow boat from China). I will report on their suitability when they arrive.
-- Jeff Dutky
|
Re: Tek 154-0235-00, where does it belong to?
Jeff,
Not sure if you got my previous message, but again - I am going to have a spare 531/535 CRT real soon. FWIW, I'm in the US. If you want it, let me know. I will make it pretty painless for you. Be aware that shipping a CRT in a TEK sized box from my zip is about $38 using UPS. USPS is $56.
Also FYI, a double boxed TEK 5" round CRT is 9x9x26 and weights around 10 pounds, counting the boxes and packing.
I just shipped one - so I know so fairly accurately these prices and dimensions.
No pressure - just trying to keep the old round guys running as long as possible. :-)
Keith
coolblueglow
|
lol. no nuwber.com is correct.
btw: this info is easily obtained just about anywhere (as evidenced by google search hits).
he is not shy about being visible, including his posting of real adr in this group.
i checked before my 1st post. anyone is a few clicks away unless you take great pains to hide yourself. stalking is so easy!
i am not calling. i am in the category same as everyone else in this group so hundreds or thousands of calls not advised.
someone with a personal connection to him would be greatly appreciated, i am sure there are several/many.
|
Chris, It's always O.K. to give a "Hope your O.K. call" to a friend. :) Cheers, Lyle -- On Sat, 10 Jul 2021 16:59:43 +1000 "Chris van Lint" <chrisvanlint@...> wrote: I also have a number, which is probably more recent, as I got it a
couple of months ago.? I assume it is a land line though, as it starts
with 425-***-****? I will be happy to ring, if a group consensus
considers it appropriate.
Chris
On 10/07/2021 15:27, Dave Casey wrote:
I have a cell number for Dennis from a couple years ago. I could give him a
call if anyone who knows him better hasn't already.
Dave Casey
On Fri, Jul 9, 2021 at 8:25 PM Dave Daniel <kc0wjn@...> wrote:
Is there anyone who lives close by who can check on him?
DaveD
On Jul 9, 2021, at 21:18, Phillip Potter <p.potter@...> wrote:
?I posted on Tubetesters and haven¡¯t heard from him there, either!
Hoping all is ok.
Phil
On Jul 9, 2021, at 6:28 PM, Vince Vielhaber <vev@...> wrote:
No, he hasn't responded to me either. I looked and the last time he posted to the list (that I can see) was 5/31.
Vince.
On 07/09/2021 07:56 PM, Raymond Domp Frank wrote:
On Tue, Jul 6, 2021 at 06:23 PM, Raymond Domp Frank wrote:
A few days ago, I sent a PM to Dennis, because I hadn't seen a
message from
him for a while.
So far, no response.
Does anyone know whether his area is perhaps still off-line because
of the
heatwave?
No response has been posted on this message.
Anyone?
Raymond
--
Michigan VHF Corporation -- nobucks dot net
K8ZW -
-- 73 NM6Y Bickley Consulting West "Black holes are where God is dividing by zero"
|
Do you mean 'number'! Just saying! Please let me know what is happening with Dennis and his family?
GOD Bless and Thanks,
rich!
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On 7/10/2021 2:34 PM, pdxareaid via groups.io wrote: nuber should be nuwber
|
I've tried to mail him a while ago with no result, so I am concerned as well. I would approve much if someone near his time zone would try to give him a call just to go sure he and his beloved ones are all right. I am sure he would not find that insulting.
|
Re: TDS5054B all LEDs lit, blank screen
They are very, very nice scopes, but they are not quite as easy to use as other digital scopes. You can not always just reach up twist knobs and what not. A mouse hooked up does help, despite the touch screen. I think it is more of an engineering scope than an everyday troubleshooting tool. With that said, I have one on my trouble-shooting bench (lol) and use it all the time for that purpose. Sometimes, I am saved by the autoset button (heh heh heh). With mine, I replaced the internal IDE hard drives with a 500gb SATA Samsung SSD. It works perfectly. I think I used Norton Ghost 11 (on a Blue-Sky bootable CD) to image the original drive and put the image on to the SSD. I also updated the processor and added more memory (although I really don't know if Windows 2000 is using the extra ram to great effect). I do have another TDS5054B-NV-AV that I will be putting on EBAY someday, or selling to someone. I have not upgraded it, but it runs fine. The problem with selling is shipping. Those things are heavy for a digital scope and BIG. I am sure by the time I double-box it, it will be "oversized" on UPS's web site and cost $75 to ship without insurance (maybe less, but then the shipping supplies). People generally all think shipping is free anymore, or probably under $20. Yea, that's why I hesitate to sell stuff. I always get screwed paying too much to ship. Anyway, I do hate to see it on a shelf not being used. My original thought was to have it for parts (screen, ACQ board, MB, etc,) Dave On Sat, Jul 10, 2021 at 4:54 AM David C. Partridge < david.partridge@...> wrote: Never mind I just noticed it's in Nigeria ...
-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of David C.
Partridge
Sent: 10 July 2021 09:52
To: TekScopes <[email protected]>
Subject: [TekScopes] TDS5054B all LEDs lit, blank screen
Listed on that auction site. Is this a common problem with known fixes,
or?
IOW is it worth buying of a speculative basis?
David
|
|
|
Shaun M
Lyle Bickley
Joe