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Re: Lavoie LA-265?

Stan or Patricia Griffiths
 

I have one of those things in my collection and it will be interesting to see
what I find wrong with it when (and if) I ever get around to it. I also have
two clones made by Hickok and I have looked at both of them and they both
have HV problems that I believe to be the transformers. In one of them, I
got it to work well by transplanting an entire Tek HV assembly into it. I'll
bet there is not a stock one still running anywhere in the world . . .

Stan
w7ni@...

deanhuster wrote:

During my time in the U.S. Navy at USNAVSECGRUACT Sabana Seca, Puerto
Rico in the test equipment cal shop, I got to use the Lavoie "faux-
clone" of the Tek 545 every day for two years. I finally got tired
of its (and every one of them that I'd seen) problem: bright trace
that gradually dims over an hour or two to no trace at all. I
finally figured out that it must be the HV transformer so decided to
pull a fast one on the Navy and order a Tek replacement rather than
the Lavoie part number. Lo and behold, when the mil-packed Tek
transformer came it, enclosed was a sheet telling how to install the
Tek part in a Lavoie scope! Obviously, this was the premier problem
with this "design". We had two of those danged mainframes at the
operational site and they both had the same problem. I fixed the
second one within a month. Then I saw another one at another duty
station and told the techs how to take care of the problem.

I remember that the Lavoie scope had a little box filled with a
gillion neon lamps, all in series used as a voltage regulator as I
recall. And the ceramic strips were little metal clips in ceramic
notches rather than the fired silver-on-ceramic that real Tek's had.

Once I fixed the scope up, I didn't really have any complaints about
its operation but it always bugged me that it was obvious copyright
and patent infringement. Later, after I went to work for Tek, we'd
gotten the message that the lawsuit against the government, Lavoie,
Hickock, et. al. had been "won" by Tek.

Dean


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Lavoie LA-265?

deanhuster
 

During my time in the U.S. Navy at USNAVSECGRUACT Sabana Seca, Puerto
Rico in the test equipment cal shop, I got to use the Lavoie "faux-
clone" of the Tek 545 every day for two years. I finally got tired
of its (and every one of them that I'd seen) problem: bright trace
that gradually dims over an hour or two to no trace at all. I
finally figured out that it must be the HV transformer so decided to
pull a fast one on the Navy and order a Tek replacement rather than
the Lavoie part number. Lo and behold, when the mil-packed Tek
transformer came it, enclosed was a sheet telling how to install the
Tek part in a Lavoie scope! Obviously, this was the premier problem
with this "design". We had two of those danged mainframes at the
operational site and they both had the same problem. I fixed the
second one within a month. Then I saw another one at another duty
station and told the techs how to take care of the problem.

I remember that the Lavoie scope had a little box filled with a
gillion neon lamps, all in series used as a voltage regulator as I
recall. And the ceramic strips were little metal clips in ceramic
notches rather than the fired silver-on-ceramic that real Tek's had.

Once I fixed the scope up, I didn't really have any complaints about
its operation but it always bugged me that it was obvious copyright
and patent infringement. Later, after I went to work for Tek, we'd
gotten the message that the lawsuit against the government, Lavoie,
Hickock, et. al. had been "won" by Tek.

Dean
Re: X01 Overlay: The 1Word (tm) text editor XTPRO

deanhuster
 

Are you the antique radio Marc Ellis, Marc? Let me know:
dhuster@...

Dean
WTD: Manual for C1002 Camera

w1ksz
 

I picked up this TEK Video Camera (mounts on Scope face).
Does anyone have a manual I can buy or copy ? Or have any info on
this camera ?

Thanks, Dick, W1KSZ
Just missed an eBay bargain

Craig Sawyers
 

Hi list

There has just been a Tek P6156 probe gone on eBay - brand new - for a
BuyItNow price of $5. Have a look at item number 1685282338.

It sold in about a nanosecond. A 10x, 3.5GHz, 50 ohm passive probe with all
accessories in the Tek box - for five bucks.

Just kicking myself that I was watching the television instead of eBay!

Craig
Re: Way off topic: Radio antennas

John Miles
 

The new scanner may be more vulnerable to overloading caused by too much
signal from a nearby transmitter. For many years now, the trend in all
types of receivers -- not just scanners -- has been toward untuned front
ends, and not all of the manufacturers have responded by using the better
preamps, mixers, and synthesizers you need when you don't have any
meaningful preselection. It's not uncommon for older receivers to perform
better in the presence of strong signals than newer ones do.

Although if what you're hearing is genuine "static," that sounds like a bad
connection somewhere in the antenna system. Why it would affect the new
scanner but not the old one is anyone's guess... you will probably just have
to take the whole antenna system apart for a careful inspection.

-- jm

----- Original Message -----
From: "james89es" <james89es@...>
To: <TekScopes@...>
Sent: Wednesday, January 02, 2002 7:49 AM
Subject: [TekScopes] Re: Way off topic: Radio antennas


Could you explain what "front-end overloading" would indicate?
Radio's fault or antenna's fault?
Re: Way off topic: Radio antennas

Don Black
 

I wonder if the aerial connection could be inducing hash from a switchmode
power supply (if it has one). Is there any difference in earthing between the
two sets?
Don Black.

james89es wrote:

Could you explain what "front-end overloading" would indicate?
Radio's fault or antenna's fault?

--- In TekScopes@y..., "John Miles" <jmiles@p...> wrote:
Might be a symptom of front-end overloading. What does the "static"
sound
like -- AM-style random static, or distortion of a tonal (pager
transmitter?) signal?

-- jm


----- Original Message -----
From: "james89es" <james89es@y...>
To: <TekScopes@y...>
Sent: Tuesday, January 01, 2002 8:20 PM
Subject: [TekScopes] Way off topic: Radio antennas


I know this has nothing to do with Tek-scopes (I do own a RM547,
so I
do belong "in the club") but I know many of you are also into HAM
radio.

Here's the story:

I bought my mother a new police scanner (from Rasio Shack) for x-
mas. She has had scanners for 25+ years. Her old Uniden was 15
years old. The outside antenna is about 20 years old.

Problem:

When we plug the outside antenna into the new scanner, it CAUSES
static and reduces signal strength!! I ruled out the plug on the
radio itself by connecting a short piece of cable, and touching
the
bare wire with my finger. In this scenario the signal is stronger
and there's less static when I touch the wire, as I would expect.
Once I plug in the outside antenna, however, more static and less
strength ... even if I leave the little inside antenna on.

They replaced the coax just in case, they used the recommended
50ohm
cable - a run of about 30 feet.

What would explain this?? Keep in mind that the old Uniden still
works fine with the outside antenna.

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Re: Way off topic: Radio antennas

james89es
 

Could you explain what "front-end overloading" would indicate?
Radio's fault or antenna's fault?


--- In TekScopes@y..., "John Miles" <jmiles@p...> wrote:
Might be a symptom of front-end overloading. What does the "static"
sound
like -- AM-style random static, or distortion of a tonal (pager
transmitter?) signal?

-- jm


----- Original Message -----
From: "james89es" <james89es@y...>
To: <TekScopes@y...>
Sent: Tuesday, January 01, 2002 8:20 PM
Subject: [TekScopes] Way off topic: Radio antennas


I know this has nothing to do with Tek-scopes (I do own a RM547,
so I
do belong "in the club") but I know many of you are also into HAM
radio.

Here's the story:

I bought my mother a new police scanner (from Rasio Shack) for x-
mas. She has had scanners for 25+ years. Her old Uniden was 15
years old. The outside antenna is about 20 years old.

Problem:

When we plug the outside antenna into the new scanner, it CAUSES
static and reduces signal strength!! I ruled out the plug on the
radio itself by connecting a short piece of cable, and touching
the
bare wire with my finger. In this scenario the signal is stronger
and there's less static when I touch the wire, as I would expect.
Once I plug in the outside antenna, however, more static and less
strength ... even if I leave the little inside antenna on.

They replaced the coax just in case, they used the recommended
50ohm
cable - a run of about 30 feet.

What would explain this?? Keep in mind that the old Uniden still
works fine with the outside antenna.
Re: Way off topic: Radio antennas

Michael
 

Hi,

Maybe - just maybe, there is a problem with the outside antenna. Perhaps
the centre conductor is open circuit at the actual antenna, and the signal
you're getting from it is being picked up and fed to the scanner via the
shield...

Depending on the individual configuration of the two scanners' input
circuitry, the Uniden may have been happy with this, the new one may not be.
Especially if the new scanner has a ground connection, and grounds the
antenna shield...

Just 2c worth.
:)
Michael
Re: Way off topic: Radio antennas

james89es
 

The static is AM style. What I did was: tune in one of the weather
stations so there was a constant signal. It was fine with the small
inside ant. Then I unplugged the inside ant. and the signal got
weaker and a little static was mixed in. Then I plugged in the
outside ant. and the signal got very weak with much more static.

The same procedure using my finger as the ant. would make the signal
stronger.

(I know what you mean about pager transmitter signals - it wasn't
that).

Note: we are NOT trying to use one ant. in two radios at the same
time. We unplug from one then plug into the other.

Thanks, by the way, for responding so quick.

--- In TekScopes@y..., "John Miles" <jmiles@p...> wrote:
Might be a symptom of front-end overloading. What does the "static"
sound
like -- AM-style random static, or distortion of a tonal (pager
transmitter?) signal?

-- jm


----- Original Message -----
From: "james89es" <james89es@y...>
To: <TekScopes@y...>
Sent: Tuesday, January 01, 2002 8:20 PM
Subject: [TekScopes] Way off topic: Radio antennas


I know this has nothing to do with Tek-scopes (I do own a RM547,
so I
do belong "in the club") but I know many of you are also into HAM
radio.

Here's the story:

I bought my mother a new police scanner (from Rasio Shack) for x-
mas. She has had scanners for 25+ years. Her old Uniden was 15
years old. The outside antenna is about 20 years old.

Problem:

When we plug the outside antenna into the new scanner, it CAUSES
static and reduces signal strength!! I ruled out the plug on the
radio itself by connecting a short piece of cable, and touching
the
bare wire with my finger. In this scenario the signal is stronger
and there's less static when I touch the wire, as I would expect.
Once I plug in the outside antenna, however, more static and less
strength ... even if I leave the little inside antenna on.

They replaced the coax just in case, they used the recommended
50ohm
cable - a run of about 30 feet.

What would explain this?? Keep in mind that the old Uniden still
works fine with the outside antenna.
Re: Way off topic: Radio antennas

John Miles
 

Might be a symptom of front-end overloading. What does the "static" sound
like -- AM-style random static, or distortion of a tonal (pager
transmitter?) signal?

-- jm

----- Original Message -----
From: "james89es" <james89es@...>
To: <TekScopes@...>
Sent: Tuesday, January 01, 2002 8:20 PM
Subject: [TekScopes] Way off topic: Radio antennas


I know this has nothing to do with Tek-scopes (I do own a RM547, so I
do belong "in the club") but I know many of you are also into HAM
radio.

Here's the story:

I bought my mother a new police scanner (from Rasio Shack) for x-
mas. She has had scanners for 25+ years. Her old Uniden was 15
years old. The outside antenna is about 20 years old.

Problem:

When we plug the outside antenna into the new scanner, it CAUSES
static and reduces signal strength!! I ruled out the plug on the
radio itself by connecting a short piece of cable, and touching the
bare wire with my finger. In this scenario the signal is stronger
and there's less static when I touch the wire, as I would expect.
Once I plug in the outside antenna, however, more static and less
strength ... even if I leave the little inside antenna on.

They replaced the coax just in case, they used the recommended 50ohm
cable - a run of about 30 feet.

What would explain this?? Keep in mind that the old Uniden still
works fine with the outside antenna.
Way off topic: Radio antennas

james89es
 

I know this has nothing to do with Tek-scopes (I do own a RM547, so I
do belong "in the club") but I know many of you are also into HAM
radio.

Here's the story:

I bought my mother a new police scanner (from Rasio Shack) for x-
mas. She has had scanners for 25+ years. Her old Uniden was 15
years old. The outside antenna is about 20 years old.

Problem:

When we plug the outside antenna into the new scanner, it CAUSES
static and reduces signal strength!! I ruled out the plug on the
radio itself by connecting a short piece of cable, and touching the
bare wire with my finger. In this scenario the signal is stronger
and there's less static when I touch the wire, as I would expect.
Once I plug in the outside antenna, however, more static and less
strength ... even if I leave the little inside antenna on.

They replaced the coax just in case, they used the recommended 50ohm
cable - a run of about 30 feet.

What would explain this?? Keep in mind that the old Uniden still
works fine with the outside antenna.
Re: Broken YIG oscillator wanted

DEANE KIDD
 

开云体育

Hi Jim:
?? I can provide a set of board extenders.? They are available from Norway Labs, Inc. matt@... for a fair price of about $90.00.? Your set is available at no charge as a friend to friend deal.? You can pick them up on Sat in the early afternoon.? Please call first to make sure that I am awake and available.? I if I don't answer, try again in a few minutes.
Deane
?
?

----- Original Message -----
Sent: Wednesday, October 07, 2009 6:25 AM
Subject: Re: [TekScopes] Re: Broken YIG oscillator wanted

?

Hi Deane,

I'm Still looking for an extender card set for the 492's.
any luck???
are you doing ok?
i've sent a couple of emails, but I know your busy.
thanks
Jim



On Oct 3, 2009, at 10:58 PM, DEANE KIDD wrote:

?

Hi John:
?? I can provide YIG oscilators as used in the TEK SA/s.? These are all removed from units and may or may not work.? I only would like postage for the YIG's.? I will need your address for mailing.
I have made this offer recently?but? have not had any takers which makes me wonder about my email system.
Deane Kidd;? dektyr@comcast.net
-----
From: snapdiode
Sent: Tuesday, September 08, 2009 10:40 AM
Subject: Original Message ----- [TekScopes] Re: Broken YIG oscillator wanted

?

--- In TekScopes@yahoogroups.com, John Rehwinkel <jrehwin@...> wrote:
>
> It occurred to me that a YIG oscillator would be a dandy example of
> yttrium for my element collection. However, I don't want to break
> working equipment (and I'm cheap). Anybody have a dead YIG oscillator
> module they'd care to sell me? I'm in the United States, in northern
> Virginia.
>
> – Regards,
> John
>
What are the little ceramic pucks in satellite receiver DROs made from?
I've found a few dead antennas like this and enjoyed cracking the LNA open. Probably easier to find for free than a YIG module.




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Re: TDS Schematics

DEANE KIDD
 

开云体育

To all users of Tek scopes:
?? I would like to suggest that it might help if all scope users would use the correct numbers for their scopes.? There is a 544 scope and there is a TDS544 scope and they are two different products with two different manuals.? It makes no sense to omit any of the alpha numeric symbols and it does not make it very easy to know what you really need.?
Deane
?

----- Original Message -----
From: Tom Taylor
Sent: Saturday, May 30, 2009 10:15 PM
Subject: Re: [TekScopes] Re: TDS Schematics

I also own a 544A as well as a 744 and would be very interested in sharing the cost as well.

Tom Taylor

David I. Emery wrote: 

On Sat, Apr 18, 2009 at 02:56:38PM -0700, Al Jamison wrote:
  
Hakan:

I think I would be interested in sharing the cost to have the TDS544A
documentation scanned professionally if it includes the information you
indicated including schematics. I already have the modular level service
manual.
I am very happy with this scope and it's performance.

Please let me know if this is an option and what the cost would be.

Al Jamison
    
	I too own a 544A and desparately want the .pdfs of the real
service docs... I'd chip in too...


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Re: Broken YIG oscillator wanted

DEANE KIDD
 

开云体育

?Hi Pete:
?? I can provide a Yig osc. Need your address.? No charge for the Yig but postage would be nice.
Deane
?
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Tuesday, September 08, 2009 5:28 PM
Subject: [TekScopes] Re: Broken YIG oscillator wanted

?

Is it just the sphere you want ?

-pete

--- In TekScopes@yahoogroups.com, John Rehwinkel > wrote:
>
> It occurred to me that a YIG oscillator would be a dandy example of
> yttrium for my element collection. However, I don't want to break
> working equipment (and I'm cheap). Anybody have a dead YIG oscillator
> module they'd care to sell me? I'm in the United States, in northern
> Virginia.
>
> – Regards,
> John
>


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Version: 8.5.409 / Virus Database: 270.13.83/2352 - Release Date: 09/07/09 18:03:00
Re: unsoldering tricks

 

A de-soldering trick from an old gas passer.

Cutting the leads off the IC works well, you use a pair of dikes with narrow jaws and cut the legs right at the body of the IC. What I do next is turn the board over and heat the pad with a low temperature iron then push the cut-off leg out using a dental explorer. Push the explorer all the way through the hole cleaning the hole out. Then turn the board back over and clip the solder mounds off, insert the new IC and, again using a low temperature iron, carefully solder the new IC back in. Fast, reliable and with minimal board damage!

Reed Dickinson
Re: Did Tek mod all older scopes from UHF to BNC connectors?

DEANE KIDD
 

开云体育

Hi Steve:
?? As Stan just reported about UHF connectors, not all Tek scopes had a mod for UHF connectors but these connectors were stock items and could be ordered from the factory.? I have BNC connectors with the large flange and they can be mounted in the same holes as the UHF connectors or they were available in single hole mounts.? I can supply ten of each for ten dollars plus postage but I will need your mailing address and I guess that postage will be about ten dollars.? Please advise,
Deane
?

----- Original Message -----
From: Steve
Sent: Thursday, October 08, 2009 9:11 AM
Subject: [TekScopes] Did Tek mod all older scopes from UHF to BNC connectors?

?

This is probably a question Stan Griffiths would answer, but I posted it to the group as the answer may be of general interest.

I recently acquired a type 503 scope to add to my vintage Tek collection. While it has limited BW, it has simple controls and takes up a small foot print of bench space. For those not familiar with this model, the scope has two input amplifiers, but is not dual trace. The horizontal can be driven with a triggered, internal sweep generator like a conventional scope, or operated in X-Y mode using the second amp. The X amplifier is identical to the Y, including the calibrated 14 step attenuator. The identical amplifiers are well phase matched.

Both amplifiers have differential inputs, and both have UHF connectors, as UHF were used in early Tek scope designs. The UHF connectors are kind of a pain, requiring adapters to use with BNC cables or probes. I would like to convert them, but want to keep the scope in stock condition.

This scope was offered by Tek through 1971. I know that Tek updated some of their older scopes that stayed in production, such as the 310A and 515A, to BNC connectors My question is – did Tek mod all of the scopes that hung around through the late 60's to BNC? Were the later 503's shipped with BNC connectors? I have a manual, but it is an early print date so it would not show the mod if it occurred.

If later versions had BNC connectors, was a mod kit available to upgrade early scopes? The UHF connectors are mounted with a flange with four small screws. I have seen BNC connectors with oversized mounting flanges, but I am not sure if they will fit. Hopefully there is a connector available with the same mounting hole spacing as the UHF connectors. Is this the case?

- Steve


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Re: electrical safety box for 576

DEANE KIDD
 

开云体育

Hi Anand:
?? I know of no source for the safety box as used on the 576 cure tracer.? For many years I had this box as spare parts but they have all been used until there are none left.?I have never used the box with my 576 and have never needed to have one.? I use the 576 with only the low voltages but when I need the higher voltages I use test leads and caution knowing that these voltages can cause shocks and death.
Deane
?

----- Original Message -----
From: ANAND
Sent: Wednesday, October 28, 2009 10:06 PM
Subject: [TekScopes] electrical safety box for 576

?



Hello All

I need the following parts for Tek Curve tracer 576 related
to the safety box and lid for the test fixture

sr. tek part no qty desc

1. 337-1148-00 1 no shield elec wrap around

2. 214-1180-00 2 nos hinge , spring

3. 337-1147-01 1 no shield elec lid

any clues to where I could locate them ?

thanks in advance

Regards

Anand


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465 Problem

oggelbe2001
 

I just picked up a beautiful 465 scope for my workbench.
It appears to have a low voltage power supply problem and I have
no prints for this scope. Would anybody have a scan of just the
power supply section for this model?

I intend to get a full service manual but I was hoping to pick this
problem off and get it back operational over the next few days.

Thanks,
Dave
Sampling bridges

Craig Sawyers
 

Hi folks

Trawling around the web I came across a company that sells GaAs diode
bridges, and Schottky diode bridges "for sampling applications". The url's
are and
.

I haven't contacted them, and I have no idea of prices. But if anyone has a
sampler with a dead front end, this may be one possibility for fixing it.

Craig
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