Keyboard Shortcuts
ctrl + shift + ? :
Show all keyboard shortcuts
ctrl + g :
Navigate to a group
ctrl + shift + f :
Find
ctrl + / :
Quick actions
esc to dismiss
Likes
Search
Searching for a Tek 7000 series scope
|
Hi Tekscopes,
Here in a couple of months, if all goes well, I'm going to have more lab space, and more importantly, more bench space! I've always wanted a Tek 7000 series scope to add to my (mostly HP with one Tek 2465B) boat anchor collection. I've looked at quite a bit of information online. Seems like one of the most sought after is the 7104 with the microchannel plate CRT. Neat box, but I'm aware of the special care that needs to be given to those CRTs (and that it might be hard to find one that isn't worn out already). I know I want one with 4 plugin bays for maximum flexibility. What model should I keep an eye out for? I am fully aware that it might turn into a project, but that's fine so long as it's repairable and not filled with unobtainium parts. Thanks! Sean |
|
The 7104 is a special beast indeed. Another popular and unique 7k scope is
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
the 7854, which is special in its own right and worth reading about. For more general purpose scoping, the 7603 is super common and easy to come by (but also not a 4-bay). Also, be sure to tell us where you are. Regards, Dave Casey On Sun, Apr 7, 2019 at 9:23 PM <[email protected]> wrote:
Hi Tekscopes, |
|
On Sun, Apr 7, 2019 at 07:31 PM, Dave Casey wrote:
Hi, Thanks for your reply. I'm in the United States. If you want to know more specific than that, feel free to send me an email separately from the public thread. Thanks! :o) I'll go look into the 7854... Sean |
|
Hi, Sean.I love my 7904.? But my 7603 has a bigger screen.Almost as versatile as the 7000 series and much simpler and easier to work on is the 5000 series.? Very low bandwidth, though.? My 5103N D10 is my go-to audio scope.Check out www.140.com/TekWiki for (almost) all things Tektronix.Jim Ford?Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
-------- Original message --------From: [email protected] Date: 4/7/19 5:57 PM (GMT-08:00) To: [email protected] Subject: [TekScopes] Searching for a Tek 7000 series scope Hi Tekscopes,Here in a couple of months, if all goes well, I'm going to have more lab space, and more importantly, more bench space! I've always wanted a Tek 7000 series scope to add to my (mostly HP with one Tek 2465B) boat anchor collection. I've looked at quite a bit of information online. Seems like one of the most sought after is the 7104 with the microchannel plate CRT. Neat box, but I'm aware of the special care that needs to be given to those CRTs (and that it might be hard to find one that isn't worn out already). I know I want one with 4 plugin bays for maximum flexibility. What model should I keep an eye out for? I am fully aware that it might turn into a project, but that's fine so long as it's repairable and not filled with unobtainium parts. Thanks!Sean
|
|
The most useful is probably the 7704A, and the 7603 has the largest screen, but my fav is the 7844.? It's like two independent scopes in one, with a fairly high bandwidth.? The only problem is that there are almost too many options- there have been times when I have to reset the controls because I've gotten lost...
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
-Dave On Sunday, April 7, 2019, 7:23:29 PM PDT, [email protected] <[email protected]> wrote:
Hi Tekscopes, Here in a couple of months, if all goes well, I'm going to have more lab space, and more importantly, more bench space! I've always wanted a Tek 7000 series scope to add to my (mostly HP with one Tek 2465B) boat anchor collection. I've looked at quite a bit of information online. Seems like one of the most sought after is the 7104 with the microchannel plate CRT. Neat box, but I'm aware of the special care that needs to be given to those CRTs (and that it might be hard to find one that isn't worn out already). I know I want one with 4 plugin bays for maximum flexibility. What model should I keep an eye out for? I am fully aware that it might turn into a project, but that's fine so long as it's repairable and not filled with unobtainium parts. Thanks! Sean |
|
John Griessen
On 4/7/19 9:51 PM, Dave Seiter wrote:
my fav is the 7844.? It's like two independent scopes in one, with a fairly high bandwidth.? The only problem is that there are almost too many options- there have been times when I have to reset the controls because I've gotten lost... That has happened to me too, driving a 7844! But I'm keeping it:-) |
|
On Sun, Apr 7, 2019 at 07:46 PM, Jim Ford wrote:
Hi Jim, Thanks for the reply. I don't mind screen size; plugin versatility is more important to me. Sean |
|
On Sun, Apr 7, 2019 at 07:51 PM, Dave Seiter wrote:
Hi Dave, A dual beam scope? Sign me right up...one of the things I hold out hope for eventually owning is a 555...it'll make a perfect lab heater for the winter doldrums. :o) Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I shall look them up on the Tek Wiki page. Sean |
|
Richard Solomon
Where are you located? I have a 7904 and a 7104 (with all 4 appropriate
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
plug-ins). 73, Dick, W1KSZ Out in the high desert country (Sonoran) On Sun, Apr 7, 2019, 7:23 PM <[email protected]> wrote:
Hi Tekscopes, |
I know I want one with 4 plugin bays for maximum flexibility. What model should I keep an eye out for? I am fully aware that it might turn into a project, but that's fine so long as it's repairable and not filled with unobtainium parts.1. There's no perfect 7000 mainframe - they all have pros and cons 2. They are all filled with unobtainium parts to some extent Here are my comments on the 4 slot models I have used: 7704A - One of the 2 fanless options; a good choice if you are going to be using only the lower bandwidth plugins; cheap and fairly simple. 7834 - I have only seen the older version with the 154-0745-00 CRT, which I did not like at all, and would avoid. The newer version has a 7934-like CRT and is probably better. 7844 - The only real use I have found for the dual beams is to put the readout on one of them, so it doesn't cause the trace to flicker. The complex mode switching seems like a weak spot, although I haven't had a switch failure yet. Many units have the /78 option with the P11 CRT - avoid. 7854 - The (very slow) digital storage is occasionally useful, but otherwise the "waveform processing" is just for show. You would think all the digital stuff would make it unreliable, but I haven't found that to be the case, except for ROM rot. So, a solid analog mainframe. 7904 - Most of these are fanless, and perhaps not by coincidence, I have found them to be quite unreliable, prone to unexpected power supply and HV failures. A great scope when it's working, but you're going to want a spare. 7904A - Compared to the 7904, it's faster, more reliable, and more stuffed with unobtainium. The downside is a fairly annoying fan. 7934 - The best analog storage scope, otherwise similar to the 7904A (including the fan). Pretty nice if you can live with the inferior brightness and contrast of the storage CRT. 7104 - Amazing, but the primitive CRT protect timer is annoying. When you use one you are constantly tweaking the intensity to keep the trace from going away. Most of the used units you see do have some minor MCP burn, but not enough to be a problem. Occasionally you find one where the readout area or centerline are really bad. |
|
I actually like the P11 phosphor, but I only use them with the black mesh filters, and then not for long periods of time.? I'm not sure if any of my 7844's have the regular CRT.
Dave ------- 7844 - The only real use I have found for the dual beams is to put the readout on one of them, so it doesn't cause the trace to flicker.? The complex mode switching seems like a weak spot, although I haven't had a switch failure yet.? Many units have the /78 option with the P11 CRT - avoid. |
|
If I had to choose ONE 7xxx series 'scope to have, it would be the 7904A. All of other variants mentioned are excellent examples of the basic 7xxx 'scope implementation, but the 7904A is the best all-around 'scope to own. I used one for many years when I was working for StorageTek and was lucky enough to have a private lab where I could keep the probes and? plug-ins from being stolen and messed up.
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
I have a 7104, 7904A, 7934, 7854 and 7623A. All of these except the 7904A have features that need to be understood in order to use them effectively, and the additional features above and beyond the features of the 7904A are usually ones that I rarely need. Make sure, though, that if you buy a 7904 it is a 7904A and not a 7904. While the 7094 is also a good 'scope, maintenance on it is a bit more difficult because it does not feature the "kickstand" that most of the other 7xxx 'scopes have, where one can split the 'scope and raise the upper section off of the lower section and engage the kickstand to hold the two sections apart when one is servicing the 'scope. DaveD On 4/7/2019 8:57 PM, [email protected] wrote:
Hi Tekscopes, |
|
On Mon, Apr 8, 2019 at 07:38 AM, David DiGiacomo wrote:
Thanks for the reply, David. I guess I should qualify that: unobtainium parts that are already burned up I don't want. If they are working, I'm fine with it. Appreciate your detailed comments! Sean |
|
I concede :)
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
My name is John, and I'm an addict. 465B, 2235 x 2, 2445, 7603 x 3, 7613, 7834, 7844, 5110N, Storz Instrument Co.(5440 rebranded?) On 4/8/2019 3:20 PM, Craig Sawyers wrote:
I have a 7104, 7904A, 7934, 7854 and 7623A.I see your list, Dave, and raise you! |
|
On 09/04/19 08:45, Tam Hanna wrote:
Peaker and Pattinson currently have a 7104 in their auction. Usually, they do not sell...so maybe risk a punt?You need to add in the cost of either picking it up yourself, or finding your own packing/shipping agent (PP can give suggestions). In addition it is worth realising that the Aunby storage can be an unheated farm barn, and that sometimes hessian sacking is used to protect the stock from damp. See, for example, the pictures for lot 131 and 646 Note also that they have cancelled their last two collective sales at short notice; draw your own conclusions. |
|
David,
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
I have a few other Tektronix ‘scopes, but my recent move from Colorado back to Florida taught me that I need to curtail my ‘scope collecting. I sold four ‘scopes before moving, which I believe probably saved them from horrible deaths-by-moving (the movers incurred about 26k worth of damages). The ‘scopes that I kept (as well as a few precious HP instruments) all came with me in my truck on the final drive from CO to FL. The remaining ‘scopes that I have were retained because of their electronic “coolness” - an IBM 310A complete with leather case, a 547 and multiple plug-ins and an SC-502 that I use to verify the outputs of various TM-5xx signal generators. Now, having written that, I’d probably not pass up a 7844 or a backup 7104 (my 7104 is the last 7xxx ‘scope I have that needs repair), but, barring something that falls into my lap, I am done pursuing the accumuation of more Teltronix ‘scopes. I am also starting to think about how to ensure that my vintage instruments will be preserved after I pass on. I lost about 1000 ft^2 and 7 acres of space by moving back to my old stomping grounds, but things are good here as I contemplate what to do next. Over to you. PS - of this twist in this thread continues, we should start a new one, as this conversation is not strictly on topic. Sent from a small flat thingy On Apr 8, 2019, at 18:20, Craig Sawyers <c.sawyers@...> wrote:
I have a 7104, 7904A, 7934, 7854 and 7623A.I see your list, Dave, and raise you! |
|
I wanted to thank everyone for their replies, direct emails, and advice. After consideration of many kind offers, I ended up purchasing a 7904A + plugins from John Griessen. It arrived yesterday! Absolutely thrilled with it.
/g/TekScopes/album?id=89735 I think the next thing I need to find is a scope mobile cart for it to free up bench space. :o) Sean |
|
On Sat, 20 Apr 2019 13:12:15 -0700, you wrote:
I wanted to thank everyone for their replies, direct emails, and advice. After consideration of many kind offers, I ended up purchasing a 7904A + plugins from John Griessen. It arrived yesterday! Absolutely thrilled with it.I have a scope mobile cart that will hold a 7000 series scope (no, not for sale). Some observations: The scopemobile was designed to be a roll around home for a scope in a lab/facility that had a lot of bench space. The typical electronics bench of the time was a workbench maybe 35 to 40 inches deep, relatively high off the floor (people used stools), with a single shelf about 2-3 feet above the workbench. You'd put instruments, etc., on that shelf. However, given the depth of the average 7000 series scope (and that there'd not likely be one for each technician, either), the scope would not sit on the bench. Hence, the scope cart with plugins, TM500/TM5000 stuff, etc. Point is, they had a lot of floor space. Your lab may not. Mine doesn't, so my scope cart is sitting elsewhere waiting for a larger lab.... (one day). Now, as far as my arrangements go, and you may want to consider this, I use the roll around wire shelves, 4 feet wide, 2 feet deep, 6 feet or so high, with six shelves (not all necessarily used). You *really* want the kind that does not have that little helpful basket shape, you want the kind where things could roll off, with the flanges down. (BJ's wholesale seems to sell on the turned up type, good for boxes and bins, not so hot for test equipment. I took a power strip and bolted it to the back of one of the shelves. I took a closet flourescent lamp and bolted it to the back of the top shelf. Saves needing a flashlight. I then went to the local Home Despot and bought a sheet of 4x8 1/8th inch masonite (brown particle board to others, but without the holes). I had them cut it into sheets that exactly fit the top of the shelves, closing off the wire holes. Now everything with feet doesn't catch on the shelves. One of those shelves is an inch or so off the main workbench surface, and behind it. The 7000 series scope rests on the back of the shelf and with the bail down, is at a slight angle when resting on the workbench. This works for me. Striplights on the shelves for background lighting on the bench, outlet strips below the bench, and so on. You may not use that scope cart as much as you might think, depending on your lab layout. Harvey
|
to navigate to use esc to dismiss