Fixing My Old Heath Kit Oscilloscope

In summary, Sophie's old oscilloscope is still working, but she would like to give it away. The Outer Limits is a TV show about adventure and mystery. The lead in the foreground is from a proton beam research project that Sophie used to do when she was in college.
  • #1
dlgoff
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I may be slow but I'm finally getting around to fixing my old Heath Kit oscilloscope.

https://www.physicsforums.com/showpost.php?p=4163291&postcount=7

Turns out not to be a open transformer winding but the B+ filter can-capacitors.

http://imageshack.us/a/img849/912/ta9t.jpg [Broken]

I just order one of these from http://www.tubesandmore.com/.

http://www.tubesandmore.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/product/c-ec4020x2-525.gif [Broken]

I'll post a pic once there's a trace. :biggrin:
 
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  • #2
heh. I think I got one of those up i my attic. As far as I know it still works.
 
  • #3
I still have an old O-scope out in the garage. I would like to give it away, but I don't know anybody that could use it, and I sure don't want to ship it.
 
  • #4
And now the Outer Limits:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Outer_Limits_(1963_TV_series [Broken])

There is nothing wrong with your oscilloscope Do not attempt to adjust the picture. We are controlling transmission. If we wish to make it louder, we will bring up the volume. If we wish to make it softer, we will tune it to a whisper. We will control the horizontal. We will control the vertical. We can roll the image, make it flutter. We can change the focus to a soft blur or sharpen it to crystal clarity. For the next hour, sit quietly and we will control all that you see and hear. We repeat: there is nothing wrong with your television set. You are about to participate in a great adventure. You are about to experience the awe and mystery which reaches from the inner mind to – The Outer Limits.
 
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  • #5
Those old scopes are such fun. I love putting left audio on X, right audio on Y and a phase shift network to make the lows appear circular. (used to drive TV deflection coils that way too with surplus servo amps)
 
  • #6
meBigGuy said:
Those old scopes are such fun. I love putting left audio on X, right audio on Y and a phase shift network to make the lows appear circular. (used to drive TV deflection coils that way too with surplus servo amps)

I always liked the lissajous figures:

gsed_0001_0014_0_img3523.png
 
  • #7
Ryoko said:
heh. I think I got one of those up i my attic. As far as I know it still works.
Get up there and get it. What kind is it?
 
  • #8
turbo said:
I still have an old O-scope out in the garage. I would like to give it away, but I don't know anybody that could use it, and I sure don't want to ship it.

sophiecentaur mentioned "digital" but I bet he could use it, assuming you could get it to the UK without shipping. :uhh:

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=731144
 
  • #9
jedishrfu said:
And now the Outer Limits:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Outer_Limits_(1963_TV_series [Broken])

There is nothing wrong with your oscilloscope Do not attempt to adjust the picture. We are controlling transmission. If we wish to make it louder, we will bring up the volume. If we wish to make it softer, we will tune it to a whisper. We will control the horizontal. We will control the vertical. We can roll the image, make it flutter. We can change the focus to a soft blur or sharpen it to crystal clarity. For the next hour, sit quietly and we will control all that you see and hear. We repeat: there is nothing wrong with your television set. You are about to participate in a great adventure. You are about to experience the awe and mystery which reaches from the inner mind to – The Outer Limits.

dlgoff said:
I'll post a pic once there's a trace. :biggrin:

Now I know what my pic will be. :thumbs:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-INCwFxeVVY
 
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  • #10
meBigGuy said:
(used to drive TV deflection coils that way too with surplus servo amps)
In my college days while doing research using a 4Mev Van de Graaff generated proton beam, I used a TV deflection coil on the beam tube to produce a raster on the "Kapton" film target holding the sample; in order to keep it from burning up too soon. Worked great.
 
  • #11
dlgoff said:
sophiecentaur mentioned "digital" but I bet he could use it, assuming you could get it to the UK without shipping. :uhh:

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=731144

Those old things would only sync if you held your feet at a certain angle and held your breath! Give me the Fantasmatron (I think that was the name in the old Tektronics models), to play with. One day a guy from HP turned up and all subsequent scopes would sync to anything without needing that little knob in the middle of the big sync knob..

BTW, what is that evil looking lead in the foreground? I hope it's not the mains supply lead and that the IEC connector behind is the one you use.
 
  • #12
sophiecentaur said:
Those old things would only sync if you held your feet at a certain angle and held your breath!
What! Just look at this fine sync calibration procedure. :tongue:

http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/5383/wsxo.jpg [Broken]


BTW, what is that evil looking lead in the foreground? I hope it's not the mains supply lead and that the IEC connector behind is the one you use.

Yes and yes. We use 115VAC in this part of the world, so all is good. Wait until I post a pic of my vintage wiring display which will power this old baby. :cool:
 
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1. How can I troubleshoot my old Heath Kit Oscilloscope?

The first step in troubleshooting your old Heath Kit Oscilloscope is to check the power supply and make sure it is functioning properly. You can also check for loose connections or damaged components. If the issue is not easily identifiable, you may need to consult the user manual or seek assistance from a professional technician.

2. What are some common problems with old Heath Kit Oscilloscopes?

Some common problems with old Heath Kit Oscilloscopes include faulty power supplies, broken or damaged knobs and switches, and outdated components. These issues can often be fixed by replacing the faulty parts or upgrading to more modern components.

3. Is it worth fixing my old Heath Kit Oscilloscope or should I just buy a new one?

This ultimately depends on the extent of the damage and the cost of repairs. If the issue is minor and can be fixed relatively easily, it may be worth repairing your old Heath Kit Oscilloscope. However, if the cost of repairs is high or the scope is severely outdated, it may be more cost-effective to purchase a new one.

4. Can I upgrade my old Heath Kit Oscilloscope with modern features?

Yes, it is possible to upgrade your old Heath Kit Oscilloscope with modern features. This may involve replacing outdated components or adding new modules. However, it is important to note that these upgrades may require technical expertise and could potentially void any existing warranties.

5. Where can I find replacement parts for my old Heath Kit Oscilloscope?

You can find replacement parts for your old Heath Kit Oscilloscope from various online retailers or through the manufacturer. It may also be helpful to join online forums or communities dedicated to vintage electronic equipment, as members may be able to provide resources and advice on finding replacement parts.

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