Fixing My Old Heath Kit Oscilloscope

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the repair and use of an old Heath Kit oscilloscope. Participants share their experiences with similar equipment, express nostalgia, and discuss technical aspects related to oscilloscopes, including troubleshooting and creative applications.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant identifies the issue with their oscilloscope as faulty B+ filter capacitors rather than an open transformer winding.
  • Another participant mentions having a similar oscilloscope that they believe still works, prompting a discussion about its condition and potential use.
  • Several participants express fondness for old oscilloscopes, sharing creative uses such as displaying audio signals as Lissajous figures.
  • One participant recalls using a TV deflection coil in a research setting to create a raster on a film target, indicating practical applications of oscilloscopes in experimental setups.
  • There is a humorous exchange regarding the quirks of older oscilloscopes, including synchronization issues and calibration procedures.
  • Participants discuss the challenges of giving away old equipment, particularly concerns about shipping and finding interested recipients.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally share a nostalgic appreciation for old oscilloscopes and their unique characteristics. However, there is no consensus on the best practices for using or repairing them, and multiple viewpoints on their quirks and functionalities remain present.

Contextual Notes

Some discussions reference specific technical details and personal anecdotes that may depend on individual experiences with different oscilloscope models. The conversation includes humor and informal exchanges that reflect a community atmosphere.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in vintage electronics, repair enthusiasts, and those exploring creative applications of oscilloscopes may find this discussion engaging.

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

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

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

I'll post a pic once there's a trace. :biggrin:
 
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heh. I think I got one of those up i my attic. As far as I know it still works.
 
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.
 
And now the Outer Limits:

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

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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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)
 
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
 
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?
 
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. :rolleyes:

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

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

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. :rolleyes:

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. :-p

http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/5383/wsxo.jpg


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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