tektronics 503 scope

From: John Lawson <jpl15_at_netcom.com>
Date: Sat Dec 12 11:24:20 1998

On Sat, 12 Dec 1998 SUPRDAVE_at_aol.com wrote:

> ok, so its not a classic computer but there was a discussion a while back
> about ocilloscopes and i happened upon a model 503 at a thift store for $80.
> is it worth getting? presumably it works but i have no idea how one would test
> it, much less use it.
>
> david
>

  Hey Dave... go back up the list a few posts and read John R.
Keyes' message entitled "A few notes..." He has obtained a Really
Nice Tek scope for a good price.. perhaps you can work up a deal
with him.

  $80 for a ancient 503 is absurd. That model is 50's vintage and
very limited bandwidth... and wouldn't even be fun to learn on,
because I don't think you could keep it on the air reliably.

  Also: I see many older Heathkit and Eico and RCA oscilloscopes and
ham swapmeets... in the $5 range... one of those would be killer for
you since it doesn'y take up the bench space like a big Tek does.

  Anyone who is getting into exploring and restoring digital stuff
at the hardware level should try and get a nice scope... it really
opens up one's capabilities to keep vintage gear running.

  The one John Keyes mentions has different plug-in modules available
that change it's modes of operation, including 8-channel inputs, just
the thing for watching old computer busses.

  Plus the learning experience would be interesting with an
oscilloscope of that complexity.

  And anyone wishing to get more info on scopes and how to use them
is welcome to e-mail me... I will try to help.


  Cheers... and Best of the Season

 John
Received on Sat Dec 12 1998 - 11:24:20 GMT