Oscilloscopes

From: John B <dylanb_at_sympatico.ca>
Date: Tue Nov 23 18:59:18 1999

-----Original Message-----
From: healyzh_at_aracnet.com <healyzh_at_aracnet.com>
To: Discussion re-collecting of classic computers
<classiccmp_at_u.washington.edu>
Date: Tuesday, November 23, 1999 8:40 PM
Subject: Re: Oscilloscopes


>john wrote:
>> Watch used 210s.. Tektronix recalled a huge lot of them (I think almost
all
>> of them) last year as the connection to ground was breaking off inside
the
>
>If I replace the scope I've got, I don't see me trying to cut corners again
>by getting another used scope. If I do, it will be from a reputable
dealer.
>
>> scope (Yikes!). Also, the 210 has a shitty display like my THS720A... it
is
>> LCD and rather fast changing waveforms can look like a band of black on
the
>> screen (very annoying).. The price is right and the storage is nice but
the
>> display is not anywhere near as nice as a CRT.
>
>I've got to admit I'm wondering about the quality of a LCD display.
>

I am quite sure you *won't* like it compared to a CRT... and a field of
video on it looks like garbage.

>> Best thing to do is go to your local Tek dealer and try out a TDS210 and
a
>> CRT model (maybe even a 694C ;-) ).. See which one your comfortable with
>> and then buy used if you don't want to spend the bucks.
>
>Sound advice, I figure I'd like to be able to see what I'm getting before I
>get it. However, a quick look at the Tek site has me suspecting I'm not
>going to want to spring for any more than a TDS210.
>

Then buy a CRT scope from another manufacturer. Tek is costly... or... You
could be patient, call the largest local liquidator around and get on his
mailing list. I picked up two of my scopes through bankruptcy auctions and
paid far less than what they were worth. Look for a local company going
broke that *would* need a good digital CRT scope in operations(more than you
think). You can get the list before the auction and scan for a TEK realtime.
I have turned down *many* TDS400 series scopes for less than $600US at these
auctions because what could I do with a forth scope????

Most bidders attend a food processing plant for food and machines.. not
Tektronix scopes.. and you won't find your local surplus guy bidding against
you if it is the only piece of electronic equipment they had. I take
*leaves* from work at least twice a month for auctions.

At auctions over the past three years I have found (just for interest):

IBM 1401 - went for $500 (Interhauler Yahts - Niagara Falls Area)
Basic MAI 4 - $800 (some guy thought he could use it in his company -
hahahaha)
NCR Xenix? Towers
Actually I saw another 1401 sell at "Sun Beam Shoes" in Port Colbourne (near
niagara falls) for scrap at their bankruptcy auction because they couldn't
even get a minimum bid of $200.
Too many PDPs to list.. not to mention an IBM1130 at the local school board
auction a few years ago.





>> I don't recommend throwing away a few hundred dollars on an old piece of
>> junk... you just might get another PDP-8 to fix! ;-)
>
>I like that kind of reasoning :^) I'd still like to get something like an
>-8/i one of these days, but the -8/m is better than nothing (and it's taken
>a long time just to get it).
>

I am happy you agree. I could never justify blowing $500 on a piece of junk
if I know I *really* need to spend a thousand bucks on something I can use
for a long time.


8I ????????? Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. email me!


> Zane
>
Received on Tue Nov 23 1999 - 18:59:18 GMT