NLS Scope value (was scope for vintage computers)

From: John Lawson <jpl15_at_panix.com>
Date: Mon Oct 7 15:37:00 2002

On Mon, 7 Oct 2002, Fred Cisin (XenoSoft) wrote:

> > > All LCD scopes are junk compared to a good tube
> > > scope. > LCDs scopes are a compromise. The

   From having owned many of both kinds, I still prefer a tiny CRT based
scope to a big LCD - and I do mostly audio and low RF stuff... the Tek
LCD rig is not bad, but when you factor in the 'what it does:what it
costs' relation, then....

>
> For working on vintage computers, should you use a vintage scope?


  Many, many old photos of IBM and Univac consoles have the obligatory Tek
545B on a cart, waiting to be Useful. And of course, Tony Duel has
recently converted his 555 to portable use, so he's Ready for Anything.
(He reprotedly uses a household biomass methane generator to fire a
vintage 1898 Eppley 20HP steam engine, leather belted to a vintage 1911
Thompson-Houston DC generator, the output of which is fed to a DC to AC
convertor of his own design, the first in England to use cast-off sodium
vapor streetlamps for the purpose.. all of it controlled by a Perq
on wheels.) [Advance appointments for service calls are recommended]

     ;}

  Meself, I have a couple of 465Bs, an HP rackmount something, and an old
HP 140 mainframe with a Nelson-Ross spectrum analyzer stuck in it. Also,
in the portable area, I found a cute little Tek 213 DMM scope, which is
actually smaller than the NLS machines, and has a cool digital
multi-meter function that displays on the screen in vector numerals. Came
with most of another one (for Partz) and all manuals. Gotta love Ham Swap
Meets.



>
> Can somebody advise me how much to charge for an NLS (they later became
> Kaypro) model 215 (dual trace 15 MHz) portable scope? The batteries are
> beyond redemption.
>

  I see the 215s in working shape typically in the $75 to 150 range,
depending on degree of pristininity and presence of manuals, probes,
leatherette case, etc.

  Two things are 'gotchas' with the NLS scopes: the CRT, and the fact that
they use old CMOS 4016 quad bilateral switch ICs on place of 'real'
switches. If you encounter one that seems to 'light up' but is otherwise
autistic, it almost always can be traced to one or more of the 4016s
dying. They are now made of Unobtanium, and the 'replacement' pinouts and
impedances are different, so a kludge is called for, if original 4016s
can't be scrounged.

  For your particular example, I'd offer you $35 and let you talk me up to
45 or 50... if it was otherwise in good-looking shape, and had the case
with it. They're pretty simple units and easy to work on...


  Cheers

John
Received on Mon Oct 07 2002 - 15:37:00 BST