HP computers / test gear in Chicago

From: Tony Duell <ard_at_p850ug1.demon.co.uk>
Date: Fri May 21 23:45:59 2004

> I would hold out for a newer solid-state but not 'digital' scope. I got
> a Tektronix 7000 series mainframe at auction last summer for $5 and a

Having used a Tekky 7000 series a few years back (actually a 7904 +
assorted plug-ins) I will agree they're great 'scopes _but_ they're
stuffed with custom chips that are long-since unobtainable. I wouldn't
want to have to repair one...

> To keep it on topic, I used to own a 547. The greatest general purpose
> tube-type (hybrid, actually) tube mainframe Tek made. If you want to be
> a purist, though, you should stick to a 545, which is all-tube (when I
> had one I counted over 100 tubes just in the time base)

Eh? The 545 is complicated, but 100 valves in the timebase? I could
believe -- just -- 100 valves in the mainframe, particularly with that
distributed Y amplifier, but not in just the timebase.

Personally, I have a 555. Mostly valved (but with some transistors in the
trigger circuits), twin everything. Twin beam (with 2 distributed Y
amplifiers), twin timebase, twin EHT PSU, twin box (separate HT PSU unit
that sits on the bottom of the scopemobile), etc. Fortunately I have the
service manual.

-tony
Received on Fri May 21 2004 - 23:45:59 BST