What did I just buy?

[iampoor]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Systems-component-rack-/121932053389?_trksid=p2047675.l2557&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&nma=true&si=AmEd%252FGGbqNz%252BMKFKLz5yTb%252FY3Fo%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc

Figured it was worth the price of admission for the 2 10 turn pots, meters and chassis.....

...But what is it!? 

I am always looking for surplus gear for 10 turn pots...its an obsession. 

[SeanB]

I would guess some sort of analogue trainer, with the leftmost being the function generator part, then a meter, then a counter and finally 2 multiplier units. Guess the FG side is using unijunction transistors from the pulse outputs, and the final side multiplier is likely a classic gilbert cell mixer.

[iampoor]

I would guess some sort of analogue trainer, with the leftmost being the function generator part, then a meter, then a counter and finally 2 multiplier units. Guess the FG side is using unijunction transistors from the pulse outputs, and the final side multiplier is likely a classic gilbert cell mixer.

Interesting. Seems like an awful lot of panel space for just a meter! I guess we will see when I pull it apart.

[SeanB]

Good bargain, your postage is 4 times what you paid, though you probably will be able to get half back from the scrap aluminium alone in the case and covers.

[iampoor]

Good bargain, your postage is 4 times what you paid, though you probably will be able to get half back from the scrap aluminium alone in the case and covers.

Since Im doing a local pickup, its an even better deal. 

I will probably recycle the individual modules, planning on keeping the rack box however. I always find myself needing to build things into rack formats and with a new front panel I think this will be pretty nice!

I wonder if the rack chassis is a standard off the shelf solution. I know eurocard and Vector-pack were popular before my time. 

[German_EE]

In days gone by someone would have used a panel like that to launch a spaceship, or fight off aliens, or.......

Well, you get the idea.

[SeanB]

Chassis is a standard Eurocard rack, available as a kit including all front and rear panels, and enough hardware to ballast a battleship. If you look up the price of those old connectors at the rear you will die at the price, they are very reliable, though without the matching plugs they are almost useless unless you want to either recover the gold ( thick plating on those) or use the pins as test points on PCB's.

[rdl]

I saw that item and was tempted. The only thing that stopped me was shipping cost. If you got it by local pickup, I'd say you got a pretty good deal.

[iampoor]

Chassis is a standard Eurocard rack, available as a kit including all front and rear panels, and enough hardware to ballast a battleship. If you look up the price of those old connectors at the rear you will die at the price, they are very reliable, though without the matching plugs they are almost useless unless you want to either recover the gold ( thick plating on those) or use the pins as test points on PCB's.

Okay cool, thanks for the heads up!

Yep, I actually have a box of connectors like those. They are beautifully engineered but completely useless. I was hoping to one day need the pins. I like the idea of using them as test point. Might be good on veroboard for prototypes too!

I saw that item and was tempted. The only thing that stopped me was shipping cost. If you got it by local pickup, I'd say you got a pretty good deal.

What did you search on Ebay to find it? All of that sellers listings dont have very good titles. I found out about it because I bought some test gear from them a few weeks ago.

[iampoor]

https://imgur.com/a/zkfOJ

Some interesting bits and boys inside. Cool Philbrick potted modules.