Hi, now in possession of TEK Prototype SN A01. The former owner Virgil Sipes was a Video
Engineer at the Beaverton plant. I think he was laid off some time in the 80s. Not sure if he was given equipment, or bought it from TEK.
He met the renowned Audio Engineer Wally Heider, became good friends with him, worked on projects together, then went on to start his own video production company Teletek Video.
You may notice several big differences between an early prototype 576, and production models. There are some in the photos.
1.) Front panel lettering differs around switches and controls
2.) Focus does not have a knob, it's a plastic slotted screwdriver adjustment.
3.) I think the main one, the CRT bezel is quite different. Attaches via a plastic release. Also no TEK model plate. Also scratched where someone removed a sticker.
4.) The serial number is A01, not a production serial number, such as Bxxxxxx.
5.) The CRT. No distinguishable TEK part numbers, and also appears to have some kind of ceramic coating.
6.)The Interface Module (rear) only one connector. No other wiring inside for other connectors.
7.)No photos, but all the internal wiring is not bundled at all. I assume for quicker wiring changes. Also found unused wires taped at ends.
Let me know if you see other differences!
The bezel glass and blue filter had what seems like soda pop splled into the Filter sandwich. Etched the glass a bit. Some was still slightly liquid. Was able to remove most of the etching.
My other 576 has a very weak CRT with double peaking. Swapped the tubes. The prototype tube seems to have very low hours. Extremely bright, with
only mild burns at 0Vert 0Horiz. After I swapped the tubes, I thought wait, I need to photograph it for you 576ers out there, so out it came again, for photos.
A B&K 467 CRT restorer should be here soon to see if I can bring the dim tube back, it is a -05 CRT, which I think was the last version made.