Test Equipment Anonymous (TEA) group therapy thread

[Specmaster]

non-electronics related comment removed - gnif

[Zoli]

...
Crazy how when you put something aside to work on it 'later' just how quickly 'later' can turn into years.  I've done the same.  Sadly, those decoders are like hen's teeth.

-Pat

Nobody tried to build a discrete replacement? A quick look in the service manual shows that is a simple BCD-to-10line decoder, with high voltage outputs; it should be pretty straightforward way to build them, and look like there's room to mount the boards vertically in the place of the old IC's.

I was actually thinking about it today.  May try to cobble something together, either to fit a 74141 (also nearing hens-teeth status) or the Russian equivalent (can’t recall the number off the top of my head), or perhaps a low voltage BCD to 10 line decoder with switching transistors, though that’d be much bulkier.

-Pat

Do SMD; CD4028B(SOIC-16) as decoder, PBHV8050SA(SOT-23) as switchers, 0603 R&C, and install it something like below. If you need some help, I can quickly draw something. PM if interested.

[Cubdriver]

...
Crazy how when you put something aside to work on it 'later' just how quickly 'later' can turn into years.  I've done the same.  Sadly, those decoders are like hen's teeth.

-Pat

Nobody tried to build a discrete replacement? A quick look in the service manual shows that is a simple BCD-to-10line decoder, with high voltage outputs; it should be pretty straightforward way to build them, and look like there's room to mount the boards vertically in the place of the old IC's.

I was actually thinking about it today.  May try to cobble something together, either to fit a 74141 (also nearing hens-teeth status) or the Russian equivalent (can’t recall the number off the top of my head), or perhaps a low voltage BCD to 10 line decoder with switching transistors, though that’d be much bulkier.

-Pat

Do SMD; CD4028B(SOIC-16) as decoder, PBHV8050SA(SOT-23) as switchers, 0603 R&C, and install it something like below. If you need some help, I can quickly draw something. PM if interested.

I'll get OrCAD fired up and play around with a design.

-Pat

[bitseeker]

A different Tektronix mug showed up the other day on our favorite bank account evacuation site, so I snagged it.  It arrived today.  Smaller than the cobalt blue one (still my favorite) but nice to have another, different one.



-Pat

"our favorite bank account evacuation site"

Very cool. Nice catch, Pat. Yeah, the cobalt blue one is hard to beat, but that's one way to collect Tek gear.

[Saskia]

non-electronics related comment removed - gnif

[mansaxel]

If you can interface them to a DMM, you can also interface them to a scope or in my case, a scopemeter for portability and visually observe current waveforms.  Being able to see the shape of current waveforms has come in handy for me in a number of situations.

I suppose that's why the Tek oscilloscope-interfacing current probes command Such Prices. I chickened out on one, locally, which turned out a bit too expensive -- or so I thought -- because the auction ended at what would have been a steal internationally.

But yes, the 428b is so convenient. (once warmed up, of course! It really needs to get cosy; the values at switch flick are crazy.)

[Brumby]

non-electronics related comment removed - gnif

[Saskia]

non-electronics related comment removed - gnif

[bitseeker]

A different Tektronix mug showed up the other day on our favorite bank account evacuation site, so I snagged it.  It arrived today.  Smaller than the cobalt blue one (still my favorite) but nice to have another, different one.



-Pat

Yuck. The coffee has a HP-ish color. 

LOL - First off, I don't think I want Tek-truquiose turquoise coffee - doesn't seem appealing.  Don't think I'll let the creamer get that far 'off'.   

Besides, I like coffee with my sugar and half-and-half.   

-Pat

Edit - I kan tipe.   

The logo would do much better if the contents weren't coloured like UK Staff Sergeant tea. 

This of course has electronic implications too, and since we're now on probation for offtopic violation, I'm going to prove this by quoting the service manual of the Yamaha PM1800 mixing desk, in which it is written the following phrase: "Un-sweetened black coffee is probably the least harmful".  This is in the context of cleaning the mixer after exposure to spilled drinks. Their recommended procedure was distilled or de-ionised water and toothbrush, which worked a treat. Classic umbrella drinks or sweet sodas were not even remotely as friendly to the device.  I think this is a major contribution to me drinking my coffee all black ever since. I much prefer my sweets on food, like toast with jam and cheese. Which I'm getting right now, away from electronics, of course.

Yeah, I thought of that after I'd added the half-and-half.  Also figured I'd take some ribbing on here because I add so much, but will continue to do so, as that's how I like it.

-Pat

At this point, life's too short for drinks, food, and test equipment you don't like.

[bitseeker]

This evening's entertainment just got very expensive. Went to see Thor: Thud and Blunder; got rear-ended in the RAV4 by some waste of skin who jackrabbitted. Car is throwing errors for Lane Departure System, Pre-Collision System and ABS. Can't open the trunk, had to take the center console apart so I can defeat the shifter interlock to get it out of Park. It is entirely possible the insurance company may total it; a complete shitshow. 

I give the movie a C+.   

mnem
*hoping desperately that dinner at TGIF does not make the Trifecta*

Sorry to hear on both counts, mnem.

[bitseeker]

non-electronics related comment removed - gnif

[tautech]

non-electronics related comment removed - gnif

[Brumby]

non-electronics related comment removed - gnif

[bitseeker]

2235 update.

The cabinet has been painted. While I'm waiting for the parts to arrive I decided to put the scope back together.

So exterior cleaning is complete.

Wow, med, it's like new. 

[bitseeker]

non-electronics related comment removed - gnif

[bd139]

...
Crazy how when you put something aside to work on it 'later' just how quickly 'later' can turn into years.  I've done the same.  Sadly, those decoders are like hen's teeth.

-Pat

Nobody tried to build a discrete replacement? A quick look in the service manual shows that is a simple BCD-to-10line decoder, with high voltage outputs; it should be pretty straightforward way to build them, and look like there's room to mount the boards vertically in the place of the old IC's.

Yup. That’s about it. Use a 74LS42 and some MPSA42’s.

[bitseeker]

Here’s my first one that looked like ten miles of bad road upon arrival:
 

Cute little buggers.

-Pat

Indeed. Yours has the digit upgrades, too. Nice!

Here's its cousin, a 5321A. Sorry, haven't got feet for it, yet.

[med6753]

non-electronics related comment removed - gnif

[Cubdriver]

...
Crazy how when you put something aside to work on it 'later' just how quickly 'later' can turn into years.  I've done the same.  Sadly, those decoders are like hen's teeth.

-Pat

Nobody tried to build a discrete replacement? A quick look in the service manual shows that is a simple BCD-to-10line decoder, with high voltage outputs; it should be pretty straightforward way to build them, and look like there's room to mount the boards vertically in the place of the old IC's.

Yup. That’s about it. Use a 74LS42 and some MPSA42’s.

I'm exploring the CD4028 and 74LS145, will add the 74LS42 to the list of possibilities, transistors MMBTA42 or PMBTA45,215 or PBHV8050SA_R1_00001, or others still yet to be considered.  More to follow as I work things out.  It would definitely be nice to cobble a replacement of sorts together.

-Pat

[med6753]

After viewing TERRA Operative's video on the 2235 repair I've decided to also add a cooling fan. But I'm going with a smaller 40mm fan for ease of fitment. Also, my 2235 is a later S/N and the focus resistors have already been upgraded so I don't have to mess with them.

[Cubdriver]

Here’s my first one that looked like ten miles of bad road upon arrival:
 

Cute little buggers.

-Pat

Indeed. Yours has the digit upgrades, too. Nice!

Here's its cousin, a 5321A. Sorry, haven't got feet for it, yet.

Yeah, I have the pictures of mine all taken and labeled, but haven't uploaded them yet; dunno why.  They'll be there and ready in about another 100 pages, though!   

-Pat

[med6753]

Here’s my first one that looked like ten miles of bad road upon arrival:
 

Cute little buggers.

-Pat

Indeed. Yours has the digit upgrades, too. Nice!

Here's its cousin, a 5321A. Sorry, haven't got feet for it, yet.

Amazon has a large assortment of self adhesive feet that I've used several times and they work a treat. 

[gnif]

This is the final warning

All posts here MUST be electronics related in some form, stop posting junk here that is non related.
Anyone that continues to ignore this will be given a 7 day timeout from posting!

[bitseeker]

Heh.

[bd139]

Heh indeed