2 Apr
2024
2 Apr
'24
12:36 a.m.
On Apr 1, 2024, at 8:14 PM, Brent Hilpert via cctalk
<cctalk(a)classiccmp.org> wrote:
On 2024Apr 1,, at 3:33 PM, Just Kant via cctalk <cctalk(a)classiccmp.org> wrote:
The same could be said for the Tektronics scope I have, a DSA602. It just fits in an H960
rack, and weighs perhaps 50 pounds. I can lift it -- if I'm careful.
That is my main oscilloscope, but once in a while I grab the Tek 7603 (thanks, Fair
Radio!). Analog, two channel, 100 MHz bandwidth on a good day. But if I think I'm
looking at aliased signals, the 7603 will tell me because it doesn't have any.
I once had a 535. Repairing the HV supply was interesting; not all that easy to find the
rectifier tubes.
Speaking of A/D specs, that old HP device reminds me of a digital voltmeter in my
father's university lab, I think also by HP: it had a successive approximation A/D
constructed out of relays. It would typically sample every other second or so, and make a
"krrrrrrrt" sound while all those relays were flipping. The display was some
number of columns of 10 light bulbs showing digits 0-9.
paul
I have more then I need. All the working ones are HP w/color crts, and as far as older,
verifiably vintage tools (right down to the 680x0 processor in either) I have to admit I
favor them as a brand. Call we an oddball, weird egg, badges I wear with pride.
But who could resist the allure of the newer ultra portable, even handheld units (some
with bandwidth or sampling rates to 50mhz). I'm a big cheapo. But there's no real
reason to agonize over a 65 - 200$ or thereabouts acquisition. It's a bit tiring to
wade through the piles of availability. I favor a desktop unit, larger screen (but not
always, careful). But most of those need wall current I think? The convenience of a
handheld battery powered unit obviously has it's benefits.
I will always love and dote upon my color crt based HPs. But the damned things are so
heavy, so unwieldy. Judy-Jude knocked my 54111d over, hit the paved floor, shook the
house. And still works! Built to withstand an atomic bombardment.
Pardon the plug for my own web page, but given the topic of scopes and DSOs, for any
interested in some minor reading on the origins of the DSO and geeking out on
sophisticated and little-known HP equipment from their heyday:
http://madrona.ca/e/HP5480A/index.html <http://madrona.ca/e/HP5480A/index.html>
Or TLDR: digital capture of analog signals to the low KHz in the late 1960s using core
memory & TTL, or, “a DSO before the DSO”.
As for portability, it’s possible for one person to manhandle it around but it
comfortably needs 2 people to carry.