Precision ES-500 (Part 1/3) atkelar 2023-08-19 | Workshop Project #26 - Precision ES-500Where do I start? "Precision" is the name of a US company that seemed to be rather huge in the radio and TV repair component business in the 1940s and 1950s. I first learned about them when I was just looking for a "VTVM". I found one, the "Model 98" and the industrial design and huge meter movement spoke to me. Since then, I tried to get my paws on as many of their devices from the same general timeframe as possible. The E-200-C frequency generator had a "sample application" in the manual, that included a scope that looked interesting: The ES-500. And after a bit of waiting, I actually managed to find and procure one! Woohoo! But like all the other similar devices, it was... well... not doing so well? Join in and find out why it took over a year to finish this one project!NOTE 1: I know, it's "Precision Apparatus" not "Precison Instruments", but the meter movement of the VTVM said "Precision Instruments" - which seems to be a department or subsidiary; and that name stuck in my head, so I'll probably misattribute it for some time...NOTE 2: The video is edited in a way that makse sense, not strictly chronologically. Thus it is normal for components that I already fixed and cleaned, to appear broken and dirty again in a "later" scene. Strict chronological order would make it a bit confusing to watch.0:00 Intro / Overview1:55 First Impressions / Opening Up3:52 The Insides! / Bezel5:08 Front Panel / Assessment6:48 Capacitor Removal9:06 Transformer Removal / Owner's Manual10:44 Transformer Disassemble / Unwinding12:29 Rewinding Transformer14:55 Choke Cleanup / Input Attenuator16:33 Potentiometer Cleanup! Line + Intensity19:20 ...Focus / ...Phasing / ...Sweep Vernier22:24 End of Part 1 / Credits / OuttakeMusic:My Train's A Comin'Unicorn Heads(YouTube Audio Library)You can support me on Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/atkelar and also on Patreon: patreon.com/AtkelarThanks to everybody who signed up already!
Tektronix 1503B atkelar 2024-10-13 | Workshop Project #36 - Tektronix 1503B TDRThis one took quite a while to complete. Why would I need one of these? Well, getting into some radio stuff more and more recently, I thought it might be good to make sure any antenna cable is halfway decent at least. This unit seems to be still in use by several hobbyists at least, and there's quite a bit of modding info out there. The LCD display is a known failure point, especially the EL backlight. In this video, I do the usual cleanup and repair of the device, so that it does provide proper measurements again.0:00 Intro1:33 Getting into the case!4:10 First peek to PCBs / Main PCB Removal5:26 Power Supply Removal6:50 Analog PCB Reveal / Front Panel Disassembly8:25 Recapping!10:15 Display PCB Cleanup: Disassembly and Column Board12:34 Row Board and Assembly13:40 Battery Pack Disassembly15:22 Battery Welding and Assembly17:05 Line Filter / Power Supply18:39 Case Lid20:56 System Test... / Chassis Rebuild22:45 Printer Overview and Disassembly25:07 Pinch Roller Rebuild...29:25 Printer Assembly: Feed Unit and Front Panel31:58 Printer PCB / Print and Feed Unit Mounting32:50 Springs... Why is it always springs...? / First Paper Test and Loading34:10 Printer Test! / Front Panel Mounting / Final Assembly37:12 Case Finishing and First Test38:20 Sample Measurement + Explanation / Summary / Credits / OuttakesMusic (in order)My Train's A Comin' - Unicorn HeadsNine Lives - Unicorn HeadsWrong - Dan HenigTown of 24 Bars - Unicorn HeadsLight Expanse - Unicorn Heads(YouTube Audio Library)You can support me on Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/atkelar and also on Patreon: patreon.com/Atkelarand now also here by using the "Super Thanks" feature!Thanks to everybody who signed up already!
vBlogging at EF28 atkelar 2024-10-12 | Was walking around EuroFurence 28 in Hamburg with a selfie stick to do some video blogging. Didn't find my lavalier microphone to talk into, so I'm a bit behind the trend... - anyhow, I think it's a fun little short with some impressions of the convention! Also, Stage Hands wants you to know: carrying me around and operating the camera at the same time is apparently hard...
HP µLab - Take 2! atkelar 2024-09-29 | Restoration Project #51 - HP µLab - Take 2!Back in 2021, I did a combination repair and art project for Karpour. It was based on a found PCB from an HP 5036A µLab unit. These were training kits for the emerging microprocessor based devices. I'd say it might have been used in schools and for training professionals alike, since the training manual makes a few assumptions about basic electronic knowledge. You can see the old video over here: youtu.be/0fCSlPqSJKkI did like the concept, and so I added a saved search in e-bay to keep an eye out for a unit for my own. And yes, they do pop up every now and then, but the asking prices are usually way too high for a "nice to have" product. But... I lucked out a few weeks ago! Shipping was still a bit much, especially considering how it arrived...0:00 Intro / Overview2:10 Disassembly Start3:20 Damage Assessment / Power Supply Disassembly4:42 Case Cleanup / Repair Start6:25 Bottom Shell Start7:39 Adding Fiberglass8:37 Handle Mount Straightening / Case Band Clip9:39 Power Supply Cleanup and Assembly11:35 Power Supply Validation / Hinges / Key Removal12:33 Key Mechanism and Problem / Speaker Spring? / Switch Fix!14:55 Hardware Cleanup / Case Assembly16:34 Power on! / Hinges / Locking Tab17:50 Keyboard Assembly... / Why Key 1 No Work?18:50 Homemade Button Issue!19:25 Test Programs!20:27 Summary / Credits / OuttakeMusic (in order)My Train's A Comin' - Unicorn HeadsNine Lives - Unicorn HeadsWrong - Dan HenigTown of 24 Bars - Unicorn HeadsLight Expanse - Unicorn Heads(YouTube Audio Library)You can support me on Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/atkelar and also on Patreon: patreon.com/Atkelarand now also here by using the "Super Thanks" feature!Thanks to everybody who signed up already!
Fluke 8375A DMM - Part 2 atkelar 2024-09-15 | The Fluke 8375A is a digital benchtop multimeter, made around 1973. It supports DC voltage, +/- 1100V as primary function and comes with a module to convert an equal range of AC voltage to an RMS value. As an additonal bonus, it also has a built in current source to measure Ohms from essentially 100µ𝛀 up to 12M𝛀; It does not have built in current shunts however, so current messurement would need an exterman shunt resistor for reference. All of this to output to a 5 digit nixie display with an overflow digit for 20% overflow; i.e. the maximum number should be 120000 with the decimal point set according to the range. The "filter" function is also based on a real analog active low pass filter to even out fluctuations that would be visible to the AD converter. I've seen that as a "digital average" in most modern meters. So... let's see what this little gem has to offer in terms of problems and solutions!Part two here is the assembly and troubleshooting part. And boy did it have troubles to shoot! The manual for the device came with a very good description of how everythign works; But the schematics had some of the lines and text removed by an automated scanning tool apparently. So it was next to impossible to know where a line is missing from the scan or by design; not to mention that the pin numbers of all the ICs were just blobs of goo at times. But I managed, and since I was fascinated by the design of the AD converter, I'm sharing that part of the troubleshooting process in detail too!0:00 Intro / Recap / Selection Switches / Front Panel2:46 Power Supply Dry Test... / 18V Issue4:02 "All In" Test...5:42 Power on! / Reduced Test: 18V Good / RMS Unit Fail7:00 No Measurement? / Solder Bridge! / AD Intro / Better Manual Quality8:34 AD Function Description11:00 Analog Storage!12:15 JK Adapter Boards13:22 DC Zero Issue #114:54 DC Zero Issue #216:34 Trigger LED Upgrade / Buttons and Trim Pieces17:44 Alignment Impressions / Donor PCBs!19:41 Remote Control PCB / Digital Output Unit PCBs21:54 Where Is The DC Reference Board? / Threaded Inserts! / Duct Tape Issue23:45 Lid Paint / Insulation Sheet25:52 Feet vs. Rails? / IO Test!27:02 Ohms Fuse! / Summary / Credits / OuttakeMusic (in order)My Train's A Comin' - Unicorn HeadsNine Lives - Unicorn HeadsWrong - Dan HenigTown of 24 Bars - Unicorn HeadsLight Expanse - Unicorn Heads(YouTube Audio Library)You can support me on Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/atkelar and also on Patreon: patreon.com/Atkelarand now also here by using the "Super Thanks" feature!Thanks to everybody who signed up already!
Fluke 8375A DMM - Part 1 atkelar 2024-09-01 | The Fluke 8375A is a digital benchtop multimeter, made around 1973. It supports DC voltage, +/- 1100V as primary function and comes with a module to convert an equal range of AC voltage to an RMS value. As an additonal bonus, it also has a built in current source to measure Ohms from essentially 100µ𝛀 up to 12M𝛀; It does not have built in current shunts however, so current messurement would need an exterman shunt resistor for reference. All of this to output to a 5 digit nixie display with an overflow digit for 20% overflow; i.e. the maximum number should be 120000 with the decimal point set according to the range. The "filter" function is also based on a real analog active low pass filter to even out fluctuations that would be visible to the AD converter. I've seen that as a "digital average" in most modern meters. So... let's see what this little gem has to offer in terms of problems and solutions!Part one here is the disassembly, overview, recapping and cleanup procedure. Part two is from power on to some serious troubleshooting.0:00 Intro / Overview2:13 First Look Inside / Disassembly Start4:28 Front Panel Issues / Power Switch6:10 Binding Posts / Front Panel "before"7:20 Function Indicator / Switch Block Cleanup10:21 Solder Problem... and Fix!11:42 Trigger Potentiometer13:05 Transformer Section Dis- and Re-assembly!15:18 Recapping! ...and PCB cleanup: Desoldering...17:50 Power Supply Soldering, Heat Sink Polish20:02 Mains Switch Cleanup22:10 Terminal Block 1 / Transformer Sectino / Bending Tins23:16 Terminal Block 2 / Power Switch Connection / Plastic Trim24:39 Self Test Switch26:18 Front Panel "after" / Assembling Binding Posts28:42 Summary Part 1 / Credits / OuttakeMusic (in order)My Train's A Comin' - Unicorn HeadsNine Lives - Unicorn HeadsWrong - Dan HenigTown of 24 Bars - Unicorn HeadsLight Expanse - Unicorn Heads(YouTube Audio Library)You can support me on Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/atkelar and also on Patreon: patreon.com/Atkelarand now also here by using the "Super Thanks" feature!Thanks to everybody who signed up already!
Sinclair MTV1 atkelar 2024-08-18 | Restoration Project #50 - Sinclair MTV-1Back in summer of 2023, I finally scored one of these early portable TVs. You might recognize the different cameras that were used during the course of the project. Somehow, it got shelved after ordering the new batteries and I just recently finished it. Also... the name tag on the bench didn't quite work out as expected... works a bit better for live streams IMHO.Now to some details: the Sinclair MTV-1 - or "microvision" - was one of the first portable TVs. The tube was originally made for portable oscilloscopes, but if you are a big company, you can order a bulk with white phosphor instead of the usual green. Using a scope tube also has the advantage of capacitive - or electrical - deflection rather than magnetic. These yokes need quite a bit of juice and saving energy is good for a mobile application.Besides the bad batteries and capacitors, there were two issues: the little latches for the on/off switches broke off, one after the ohter. Annoying to say the least. The second issue was homemade: upside down capacitor that went "bang!" Trust me, when you are troubleshooting a device that contains a vacuum tube and hear a loud bang while you try to find out why a voltage is too low... you WILL flinch!But anyhow, let's dig in and see if this piece of history will show a picture at the end!0:00 Intro / Overview1:14 Unpacking / Disassembly Start4:00 Finally Inside!6:10 PCB Unfolding Done8:14 NiCd Desoldering and Damage Assessment8:55 Recapping! / PCB Cleanup10:30 New Batteries11:22 Missing Link! / Test Assembly Start13:30 Selection Switches Broke!14:32 Test Setup Take Two / Jumpers16:02 -45V Issue... / First Picture17:05 Test Signal / Button Repair20:07 Switch Update / Assembly!21:38 Wiggling Components into Place / Case Crack24:10 No more Missing Link! / Fitting Case26:22 Stickers! / Video Test27:30 Summary / Credits / OuttakeMusic (in order)My Train's A Comin' - Unicorn HeadsNine Lives - Unicorn HeadsWrong - Dan HenigTown of 24 Bars - Unicorn HeadsLight Expanse - Unicorn Heads(YouTube Audio Library)You can support me on Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/atkelar and also on Patreon: patreon.com/Atkelarand now also here by using the "Super Thanks" feature!Thanks to everybody who signed up already!
Fluke 5100B - Part 3 atkelar 2024-08-04 | Workshop Project #34 - Fluke 5100B - Part 3And now for the conclusion! Part one and two had the disassembly, cleanup, most of the recapping and first power supply tests. No magic smoke! So in this final part I start off with the "isolator board" and a quick function test of the first modules! The first tries are promising, so I use that to explain a bit about the overall concept of the device and how the different modules are connected to make magic on the output.I only realized after the final edit, that I neglected to mention the "Error mode" (demonstrated at around 24:12); it is to set the output voltage or current up and down until the meter under test shows the requested value. I.e. if the output is set to 100V and the meter reads 101V, you dial down the set voltage in error mode until the meter reads "100" and the second display then tells you: "+1% error".0:00 Intro / Isolator PCB1:27 Controller PCB2:26 Front Panel Painting4:06 Display Board Mounting / Power Up!5:15 Low Range DC Tests6:10 Explanation: Conceptual Overview / DC Voltage Low Range7:40 Explanation: AC Voltage Low / AC+DC Voltage High Range8:43 Explanation: Currents / Resistor Values10:45 Problem: DC 20+ or AC Voltage? / Hex Inverter12:35 A clue! / Hunting Grounded Phantoms14:29 Finally! Fixed!15:50 Buttoning up the Case17:38 Loading up the Modules / Alignments?18:45 Reference Voltage Issue20:25 Shields up! / Wideband Output OK21:07 IEEE (GPIB) Interface22:10 IEEE Test23:07 New Feet! / Final Testing24:44 Summary / Credits / OuttakeThanks to Glyphon for a second opinion on the opamp circuit!Music (in order)My Train's A Comin' - Unicorn HeadsNine Lives - Unicorn HeadsWrong - Dan HenigTown of 24 Bars - Unicorn HeadsLight Expanse - Unicorn Heads(YouTube Audio Library)You can support me on Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/atkelar and also on Patreon: patreon.com/Atkelarand now also here by using the "Super Thanks" feature!Thanks to everybody who signed up already!
Fluke 5100B - Part 2 atkelar 2024-07-21 | Workshop Project #34 - Fluke 5100B - Part 2After taking the unit apart, cleaning things and starting to assemble the case again, I start to do some recapping and replacing of thermal paste in this episode, leading up to the power supply adjustments and validations.A quick note #1: based on comments from part one, I did double check on the "RTC" (=real time clock) on the regulator board. It's pointed out in this part specifically. It's a 60Hz 5V rectangle generator. The manual only says it's used by modules for time keeping. But a closer inspection reveals something of a bit more overkill. You see, the modules - especially the digital controller and related ones - are standard modules that also are used in other instruments of that era. For example, there's a benchtop DMM hat has the same controller (probably a different ROM), isolator and IEEE card. Add that to these components being made for several years, there are changes adding up. What I found out is: only the controller board uses this 60Hz signal! And there, the input section is clearly meant to take non-TTL levels. My assumption is thus: originally, there was a transformer tap that fed the mains frequency directly into that as a sine wave. Fluke eventually replaced that with a 555 timer and now has 60Hz timing even on 50Hz mains. That sounds like a perfect explanation. Oh: and the ONLY place that timer is acutally used on this version of the controller board: Triggering the CPU reset signal. So this timer is indeed doing the digital version of the "POP" generator... I'm sure Fluke would have made that much simpler if it weren't for the modular design...Quick note #2: The binding posts might also have been some specific copper alloy; they look a bit mre reddish on the video than in person. But there was at least one replaced contact for sure and they were worn out and beaten up. I stand by my decision to replace them, but depending on technical requirements might come back with a different style later on.0:00 Intro / Power Regulator PCB Recapping3:12 Transformer Board Recapping4:50 Extended Range and HV Board8:00 Wideband Amplifier9:40 Wideband Oscillator + Overview10:49 Front Panel Buttons / Waver Switch Cleanup14:09 Clenaing Panel Buttons15:55 Ranging PCB + Binding Posts19:14 Removing and Replacing "Foam"20:05 [Power] Amplifier PCB22:05 TO-3 Post Issue / Thermal Paste / Hot Relay24:24 Remounting the TO-3s25:20 Power Regulator Checks26:10 Summary / Credits / OuttakeMusic (in order)My Train's A Comin' - Unicorn HeadsNine Lives - Unicorn HeadsWrong - Dan HenigTown of 24 Bars - Unicorn HeadsLight Expanse - Unicorn Heads(YouTube Audio Library)You can support me on Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/atkelar and also on Patreon: patreon.com/Atkelarand now also here by using the "Super Thanks" feature!Thanks to everybody who signed up already!
Fluke 5100B - Part 1 atkelar 2024-07-07 | Workshop Project #34 - Fluke 5100BNow what did I get myself into now?! I was browsing e-bay and looking for some affordable - that is below 5 digit including delivery - solutions for reference voltages and currents; as in calibration refrences for my ever growing multimeter collection. So that they at least agree to a certain degree and are close enough to a real absolute value to comfortable switch between them during repairs.Now the only affordable model I found was a Fluke 5100B calibrator. It can deliver AC and DC current and voltages in a rather broad range: from millivolt to 1100 volts and microamps to 2 amps. Both in DC and AC. There was a problem with the delivery though and I still think that the company behind e-bay global shipping service should compensate me for the additional cost in replacing the cheaper one of the two devices that they lost in transit... seriously: how does one loose a 40kg package?This one - the second best offer I found - required some "close your eyes and click buy now" and my wallet feels considerably lighter now. Let's see what I got and how well it works... or not!0:00 Intro / Overview1:25 Opening Up the Case / Auction Overview3:05 Overview of Inside / Summary / Modules: Digital, First Section4:19 Modules: HV Transformer, Shielded ones5:33 Power Regulator / Ranging Module6:30 Front Panel Removal / Diagonal Bus / Transformer7:29 Digital Bus PCBs / Rear Panel8:45 Main Bus PCB9:49 Case Panels / PSU Board10:53 Front Panel Disassembly and Overview11:42 Cleanup! Base Plate / Power Supply Interconnect13:02 Mains Transformer Cleanup14:08 Power Supply PCB Cleanup15:58 Filter Cap Problem...16:43 Mains Switch18:45 Finalizing Power Supply PCB19:30 Broken Trace! Fix and Overview21:10 Filter Caps / First Components on Frame!22:20 Main Bus PCB Mounting23:45 First Power On...24:38 ...Voltage Problem! / Frame Brackets / Digital Bus PCBs26:57 Summary / Credits / OuttakeMusic (in order)My Train's A Comin' - Unicorn HeadsNine Lives - Unicorn HeadsWrong - Dan HenigTown of 24 Bars - Unicorn HeadsLight Expanse - Unicorn Heads(YouTube Audio Library)You can support me on Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/atkelar and also on Patreon: patreon.com/Atkelarand now also here by using the "Super Thanks" feature!Thanks to everybody who signed up already!
Loewe-Opta - Bella - Part 1 atkelar 2024-06-23 | Restoration Project #49 - Loewe-Opta "Bella"I was hoping to have that project finished by now, but there have been... well... issues. The day job picked up again, and also there have been a few other projects. While waiting for parts, I kept busy with these in an interleaved fashion.The radio is a Loewe-Opta brand, "Bella" model. It has AM and FM reception (eventually hopefully) and features a rather typical phono input as well. The rectifier is a more modern selenium one, so it's down one tube already.Originally, I thought I might do just a few capacitor replacements and be done with it, but it did show a bit more "wear and tear" than I expected... so buckle in!0:00 Intro / Overview2:08 Opening Case / Removing Chassis3:58 Removing Tubes / Power Cord / Knobs4:57 Tuning Dial Glass / Tuning String6:35 Speaker Issue / Bezel7:57 Dusting / First Capacitor Removals / Button Assembly10:22 Audio Transformer / Final Capacitors11:53 Rectifier / Illumination Lamp / Tuning Capacitor13:25 Button Section14:35 Mains Transformer / Speaker Nuts Take 215:48 Speaker Cover Fabric / Speaker Dusting17:33 Chassis Scrubbing / Potentiometer Opening19:40 Bezel Repair - Step 120:45 Cleanup Transformers21:52 Bezel Repair - Step 223:33 Tuning Scale Paint / Case Glueing / Scraping off Paint25:27 Fixing Dents / Filter Cap Test + Cleanup / Tube Test26:30 Summary / Credits / OuttakeMusic (in order)My Train's A Comin' - Unicorn HeadsNine Lives - Unicorn HeadsWrong - Dan HenigTown of 24 Bars - Unicorn HeadsLight Expanse - Unicorn Heads(YouTube Audio Library)You can support me on Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/atkelar and also on Patreon: patreon.com/Atkelarand now also here by using the "Super Thanks" feature!Thanks to everybody who signed up already!
Philips PM5705 Pulse Generator atkelar 2024-06-09 | Workshop Project #33 - Philips PM5705 Pulse GeneratorI keep looking for "odd" or "uncommon" devices on e-bay whenever I have spare time... idle paws, you know... anyhow, this time I found myself a Philips PM5705 pulse generator. Its sole purpose is to create a rectangular output signal with a given pulse width and repeat rate. This model can go as high as 10MHz and as low as 0.1Hz for the repeat rate, and between 50ns and 500ms for the pulse duration. It also has a trigger or gate input. In trigger mode, there will be a single pulse triggered (non-repeated) at either positive or negative edge of the input signal. In normal repeat mode, the same input can be used to provide a "gate" signal, i.e. the repeating pulse will be "off" by applying a "high" input. Both trigger and gate can be emulated with the "one shot" button manually too! On the output side, it can provide TTL level outputs in both normal and inverted form. These TTL outputs can also bypass the pulse section and instead output the square wave from the repeated signal. Clock generator made easy! And finally, the third output is an analog signel version of the pulse (no square wave option here!) that can also be inverted at the push of a button. The analog output can be adjusted between 0 and 15V, with an optional "baseline shift" of up to two volts.0:00 Intro / Overview / Opening Case1:58 Knob- and Button Removal3:30 Front Panel / Baseline Pot?4:30 Back Panel Section / Transformer6:23 PCB: Caps? / Output Heat Sink / Case Cleanup8:25 Sticker Removal9:57 Handle Noise 10:58 Socketed Transistors (feat. socket-beheading)11:50 Switch and Potentiometer Cleanup13:44 Waver Switch Cams / PCB Cleaner15:10 Front Plate Issue / Soldering Pots16:11 Recapping18:08 Tarnished IC19:18 Power Indicator Replacement20:09 BNC coaxials / Mains Switch / Mains Section21:45 Transformer Mounting / PCB Clips / Case Structure23:48 Front Panel / Buttons and Knobs24:40 Power On! / PSU Problem?26:00 Flat Headed Screw-Up / Adjustment Review27:15 Trigger Issue28:24 Finishing Trouches29:34 Overview / Summary / Credits / OuttakesMusic (in order)My Train's A Comin' - Unicorn HeadsLight Expanse - Unicorn HeadsPickup Truck - Silent PartnerTown of 24 Bars - Unicorn HeadsStacy and George - The Mini Vandals(YouTube Audio Library)You can support me on Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/atkelar and also on Patreon: patreon.com/Atkelarand now also here by using the "Super Thanks" feature!Thanks to everybody who signed up already!
HP-3476B Cleanup atkelar 2024-05-26 | Now, what do we have here? The 3476B is a portable DMM from the mid 1970s, so about the same age as myself! It does volts, amps and ohms; the former two in AC and DC. So nothing too spectacular by today's standard. But: digital! With a nifty display! Not Nixies, but the next best thing!The device was offered as complete; but just how complete it was took me by surprise. It arrived with the carry bag, complete test lead set and owner's manual even. Wow. What a score! The only thing that's missing was the battery pack, and that might have been for the better too!0:00 Intro / Presentation / Unpacking1:54 Opening the Case / Removing the PCB4:03 Tilting Stand5:09 Voltage Selection "Configuration" / Quick Test6:15 LED Lens / Button Cleanup8:09 Dummy Switch Issue10:08 Mounting the PCB / Button Symbols / Improvised Battery11:13 Battery Removal Info / Adjustment Impressions12:19 Closing the Case13:08 Probes: Bag and Lead Cleanup / Overview14:59 Case Stand and Clips / Test Measurement15:39 Batteries?! / MiMh Explanation / Battery Pack Build18:56 NiMh Issue Reasoning / Summary Overview / Credits / OuttakesMusic (in order)My Train's A Comin' - Unicorn HeadsLonely Troutman II - William RosatiLight Expanse - Unicorn Heads(YouTube Audio Library)You can support me on Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/atkelar and also on Patreon: patreon.com/Atkelarand also here by using the "Super Thanks" feature!Thanks to everybody who signed up already!
HP1607A - Logic Analyzer atkelar 2024-05-12 | Workshop Project #31 - HP1607A Logic AnalyzerThis time on the bench: a very early logic analyzer. The HP 1600A model that I restored about a year ago (link below!) has a companion model: the 1607A. During the 1600's restoration, I learned that these can be combined to form a 32bit wide unit, so I just got to have one. Normally, I'd be happy with the 1600, since it doesn't need any external device for display, but the idea to combine two 16bit units for special jobs was too interesting to me.I managed to get myself one - and also the pods for it! - on e-bay. It arrived shortly before the 1600 was done, but now I finally got around to pick up the project!0:00 Intro / Overview1:54 Inside! / Display- and Logic Board3:45 Power Supply / Trimmers / Trigger Switches / BNC5:20 Front Panel / Delay Dial / Case Frame6:10 Back Panel / Heat Sink6:57 Recapping Overview and Example8:16 Mains Switch / Teardown + Assembly11:05 Transformer Cleanup / Push Button Cleanup / Probe Pod Sockets12:43 Delay Dial Cleanup / Potentiometer Knob Problem14:22 Assembly Time! / Back Panel + Transformer16:12 PSU Mounting17:19 PSU Power Up and Voltage Check / PSU Circuit Explanation18:40 Back Panel Finishing Touches / Case Frame19:52 Handle / Front Panel Preparation21:11 Front Panel Mounting22:09 Power Indicator LED / PCB Cleanup / Front Panel Finishing Touches23:08 Display Board24:38 Logic Board25:25 Power On! / Pods!26:40 5V Adjustment / Output Signal? / Hunting down The Issue28:13 Found it! / Fixed it!29:24 Got Signal! / Got Scope! / Case Lids30:36 Connecting 1600A? / Trigger Bus / IO Bus32:05 Final View / Summary / Credits / Outtake HP 1600A restoration video (part 1 of 2): youtube.com/watch?v=-43Ic0IyNNAMusic (in order)My Train's A Comin' - Unicorn HeadsLonely Troutman II - William RosatiLight Expanse - Unicorn HeadsTown of 24 Bars - Unicorn HeadsDusty Fingers - DJ WilliamsNo Good Right - Freedom Trail Studio(YouTube Audio Library)You can support me on Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/atkelar and also on Patreon: patreon.com/Atkelarand now also here by using the "Super Thanks" feature!Thanks to everybody who signed up already!
Workbench Island: Drawer Update atkelar 2024-04-28 | Back in July 2022 - yikes! Almost two years ago! - I set up two workbenches for my mini lathe and mill. You can see the project here: youtube.com/watch?v=rA_oc7iJncw Since then, I have been using both of these machines quite often, but I didn't have time to complete the workbenches. This means that quite a few pieces of accessories are still where I left them when I set up the lathe... right next to it on the floor. And that needs to change!I had enough time to think about how I want to organize the whole tools and other parts that go with the machines, so now's the time to use up some of the older leftover material and make some drawers.NOTE: Sorry for the occasional "jerky" movement: I only discovered after the fact that my camera was set to "auto long exposure" and delivered a half-framerate video at times.0:00 Intro / Basic Idea Description2:00 Basic Materials3:30 Lathe Table: Subdivision5:30 Trimming Bolts / Drawer Construction8:00 First Load Test / Securing Center Support / Height Adjustment9:18 Mill Table: Subdivision / Weight Issue11:34 Item Arrangement? / CreditsMusic (in order)My Train's A Comin' - Unicorn HeadsA New Orleans Crawfish Bowl - Unicorn Heads(YouTube Audio Library)You can support me on Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/atkelar and also on Patreon: patreon.com/Atkelarand now also here by using the "Super Thanks" feature!Thanks to everybody who signed up already!
Upcoming Project Sneak Peek atkelar 2024-04-23 | Just started looking into a project I took on for a friend... it has some interesting "features" for sure.
Tektronix 576 Curve Tracer - Part 3 atkelar 2024-04-14 | I always wanted a decent curve tracer to check up on replacement parts with a bit more scrutiny. But the price was alwas a limiting factor. And the Tektronix model here is also quite heavy, so shipping usually almost doubles that. By the end of 2023, an online friend said he had to sell off his, due to lack of time, space and money. Add that to another online contact making a journey by car earlier in 2024, and I just couldn't pass up the chance! So, here we are: part two of three of the in-depth restoration of this classic device!...and here we have part three of the Tektronix 576 restoration project! This project has been a fun learning experience for me, and I'm sharing what I came across: both in terms of this specific device and some more general things. As expected, I did get a few minor details wrong on the assembly phase, but only one of them caused more than a brief "Oh" moment. You know, when you mount something and discovere that now access to something else is blocked? That kind of stuff. Or bypassing a regulator and wondering why it won't regulate. Those are the things to be expected. But what happened in the Step Generator section was a bit more subtle. I really need to brush up on my transistor circuit basics, as some of these are used in a strange way... at least to me.0:00 Intro / Wire Loom / Step Gen Supply2:47 Step Gen Output / Step Gen Amp / Step Gen / Wire Tangle5:02 Display Amplifier / Collector Sensing Resistors6:22 Display Switching / Attenuators7:55 First Steps on "Other" side / Wire Loom Clamps / Front Panel / Step Offset Pot9:30 Lower Case Mounts / Fixture Connectors / Variable Supply Control / Readout Board Wiring11:30 Camera Power / HV supply13:34 Mode/Polarity switch wiring / Graticule Illumination Pot (Oopsie) / Handle14:40 Power On! - Uh-Oh! / Transistor Mishap18:00 Collector Supply / Oil Cap Test and Stand In / CRT Shield Prep19:48 CRT and Display Readout20:50 Power On! - With CRT! / Calibration Guide + Fixture!22:05 Starting Calibration / Display Amp Pot Issue23:22 Missing Horizontal Calibration Signal / Relay Problem and Fix25:07 Looping Compensation / Broken Bulbs Galore!26:28 Oil Cap "Rework"28:40 Oil Cap Mounting / Safety Interlock?! / Knob / CRT Neck Cover30:30 Missing Screw for Test Bed / Bottom Cover / HV Cover Plates / Cover Panels32:33 Push Buttons: New Writing!34:14 New Bulbs! / Polarity Switch Casting?35:27 Tests! / 1N4007 / BZX55C / BC33737:05 Final View / Summary / CreditsGeneral Information: w140.com/tekwiki/wiki/576Music (in order)My Train's A Comin' - Unicorn HeadsTown of 24 Bars - Unicorn HeadsFirst Aid - Letter BoxDusty Fingers - DJ WilliamsFrame of Mine - Freedom Trail StudioNo Good Right - Freedom Trail Studio(YouTube Audio Library)You can support me on Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/atkelar and also on Patreon: patreon.com/Atkelarand now also here by using the "Super Thanks" feature!Thanks to everybody who signed up already!
Tektronix 576 Curve Tracer - Part 2 atkelar 2024-03-31 | I always wanted a decent curve tracer to check up on replacement parts with a bit more scrutiny. But the price was alwas a limiting factor. And the Tektronix model here is also quite heavy, so shipping usually almost doubles that. By the end of 2023, an online friend said he had to sell off his, due to lack of time, space and money. Add that to another online contact making a journey by car earlier in 2024, and I just couldn't pass up the chance! So, here we are: part two of three of the in-depth restoration of this classic device!NOTE: The cleanup process was even lengthier than shown... I only left "one item per type" in the video. e.g. from the 5 waver switches, only the most elaborate one is shown in detail...0:00 Intro / Resistor?! / Scrubbing!2:30 Paint Problem / Graticule Illumination Screws / Custom Paint!5:07 Recapping / Transistor Cleanup7:01 Power Switch / Waver Switch9:35 "Cam Drum" Switches12:00 Push Buttons15:22 Mini Potentiometers17:43 TTL IC Problem / Transistor Repair19:30 CRT Gain Potentiometers21:10 CRT Deflection Standoffs / Resoldering22:05 Variac / Compensation Capacitors24:08 Display Readout!27:03 Assembly: Collector Supply!29:58 Collector Supply Circuit Overview31:50 Backbone Beginning! / Mains Input Lines33:25 DC Filter Caps / Clearence Problem / Wire Loom Start!35:10 Thermal Cutoff / Transformer Taps / Power Resistors 35:57 Rectifier Board / Regulator Board / Summary / OuttakeGeneral Information: w140.com/tekwiki/wiki/576Blog post mentioning the "TTL Issue": jacmusic.com/Tube-testers/TEK-576/Tek-576-2-Restoration.htmlMusic (in order)My Train's A Comin' - Unicorn HeadsTown of 24 Bars - Unicorn HeadsFirst Aid - Letter BoxDusty Fingers - DJ WilliamsFrame of Mine - Freedom Trail StudioOceans - Text Me Records / Bobby RenzNo Good Right - Freedom Trail StudioSunset Trails - DJ WilliamsFirst Aid - Letter BoxNo Good Right - Freedom Trail Studio(YouTube Audio Library)You can support me on Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/atkelar and also on Patreon: patreon.com/Atkelarand now also here by using the "Super Thanks" feature!Thanks to everybody who signed up already!
Tektronix 576 Curve Tracer - Part 1 atkelar 2024-03-17 | I always wanted a decent curve tracer to check up on replacement parts with a bit more scrutiny. But the price was alwas a limiting factor. And the Tektronix model here is also quite heavy, so shipping usually almost doubles that. By the end of 2023, an online friend said he had to sell off his, due to lack of time, space and money. Add that to another online contact making a journey by car earlier in 2024, and I just couldn't pass up the chance! So, here we are: part one of either two or three (most likely three) of the in-depth restoration of this classic device!(note: not visible in the video becuase I stupidly didn't think much of it at the time: I found a loose resistor resting smack against one of the test fixture onnectors in it. So any less-deep restoration might have missed that and ended up with a short eventually. So yay! I found a good reason after the fact at least!)0:00 Intro / First Look2:20 What Is It For?3:48 CRT Driver / CRT Removal5:15 Test Fixture / Buttons / LV Power Supply and Rectifier7:02 Knobs / Soldered Wires / Filter Caps9:15 Belly Plate and Transformer View / Step Generator / Rear Panel10:21 Current Shunts and CRT Amplifier / CRT Shield / Handle / Final Knobs12:05 Front Panel / CRT Driver Removal / Oil Cap / Compensation Assembly / Relay13:20 Chassis Front / Button Boards / Mains Transformer14:50 Power Resistors / Collector Supply16:00 Wiring Loom Tangle / Collector Supply Unwrapping17:00 Test Fixture / Cleanup!18:30 Test Plate Restore / Wring Cleanup / Banana Plug Cleaning19:37 Left-Right Switch Clean / 22Ohm Issue20:39 Mode Switch Clean22:23 Rebuilding Fixture / Decals / Safety Interlock Switch24:57 Wire Repair / Case Closed / Lamp Test25:56 Summary of Part 1 / Credits / OuttakesGeneral Information: w140.com/tekwiki/wiki/576Music (in order)My Train's A Comin' - Unicorn HeadsTown of 23 Bars - Unicorn HeadsFirst Aid - Letter BoxDusty Fingers - DJ WilliamsFrame of Mine - Freedom Trail StudioNo Good Right - Freedom Trail Studio(YouTube Audio Library)You can support me on Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/atkelar and also on Patreon: patreon.com/Atkelarand now also here by using the "Super Thanks" feature!Thanks to everybody who signed up already!
Philips G7000 atkelar 2024-03-03 | Restoration Project #48 - Philips G7000While browsing through some retro tech stuff a while ago, I came across this little piece of history: The Philips G7000, otherwise knwon as the Magnavox Odyssey 2 in the US and some other markets. For some reason, Philips decided to use different names for it in different regions. Back then, when only few people had international contacts, it might seem reasonable. Today, it adds to the confusion for sure.Anyhow, this is the European and therefore PAL version of the well known classic console. It features color and beep-sounds for ROM cartridge based games. It also has a keyboard, althoug I couldn't see any cartridge that would use it as such. If you know any, please let me know in the comments!I'm also still looking for somewhat reasonable games for it. I started with Q*bert here because I knew it to be a decent game despite the simple mechanics, so I took it as a good example of what a game on this console could do.Since I made the video, I have also fitted a power switch in one of the unused slots of the case, but that was too simple to put out as a video; I will mention it and show it off in the - eventually planned - sequal about the video and audio out mod, whenever I get around to that!0:00 Intro1:05 Presenting / Disassembly2:50 Main PCB / Keyboard3:53 Joysticks5:13 Power Socket Update / Cleaning6:40 Recapping / Possibl Update9:50 Power Connection and Power Up / Keyboard Connector Oopsie10:55 Power with Cartridge / Closing up...12:33 Audio? / Issue! / Joystick Assembly14:08 Star Lock Washer Update15:15 Joystick Cover Plate / Test Game! / Final Impression / Credits / OuttakeRelated links: * http://www.videopac.org/G7000 - information about the G7000 * http://www.atarihq.com/danb/files/o2doc.pdf - inside out technical documentation * commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Videopac-pete-screen-800px.jpg - picture of complete unit, used under CC licenseMusic:My Train's A Comin'Unicorn Heads(YouTube Audio Library)You can support me on Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/atkelar and also on Patreon: patreon.com/Atkelarand now also here by using the "Super Thanks" feature!Thanks to everybody who signed up already!
HP 410C VTVM (as seen with @CuriousMarc ) - Part 2 atkelar 2024-02-18 | About two months ago, I was watching a restoration video by @CuriousMarc - he received two "identical" HP 410C VTVMs. While he tried to get both into a working state again, he mentioned that one of them was too far gone to be continued that time: it needed too much spare parts and would have to wait for some donor system. I reached out to him about maybe continuing the work on that unit? I did some transformer rewinding before after all! So, obviously, he agreed and after hammering out the details for shipping: here we are! Let's dig in!In this second part, I clean up the case, go over the circuitry on the PCBs, connect up some wires for the probes and make my own DC probe replacement. But then, the AC probe issue is causing some grief: I wanted to make a replacement, but the nice small RF diode tubes I found are lost in the mail somewhere.The original video by @CuriousMarc is here: youtube.com/watch?v=OOqh2Wqdi4s0:00 Intro / Recap1:45 Meter Glass / Cover Plate4:05 Potentiometer Check5:25 Mounting Meter / DC Wires and Clips7:16 PCB Time: Capacitors Cleanup8:28 Chopper Assembly: Desolder and Neon Test9:23 Component Check and Report10:37 Electrolytic Swap / PCB Cleanup11:28 Chopper Assembly and Input Cap Mounting12:50 Calibration PCB / First Power Up / Chopper Adjustment14:11 Calibration Overview / Tube Shield15:13 DC Probe: Lathe / Plating17:00 DC Probe Assembly / Ohms Range18:05 AC? Whaaaa!18:53 AC Probe Overview and Function Explained19:55 Peek inside AC Probe!21:10 AC Probe Test and Calibartion / Covers22:27 Overview / Summary / Credits / OuttakeMusic:My Train's A Comin'Unicorn Heads(YouTube Audio Library)You can support me on Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/atkelar and also on Patreon: patreon.com/AtkelarOr, you can also drop a virtual coin into the YouTube hat by using the "Super Thanks" feature!Thanks to everybody who signed up already!
Time Clock - Part 2 atkelar 2024-02-04 | Time Clock - Restoration Project #47 - Part 2Part 1 is over here: youtu.be/dsYLKyeK_VwA very common question I get almost everywhere is "how much time do you spend on the projects?" - and I have no idea. I do have a fully blown phobia of timekeeping aparently. And yes, that's a problem for my day job too. But it led to an interesting eBay search and here's the result: A vintage time clock!Like so many nifty gadgets, it's of US origin and takes the wrong voltage/frequency to run. And even if I don't want to hook it up permanently, I still want it to work for whenever I do fancy it for whatever purpose. So it was clear from the get go that I needed to do same modifications...In this part 2, I can start putting things together again and find out all the details of the inner workings. The clock was missing any identification markings about model or series numbers, but had a sticker for "Cincinnati Time Clock Co." on the side. They might be the ones who maintained it though, as the best "looks like my device" hit so far was provided by Rynnan, who discovered an IBM model 2500-5 that looks exactly like this one. Although the "-5" might indicate a "master clock" driven model, the chase and clock face is an exact match with mine... The early "IBM" tag might also be a reason why it has gone missing, as that might be a nifty collector's item.0:00 Intro / Review1:11 Assembly Start: Coil Pack / Base Plate / Actuator Plate3:00 Leaf Switches / Feet4:08 Ribbon Winder 5:15 Ribbon? How and Fix7:20 Assembly: Clockwork Beginning...9:38 ...Frame Completed, More Springs and Levers...10:25 Number Wheels11:25 Aligning Levers13:50 Clock Shaft / Motor14:40 Clock Face / Clock Gears16:15 First Test With Motor / Electrical Work18:03 First Stamp Test / Lock Issue19:35 Second Stamp / Mechanism Slow Motion20:20 Stmap Explained22:15 Overview / Summary / Credits / Outtakesen.wikipedia.org/wiki/Time_clock - Generic info about time clocks for the young ones out thereMusic:My Train's A Comin'Unicorn Heads(YouTube Audio Library)You can support me on Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/atkelar and also on Patreon: patreon.com/Atkelar...and since a month, you can also drop a virtual coin into the YouTube hat by using the "Super Thanks" feature!Thanks to everybody who signed up already!
Time Clock - Part 1 atkelar 2024-01-21 | Time Clock - Restoration Project #47 - Part 1A very common question I get almost everywhere is "how much time do you spend on the projects?" - and I have no idea. I do have a fully blown phobia of timekeeping aparently. And yes, that's a problem for my day job too. But it led to an interesting eBay search and here's the result: A vintage time clock!Like so many nifty gadgets, it's of US origin and takes the wrong voltage/frequency to run. And even if I don't want to hook it up permanently, I still want it to work for whenever I do fancy it for whatever purpose. So it was clear from the get go that I needed to do same modifications...In this part 1, I'm taking things apart, start the cleaning and come up with solutions for various ailments of the device. Part 2 will see the assembly and a bit more explanation of the punch mechanism.The clock was missing any identification markings about model or series numbers, but had a sticker for "Cincinnati Time Clock Co." on the side. Not sure if they just serviced it or made it...0:00 Intro / Unboxing1:40 Lock Issue / Overview Clock3:00 Visible Clock / Ink Ribbon / Separating Clock / Ribbon Winder4:16 Bottom Cover / Mechanism Removal / Capacitors5:37 Stamp Mechanism Disassembly Start: Cap, Switches7:05 Winding Levers / Actuator Plate / Magnet Block8:22 Taking Apart Magnet9:10 Clock Motor Replacement: Placement...10:24 Clock Disassembly: Number Wheels / Advance Levers11:40 Final Clockwork Bits / Number Wheels13:00 Plunger Issue / Motor Issue14:10 Motor Axle / Motor mount spacers / Frame Cut15:12 Ribbon Replacement16:43 Case Cleanup and Paint18:19 Cleaning19:25 Fixing Plunger / Rebuilding Magnet for Testing20:53 Old Circuit... Wrong?21:36 Coil Tests and Resistor Trial / Rewinding Coil22:35 Summary / Credits / Outtakeen.wikipedia.org/wiki/Time_clock - Generic info about time clocks for the young ones out thereMusic:My Train's A Comin'Unicorn Heads(YouTube Audio Library)You can support me on Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/atkelar and also on Patreon: patreon.com/Atkelar...and since a month, you can also drop a virtual coin into the YouTube hat by using the "Super Thanks" feature!Thanks to everybody who signed up already!
HP 410C VTVM (as seen with @CuriousMarc) - Part 1 atkelar 2024-01-07 | HP 410C VTVM - Workshop Project #29About a month ago, I was watching a restoration video by @CuriousMarc - he received two "identical" HP 410C VTVMs. While he tried to get both into a working state again, he mentioned that one of them was too far gone to be continued that time: it needed too much spare parts and would have to wait for some donor system. I reached out to him about maybe continuing the work on that unit? I did some transformer rewinding before after all! So, obviously, he agreed and after hammering out the details for shipping: here we are! Let's dig in!The original video by CuriousMarc is here: youtube.com/watch?v=OOqh2Wqdi4s0:00 Intro / Unpacking1:30 Overview / Disassembly / Power Switch Diagnosis3:20 Power Switch Restoration6:50 Rear Panel / Transformer / 7 Ohm Resistor Located!7:50 Electrolytics9:18 Transformer Diagnosis / Plannning12:50 Transformer Unwind14:10 Transformer Winding15:40 Laminates / Validation16:30 Case Cleaning / AC Probe Socket Clean17:50 Waver Switch Cleaning20:15 Power Socket Mod / Assembly Start!21:45 7 Ohm Resistor Fix / Assembly23:10 Unbending and Mounting Front Panel / Grounding (COM) Wire / Back Panel24:20 Power Supply PCB / Spade Connectors25:42 Power On! / AC Issue27:45 Overview Part 2 / Credits / Box?!Music:My Train's A Comin'Unicorn Heads(YouTube Audio Library)You can support me on Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/atkelar and also on Patreon: patreon.com/Atkelar...and since a month, you can also drop a virtual coin into the YouTube hat by using the "Super Thanks" feature!Thanks to everybody who signed up already!
2024 Channel Update! atkelar 2024-01-03 | It's another new year, another good opportunity to tweak things. Here's a bit of an update about what's to come on a general level!
I got myself some extra work! atkelar 2023-12-30 | This is a quick announcement of the next(?) project video! When I saw one of the latest videos from @CuriousMarc, I had pitty on the poor device he deemed too far gone to be saved. I contacted him about it and now, it's in my paws! Thanks a bunch! It's coming along nice, and a part one shold be possible for next week's scheduled video!
Heathkit T3 Rebuild - Part 2 atkelar 2023-12-24 | In this video, I'm completing the rebuild of the Heathkit T3 signal tracer I managed to get during the (late) Summer months of 2023. It's one of these restorations wher one thing leads to another... I'm fixing up the speaker, replacing the goo that was the wiring harness and all capacitors. None of the caps showed up as "good" on the leakage testing when the voltage was anywhere near half the rated one. Also a few of the resistors were out of spec, so to keep it simple, I replaced all of them, except the one across the speaker output and the main supply dropper power resistor.I also needed new probes to go with it, and so I came up with a relative simple design. The 3D printed parts were supposed to be turned on the lathe, but my order of Delrin(tm) arrived a bit too late, so along with the rubber feet, this might be an eventualy replacement part.To finish off the rebuild, I'm explaining the circuit theory and give a brief example of the individual use cases; Mind you, the audio that is coming from my test case radio is kept on a muffled level deliberately, to avoid copyright claims for the radio program. It's nowhere near as bad as it seems ;)0:00 Intro and Recap / Socket Cleanup1:50 Speaker Repair3:04 Front Panel Decals / Wire Harness and Component Issues4:25 Assembly Time! Audio Sockets and Speaker / Speaker Connectors / IEC Socket5:45 Audio Transformer / Chassis / Potentiometers / Filter Capacitor7:37 Tube Sockets / Mains Wiring / Rectifier = DC!8:40 Front Panel Wiring / First Stage / Eye Tube Test9:44 Second Stage / Third Stage10:55 Case Closed! / New Knobs / Wattmeter Issue12:33 IEC to Anythign Adapter14:47 Wattmeter Calibration / Probe Description / RF Probe Circuit Build15:58 Probe Build: Cable and Design / Lathe Work / Probe Tips?!17:34 Nickel Plating / Spring and Overall Design18:55 Assembling Probe19:46 Testing and Circuit Description22:45 Overview / Thanks / Credits and TeaserReferences:Video with speaker repair, pointed out by Cheetah: youtu.be/N9sue46dUYAMusic:My Train's A Comin'Unicorn Heads(YouTube Audio Library)You can support me on Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/atkelar ...and also on Patreon: patreon.com/Atkelar...and you can also drop a virtual coin into the YouTube hat by using the "Super Thanks!"Thanks to everybody who signed up already!
Heathkit T3 Rebuild - Part 1 atkelar 2023-12-10 | During late summer of 2023, I found an auction for a Heathkit T3 Signal Tracer; These usually go for big bucks but the listed one was a bit... well... "used and untested" would be the best description, so I got it for a relative low amount. Let's find out what horrors it holds! I did not expect this to be a two-part project, but there were indeed quite a few things to take care of...0:00 Intro / Overview / Outside Issues1:55 Inside Issues3:17 Tube Health Check / Speaker Issue4:15 Front Panel Disassembly / Transformer6:55 Chassis Disassembly / "Rubber" Grommets8:53 Front Panel Cleanup10:48 Case Painting11:41 Hole Fixup / Wattmeter Socket / Panel Paint13:57 Chassis Cleanup / Transformer Core15:30 Unwinding / Rewinding17:42 Transformer Wiring and Mounting / New Grommets19:10 Potentiometer Cleanup: Gain21:00 Potentiometer Cleanup: On/Off and Watts23:42 Sliding Switches / Mode Switch25:27 Part 2 Teaser / Credits / OuttakeMusic:My Train's A Comin'Unicorn Heads(YouTube Audio Library)You can support me on Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/atkelar ...and also on Patreon: patreon.com/Atkelar...and you can also drop a virtual coin into the YouTube hat by using the "Super Thanks!"Thanks to everybody who signed up already!
Altix Shutter Repair atkelar 2023-11-26 | Repair #7 - Altix ShutterThis time around, I have a sad camera... When I first got it, it was sold as a decorative item pretty much, because the shutter was stuck solid. I disassembled it (way before I made videos about such things) and found one of the shutter blades to be completely bent. I flattened it and the thing came back to life! Awesome! When I manage to guess the correct focal distance, it does make some really awesome pictures! But, alas, it wasn't meant to last: during my 2022 vacation it started to behave odd...0:00 Intro / Disassembly2:25 The 2022 Problem...3:30 A Fresh Drop of Oil4:28 Shutter Assembly, Take 1, 2, 3 and 4...5:42 Final Steps6:30 The 2023 Vacation and Problem7:50 Problem Detail and Production Process9:25 bCNC Process and Prototype11:08 First Iteration / New Material / Whoopsie!12:55 Assembly w. Proper Blade / Test14:40 Loading Film15:23 Developing16:23 Sample Pictures / Overview / Summary / OuttakeMusic:My Train's A Comin'Unicorn Heads(YouTube Audio Library)You can support me on Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/atkelar and also on Patreon: patreon.com/Atkelarand now also here by using the "Super Thanks" feature!Thanks to everybody who signed up already!
Update: Vintage Headphones Upgrade atkelar 2023-11-19 | It was bound to happen sooner or later: I'll have to re-visit some of my projects to tidy up loose ends or improve something based on your feedback. These will hardly ever warrant a full blown project video, but also might be worth sharing. This is the first one of such videos, where I follow up on the vintage headphones restoration, by adding a leather wrapper to the headband. This was suggested by a viewer in the comments of the original video; Note that I still couldn't find any pictures of these *with* any wrapper on the metal band, but it sounds enough like a mod that anybody who had to use them back in the day would make sooner or later. This is the first official "update" video I'm making, with post-project additions, fixes and improvements. It's probably going to be recurring, but at irregular intervals. What do you think?0:00 Intro1:11 Disassembly / Problem Statement / Edge Cutting / Glue Test2:55 Foam / Cutting / Stitch Stategy4:20 Sewing / Knotting / Assembly5:25 Final Impression / Credits / OuttakeMusic:My Train's A Comin'Unicorn Heads(YouTube Audio Library)You can support me on Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/atkelar and also on Patreon: patreon.com/Atkelarand now also here by using the "Super Thanks" feature!Thanks to everybody who signed up already!
Brother M-1109 atkelar 2023-11-12 | Restoration Project #46 - Brother M-1109Earlier this year I was looking for a simple parallel port printer to use in another project. I scouted e-bay for cheap options and came across this one. A 9-pin dot matrix printer. It seems to be complete, but the "untested" note in the listing was hinting towards some issues. I found out that the printer head connection - a flatflex PCB again - is busted and doesn't provide continuity on most of the lines, including the ground one, so not a single pin worked (I did test the connector off camera) I managed to brindge the broken part, but since it's now slightly wonky in the moving path, I have no clue how long that fix will last. Maybe this is a good chance to try out a PCB prototyping service that offers flexiple prints? I'm considering the option, keep your eyes peeled for a possible follow up!...oh, and of course I'm also working on the other project, so the printer might make an appearence in yet another video too!0:00 Intro / Overview / Disassembly3:12 Printer Mechanism Disassembly5:56 Flat Flex Issue7:53 Recapping and Heatsinks10:08 Power Switch Insides / Reassembly Start11:36 New Line Filter Improvisation / Power Cord13:35 Mechanism Cleanup / Ribbon Feed Assembly15:20 Stepper Motor Heatsink / Flat Flex "repair"16:40 Paper Feed Mechanism / Wrapping up / Test Print18:19 Presentation / Summary / OuttakeMusic:My Train's A Comin'Unicorn Heads(YouTube Audio Library)You can support me on Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/atkelar and also on Patreon: patreon.com/Atkelaryou can also drop a virtual coin into the YouTube hat by using the "Super Thanks" feature!Thanks to everybody who signed up already!
Commodore C64 Cleanup atkelar 2023-10-29 | Commodore C64 - Restoration Project #45I am still swamped with work, both professional and family/home related. This means that my current ongoing projects are not ready for a project video. I decided to dig a bit into the backlog and ended up at the first "postponed" video in the tinkering series: The first C-64 restoration.When I made the SX-64 video - it's so old that the format is still a bit off and the narration is done in a rather boring voice - I had the idea to get a couple of regular C64s for parts, just in case. Turns out that I didn't need them, and so, after finishing the SX-64, I started with the bread bins too. Since the process was pretty much straight forward, I never came around to edit the project video together. Perfect candidate for a filler project, I'd say!0:00 Intro / Case / Heat Sink2:15 Main PCB / Keyboard / Badges3:50 PCB Examination / Keyboard Disassembly6:13 Sticker? / Case Cleaning7:30 Recapping / Contact Cleaning / Heat Sinks10:18 New Capacitors / PCB Cleanup12:14 Assembly! / Keybaord14:13 Finished! / Test / Credits / OuttakeMusic:My Train's A Comin'Unicorn Heads(YouTube Audio Library)You can support me on Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/atkelar and also on Patreon: patreon.com/Atkelar...and since two weeks, you can also drop a virtual coin into the YouTube hat by using the "Super Thanks to everybody who signed up already!
Grundig 6007 Front Panel atkelar 2023-10-21 | A quick bonus edit for the 6007 restoration; I was sure I had footage of the sanding process, but aparently, every time I worked on that front panel, I didn't have the camera running. So I did some improvised stuff to show off what it was and what it became here instead.
Grundig 6007 atkelar 2023-10-15 | Grundig 6007 - Workshop Project #27This one is a rather expensive piece of retro kit: A Grundig 6007 high voltage lab power supply. It is designed specifically for testing tube circuits and I was on the hunt for one for the longest time. They pop up every now and then but usually are either in complete disarray or extremely expensive. I found out later why... But since I really really wanted one, and my birthday was coming up, I treated myself! Well, there goes the rest of the tinkering budget for 2023; good thing I have some backlog.0:00 Intro / Problem / Device Description3:45 Damage Description / Disassembly Start / Tubes5:10 Case / Fuse Holder6:12 Front Panel / Meter Checkup7:25 Meter Tuning Description / Meter Problem and Solution8:44 Meter Mirror Misery10:18 OpenSCAD Button Replacement / Front Panel and Transformer Disassembly11:45 Fuse Holder Detail / Chassis Liberation / Chokes13:22 Dust / Fuse Holder Glue Up / Bent Chassis?14:22 Paint Job / Filter Caps Gutting15:50 Tube Sockets / Rectifiers17:35 Chokes18:20 Transformers / Mains Switch19:43 Potentiometers20:30 Front Panel Assembly / Button Replacement21:45 Output Capacitors / Filter Capacitors and Issue23:39 Working! / No Current Meter? / Tube Caps + Pads24:57 Trimming / Case Closed25:55 Overview / Credits / OuttakesMusic:My Train's A Comin'Unicorn Heads(YouTube Audio Library)You can support me on Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/atkelar and also on Patreon: patreon.com/Atkelar...and since a month, you can also drop a virtual coin into the YouTube hat by using the "Super Thanks" feature!Thanks to everybody who signed up already!
Tube Era Headphones atkelar 2023-09-30 | Restoration Project #44 - Tube Era HeadphonesIn order to test the phone output of the ES-500 scope, I needed proper matching headphones. An online group suggested these from an ongoing e-bay auction. I got lucky with the minimum bid this time and shipping was quite a bit more expensive than the item in this case. At any rate, I think I got another nifty item for my collection and a nice project video out of it.Note: I did try to do a bit less of timelapse this time... tell me what you think!0:00 Intro / Overview 1:43 Disassembly3:45 Construction Details5:36 Cleanup / Wirebrushing7:58 Adjusting Holder / Painting9:00 Clean Wire / Chrome Experiment / Assembly Start11:36 ...reapeat for other side...13:06 Frame Assembly / Plugs14:17 Test and... AC?15:12 Presentation / Summary / OuttakeMusic:My Train's A Comin'Unicorn Heads(YouTube Audio Library)You can support me on Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/atkelar and also on Patreon: patreon.com/Atkelar...and since two weeks, you can also drop a virtual coin into the YouTube hat by using the "Super Thanks" feature!Thanks to everybody who signed up already!
Precision ES-500 (Part 3/3) atkelar 2023-09-15 | Workshop Project #25 - Precision ES-500The final part of the restoration / rebuild effort is going to finally put tubes under power! It's beeen a really long time! But now: main signal turn on!0:00 Intro / Resistor Divider / "Neck Board" and Wire Issues2:25 CRT Turn On! / Centering Issue4:00 CRT Rotation Alignment and Bezel / Heater Lines / First Binding Post6:18 3D Soldering / First Input Stage Wiring7:46 VR150 Check / 6J5 Check / Driver Stage Wiring8:56 Revision in Amplifier / Driver Stage Finalizing / Vertical Deflection!10:30 Attenuator Rebuild / Adjustments11:55 Horizontal Section Start / Selection Switch Wiring14:00 Sawtooth...ish? / Horizontal Test / Troubleshooting / Wiring Loom15:50 Twitching Problem / Troubleshooting16:50 Final Overview / Case Closed17:45 Feature Overview: Range, Coupling, Sync, Gain, Phones, Beam Mod., Ext Sync., 6V, Phasing21:00 Wierd Noise...? / CreditsPart 1 is here - youtube.com/watch?v=f-CteoZsIOcPart 2 is here - youtube.com/watch?v=LrDv40FFSFcMusic:My Train's A Comin'Unicorn Heads(YouTube Audio Library)"Walking Atkelar" Animation: SnapaiYou can support me on Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/atkelar and also on Patreon: patreon.com/AtkelarThanks to everybody who signed up already!
Precision ES-500 (Part 2/3) atkelar 2023-09-01 | Workshop Project #25 - Precision ES-500 Part 2 of the process: Getting more things cleaned up and making fundamental decisions... also, starting to put stuff back together!0:00 Intro / Horizontal Selection Switch2:14 Smaller Selection Switches / Resistor (In)Tolerances / Decisions...3:34 Chassis Stripping / Wire Loom5:33 Tube Sockets6:20 Case Cleanup / Paint and Handle8:33 Uncanned Caps9:50 New Cap Covers11:15 Binding Post Screws13:23 Fuse Holder14:10 "Spare" Parts15:08 Finally: Putting Things Together!15:58 Circuit Overview / Power Supply17:30 Transformer Flip / HV Rectifier18:46 Chasis Continues / Tube Sockets / Resistor Divider Desoldering20:01 "Neck" Holder / B+ Setup21:10 New Schematic Revision? / Credits / OuttakePart 1 is here - youtube.com/watch?v=f-CteoZsIOcMusic:My Train's A Comin'Unicorn Heads(YouTube Audio Library)You can support me on Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/atkelar and also on Patreon: patreon.com/AtkelarThanks to everybody who signed up already!
HP 5512-A Counter atkelar 2023-08-05 | Workshop Project #25 - HP 5512A CounterOne word: NIXIES! I've been hunting for one of these old school counters for quite some time and I got lucky a few weeks ago: This unit was up for grabs for reasonably cheap; it was listed as "untested, as is" and "a good source of nixie tubes for clock projects"... Well, I think I can rescue that beauty from such a cruel fate! Not that I have anything against nixie clocks, but please: don't kill vintage gear for it!The unit had the fan missing and somebody had put in a crued power cord mod because the built in power socket was not the typical modern ICE one, but rather these oval ones from ye days of yore...The electrolytics were in pretty bad shape; and this time it's not an estimate but confirmed: I put in reasonable new ones again. Note: I don't have as much selection for the make and model of caps as I'd like: I need a well matching capacity first, a minimum of the same voltage second and thirdly a case that is at least not larger than the original one. Make and Model is last on that list, but if I can find the same ones, I'll gladly take them. In this case though, the tantalum one was so expensive, that I just went for a regular house and garden variety instead. Almost 40$ per piece... with 3+ weeks delivery time... yikes!0:00 Intro / Overview 1:35 Peek inside / Nixies Are Stuck3:50 Pulling Modules / Back Panel and Case5:23 Recapping Start / Gutting Caps7:29 Stuffing Caps / PCB Recapping and Cleaning9:33 One More Cap! / Potentiometers And Switches11:28 Back Panel Re-Mod / Filter Cap Mounting12:34 Cleanup Time! / Reassembly / Backplane Cleanup / Thermal Paste14:00 Back Panel Assembly15:40 Function Switch Cleanup / Front Panel17:30 Filter Cap Soldering / Voltage Check / -35V Adjustment!18:38 First Nixie Glow! / Function Check / 100kHz Adjustment19:45 Real Test / New Fan / New Foam Padding / New Feet21:20 Circuit Overview23:30 +/-1 "Error" / Bye / OuttakeMusic:My Train's A Comin'Unicorn Heads(YouTube Audio Library)You can support me on Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/atkelar and also on Patreon: patreon.com/AtkelarThanks to everybody who signed up already!
Machine Level (no, not the computer type!) atkelar 2023-07-22 | This time, I have a rather small project again; It did take some effort though, and turned out quite nicely If I may say so myself. But since stage hand has thrown out his back recently, I can't get him to lift heavy stuff for the planned upcoming projects... you know: unions!Now what "machine level" is it? I have no idea about the brand or model in this case, as neither the device nor the box came with a label. If anybody out there knows what this actually was listed as, please let me know! The e-bay listing just said "machine level, used".As is almost to be expected by now, the heavy object caused some damage in transit. In this case however, the damage was limited to the wooden box. Join in and see how I made a nice, almost new looking one out of it!0:00 Intro / Presentation2:05 Unpacking / Damage Assessment3:03 Honing Reference Surfaces4:35 Paint Removal 5:48 Masking / Repaint7:33 Case Repair9:25 Case Glue Up + Paint11:14 Foam Rubber Padding / Unmasking12:45 Calibration Validation / Tests14:42 Finished / Thanks / Credits / OuttakeMusic: My Train's A Comin'Unicorn Heads(YouTube Audio Library)You can support me on Ko-Fi and Patreon: ko-fi.com/atkelarpatreon.com/Atkelar
A Quick Announcement... atkelar 2023-07-12 | Some changes need to be made; I hope they aren't too big, but I need to look ahead...You can support me here: ko-fi.com/atkelar...and now also here: patreon.com/Atkelar
Super Probe Build atkelar 2023-07-08 | Build Project #9 - "Super Probe"One of my regular watches on YouTube is Mr. Carlson's Lab; he specializes in electronics repair and restorations of tube equipment. Right up my alley! Occasionally, he also designs circuits; most are for his patreon subscribers, but this one which has cought my eye, was up for free on his channel, you can check out the original video in the link below.0:00 Intro / Description1:15 KiCAD Circuit / PCB Process2:50 PCBs and Parts arrive / Populate Probe...4:18 ...Capacitors / Solder5:25 Probe Insulation / Amp PCB Population6:15 SMD IC Pinout Fail and "Fix"7:10 Amplifier Case8:48 Probe Case11:25 Assembly: Amp13:40 Assembly: Probe15:20 Test! / Overview / CreditsMusic:My Train's A Comin'Unicorn Heads(YouTube Audio Library)You can support me on Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/atkelarMr. Carlson's Super Probe video: youtu.be/uVkJqqZroN0
HP 1600A Logic Analyzer 2/2 atkelar 2023-06-24 | Workshop Project #24 - HP 1600AThe conclusion to the HP 1600A project: The previous project video showed the disassembly and beginning of the cleanup process. In this episode, I'm putting the logic analyzer together again and fix an issue in the "map" mode.The TL;DR of the issue is that a few cips were broken and the output was somehwere between high and low, i.e. at "maybe" level. Downstream logic didn't like that and started to oscillate with the signal going randomly up or down; This manifested as a "fuzzy" display, so troubleshooting started in the scope display driver section and it took some time to get to the culprits. I also couldn't get the correct TTL series replacements, so I had to add a few pull up resistors too. I shall replace these with the real ones eventually, but for now: it works!0:00 Intro / Switch Pad Repair2:46 Power Indicator LED3:18 Assembly Start - Back Panel / Transformer4:27 Rectifier Caps / Feet and Bus Socket6:05 Mounting the Transformer / Heatsink / Power Switch7:25 Power Tests / High Voltage Board8:50 Case Frame / CRT Shield10:08 Case and Front Panel / CRT Cleanup12:08 CRT Nope / CRT Bezel13:22 CRT Connectors / Backplane PCB / Front Connectors / CRT Driver14:44 Main PCB / Finishing Touches: Buttons and Handle16:10 Probe Pods17:41 First Run and Function Description19:08 Map Mode Problem20:35 Replacement Chip Issue and Botch / Blinkenlights21:30 Accessory Bag / Presentation / Goodbye / OuttakeMusic:My Train's A Comin'Unicorn Heads(YouTube Audio Library)You can support me on Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/atkelar
Button Foil Cover Replacement atkelar 2023-06-11 | Re-Upload as short, cause YT App keeps breaking the upload and turns it into a regular video; Guys! Bug! Fixit!Anyhow... I've seen these "button covers" mostly on old printers and similar devices. The cover on the two HP printers I got recently was worn through and I kept thinking: where do I get a new one? Well, this is certainly a solution; Not "perfect", but "very good" for home use for sure!
HP 1600A Logic Analyzer 1/2 atkelar 2023-06-10 | Workshop Project #24 - HP 1600AThe HP 1600A was certainly amongst the first, if not the first, logic state analyzers. With the digital circuits getting more and more common around that time, workshops needed tools to identify problems and diagnose glitches; especially since the CPUs were reaching the MHz range and a "capture" mode for signal tracing was a must.HP took the case and CRT part of an established oscilloscope and added the digital components to the CRT section.I really like these devices that transition from one technology to the next. Where else do you see TTL interfacing with a native CRT device in such a direct manner? The "character" generation is a simple sine wave: apply in Y only to get a "1" and apply a phase shifted (cosine) version to X to get a "0". Besides simple dots, that's all the thing can put on display! And it's enouhg for quite a few diagnostic tasks!...if it works, that is! Join in for part one of two, where I start to disassemble it and start the cleanup process. Part two will show the rebuild, as well as some troubleshooting!0:00 Intro / Overview / Peek Inside2:39 First Steps of Disassembly3:55 Finally, First Board: CRT controller4:40 Main PCB + Botches, "Backplane" PCB5:51 Front Panel + CRT7:19 Power Supply / Mains Transformer + Filter Caps8:38 Heat Sink / Power Supply PCB9:47 Back Panel / Mains Wiring10:38 Voltage Selection / Rectifier / Transformer11:40 HV Suppoly PCB / LED Clips / Final Case Parts and more Rust13:07 Rust Removal Mains Transformer / Switches Disassembly / Solder Issue15:04 HV Potentiometer / Pot and Swtich Info16:45 Mains Swtich18:01 Trigger Switches / Delay Encoders 19:54 Recapping! / IC Pins / Probe Sockets20:44 Switch Assembly22:33 Summary / OuttakeMusic:My Train's A Comin'Unicorn Heads(YouTube Audio Library)You can support me on Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/atkelar
Nabu Modem Project Update #1 atkelar 2023-05-28 | First row of larger updates about the modem project! At long last: visible progress has been made! Debugging interrupt code without a visual debugger is hard. I finally narrowed down the issue to a bug in the assembler I use. Sheesh. Do I have to fix *everything* myself? :) 0:00 Intro1:15 Breadboard Montage / EEPROM Issue2:14 PCB Prototype Time! / Power Supply Adapter Update3:47 5V-3.3V Issue and Choices / Programming Adapter5:24 SMD Soldering... Kinda... / LEDs and Button6:50 ESP Programming / Configuration Program Intro8:10 Config Program Details / Local Server Overview9:20 Progress Summary 10:35 User Doc / Credits / OuttakeMy project GitHub, to follow along any progress: github.com/Atkelar/nabunetMusic:My Train's A Comin'Unicorn Heads(YouTube Audio Library)You can support me on Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/atkelar
Heathkit IT-28 atkelar 2023-05-14 | Workshop Project #23 - Heathkit IT-28I am always out there, hunting for interesting devices on e-bay... and I couldn't believe my luck when I found this little gem of old school homebrew electronics: a Heathkit IT-28 on sale in the UK; I put in a bid and - just by sheer luck - won the auction with about 3 Euro and change under my maximum bid. Either that or the system is rigged. But hey, here I am: proud owner of an old school capacitor tester.The instruction manual, complete with description and circuit diagram, is out there as PDF and was really helpful in making sense of the typical tube point-to-point wiring. They sure cared more about function than recognizable wire paths back then.Join in as I unpack and fix up this little gem! As seen on @MrCarlsonsLab you might say: he has one of those and occasionally uses it too!0:00 Intro / Overview 1:20 Unboxing / Disassembly Start / Transformer3:05 Front Panel Disassembly / Goo?4:50 Electrolytics / Resistor / Voltage Switch Claening6:48 Mains Switch Claening / Mode Switch Claening8:09 Binding Posts / Case Straightening 9:04 Case Painting9:57 Power Cord / Panel Mounting11:26 Binding Posts / Electrlytics Replacement12:37 Adding Case and Power Plug / Power Up / Tube Test / Blown Fuse14:22 Power Up with New Eye Tube15:00 Leakage Circuit Outline / Calibration16:22 Testing the Replaced Electrolytics! / Replacing Reference Caps17:36 Bridge Circuit Features / Carry Handle18:40 Overview / Summary / Credits / OuttakeMusic:My Train's A Comin'Unicorn Heads(YouTube Audio Library)You can support me on Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/atkelar
Nabu PC: First Steps - Retro Computing #3 atkelar 2023-04-29 | Back in late November of 2022, @adriansdigitalbasement presented the "Nabu Personal Computer" - a Z80 based 8-bit microcomputer that was not very successful at its time and thus became available in larger quantities as new old stock. The reason why it wasn't as successful as comparable systems of the time was - in my opinion - the lack of any local storage. It is what some people would call a "smart terminal". But when I saw it, I realized that it does have potential: the connection to the intented TV network was done with an external modem and making a replacement for that with the internet rather than cable network providing the backend seems like a plan to me.But... alas... the one time I have a chance of being up front with the new thing of the day, I fall behind before I can start, because I had to wait over two weeks for the thing to be delivered and by that time, other channels seem to have some progress already. Hrmpf! I despise all that stupid formality for import/export and the red tape that goes with it. If somebody travelling from the US had picked that up, I could have had it almost next day without breaking a sweat, but now I'm way too far behind to matter anymore. Thus, I decided to just ignore whatever I saw and hold on to my original plan anyhow. That way, I couldn't be accused of being a "copy cat".At any rate, Christmas and day job project work loomed and the project got delayed for various reasons, but recently I had enough space and time to pick up where I wanted to start in December...0:00 Intro / Overview 1:52 Unboxing / Disassembly Start3:50 Chip Overview / Power Resistor?5:06 Power Supply / Ground Connector Issue / Botch?6:28 Fan / Keyboard Disassembly7:34 Recapping Time!8:19 Assembly: Keyboard and Main Unit / PSU Mounting9:55 Mainboard / LED Board / Temporary Fan Mount11:08 Power Plug / PSU Adapter12:03 Power Up!12:45 Soft...where? Right here!14:08 Overview Boot Process / Plans for Modem15:12 Modem Hardware Info16:50 First Program!17:54 Refined Version and OS Groundwork19:00 Overview / Summary / OuttakeAdrian's video: youtube.com/watch?v=HLYjZoShjy0The tech specs I used - the circuit has a few data lines crossed in the interrupt section, so please validate any connections before making assumptions: bitsavers.org/pdf/nabu/Nabu_Computer_Technical_Manual_by_MJP.pdfMy project GitHub, to follow along any progress: github.com/Atkelar/nabunetMusic:My Train's A Comin'Unicorn Heads(YouTube Audio Library)You can support me on Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/atkelar
Musical-5V Part 2 - Restoration atkelar 2023-04-16 | Restoration Project #42 - PE Musical 5V - Part 2In the previous part of this two-part episode, I started the restoration of a PE Musical 5V turntable. It is a "mobile" unit, contained in a carry case with its own amp. I got it "free, as is" and it grew on me: turns out to be a record changer, so basically a "even fuller auto" type of turntable that was also sold as a unit to include in cabinets, so the "PE Rex A 4" seems to be a common enough model. It had quite a few issues, which I mostly addressed in the first part, so be sure to watch that one first!...and now follow me on the second part to see how it turned out!0:00 Intro / Motor Issue?1:34 Belt Drive / Idler Wheel2:35 Start Disassembly: Arm3:45 First Levers / The Great Bearing Escape / End Detecton Arm4:45 Arm Pivot / Start Lever / Actuator Cam5:50 Control Levers / Ball Bearing / Paint Prep7:07 Paint: Frame, Base and Platter / Dremel Example / Broken "Nose" 1mm Drill8:28 Cover Removal / Hardware Mounting and Painting Decisions10:15 Cover Solution / New Cover for Amp Panel11:50 Amp Installation / Rectifier Upgrade13:40 Case Shell Cover / New Rubber Feet15:30 Finishing Inside Cover / Lid Trim + Incident16:24 Start Player Assembly: End of Record Arm / Arm Pivot17:34 Control Levers + Cam / Ball Bearing / Idler Wheel18:52 Initial Platter Mount / Changer Linkage / Motor / Arm Lift Linkage 19:50 Short Circtuit Switch / Motor Switch / Arm Rest / Mounting Frame / Platter Test20:48 Attaching Arm / Pickup, Dual Needles / Pickup Cleaning22:25 Force Adjustment / End of Record Adjustment and Explanation24:08 End of Record Test / Final Trimmings / Power Plug Change25:25 Stylus Upgrade and Test Record26:40 Final Words / Goodbye / OuttakePost video editing comments and clarifications: * I say "still not found what these nails are" because the wire recorder case had exactly the same ones.* I did try to get the drop axles for the changer part... but none of the ones I found fit this particular model. It's a tangle of model numbers out there.Music: My Train's A Comin'Unicorn Heads(YouTube Audio Library)Demo Track from "The Dreamcatcher" Album by Fox Amoore, can be found on Bandcamp here: foxamoore.bandcamp.com/album/the-dreamcatcherYou can support me on Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/atkelar
Paper and Foil recapping prototype atkelar 2023-04-02 | A day late for April fools... but hey... if you read the discription first, there just was a spoiler 😸 - A comment about me "rewinding everything with windings" and "soon there will be custom caps" made me thinking: Sure, wax and foil caps are easy enough to make. And some Audiofools might even think those have superior sound. Just like mom used to make them 😜I was actually surprised to see that thing at 10nF - but it doesn't stay stable so at the end it was a bit low. It also has about 18M, so it's certailny NOT for actual use... other than novelty!Bees wax makes it smell nice ^^
Musical-5V Part 1 - Restoration atkelar 2023-04-01 | Restoration Project #42 - PE Musical 5V - Part 1My first ever restoration was my grandfather's old tube radio. I did that one before I made videos, so it isn't anywhere up here, sorry. It does have a "phono" input on the backside and that always fascinated me: how about a record player that fits the time period? And so I scouted all over the net for affordable ones. Mind you, I wanted something to restore and just for fun... so paying three digit amounts plus shipping was out of the question here, otherwise I would have found it way sooner.Cue last year: a friend in Germany poked me and asked if I would be interested in a lot of old record players that somebody in his neighborhood offered "free for pickup". And one of them fit the bill! So I paid shipping only on this... ...and now follow me on the first part of the two part series to find out just why it was free.0:00 Intro / Presentation1:13 Opening up the case / First Impressions2:39 Discovering Model Details / Motor Stator-Status4:00 Rebuilding the Stator5:39 Rotor Cleanup and Run Capacitor7:35 Motor Trials / Resistor Issue8:53 Amplifier Section / Transformer Issue10:20 Rewinding- / Repacking Transformer11:20 Amplifier Start / Audio Transformer13:05 Speaker and Transformer / Recapping Start14:30 Volume Potentiometer Repair16:19 Capacitor Replacement17:36 Rectifier Replacement18:27 Fuse Holder Board20:08 B+ Go! But...20:30 ...Finally! / Goodby / OuttakeMusic: My Train's A Comin'Unicorn Heads(YouTube Audio Library)You can support me on Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/atkelar
