atkelar
Restoration Project #31 - Precision Instruments Model 98 VTVM (1/2)
updated
This 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 Intro
1:33 Getting into the case!
4:10 First peek to PCBs / Main PCB Removal
5:26 Power Supply Removal
6:50 Analog PCB Reveal / Front Panel Disassembly
8:25 Recapping!
10:15 Display PCB Cleanup: Disassembly and Column Board
12:34 Row Board and Assembly
13:40 Battery Pack Disassembly
15:22 Battery Welding and Assembly
17:05 Line Filter / Power Supply
18:39 Case Lid
20:56 System Test... / Chassis Rebuild
22:45 Printer Overview and Disassembly
25:07 Pinch Roller Rebuild...
29:25 Printer Assembly: Feed Unit and Front Panel
31:58 Printer PCB / Print and Feed Unit Mounting
32:50 Springs... Why is it always springs...? / First Paper Test and Loading
34:10 Printer Test! / Front Panel Mounting / Final Assembly
37:12 Case Finishing and First Test
38:20 Sample Measurement + Explanation / Summary / Credits / Outtakes
Music (in order)
My Train's A Comin' - Unicorn Heads
Nine Lives - Unicorn Heads
Wrong - Dan Henig
Town of 24 Bars - Unicorn Heads
Light Expanse - Unicorn Heads
(YouTube Audio Library)
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Thanks to everybody who signed up already!
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/0fCSlPqSJKk
I 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 / Overview
2:10 Disassembly Start
3:20 Damage Assessment / Power Supply Disassembly
4:42 Case Cleanup / Repair Start
6:25 Bottom Shell Start
7:39 Adding Fiberglass
8:37 Handle Mount Straightening / Case Band Clip
9:39 Power Supply Cleanup and Assembly
11:35 Power Supply Validation / Hinges / Key Removal
12:33 Key Mechanism and Problem / Speaker Spring? / Switch Fix!
14:55 Hardware Cleanup / Case Assembly
16:34 Power on! / Hinges / Locking Tab
17:50 Keyboard Assembly... / Why Key 1 No Work?
18:50 Homemade Button Issue!
19:25 Test Programs!
20:27 Summary / Credits / Outtake
Music (in order)
My Train's A Comin' - Unicorn Heads
Nine Lives - Unicorn Heads
Wrong - Dan Henig
Town of 24 Bars - Unicorn Heads
Light Expanse - Unicorn Heads
(YouTube Audio Library)
You can support me on Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/atkelar
and also on Patreon: patreon.com/Atkelar
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Thanks to everybody who signed up already!
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 Panel
2:46 Power Supply Dry Test... / 18V Issue
4:02 "All In" Test...
5:42 Power on! / Reduced Test: 18V Good / RMS Unit Fail
7:00 No Measurement? / Solder Bridge! / AD Intro / Better Manual Quality
8:34 AD Function Description
11:00 Analog Storage!
12:15 JK Adapter Boards
13:22 DC Zero Issue #1
14:54 DC Zero Issue #2
16:34 Trigger LED Upgrade / Buttons and Trim Pieces
17:44 Alignment Impressions / Donor PCBs!
19:41 Remote Control PCB / Digital Output Unit PCBs
21:54 Where Is The DC Reference Board? / Threaded Inserts! / Duct Tape Issue
23:45 Lid Paint / Insulation Sheet
25:52 Feet vs. Rails? / IO Test!
27:02 Ohms Fuse! / Summary / Credits / Outtake
Music (in order)
My Train's A Comin' - Unicorn Heads
Nine Lives - Unicorn Heads
Wrong - Dan Henig
Town of 24 Bars - Unicorn Heads
Light Expanse - Unicorn Heads
(YouTube Audio Library)
You can support me on Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/atkelar
and also on Patreon: patreon.com/Atkelar
and now also here by using the "Super Thanks" feature!
Thanks to everybody who signed up already!
Part one here is the disassembly, overview, recapping and cleanup procedure. Part two is from power on to some serious troubleshooting.
0:00 Intro / Overview
2:13 First Look Inside / Disassembly Start
4:28 Front Panel Issues / Power Switch
6:10 Binding Posts / Front Panel "before"
7:20 Function Indicator / Switch Block Cleanup
10:21 Solder Problem... and Fix!
11:42 Trigger Potentiometer
13:05 Transformer Section Dis- and Re-assembly!
15:18 Recapping! ...and PCB cleanup: Desoldering...
17:50 Power Supply Soldering, Heat Sink Polish
20:02 Mains Switch Cleanup
22:10 Terminal Block 1 / Transformer Sectino / Bending Tins
23:16 Terminal Block 2 / Power Switch Connection / Plastic Trim
24:39 Self Test Switch
26:18 Front Panel "after" / Assembling Binding Posts
28:42 Summary Part 1 / Credits / Outtake
Music (in order)
My Train's A Comin' - Unicorn Heads
Nine Lives - Unicorn Heads
Wrong - Dan Henig
Town of 24 Bars - Unicorn Heads
Light Expanse - Unicorn Heads
(YouTube Audio Library)
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Thanks to everybody who signed up already!
Back 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 / Overview
1:14 Unpacking / Disassembly Start
4:00 Finally Inside!
6:10 PCB Unfolding Done
8:14 NiCd Desoldering and Damage Assessment
8:55 Recapping! / PCB Cleanup
10:30 New Batteries
11:22 Missing Link! / Test Assembly Start
13:30 Selection Switches Broke!
14:32 Test Setup Take Two / Jumpers
16:02 -45V Issue... / First Picture
17:05 Test Signal / Button Repair
20:07 Switch Update / Assembly!
21:38 Wiggling Components into Place / Case Crack
24:10 No more Missing Link! / Fitting Case
26:22 Stickers! / Video Test
27:30 Summary / Credits / Outtake
Music (in order)
My Train's A Comin' - Unicorn Heads
Nine Lives - Unicorn Heads
Wrong - Dan Henig
Town of 24 Bars - Unicorn Heads
Light Expanse - Unicorn Heads
(YouTube Audio Library)
You can support me on Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/atkelar
and also on Patreon: patreon.com/Atkelar
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Thanks to everybody who signed up already!
And 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 PCB
1:27 Controller PCB
2:26 Front Panel Painting
4:06 Display Board Mounting / Power Up!
5:15 Low Range DC Tests
6:10 Explanation: Conceptual Overview / DC Voltage Low Range
7:40 Explanation: AC Voltage Low / AC+DC Voltage High Range
8:43 Explanation: Currents / Resistor Values
10:45 Problem: DC 20+ or AC Voltage? / Hex Inverter
12:35 A clue! / Hunting Grounded Phantoms
14:29 Finally! Fixed!
15:50 Buttoning up the Case
17:38 Loading up the Modules / Alignments?
18:45 Reference Voltage Issue
20:25 Shields up! / Wideband Output OK
21:07 IEEE (GPIB) Interface
22:10 IEEE Test
23:07 New Feet! / Final Testing
24:44 Summary / Credits / Outtake
Thanks to Glyphon for a second opinion on the opamp circuit!
Music (in order)
My Train's A Comin' - Unicorn Heads
Nine Lives - Unicorn Heads
Wrong - Dan Henig
Town of 24 Bars - Unicorn Heads
Light Expanse - Unicorn Heads
(YouTube Audio Library)
You can support me on Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/atkelar
and also on Patreon: patreon.com/Atkelar
and now also here by using the "Super Thanks" feature!
Thanks to everybody who signed up already!
After 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 Recapping
3:12 Transformer Board Recapping
4:50 Extended Range and HV Board
8:00 Wideband Amplifier
9:40 Wideband Oscillator + Overview
10:49 Front Panel Buttons / Waver Switch Cleanup
14:09 Clenaing Panel Buttons
15:55 Ranging PCB + Binding Posts
19:14 Removing and Replacing "Foam"
20:05 [Power] Amplifier PCB
22:05 TO-3 Post Issue / Thermal Paste / Hot Relay
24:24 Remounting the TO-3s
25:20 Power Regulator Checks
26:10 Summary / Credits / Outtake
Music (in order)
My Train's A Comin' - Unicorn Heads
Nine Lives - Unicorn Heads
Wrong - Dan Henig
Town of 24 Bars - Unicorn Heads
Light Expanse - Unicorn Heads
(YouTube Audio Library)
You can support me on Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/atkelar
and also on Patreon: patreon.com/Atkelar
and now also here by using the "Super Thanks" feature!
Thanks to everybody who signed up already!
Now 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 / Overview
1:25 Opening Up the Case / Auction Overview
3:05 Overview of Inside / Summary / Modules: Digital, First Section
4:19 Modules: HV Transformer, Shielded ones
5:33 Power Regulator / Ranging Module
6:30 Front Panel Removal / Diagonal Bus / Transformer
7:29 Digital Bus PCBs / Rear Panel
8:45 Main Bus PCB
9:49 Case Panels / PSU Board
10:53 Front Panel Disassembly and Overview
11:42 Cleanup! Base Plate / Power Supply Interconnect
13:02 Mains Transformer Cleanup
14:08 Power Supply PCB Cleanup
15:58 Filter Cap Problem...
16:43 Mains Switch
18:45 Finalizing Power Supply PCB
19:30 Broken Trace! Fix and Overview
21:10 Filter Caps / First Components on Frame!
22:20 Main Bus PCB Mounting
23:45 First Power On...
24:38 ...Voltage Problem! / Frame Brackets / Digital Bus PCBs
26:57 Summary / Credits / Outtake
Music (in order)
My Train's A Comin' - Unicorn Heads
Nine Lives - Unicorn Heads
Wrong - Dan Henig
Town of 24 Bars - Unicorn Heads
Light Expanse - Unicorn Heads
(YouTube Audio Library)
You can support me on Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/atkelar
and also on Patreon: patreon.com/Atkelar
and now also here by using the "Super Thanks" feature!
Thanks to everybody who signed up already!
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 / Overview
2:08 Opening Case / Removing Chassis
3:58 Removing Tubes / Power Cord / Knobs
4:57 Tuning Dial Glass / Tuning String
6:35 Speaker Issue / Bezel
7:57 Dusting / First Capacitor Removals / Button Assembly
10:22 Audio Transformer / Final Capacitors
11:53 Rectifier / Illumination Lamp / Tuning Capacitor
13:25 Button Section
14:35 Mains Transformer / Speaker Nuts Take 2
15:48 Speaker Cover Fabric / Speaker Dusting
17:33 Chassis Scrubbing / Potentiometer Opening
19:40 Bezel Repair - Step 1
20:45 Cleanup Transformers
21:52 Bezel Repair - Step 2
23:33 Tuning Scale Paint / Case Glueing / Scraping off Paint
25:27 Fixing Dents / Filter Cap Test + Cleanup / Tube Test
26:30 Summary / Credits / Outtake
Music (in order)
My Train's A Comin' - Unicorn Heads
Nine Lives - Unicorn Heads
Wrong - Dan Henig
Town of 24 Bars - Unicorn Heads
Light Expanse - Unicorn Heads
(YouTube Audio Library)
You can support me on Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/atkelar
and also on Patreon: patreon.com/Atkelar
and now also here by using the "Super Thanks" feature!
Thanks to everybody who signed up already!
I 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 Case
1:58 Knob- and Button Removal
3:30 Front Panel / Baseline Pot?
4:30 Back Panel Section / Transformer
6:23 PCB: Caps? / Output Heat Sink / Case Cleanup
8:25 Sticker Removal
9:57 Handle Noise
10:58 Socketed Transistors (feat. socket-beheading)
11:50 Switch and Potentiometer Cleanup
13:44 Waver Switch Cams / PCB Cleaner
15:10 Front Plate Issue / Soldering Pots
16:11 Recapping
18:08 Tarnished IC
19:18 Power Indicator Replacement
20:09 BNC coaxials / Mains Switch / Mains Section
21:45 Transformer Mounting / PCB Clips / Case Structure
23:48 Front Panel / Buttons and Knobs
24:40 Power On! / PSU Problem?
26:00 Flat Headed Screw-Up / Adjustment Review
27:15 Trigger Issue
28:24 Finishing Trouches
29:34 Overview / Summary / Credits / Outtakes
Music (in order)
My Train's A Comin' - Unicorn Heads
Light Expanse - Unicorn Heads
Pickup Truck - Silent Partner
Town of 24 Bars - Unicorn Heads
Stacy 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/Atkelar
and now also here by using the "Super Thanks" feature!
Thanks to everybody who signed up already!
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 / Unpacking
1:54 Opening the Case / Removing the PCB
4:03 Tilting Stand
5:09 Voltage Selection "Configuration" / Quick Test
6:15 LED Lens / Button Cleanup
8:09 Dummy Switch Issue
10:08 Mounting the PCB / Button Symbols / Improvised Battery
11:13 Battery Removal Info / Adjustment Impressions
12:19 Closing the Case
13:08 Probes: Bag and Lead Cleanup / Overview
14:59 Case Stand and Clips / Test Measurement
15:39 Batteries?! / MiMh Explanation / Battery Pack Build
18:56 NiMh Issue Reasoning / Summary Overview / Credits / Outtakes
Music (in order)
My Train's A Comin' - Unicorn Heads
Lonely Troutman II - William Rosati
Light Expanse - Unicorn Heads
(YouTube Audio Library)
You can support me on Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/atkelar
and also on Patreon: patreon.com/Atkelar
and also here by using the "Super Thanks" feature!
Thanks to everybody who signed up already!
This 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 / Overview
1:54 Inside! / Display- and Logic Board
3:45 Power Supply / Trimmers / Trigger Switches / BNC
5:20 Front Panel / Delay Dial / Case Frame
6:10 Back Panel / Heat Sink
6:57 Recapping Overview and Example
8:16 Mains Switch / Teardown + Assembly
11:05 Transformer Cleanup / Push Button Cleanup / Probe Pod Sockets
12:43 Delay Dial Cleanup / Potentiometer Knob Problem
14:22 Assembly Time! / Back Panel + Transformer
16:12 PSU Mounting
17:19 PSU Power Up and Voltage Check / PSU Circuit Explanation
18:40 Back Panel Finishing Touches / Case Frame
19:52 Handle / Front Panel Preparation
21:11 Front Panel Mounting
22:09 Power Indicator LED / PCB Cleanup / Front Panel Finishing Touches
23:08 Display Board
24:38 Logic Board
25:25 Power On! / Pods!
26:40 5V Adjustment / Output Signal? / Hunting down The Issue
28:13 Found it! / Fixed it!
29:24 Got Signal! / Got Scope! / Case Lids
30:36 Connecting 1600A? / Trigger Bus / IO Bus
32:05 Final View / Summary / Credits / Outtake
HP 1600A restoration video (part 1 of 2): youtube.com/watch?v=-43Ic0IyNNA
Music (in order)
My Train's A Comin' - Unicorn Heads
Lonely Troutman II - William Rosati
Light Expanse - Unicorn Heads
Town of 24 Bars - Unicorn Heads
Dusty Fingers - DJ Williams
No 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/Atkelar
and now also here by using the "Super Thanks" feature!
Thanks to everybody who signed up already!
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 Description
2:00 Basic Materials
3:30 Lathe Table: Subdivision
5:30 Trimming Bolts / Drawer Construction
8:00 First Load Test / Securing Center Support / Height Adjustment
9:18 Mill Table: Subdivision / Weight Issue
11:34 Item Arrangement? / Credits
Music (in order)
My Train's A Comin' - Unicorn Heads
A 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/Atkelar
and now also here by using the "Super Thanks" feature!
Thanks to everybody who signed up already!
...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 Supply
2:47 Step Gen Output / Step Gen Amp / Step Gen / Wire Tangle
5:02 Display Amplifier / Collector Sensing Resistors
6:22 Display Switching / Attenuators
7:55 First Steps on "Other" side / Wire Loom Clamps / Front Panel / Step Offset Pot
9:30 Lower Case Mounts / Fixture Connectors / Variable Supply Control / Readout Board Wiring
11:30 Camera Power / HV supply
13:34 Mode/Polarity switch wiring / Graticule Illumination Pot (Oopsie) / Handle
14:40 Power On! - Uh-Oh! / Transistor Mishap
18:00 Collector Supply / Oil Cap Test and Stand In / CRT Shield Prep
19:48 CRT and Display Readout
20:50 Power On! - With CRT! / Calibration Guide + Fixture!
22:05 Starting Calibration / Display Amp Pot Issue
23:22 Missing Horizontal Calibration Signal / Relay Problem and Fix
25:07 Looping Compensation / Broken Bulbs Galore!
26:28 Oil Cap "Rework"
28:40 Oil Cap Mounting / Safety Interlock?! / Knob / CRT Neck Cover
30:30 Missing Screw for Test Bed / Bottom Cover / HV Cover Plates / Cover Panels
32:33 Push Buttons: New Writing!
34:14 New Bulbs! / Polarity Switch Casting?
35:27 Tests! / 1N4007 / BZX55C / BC337
37:05 Final View / Summary / Credits
General Information: w140.com/tekwiki/wiki/576
Music (in order)
My Train's A Comin' - Unicorn Heads
Town of 24 Bars - Unicorn Heads
First Aid - Letter Box
Dusty Fingers - DJ Williams
Frame of Mine - Freedom Trail Studio
No 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/Atkelar
and now also here by using the "Super Thanks" feature!
Thanks to everybody who signed up already!
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 Cleanup
7:01 Power Switch / Waver Switch
9:35 "Cam Drum" Switches
12:00 Push Buttons
15:22 Mini Potentiometers
17:43 TTL IC Problem / Transistor Repair
19:30 CRT Gain Potentiometers
21:10 CRT Deflection Standoffs / Resoldering
22:05 Variac / Compensation Capacitors
24:08 Display Readout!
27:03 Assembly: Collector Supply!
29:58 Collector Supply Circuit Overview
31:50 Backbone Beginning! / Mains Input Lines
33:25 DC Filter Caps / Clearence Problem / Wire Loom Start!
35:10 Thermal Cutoff / Transformer Taps / Power Resistors
35:57 Rectifier Board / Regulator Board / Summary / Outtake
General Information: w140.com/tekwiki/wiki/576
Blog post mentioning the "TTL Issue": jacmusic.com/Tube-testers/TEK-576/Tek-576-2-Restoration.html
Music (in order)
My Train's A Comin' - Unicorn Heads
Town of 24 Bars - Unicorn Heads
First Aid - Letter Box
Dusty Fingers - DJ Williams
Frame of Mine - Freedom Trail Studio
Oceans - Text Me Records / Bobby Renz
No Good Right - Freedom Trail Studio
Sunset Trails - DJ Williams
First Aid - Letter Box
No Good Right - Freedom Trail Studio
(YouTube Audio Library)
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(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 Look
2:20 What Is It For?
3:48 CRT Driver / CRT Removal
5:15 Test Fixture / Buttons / LV Power Supply and Rectifier
7:02 Knobs / Soldered Wires / Filter Caps
9:15 Belly Plate and Transformer View / Step Generator / Rear Panel
10:21 Current Shunts and CRT Amplifier / CRT Shield / Handle / Final Knobs
12:05 Front Panel / CRT Driver Removal / Oil Cap / Compensation Assembly / Relay
13:20 Chassis Front / Button Boards / Mains Transformer
14:50 Power Resistors / Collector Supply
16:00 Wiring Loom Tangle / Collector Supply Unwrapping
17:00 Test Fixture / Cleanup!
18:30 Test Plate Restore / Wring Cleanup / Banana Plug Cleaning
19:37 Left-Right Switch Clean / 22Ohm Issue
20:39 Mode Switch Clean
22:23 Rebuilding Fixture / Decals / Safety Interlock Switch
24:57 Wire Repair / Case Closed / Lamp Test
25:56 Summary of Part 1 / Credits / Outtakes
General Information: w140.com/tekwiki/wiki/576
Music (in order)
My Train's A Comin' - Unicorn Heads
Town of 23 Bars - Unicorn Heads
First Aid - Letter Box
Dusty Fingers - DJ Williams
Frame of Mine - Freedom Trail Studio
No Good Right - Freedom Trail Studio
(YouTube Audio Library)
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While 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 Intro
1:05 Presenting / Disassembly
2:50 Main PCB / Keyboard
3:53 Joysticks
5:13 Power Socket Update / Cleaning
6:40 Recapping / Possibl Update
9:50 Power Connection and Power Up / Keyboard Connector Oopsie
10:55 Power with Cartridge / Closing up...
12:33 Audio? / Issue! / Joystick Assembly
14:08 Star Lock Washer Update
15:15 Joystick Cover Plate / Test Game! / Final Impression / Credits / Outtake
Related 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 license
Music:
My Train's A Comin'
Unicorn Heads
(YouTube Audio Library)
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and now also here by using the "Super Thanks" feature!
Thanks to everybody who signed up already!
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=OOqh2Wqdi4s
0:00 Intro / Recap
1:45 Meter Glass / Cover Plate
4:05 Potentiometer Check
5:25 Mounting Meter / DC Wires and Clips
7:16 PCB Time: Capacitors Cleanup
8:28 Chopper Assembly: Desolder and Neon Test
9:23 Component Check and Report
10:37 Electrolytic Swap / PCB Cleanup
11:28 Chopper Assembly and Input Cap Mounting
12:50 Calibration PCB / First Power Up / Chopper Adjustment
14:11 Calibration Overview / Tube Shield
15:13 DC Probe: Lathe / Plating
17:00 DC Probe Assembly / Ohms Range
18:05 AC? Whaaaa!
18:53 AC Probe Overview and Function Explained
19:55 Peek inside AC Probe!
21:10 AC Probe Test and Calibartion / Covers
22:27 Overview / Summary / Credits / Outtake
Music:
My Train's A Comin'
Unicorn Heads
(YouTube Audio Library)
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Part 1 is over here: youtu.be/dsYLKyeK_Vw
A 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 / Review
1:11 Assembly Start: Coil Pack / Base Plate / Actuator Plate
3:00 Leaf Switches / Feet
4:08 Ribbon Winder
5:15 Ribbon? How and Fix
7:20 Assembly: Clockwork Beginning...
9:38 ...Frame Completed, More Springs and Levers...
10:25 Number Wheels
11:25 Aligning Levers
13:50 Clock Shaft / Motor
14:40 Clock Face / Clock Gears
16:15 First Test With Motor / Electrical Work
18:03 First Stamp Test / Lock Issue
19:35 Second Stamp / Mechanism Slow Motion
20:20 Stmap Explained
22:15 Overview / Summary / Credits / Outtakes
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Time_clock - Generic info about time clocks for the young ones out there
Music:
My Train's A Comin'
Unicorn Heads
(YouTube Audio Library)
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Thanks to everybody who signed up already!
A 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 / Unboxing
1:40 Lock Issue / Overview Clock
3:00 Visible Clock / Ink Ribbon / Separating Clock / Ribbon Winder
4:16 Bottom Cover / Mechanism Removal / Capacitors
5:37 Stamp Mechanism Disassembly Start: Cap, Switches
7:05 Winding Levers / Actuator Plate / Magnet Block
8:22 Taking Apart Magnet
9:10 Clock Motor Replacement: Placement...
10:24 Clock Disassembly: Number Wheels / Advance Levers
11:40 Final Clockwork Bits / Number Wheels
13:00 Plunger Issue / Motor Issue
14:10 Motor Axle / Motor mount spacers / Frame Cut
15:12 Ribbon Replacement
16:43 Case Cleanup and Paint
18:19 Cleaning
19:25 Fixing Plunger / Rebuilding Magnet for Testing
20:53 Old Circuit... Wrong?
21:36 Coil Tests and Resistor Trial / Rewinding Coil
22:35 Summary / Credits / Outtake
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Time_clock - Generic info about time clocks for the young ones out there
Music:
My Train's A Comin'
Unicorn Heads
(YouTube Audio Library)
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About 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=OOqh2Wqdi4s
0:00 Intro / Unpacking
1:30 Overview / Disassembly / Power Switch Diagnosis
3:20 Power Switch Restoration
6:50 Rear Panel / Transformer / 7 Ohm Resistor Located!
7:50 Electrolytics
9:18 Transformer Diagnosis / Plannning
12:50 Transformer Unwind
14:10 Transformer Winding
15:40 Laminates / Validation
16:30 Case Cleaning / AC Probe Socket Clean
17:50 Waver Switch Cleaning
20:15 Power Socket Mod / Assembly Start!
21:45 7 Ohm Resistor Fix / Assembly
23:10 Unbending and Mounting Front Panel / Grounding (COM) Wire / Back Panel
24:20 Power Supply PCB / Spade Connectors
25:42 Power On! / AC Issue
27:45 Overview Part 2 / Credits / Box?!
Music:
My Train's A Comin'
Unicorn Heads
(YouTube Audio Library)
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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 Cleanup
1:50 Speaker Repair
3:04 Front Panel Decals / Wire Harness and Component Issues
4:25 Assembly Time! Audio Sockets and Speaker / Speaker Connectors / IEC Socket
5:45 Audio Transformer / Chassis / Potentiometers / Filter Capacitor
7:37 Tube Sockets / Mains Wiring / Rectifier = DC!
8:40 Front Panel Wiring / First Stage / Eye Tube Test
9:44 Second Stage / Third Stage
10:55 Case Closed! / New Knobs / Wattmeter Issue
12:33 IEC to Anythign Adapter
14:47 Wattmeter Calibration / Probe Description / RF Probe Circuit Build
15:58 Probe Build: Cable and Design / Lathe Work / Probe Tips?!
17:34 Nickel Plating / Spring and Overall Design
18:55 Assembling Probe
19:46 Testing and Circuit Description
22:45 Overview / Thanks / Credits and Teaser
References:
Video with speaker repair, pointed out by Cheetah: youtu.be/N9sue46dUYA
Music:
My Train's A Comin'
Unicorn Heads
(YouTube Audio Library)
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Thanks to everybody who signed up already!
0:00 Intro / Overview / Outside Issues
1:55 Inside Issues
3:17 Tube Health Check / Speaker Issue
4:15 Front Panel Disassembly / Transformer
6:55 Chassis Disassembly / "Rubber" Grommets
8:53 Front Panel Cleanup
10:48 Case Painting
11:41 Hole Fixup / Wattmeter Socket / Panel Paint
13:57 Chassis Cleanup / Transformer Core
15:30 Unwinding / Rewinding
17:42 Transformer Wiring and Mounting / New Grommets
19:10 Potentiometer Cleanup: Gain
21:00 Potentiometer Cleanup: On/Off and Watts
23:42 Sliding Switches / Mode Switch
25:27 Part 2 Teaser / Credits / Outtake
Music:
My Train's A Comin'
Unicorn Heads
(YouTube Audio Library)
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This 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 / Disassembly
2:25 The 2022 Problem...
3:30 A Fresh Drop of Oil
4:28 Shutter Assembly, Take 1, 2, 3 and 4...
5:42 Final Steps
6:30 The 2023 Vacation and Problem
7:50 Problem Detail and Production Process
9:25 bCNC Process and Prototype
11:08 First Iteration / New Material / Whoopsie!
12:55 Assembly w. Proper Blade / Test
14:40 Loading Film
15:23 Developing
16:23 Sample Pictures / Overview / Summary / Outtake
Music:
My Train's A Comin'
Unicorn Heads
(YouTube Audio Library)
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0:00 Intro
1:11 Disassembly / Problem Statement / Edge Cutting / Glue Test
2:55 Foam / Cutting / Stitch Stategy
4:20 Sewing / Knotting / Assembly
5:25 Final Impression / Credits / Outtake
Music:
My Train's A Comin'
Unicorn Heads
(YouTube Audio Library)
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Earlier 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 / Disassembly
3:12 Printer Mechanism Disassembly
5:56 Flat Flex Issue
7:53 Recapping and Heatsinks
10:08 Power Switch Insides / Reassembly Start
11:36 New Line Filter Improvisation / Power Cord
13:35 Mechanism Cleanup / Ribbon Feed Assembly
15:20 Stepper Motor Heatsink / Flat Flex "repair"
16:40 Paper Feed Mechanism / Wrapping up / Test Print
18:19 Presentation / Summary / Outtake
Music:
My Train's A Comin'
Unicorn Heads
(YouTube Audio Library)
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I 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 Sink
2:15 Main PCB / Keyboard / Badges
3:50 PCB Examination / Keyboard Disassembly
6:13 Sticker? / Case Cleaning
7:30 Recapping / Contact Cleaning / Heat Sinks
10:18 New Capacitors / PCB Cleanup
12:14 Assembly! / Keybaord
14:13 Finished! / Test / Credits / Outtake
Music:
My Train's A Comin'
Unicorn Heads
(YouTube Audio Library)
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Thanks to everybody who signed up already!
This 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 Description
3:45 Damage Description / Disassembly Start / Tubes
5:10 Case / Fuse Holder
6:12 Front Panel / Meter Checkup
7:25 Meter Tuning Description / Meter Problem and Solution
8:44 Meter Mirror Misery
10:18 OpenSCAD Button Replacement / Front Panel and Transformer Disassembly
11:45 Fuse Holder Detail / Chassis Liberation / Chokes
13:22 Dust / Fuse Holder Glue Up / Bent Chassis?
14:22 Paint Job / Filter Caps Gutting
15:50 Tube Sockets / Rectifiers
17:35 Chokes
18:20 Transformers / Mains Switch
19:43 Potentiometers
20:30 Front Panel Assembly / Button Replacement
21:45 Output Capacitors / Filter Capacitors and Issue
23:39 Working! / No Current Meter? / Tube Caps + Pads
24:57 Trimming / Case Closed
25:55 Overview / Credits / Outtakes
Music:
My Train's A Comin'
Unicorn Heads
(YouTube Audio Library)
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In 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 Disassembly
3:45 Construction Details
5:36 Cleanup / Wirebrushing
7:58 Adjusting Holder / Painting
9:00 Clean Wire / Chrome Experiment / Assembly Start
11:36 ...reapeat for other side...
13:06 Frame Assembly / Plugs
14:17 Test and... AC?
15:12 Presentation / Summary / Outtake
Music:
My Train's A Comin'
Unicorn Heads
(YouTube Audio Library)
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The 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 Issues
2:25 CRT Turn On! / Centering Issue
4:00 CRT Rotation Alignment and Bezel / Heater Lines / First Binding Post
6:18 3D Soldering / First Input Stage Wiring
7:46 VR150 Check / 6J5 Check / Driver Stage Wiring
8:56 Revision in Amplifier / Driver Stage Finalizing / Vertical Deflection!
10:30 Attenuator Rebuild / Adjustments
11:55 Horizontal Section Start / Selection Switch Wiring
14:00 Sawtooth...ish? / Horizontal Test / Troubleshooting / Wiring Loom
15:50 Twitching Problem / Troubleshooting
16:50 Final Overview / Case Closed
17:45 Feature Overview: Range, Coupling, Sync, Gain, Phones, Beam Mod., Ext Sync., 6V, Phasing
21:00 Wierd Noise...? / Credits
Part 1 is here - youtube.com/watch?v=f-CteoZsIOc
Part 2 is here - youtube.com/watch?v=LrDv40FFSFc
Music:
My Train's A Comin'
Unicorn Heads
(YouTube Audio Library)
"Walking Atkelar" Animation: Snapai
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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 Switch
2:14 Smaller Selection Switches / Resistor (In)Tolerances / Decisions...
3:34 Chassis Stripping / Wire Loom
5:33 Tube Sockets
6:20 Case Cleanup / Paint and Handle
8:33 Uncanned Caps
9:50 New Cap Covers
11:15 Binding Post Screws
13:23 Fuse Holder
14:10 "Spare" Parts
15:08 Finally: Putting Things Together!
15:58 Circuit Overview / Power Supply
17:30 Transformer Flip / HV Rectifier
18:46 Chasis Continues / Tube Sockets / Resistor Divider Desoldering
20:01 "Neck" Holder / B+ Setup
21:10 New Schematic Revision? / Credits / Outtake
Part 1 is here - youtube.com/watch?v=f-CteoZsIOc
Music:
My Train's A Comin'
Unicorn Heads
(YouTube Audio Library)
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Where 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 / Overview
1:55 First Impressions / Opening Up
3:52 The Insides! / Bezel
5:08 Front Panel / Assessment
6:48 Capacitor Removal
9:06 Transformer Removal / Owner's Manual
10:44 Transformer Disassemble / Unwinding
12:29 Rewinding Transformer
14:55 Choke Cleanup / Input Attenuator
16:33 Potentiometer Cleanup! Line + Intensity
19:20 ...Focus / ...Phasing / ...Sweep Vernier
22:24 End of Part 1 / Credits / Outtake
Music:
My Train's A Comin'
Unicorn Heads
(YouTube Audio Library)
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One 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 Stuck
3:50 Pulling Modules / Back Panel and Case
5:23 Recapping Start / Gutting Caps
7:29 Stuffing Caps / PCB Recapping and Cleaning
9:33 One More Cap! / Potentiometers And Switches
11:28 Back Panel Re-Mod / Filter Cap Mounting
12:34 Cleanup Time! / Reassembly / Backplane Cleanup / Thermal Paste
14:00 Back Panel Assembly
15:40 Function Switch Cleanup / Front Panel
17:30 Filter Cap Soldering / Voltage Check / -35V Adjustment!
18:38 First Nixie Glow! / Function Check / 100kHz Adjustment
19:45 Real Test / New Fan / New Foam Padding / New Feet
21:20 Circuit Overview
23:30 +/-1 "Error" / Bye / Outtake
Music:
My Train's A Comin'
Unicorn Heads
(YouTube Audio Library)
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and also on Patreon: patreon.com/Atkelar
Thanks to everybody who signed up already!
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 / Presentation
2:05 Unpacking / Damage Assessment
3:03 Honing Reference Surfaces
4:35 Paint Removal
5:48 Masking / Repaint
7:33 Case Repair
9:25 Case Glue Up + Paint
11:14 Foam Rubber Padding / Unmasking
12:45 Calibration Validation / Tests
14:42 Finished / Thanks / Credits / Outtake
Music:
My Train's A Comin'
Unicorn Heads
(YouTube Audio Library)
You can support me on Ko-Fi and Patreon:
ko-fi.com/atkelar
patreon.com/Atkelar
You can support me here: ko-fi.com/atkelar
...and now also here: patreon.com/Atkelar
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 / Description
1:15 KiCAD Circuit / PCB Process
2:50 PCBs and Parts arrive / Populate Probe...
4:18 ...Capacitors / Solder
5:25 Probe Insulation / Amp PCB Population
6:15 SMD IC Pinout Fail and "Fix"
7:10 Amplifier Case
8:48 Probe Case
11:25 Assembly: Amp
13:40 Assembly: Probe
15:20 Test! / Overview / Credits
Music:
My Train's A Comin'
Unicorn Heads
(YouTube Audio Library)
You can support me on Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/atkelar
Mr. Carlson's Super Probe video: youtu.be/uVkJqqZroN0
The 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 Repair
2:46 Power Indicator LED
3:18 Assembly Start - Back Panel / Transformer
4:27 Rectifier Caps / Feet and Bus Socket
6:05 Mounting the Transformer / Heatsink / Power Switch
7:25 Power Tests / High Voltage Board
8:50 Case Frame / CRT Shield
10:08 Case and Front Panel / CRT Cleanup
12:08 CRT Nope / CRT Bezel
13:22 CRT Connectors / Backplane PCB / Front Connectors / CRT Driver
14:44 Main PCB / Finishing Touches: Buttons and Handle
16:10 Probe Pods
17:41 First Run and Function Description
19:08 Map Mode Problem
20:35 Replacement Chip Issue and Botch / Blinkenlights
21:30 Accessory Bag / Presentation / Goodbye / Outtake
Music:
My Train's A Comin'
Unicorn Heads
(YouTube Audio Library)
You can support me on Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/atkelar
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!
The 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 Inside
2:39 First Steps of Disassembly
3:55 Finally, First Board: CRT controller
4:40 Main PCB + Botches, "Backplane" PCB
5:51 Front Panel + CRT
7:19 Power Supply / Mains Transformer + Filter Caps
8:38 Heat Sink / Power Supply PCB
9:47 Back Panel / Mains Wiring
10:38 Voltage Selection / Rectifier / Transformer
11:40 HV Suppoly PCB / LED Clips / Final Case Parts and more Rust
13:07 Rust Removal Mains Transformer / Switches Disassembly / Solder Issue
15:04 HV Potentiometer / Pot and Swtich Info
16:45 Mains Swtich
18:01 Trigger Switches / Delay Encoders
19:54 Recapping! / IC Pins / Probe Sockets
20:44 Switch Assembly
22:33 Summary / Outtake
Music:
My Train's A Comin'
Unicorn Heads
(YouTube Audio Library)
You can support me on Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/atkelar
0:00 Intro
1:15 Breadboard Montage / EEPROM Issue
2:14 PCB Prototype Time! / Power Supply Adapter Update
3:47 5V-3.3V Issue and Choices / Programming Adapter
5:24 SMD Soldering... Kinda... / LEDs and Button
6:50 ESP Programming / Configuration Program Intro
8:10 Config Program Details / Local Server Overview
9:20 Progress Summary
10:35 User Doc / Credits / Outtake
My project GitHub, to follow along any progress: github.com/Atkelar/nabunet
Music:
My Train's A Comin'
Unicorn Heads
(YouTube Audio Library)
You can support me on Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/atkelar
I 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 / Transformer
3:05 Front Panel Disassembly / Goo?
4:50 Electrolytics / Resistor / Voltage Switch Claening
6:48 Mains Switch Claening / Mode Switch Claening
8:09 Binding Posts / Case Straightening
9:04 Case Painting
9:57 Power Cord / Panel Mounting
11:26 Binding Posts / Electrlytics Replacement
12:37 Adding Case and Power Plug / Power Up / Tube Test / Blown Fuse
14:22 Power Up with New Eye Tube
15:00 Leakage Circuit Outline / Calibration
16:22 Testing the Replaced Electrolytics! / Replacing Reference Caps
17:36 Bridge Circuit Features / Carry Handle
18:40 Overview / Summary / Credits / Outtake
Music:
My Train's A Comin'
Unicorn Heads
(YouTube Audio Library)
You can support me on Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/atkelar
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 Start
3:50 Chip Overview / Power Resistor?
5:06 Power Supply / Ground Connector Issue / Botch?
6:28 Fan / Keyboard Disassembly
7:34 Recapping Time!
8:19 Assembly: Keyboard and Main Unit / PSU Mounting
9:55 Mainboard / LED Board / Temporary Fan Mount
11:08 Power Plug / PSU Adapter
12:03 Power Up!
12:45 Soft...where? Right here!
14:08 Overview Boot Process / Plans for Modem
15:12 Modem Hardware Info
16:50 First Program!
17:54 Refined Version and OS Groundwork
19:00 Overview / Summary / Outtake
Adrian's video: youtube.com/watch?v=HLYjZoShjy0
The 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.pdf
My project GitHub, to follow along any progress: github.com/Atkelar/nabunet
Music:
My Train's A Comin'
Unicorn Heads
(YouTube Audio Library)
You can support me on Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/atkelar
In 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 Wheel
2:35 Start Disassembly: Arm
3:45 First Levers / The Great Bearing Escape / End Detecton Arm
4:45 Arm Pivot / Start Lever / Actuator Cam
5:50 Control Levers / Ball Bearing / Paint Prep
7:07 Paint: Frame, Base and Platter / Dremel Example / Broken "Nose" 1mm Drill
8:28 Cover Removal / Hardware Mounting and Painting Decisions
10:15 Cover Solution / New Cover for Amp Panel
11:50 Amp Installation / Rectifier Upgrade
13:40 Case Shell Cover / New Rubber Feet
15:30 Finishing Inside Cover / Lid Trim + Incident
16:24 Start Player Assembly: End of Record Arm / Arm Pivot
17:34 Control Levers + Cam / Ball Bearing / Idler Wheel
18:52 Initial Platter Mount / Changer Linkage / Motor / Arm Lift Linkage
19:50 Short Circtuit Switch / Motor Switch / Arm Rest / Mounting Frame / Platter Test
20:48 Attaching Arm / Pickup, Dual Needles / Pickup Cleaning
22:25 Force Adjustment / End of Record Adjustment and Explanation
24:08 End of Record Test / Final Trimmings / Power Plug Change
25:25 Stylus Upgrade and Test Record
26:40 Final Words / Goodbye / Outtake
Post 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-dreamcatcher
You can support me on Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/atkelar
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 ^^
My 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 / Presentation
1:13 Opening up the case / First Impressions
2:39 Discovering Model Details / Motor Stator-Status
4:00 Rebuilding the Stator
5:39 Rotor Cleanup and Run Capacitor
7:35 Motor Trials / Resistor Issue
8:53 Amplifier Section / Transformer Issue
10:20 Rewinding- / Repacking Transformer
11:20 Amplifier Start / Audio Transformer
13:05 Speaker and Transformer / Recapping Start
14:30 Volume Potentiometer Repair
16:19 Capacitor Replacement
17:36 Rectifier Replacement
18:27 Fuse Holder Board
20:08 B+ Go! But...
20:30 ...Finally! / Goodby / Outtake
Music:
My Train's A Comin'
Unicorn Heads
(YouTube Audio Library)
You can support me on Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/atkelar