My $25 Tek scope and $25 Frequency Meter/sig gen - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Jebnor
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 23, 2014, 03:49:10 am
content: And people say you can't get a scope for $25... pfft. I have a Atten ADS1102CAL already and I just added these beasts to my collection -- A Tektronix 547 4Ch 50MHz Oscilloscope, and a Singer Gertsch FM10CS Frequency meter/ Signal generator. $25CND each. All Manuals were included too. I'm soo excited!!!I nice older man was getting rid of them out of his basement. I happily answered his kijiji (aka. Craigslist Canada) ad and picked them up.They will need a good cleaning, but both seem to be in working order. Well, he said there was an issue with one of the 4 channels on the scope, but, I can handle that for $25.[edit: I originally posted this in the wrong Forum Section. Reposting to proper section]

author: TimNJ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 23, 2014, 04:25:52 am
content: Awesome!! I'm not original in saying this but old Tek gear is absolutely great. Superb industrial design and reliable as anything. Plus those big clunking switches and beautiful CRT. I could look at one for hours on end. Sadly we will probably never see such beautiful equipment in the future, but hey I guess times change.The Singer is a great find as well. Looks like a beaut.

author: radhaz
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 23, 2014, 04:43:58 am
content: Nice looking boat anchors! I wish I had space for that stuff.

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 23, 2014, 01:28:32 pm
content: Boat anchor is correct. I have a Tek 533A here that someone gave me because I didn't want to see it end up at a recycle center. It does power up but doesn't work properly. I don't intend to fix it as I have other scopes, I just like looking at it. It is neat to see all the tubes lit up, though. As a boat anchor it could probably hold a cruise ship in place

author: classicTEK
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 23, 2014, 02:15:28 pm
content: That is a GREAT find on a freagin fabulous scope!!!That 1A4 Plug-in is worth more than you paid for the whole lot. Nice bit of kit. The trace on the 547 was literally spec'd at 0.004 inches and was so sharp you could shave with it. For pure brute force and signal clarity, you will have a VERY difficult time beating that scope.Cheers

author: Jebnor
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 23, 2014, 11:01:52 pm
content: Even if I don't use the Tek547 as an everyday scope I am having a blast reading the awesome manual. Full circuit diagrams, descriptions, and theory of operation, are great to see. It's fascinating! Not to mention the 15cm of manuals for the frequency Generator -- I haven't even opened those yet. Scope manuals are too exciting.

author: lowimpedance
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 23, 2014, 11:16:34 pm
content: Quote from: classicTEK on June 23, 2014, 02:15:28 pmNow that has to be the quote of the weekEasily as impressive as the Tek is the Singer meter/sig gen. That is full of quality stuff, perhaps some happy snaps with the covers off would be nice.

author: Alex Eisenhut
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 23, 2014, 11:24:34 pm
content: That's a good score! I have a 547 with 1A4 as well.Used it to get through technical college back in the day.Over the years I accumulated pretty much all the desirable plugins for it.Are you near Montreal?

author: Jebnor
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 23, 2014, 11:41:26 pm
content: Quote from: Alex Eisenhut on June 23, 2014, 11:24:34 pmUnfortunately I'm in Edmonton. If you're looking to have it taken off your hand, I'm sure there is someone an intermediate person on the forum and near Montreal who would benefit from it.

author: Jebnor
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 23, 2014, 11:43:50 pm
content: Quote from: lowimpedance on June 23, 2014, 11:16:34 pmWill do, later this week when I have more time.

author: David Hess
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 26, 2014, 06:53:22 pm
content: I would not really consider the Tektronix 547 to be a boat anchor. It is very usable even today and has features like dual alternate sweep which are not duplicated today on DSOs unless you buy two of them.