gould advance os1100a - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: alex77
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 20, 2013, 12:17:32 pm
content: I am learning electronics by myself and I have some experience with digital scopes - I have a siglent 1102cnl.However, since I had never used an analog scope before, I decided to buy one to help me learn a bit more, so I bought a 30mhz gould advance os1100a. Isn´t it a beauty?It seems to work ok, but since I couldn't find its manual anywhere (I would appreciate some help with this issue), I still couldn't figure out what two of the buttons are for:- B/L on/off (top left)- Scale (down left)I apologise for my ignorance, but I could use your help.

author: david77
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 20, 2013, 12:36:22 pm
content: The Scale knob should be the dimmer for the scale illumination. That's basically a few light bulbs that illuminate the graticule. Was mainly used for taking pictures of the screen with a Polaroid camera.B/L could be Bandwidth Limitation. That basically limits the bandwidth of the scope to something like 10 to 20MHz, for some measurements you might want that. Although I have to say I've never seen that feature on a 30MHz scope so may be something else.

author: PA0PBZ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 20, 2013, 12:38:17 pm
content: Quote from: alex77 on September 20, 2013, 12:17:32 pmScale - Graticule light intensity?B/L - Backlight (Graticule) on/off? or bandwith limiter?

author: alex77
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 21, 2013, 08:49:04 am
content: thanks for you replies.in fact, when I used both those buttons I didn't notice any change in the screen. however, I still haven't had the time to test the oscilloscope fully.I left it in my repair shop but I will try to do it properly during the next week and post some results and conclusions.however, I'm still looking for its manual. if anyone can help me, I'll be much obliged. I don't mind paying for it too.

author: sarahMCML
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 22, 2013, 04:49:39 am
content: Hi Alex,This is my first post, so please forgive me if I accidentally hit the tab key and sent a nearly blank message a few minutes ago; I'm not used to sending messages on this kind of browser based forum!As others have suggested, the Scale - button (Knob?) should be the Graticule light intensity, and if nothing happens when adjusting it probably means that the bulbs need replacing.The B/L on/off button however almost certainly means Bright Line On/Off, and is used to give a trace on the screen equivalent to the Auto mode on most other scopes, when On.You can get a manual for the scope from: telfordelectronics@btinternet.com here in the UK (who also has one on eBay manuals, as does some US suppliers.)Just as a point of interest, I still have my Advance OS255 scope, bought as a rep's refurbishment instrument, in the mid 70's.

author: alex77
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 23, 2013, 11:49:08 am
content: hi sarah,thanks a lot for your explanation. I managed to download some manuals for free of other gould advance models.after your reply that helped me a lot, I read the manuals of two or three models that had the same controls and I confirmed that everything you wrote was right, thanks once more.p.s. your Advance OS255 scope rocks