Gear to resurrect an EICO oscilloscope - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: Idea_man
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 17, 2020, 07:06:17 pm
content: Hi!I have an EICO model 460 Oscilloscope with original components that i want to restore. The power caps are 1000 V i have very little previous experience. Can you tell me what equipment i need? such as isolation transformer from 240V mains, suitable (cheap) signal generator to test and so on?? I Have the brymen voltmeter from Dave and a soldering stationSorry that i am this green, im just a control engineer with nothing but mathematical knowledge.Thanks/johan

author: floobydust
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 17, 2020, 10:41:10 pm
content: Many times it's easier to fix something this old by testing or replacing the components that frequently fail. Or you can go through and measure the voltages everywhere if you like.I'd start off replacing all the electrolytic capacitors. It's easier than troubleshooting each one by one, given the high voltages. There's only six+ two film caps and a few dollars.C28 50uF 50V -> use 47uF 63VC15 50uF 50V -> use 47uF 63VC14 10uF 150V -> use 10uF 160VC27 is multi-section 20uF+20uF+20uF 450V -> three of 22uF 450V works.C25, C26 0.1uF 1,000V -> use 0.1uF 1,600V(Eico 460 addendum)https://www.eevblog.com/forum/repair/replace-multiple-capacitor/msg2978312/https://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/eico-model-460-oscilloscope-year-50s-or-60s/

author: wizard69
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 18, 2020, 01:54:14 am
content: Look up "Mr Carlson" on Youtube! I don't think there is a person on Youtube that knows tube based instrumentation better than this guy. For example in various videos he will go over what types of capacitors to replace by default due to known issues. Similarly what types of resistors are known to have age issues.In any event the number one thing to do is to review proper work practices for high voltage systems. The reality is that tube circuits have voltages that will kill you without even trying.The next thing to consider is that you might need a soldering iron that is a bit beefier than what is commonly used today for SMT solid state electronics. You may also need non magnetic and non-conductive tools for tweaking. You are likely to have the other mechanical tools to open up and work on these sorts of instruments. In any event these are screw drivers, wire strippers, needle nose, diagonal, and possibly nut drivers or small wrenches. Anything else tool wise can purchased as needed.As for an isolation transformer that may be useful with a variac and a dim bulb current limiter. However considering the age of this scope I would not even consider powering up this equipment without first inspecting and replacing most of the capacitors. That would be all electrolytic, wax capacitors and a reasonable inspection of all others. I'd do this even if the electrolytic have been replaced earlier just so you have fresh high quality solutions.Being green isn't a problem, just make absolutely sure you know the risks

author: floobydust
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 18, 2020, 02:08:02 am
content: I'd stumbled onto this 1944 picture and had no idea how real men soldered back then.Now that's a soldering iron lol.

author: Idea_man
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 18, 2020, 06:24:52 am
content: Big thanks! I’ll go ahead and buy a good hako soldering station and replace the components first