I bought a 1978 HP O-Scope off of ebay for $40. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Geek1EE
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 19, 2011, 09:54:20 pm
content: Hey guys, this is officially my first post (well second after my introductory post). I bought this O-scope off of ebay as it seemed such a steal. It was only $45 with shipping and it came from a movie studio in LA.It's really REALLY awesome. Does it work? Well... sort of. I can get it to read and display a voltage but I can't get it to display a signal. What do I mean by this? There isn't any horizontal movement of the dot on the crt screen. I think it might be missing a board.or here for higher res:That metal bar looks like it is supposed to be attached to a board that controls the time/div knob, but I'm not sure.Anyway, do you guys think I'm missing something? What should I do? I don't really want to return it. I would lose to much money sending this thing in the mail for a refund. It weights a good 25lbs. I could scavenge it for parts or try reselling it on ebay and just put the shipping price at $40 and whatever it sells for will be profit.Here is the album of pictures of it btw: Is that brass or gold in the chips? Giant capacitors! Made in America!http://geek1ee.imgur.com/oscilloscope

author: Longhair
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 19, 2011, 10:33:58 pm
content: Are you able to locate a service or parts manual for it? That would tell you if there is anything missing or not and all the part numbers in case they are needed.Worse case scenario, just resell with full disclosure so your loss isn't that bad (shipping not included).

author: orbiter
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 19, 2011, 10:48:42 pm
content: If you can't get hold of any info on the internals It might just be worth asking this guy if he'll help you out and check inside the scope he has for sale on ebay. Just an idea..http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/HP-1744A-100MHz-Storage-Oscilloscope-/130466849137Here's the Users Manual anyway just in case your missing something with the setup that's preventing anything being displayed...http://www.hparchive.com/Manuals/HP-1744A-Manual.pdf

author: tecman
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 20, 2011, 01:18:01 am
content: You can get the manual for free at Agilent:http://www.home.agilent.com/agilent/facet.jspx?cc=US&lc=eng&k=1744a&sm=g&t=80039.k.1This should help.Paul

author: tyblu
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 20, 2011, 03:51:49 am
content: Sweet 'scope! Hope you get it working -- everyone needs an analog!

author: Zero999
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 20, 2011, 06:09:46 pm
content: Did the seller tell you it doesn't work? If not return it to them. If so, well you got what you paid for so treat this as a lesson.

author: Geek1EE
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 20, 2011, 11:53:03 pm
content: Quote from: Hero999 on January 20, 2011, 06:09:46 pmWell no they didn't mention that it didn't work. They just said that it turned on. They didn't even know what an O-scope is. There a company that sells stuff from movie studios and this just happened to come from Sony movie studios.Quote from: tecman on January 20, 2011, 01:18:01 amWow thanks! This totally helped. Turns out I am missing a boardIt looks like I am missing Board A8.Well I guess I am out of luck on ever making it work. Still thanks again, I couldnt find this service manual.Quote from: Longhair on January 19, 2011, 10:33:58 pmYeah I may just do that I have the box and everything still, I can just throw it all in there and resell it on ebay. I don't know who would want a semi-working O-scope. I guess I will contact the seller and let them know what they sent me.

author: Geek1EE
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 21, 2011, 12:10:19 am
content: Quote from: Hero999 on January 20, 2011, 06:09:46 pmFrom the auction page: "Used: An item that has been used previously. The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear, but is fully operational and functions as intended. "I'm just going to ask for 10 bucks back. Seems like a waste to ship it back across the country.

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 21, 2011, 04:45:56 am
content: Quote from: Geek1EE on January 21, 2011, 12:10:19 ami saw this alot, i think this is ebay default option for the condition of the item. try to read the text that is specifically written by the seller, thats the real condition of the item, not the ebay default value.

author: Geek1EE
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 21, 2011, 08:21:05 pm
content: Yeah, I'll make sure to read it more carefully next time. He really didn't say that it wasn't working. He just said it was used and he tested the power. Am I the only on to make this mistake lol?

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 21, 2011, 11:24:16 pm
content: Quote from: Geek1EE on January 21, 2011, 08:21:05 pmreturn it, or paypal dispute, you dont get item as described. at most, if the seller dont want to accept or partial refund, just tell him...

author: Geek1EE
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 21, 2011, 11:31:42 pm
content: Haha, I just talked to him and he was awesome! I asked for $12 back. He gave it to me. I only spent $42 and and it would cost $20 to ship it back to him so at most I would get a total of $20 back. This way I get to use if for parts or even resell it broken. Regardless I gave the seller a 5 star review.