B&K oscilloscope manual questions - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: tyguy2
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 10, 2015, 08:29:36 am
content: My friend recently purchased a B&K model 1403 oscilloscope. It's his first scope and he has no idea how to use it. I'm helping him learn the in's and out's of oscilloscopes, but we have no information on the scope other than the PDF attached. Does anyone know of a place where I can get the manual for this scope?

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 10, 2015, 09:02:50 am
content: Think this is the one:http://www.ebaman.com/index.php/remository/ELECTRONICS/Test-Equipment/BK-Precision/B--and-K-Model-1403/Do register and download.

author: w2aew
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 10, 2015, 01:38:30 pm
content: Unfortunately much of the info you'll find online about oscilloscopes (videos, etc.) won't directly apply to this scope because of several things. This scope is not a triggered sweep scope, and does not have a calibrated timebase or calibrated vertical input. It is what is called a "recurrent sweep" scope, where the trace sweep runs continually. The rate or sweep frequency can be adjusted, but you can't set a specific sweep speed (you set a range and adjust fine adjust it with a vernier control), and it is not triggered off of the input waveform. There is a SYNC function that taps the input signal and tries to "injection lock" the horizontal oscillator to try to create a stable display. This works on some signals, but not all. The vertical input is just a pair of banana jacks. The vertical input isn't calibrated, there's just a few input attenuator settings and a variable vertical gain control. Basically, it is usable as a waveform monitor and to look at the basic shape of most waveforms - good for signal tracing and troubleshooting - but not very useful for actual measurements (such as measurements like absolute signal amplitude, pulse width, risetime, etc.)Manual can be found here:http://elektrotanya.com/bk-precision_1403_a_10mv_5mhz_oscilloscope_instr._sm.zip/download.html

author: AviatorLj
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 14, 2015, 03:38:30 am
content: I am the aforementioned friend. I have found out generally how to use the scope, but the waveform is very dim due to a blown-up electrolytic cap in the HV power supply. I will attempt to fix it, but in the meanwhile, what is the V. Atten. used for?

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 14, 2015, 04:59:04 am
content: Welcome to the forum.Would this be the repair thread?https://www.eevblog.com/forum/repair/questions-over-cap-replacement/V. Atten should stand for Vertical Attenuation, normally multiple selectable resistive dividers for attenuation of the waveforms vertical amplitude.When I get a mo, I'll have a look at the manual w2aew linked, that's if he doesn't beat me to it.

author: vk6zgo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 14, 2015, 05:25:54 am
content: Quote from: w2aew on July 10, 2015, 01:38:30 pmI thought they'd put that type of design to bed in the very early'50s.I had an old Philips 2" wartime Oscilloscope that used that sort of timebase ,but I had no idea that anyone was still making such a device in the Semiconductor era.(except possibly in the old USSR)Even the old Telequipment Serviscope had a triggered sweep,& I think it was a late'50s design,complete with a full complement of tubes.

author: tyguy2
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 14, 2015, 07:40:11 am
content: Quote from: tautech on July 14, 2015, 04:59:04 amYes, that is the repair thread.