TEKTRONIX PG506 testing - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Mr Lurpak
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 08, 2025, 09:43:11 pm
content: HI, I got my hands on a TEKTRONIX PG506 by curiosity and luck. I do not have the TM500 rack/power supply - so does anyone knows if/how it is possible to test it without the TM500?Would it be possible to make a power supply setup to test or what exactly does the TM500 bring to the table?My interest in it is primarily testing/calibrating old tek scopes (without starting a whole new discussion on that topic. on another note is a Tek 067-0542-99 older calibration signal generator worth the trouble? or what are GOOD/cheaper alternatives to the HIGH VOLTAGES and fast rise times they output?Cheers.RT

author: David Hess
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 08, 2025, 11:49:46 pm
content: You could make a power supply to power just a PG506, however it is just so much easier to get any of the TM500 mainframes and refurbish it if necessary.The PG506 has three modes: calibrated voltage output, variable high voltage output, and fast rise output. The variable high voltage output was intended to drive a tunnel diode pulser which attaches directly to the oscilloscope input and is much faster than the fast rise output.

author: Mr Lurpak
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 09, 2025, 08:54:13 am
content: So the frame/Main frame TM5xx is just power supply?Thank you for input. and yes was thinking after looking at fast rise generators like the Tektronix and later Jim Williams and avalanche pulse generator that the 100V output would have been perfect for that purpose.I am split between should I start "collecting" the full series of needed test tools for old TEK - or just spend the money on more modern equipment. Is the 50-100V out put actually needed in the calibration of the older scopes or just for driving the tunnel diode?I have become obsessed with old test equipmentbut also like the fancy more capable newer.....

author: David Hess
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 09, 2025, 05:56:06 pm
content: Quote from: Mr Lurpak on October 09, 2025, 08:54:13 amThe calibrated high voltage output is from +0.2 millivolts to +100 volts.The high amplitude output is a fast positive edge from more than -60 volts to zero into 1 megohm which can also be used to drive a tunnel diode pulser.The fast rise and fall outputs are better than 600 picoseconds and up to better than 1 volt into 50 ohms.

author: Roehrenonkel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 09, 2025, 07:10:41 pm
content: Hi Mr Lurpak,you need different AC- & DC-voltages and a pair of BJTs (see PDF)....and a propper connector too.Maybe it's easier and cheaper to get a Mainframe:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/buysellwanted/fs-(deww)-tektronix-tm-501-dm-501-a-and-temperature-probe-p6601/msg5337686/Good luck

author: Mr Lurpak
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 09, 2025, 07:49:20 pm
content: Thank you. and yes I did look around the corners of the internet for a TM5xx mainframe and seems that it might be the way ahead. Building a power supply and getting connectors will probably be more expensive in the end. Found some good offer on ebay in US (for some reason not that popular in the UK).Also, watchinghttps://www.youtube.com/@NearFarMediahe not surprisingly got some cool videos on the TM and alike which gave me a bit more confidence in going in that direction.in you opinion IF I go for the Leo Bodnar fast rise pulse generator - would there be ANY need for the Time mark generator and the Tunnel diode pulser?any thought on alternatives? to collecting a full Tektronix test rig?

author: Roehrenonkel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 09, 2025, 08:41:31 pm
content: Hi,it all depends on your funds, your available space and your sentiments for the good old stuff.The PG506 is a nice universal piece worth keeping, especially for the current-loop.A time-mark-gen is for calibrating the X-axis, the Pulse-gen for checking bandwidth.Best

author: David Hess
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2025, 12:02:04 am
content: Quote from: Mr Lurpak on October 09, 2025, 07:49:20 pmThe 3-bay mainframe gives easier access for testing and repairs.

author: Mr Lurpak
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 11, 2025, 01:21:44 pm
content: Thanks, I found a nice working one on Ebay so awaiting that to arrive. Thanks for input and advise