FS: [US] Used Tektronix 453 (Air force) oscilloscope - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Krontic
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 22, 2014, 11:58:25 pm
content: This was my fathers scope from the Airforce, he always bragged about gold plated boards and this scope being meant to never turn off.Still works beautifully, 1977 "reprint" book has full schematics, probes that he gave me with it are in a plastic pouch.I live in US, Florida, 32320If no one is interested I was still hoping for any extra information that anyone could provide.This scope has seen more circuits then I can imagine so I was hoping to give it a good home.~Michael

author: MickM
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 23, 2014, 01:40:32 am
content: Hi;nice old scope, but very heavy to ship.(I live near Seattle.)Here is some info:http://w140.com/tekwiki/wiki/453Mick M

author: PaulAm
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 24, 2014, 11:49:49 pm
content: Nice old scope. All solid state, except for a few nuvistors and the HV rectifier. Overall, very reliable, 50 MHz scope. Uses tunnel diodes in the trigger circuits. I checked a 453 to trigger reliably at 150 MHz, although the vertical response was pretty bad at that point.BTW, showing the beam dead in the center of the screen while in single sweep mode does not quite line up with "still works beutifully". Just saying. Put it on auto and adjust the intensity and focus controls to get a sharp line. Better yet, connect one channel to the calibrator output. That will show much more functionality.453s sell at hamfests for $50-100, maybe less if they have problems. If no one bites, offer it on your local craigslist.One advantage that is often overlooked is the large knobs and legends. As you get older and your eyes start going you can still read the d#$% controls.

author: Krontic
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 25, 2014, 02:37:01 am
content: was not my camera was in a hurry and i centered it because i wiped down the panel and the beam was in the corneron ebay they are going for 200$ and up the tube alone for 100$ newer manuals for 30-40$I put this on here to try to get it to another tech i know will love it

author: twbranch
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 25, 2014, 07:01:47 am
content: About 5 years ago I bought two 453s thinking I would need one for parts. They both were said to work. They did. I did recap one last year but the other is still chugging along without any mods in outstanding condition. These were the workhorses back their day and I use mine daily today. I paid $100US for them both shipped and came with a manual and one probe (non Tektronix). I have yet to see one that cheap on ebay since. That is a well respected scope and you should be able to unload it for a decent price, especially with the manual. I would try CL or some local sale to keep from having to ship. If I recall I paid 18 and 25 respectably for each of mine with the rest being shipping charges. These things are heavy and heavy duty. Good luck!

author: retrolefty
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 25, 2014, 03:19:14 pm
content: I can certainly attest to the ruggedness of a 453. In the 70s for around 9 years I worked as a field service engineer for a mini-computer company. They provided all tools and test equipment including the 453. It traveled in the front boot of a VW bug most the time bouncing around with no particular care. Once I had to fly from San Francisco to Seattle for an emergency service call on short notice so had no time for extra shipping protection, I just taped down the front cover of the scope and checked it as luggage. On arrive I saw it tumble head over heels down the luggage ramp several times and bang hard at the rotating casserole. Not a problem, worked fine when next used.

author: PaulAm
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 25, 2014, 06:54:03 pm
content: Don't look at the listing price on ebay. People put ridiculous prices on things and let them sit out there for years. Look at the sold prices. The most a 453 went for in the last 3 months was $135 with free shipping (which will take $40 off that). Most went in the 50-100 range.Package deals almost always sell for less than what they would go for separately. That's part of the attraction.As an example of a stupid price, somebody is listing a Sencore CR70 CRT tester/rejuvinator for $747.49 + $70 shipping. That's half the original list price, but since you can find them for around $50, that one will sit out there for years.