Vintage Tektronix 5031 oscilloscope dual beam storage differential - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Lunasix
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2014, 05:12:10 pm
content: I present a Tektronix 5031 oscilloscope. Near 1968. True dual beam (chopper or alternate not needed), display splitted into 2 memory array, very high sensibility (10uV) and differential input, but low frequency (1MHz), direct input for current probe (I don't have).Photo 2 shows memorized trace.Photo 4 shows an input rotary switch, small switches are directly on board.Photo 5 : there is one hour counter in the scope (on the left, near transformer), can be reversed (by reversing polarity) if made before indicator reaches one end. Too late here !Photo 6 : we can see the size of the time base rotary switch (cover not removed) !

author: Lunasix
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2014, 05:13:25 pm
content: Photo 7 : display, without nixies and before leds.Photo 8 : display removed, one opened, we can see optical fibers and 2 CI with small bulb lamps on it (a lot already changed !).

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2014, 06:07:52 pm
content: That is a thing of beauty!

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2014, 07:21:09 pm
content: Very nice and in lovely condition.Reminds me of the 50 MHz Telequipment I "cut my teeth on". Similar form factor and same Current probe test. A feature I think many manufacturers have lately ignored.Internals reflect the influence Telequipment had on Tektronix who acquired the UK based scope builder around that time.I have never seen a dedicated Current probe input and current/div on the Rotary dial....nice.Your Tek 2014 has all that in the menus howeverBTW. A Tek P6021 is a 125 turn Current probe, but good luck finding one cheap.

author: tekfan
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2014, 08:02:36 pm
content: That's a really beautiful scope. The front panel looks very uncluttered and the backlit buttons look very niceI guess this is one of the rarer Tek scopes. The construction also seems very similar to the Tek 576 curve tracer. The 576 uses the same fiberoptic readouts. The armature inside the small Tek relays often doesn't have good contact and the entire relay has to be replaced.There's even a Curtis Indachron hour meter on the rectifier board to show how much time the instrument was powered on. Very ingenious little device.Looks like the scale illumination bulbs are also out. That's also a must to replace since the screen looks even nicer with the graticule lit.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2014, 08:04:37 pm
content: I love the readouts! For that time it must have been pretty slick to have that.

author: Vgkid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2014, 09:07:11 pm
content: Thanks for the teardown, it is truely a beautiful scope.

author: Lunasix
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2014, 09:20:12 pm
content: The "scale illum" button only adjust level of fiberoptic light. There is no lamp for the screen.Some lamps should also be replaced in push button.There was problems on contact for the time base, but it was solved with contact spray, it's fine now.I made this photos because I will sell this scope if I find a buyer. I think it is beautiful and I want remember it ! I have it since around 1985 and almost never use it.Sorry for my english...

author: PaulAm
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2014, 10:02:29 pm
content: Only a few scopes used that fiberoptic display readout. The 576 curve tracer was one. Really beats trying to read small print on the knobs.

author: c4757p
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2014, 10:12:00 pm
content: What a beautiful instrument. It's a shame there don't seem to be many left.Quote from: Lunasix on January 11, 2014, 05:12:10 pmIncredibly handy. This has definitely been added to my list of equipment to watch for.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 12, 2014, 12:09:16 am
content: Quote from: tautech on January 11, 2014, 07:21:09 pmThere are many 125 turn current transformers out there so it may be an option to use one of those.