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-   -   I could kick myself. Tektronix 603a (https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/showthread.php?t=138943)

backflipper 13th Aug 2017 12:17 am

I could kick myself. Tektronix 603a
 
I picked up a piece of Tektronix kit today from and ignored the golden rule before powering it up. Check some numpty hasn't replaced the 600mA fuse with something stupid like a 10A slow blow.

I couldn't wait to fire up the storage monitor and when I did I got a dot on the screen and was able to shift it around so I thought "Nice" then it went dead after 5mins with a puff of smoke.

One of the Sprague 3300uF 25V caps had shorted and because it had a nail for a fuse both tracks feeding the bridge rectifier for the +20v rail instantly disintegrated. Well I can fix it but it was a reminder to do some initial checks before getting too excited.

Cheers

MrBungle 13th Aug 2017 12:23 pm

Re: I could kick myself. Tektronix 603a
 
Easy mistake to make. I found tinfoil in a Heathkit counter fuse holder before. Usually Tek bridge rectifiers make pretty good fuses themselves (I've lost count of how many I've replaced) so that's a bit unlucky.

evingar 13th Aug 2017 3:39 pm

Re: I could kick myself. Tektronix 603a
 
Yes. I've had a handful of Tek bridges go open circuited as well. Odd really, most other types fail short :-/

vinrads 13th Aug 2017 7:47 pm

Re: I could kick myself. Tektronix 603a
 
I say a lucky escape ! It could have been a lot worse , Mick.

backflipper 13th Aug 2017 8:42 pm

Re: I could kick myself. Tektronix 603a
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by MrBungle (Post 967558)
Easy mistake to make. I found tinfoil in a Heathkit counter fuse holder before. Usually Tek bridge rectifiers make pretty good fuses themselves (I've lost count of how many I've replaced) so that's a bit unlucky.

Cheers but yes it did drive home the importance of initial checks.

Quote:

Originally Posted by vinrads (Post 967690)
I say a lucky escape ! It could have been a lot worse , Mick.

I agree. Safety 1st!

dseymo1 13th Aug 2017 9:39 pm

Re: I could kick myself. Tektronix 603a
 
Interesting that such bodges are made by users of this sort of gear, who might be expected to know better.

backflipper 13th Aug 2017 10:17 pm

Re: I could kick myself. Tektronix 603a
 
I think it was a reseller who replaced it thinking it would fix the no image not realising that the dot was off screen.


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