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Tek sucks for MANY reasons!
Frank Gilliland wrote: Tektronix is trying to manipulate the oscilloscope market. Today I learned from my local dealership that they are required by contract to destroy every scope which is traded in for a new Tektronix scope, regardless of age or condition. So if you decide to trade in that old scope for a Tektronix, know ahead of time that it is NOT going to end up in the hands of a ham, or of some kid learning and experimenting in electronics on a tight budget like I was thir... er, twenty years ago. No, Tektronix needs to raise their profits by destroying every used scope they can get their greedy little hands on, regardless of who feels the pinch! -----= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =----- http://www.newsfeeds.com - The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! -----== Over 100,000 Newsgroups - 19 Different Servers! =----- |
Tektronix SUCKS!!!!!
Tek sucks for MANY reasons!
Frank Gilliland wrote: Tektronix is trying to manipulate the oscilloscope market. Today I learned from my local dealership that they are required by contract to destroy every scope which is traded in for a new Tektronix scope, regardless of age or condition. So if you decide to trade in that old scope for a Tektronix, know ahead of time that it is NOT going to end up in the hands of a ham, or of some kid learning and experimenting in electronics on a tight budget like I was thir... er, twenty years ago. No, Tektronix needs to raise their profits by destroying every used scope they can get their greedy little hands on, regardless of who feels the pinch! -----= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =----- http://www.newsfeeds.com - The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! -----== Over 100,000 Newsgroups - 19 Different Servers! =----- |
Tek is a ****ty company. Worked there myself.
****ty management, too. If you go back far enough it was a good place. I got the propaganda and it doesn't change a thing. Alfred Carlson wrote: Tektronix is a good and reputable company. Don't care what anyone might think, I know better. My uncle (Warren K. Dallas) helped establish the groundwork for a reputation since 1947, that prevails within Tektronix to this day. Any doubts, read the book "Winning with People: The first 40 years of Tektronix. I rest my case. 73 de Fred. |
Tek is a ****ty company. Worked there myself.
****ty management, too. If you go back far enough it was a good place. I got the propaganda and it doesn't change a thing. Alfred Carlson wrote: Tektronix is a good and reputable company. Don't care what anyone might think, I know better. My uncle (Warren K. Dallas) helped establish the groundwork for a reputation since 1947, that prevails within Tektronix to this day. Any doubts, read the book "Winning with People: The first 40 years of Tektronix. I rest my case. 73 de Fred. |
Actually exray you're the one who needs to check his fly.
I'm the one who made the comment about Tek. The place sucks. --exray-- wrote: Alfred Carlson wrote: Tektronix is a good and reputable company. Don't care what anyone might think, I know better. My uncle (Warren K. Dallas) helped establish the groundwork for a reputation since 1947, that prevails within Tektronix to this day. Any doubts, read the book "Winning with People: The first 40 years of Tektronix. I rest my case. 73 de Fred. Check your fly, Fred. Something ridiculous is hanging out. I've never heard anybody say Tek was a "bad" company or made bad gear. Tempramental, maybe, but not bad. But this day in time (since the book came out) big corporations aren't run by the good guys like Warren K.... -Bill |
Actually exray you're the one who needs to check his fly.
I'm the one who made the comment about Tek. The place sucks. --exray-- wrote: Alfred Carlson wrote: Tektronix is a good and reputable company. Don't care what anyone might think, I know better. My uncle (Warren K. Dallas) helped establish the groundwork for a reputation since 1947, that prevails within Tektronix to this day. Any doubts, read the book "Winning with People: The first 40 years of Tektronix. I rest my case. 73 de Fred. Check your fly, Fred. Something ridiculous is hanging out. I've never heard anybody say Tek was a "bad" company or made bad gear. Tempramental, maybe, but not bad. But this day in time (since the book came out) big corporations aren't run by the good guys like Warren K.... -Bill |
Did they actually pull off that deal with GTE for service.
I was there training some of those ****ers. RP Jones wrote: Could it be they don't want to do anymore service, perhaps it cheaper just to replace those new off seas plastic cheap ones one under warrantee. I called them about a Tek 2232 and someone on the other end got all ****ed off, said call GTE for service ? "Frank Gilliland" wrote in message ... Tektronix is trying to manipulate the oscilloscope market. Today I learned from my local dealership that they are required by contract to destroy every scope which is traded in for a new Tektronix scope, regardless of age or condition. So if you decide to trade in that old scope for a Tektronix, know ahead of time that it is NOT going to end up in the hands of a ham, or of some kid learning and experimenting in electronics on a tight budget like I was thir... er, twenty years ago. No, Tektronix needs to raise their profits by destroying every used scope they can get their greedy little hands on, regardless of who feels the pinch! -----= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =----- http://www.newsfeeds.com - The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! -----== Over 100,000 Newsgroups - 19 Different Servers! =----- |
Did they actually pull off that deal with GTE for service.
I was there training some of those ****ers. RP Jones wrote: Could it be they don't want to do anymore service, perhaps it cheaper just to replace those new off seas plastic cheap ones one under warrantee. I called them about a Tek 2232 and someone on the other end got all ****ed off, said call GTE for service ? "Frank Gilliland" wrote in message ... Tektronix is trying to manipulate the oscilloscope market. Today I learned from my local dealership that they are required by contract to destroy every scope which is traded in for a new Tektronix scope, regardless of age or condition. So if you decide to trade in that old scope for a Tektronix, know ahead of time that it is NOT going to end up in the hands of a ham, or of some kid learning and experimenting in electronics on a tight budget like I was thir... er, twenty years ago. No, Tektronix needs to raise their profits by destroying every used scope they can get their greedy little hands on, regardless of who feels the pinch! -----= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =----- http://www.newsfeeds.com - The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! -----== Over 100,000 Newsgroups - 19 Different Servers! =----- |
In article , W7TI
writes: On Tue, 11 Nov 2003 00:40:03 GMT, Larry Johnson wrote: Frank - this is how big business works. They're not in business to do favors for you, they're in business to make money. Period. _________________________________________________ ________ Not true. Like all businesses, Tek must please their customers while making money or soon there will be no customers. The trick is to strike the right balance. Tektronix has been in business for ~50 years now, so I'd say they are doing it right. -- Bill, W7TI p.s. I'm an ex-employee, so grains of salt will be distributed as necessary. Bill, I've never worked for Tektronix. My personal oscilloscope is a Philips 50 MHz dual-trace used demo unit bought at a fair deal from a Philips representative in 1981. On the other hand, I've been very much acquainted with their line of instruments since 1954 and can say that their quality, maintainability, and holding-of-accuracy is excellent. I can afford them for contract jobs...just can't afford them for personal use. The price of ALL electronics instruments has constantly gone up in the last half century...the major reason probably in that the performance and range and flexibility has also increased...which leads to the various companies amortizing new instrument development costs back to the buyers. Like TS for all those who want high-performance goodies at Knight-Kit prices. Len Anderson retired (from regular hours) electronic engineer person |
In article , W7TI
writes: On Tue, 11 Nov 2003 00:40:03 GMT, Larry Johnson wrote: Frank - this is how big business works. They're not in business to do favors for you, they're in business to make money. Period. _________________________________________________ ________ Not true. Like all businesses, Tek must please their customers while making money or soon there will be no customers. The trick is to strike the right balance. Tektronix has been in business for ~50 years now, so I'd say they are doing it right. -- Bill, W7TI p.s. I'm an ex-employee, so grains of salt will be distributed as necessary. Bill, I've never worked for Tektronix. My personal oscilloscope is a Philips 50 MHz dual-trace used demo unit bought at a fair deal from a Philips representative in 1981. On the other hand, I've been very much acquainted with their line of instruments since 1954 and can say that their quality, maintainability, and holding-of-accuracy is excellent. I can afford them for contract jobs...just can't afford them for personal use. The price of ALL electronics instruments has constantly gone up in the last half century...the major reason probably in that the performance and range and flexibility has also increased...which leads to the various companies amortizing new instrument development costs back to the buyers. Like TS for all those who want high-performance goodies at Knight-Kit prices. Len Anderson retired (from regular hours) electronic engineer person |
On Wed, 12 Nov 2003 11:36:38 -0500, Radioman wrote:
Come to think of it, HP ain't the old HP anymore, huh? They even advertise, The New HP! IIRC HP broke into several different companies - the one that makes computers absorbed Compaq (or was it the other way around) and the one that makes printer stuff is the "new HP". The one that made (from the start) and still makes some of the best test equipment now has a new name. It shudd'a been the other way around. -- 73 de K2ASP - Phil Kane From a Clearing in the Silicon Forest Beaverton (Washington County) Oregon |
On Wed, 12 Nov 2003 11:36:38 -0500, Radioman wrote:
Come to think of it, HP ain't the old HP anymore, huh? They even advertise, The New HP! IIRC HP broke into several different companies - the one that makes computers absorbed Compaq (or was it the other way around) and the one that makes printer stuff is the "new HP". The one that made (from the start) and still makes some of the best test equipment now has a new name. It shudd'a been the other way around. -- 73 de K2ASP - Phil Kane From a Clearing in the Silicon Forest Beaverton (Washington County) Oregon |
On a "real" basis -- adjusted for inflation -- the cost of instruments has
been going down. a TEK7704a with 4 plug-ins cost as much as a car when it was introduced -- today you can get same performance (well actually more since you have FFT and math) in a TDS3034 for 1/2 the price of a car. The price of ALL electronics instruments has constantly gone up in the last half century...the major reason probably in that the performance and range and flexibility has also increased...which leads to the various companies amortizing new instrument development costs back to the buyers. Like TS for all those who want high-performance goodies at Knight-Kit prices. Len Anderson retired (from regular hours) electronic engineer person |
On a "real" basis -- adjusted for inflation -- the cost of instruments has
been going down. a TEK7704a with 4 plug-ins cost as much as a car when it was introduced -- today you can get same performance (well actually more since you have FFT and math) in a TDS3034 for 1/2 the price of a car. The price of ALL electronics instruments has constantly gone up in the last half century...the major reason probably in that the performance and range and flexibility has also increased...which leads to the various companies amortizing new instrument development costs back to the buyers. Like TS for all those who want high-performance goodies at Knight-Kit prices. Len Anderson retired (from regular hours) electronic engineer person |
I don't know I wasn't stupid enough to even think about calling GTE.
Actually "now that I remember" I had called Tek to enquire about a 465 B faceplate, this guy totally "lost his wig" before I even got to speak about owning a 2232. $^% 465 !! jokingly told me "THIS ISN'T SANFORD AND SON" I have since sold the 2232 and baught 465B and a little NLS battery operated (NLS are VERY very nice people, they sent me a manual, alignment/service procedure and schematic free!! ) I also have a 545 on a cart to I use in the basement (winter) people love looking at it :) -RP "private" wrote in message ... Did they actually pull off that deal with GTE for service. I was there training some of those ****ers. RP Jones wrote: Could it be they don't want to do anymore service, perhaps it cheaper just to replace those new off seas plastic cheap ones one under warrantee. I called them about a Tek 2232 and someone on the other end got all ****ed off, said call GTE for service ? "Frank Gilliland" wrote in message ... Tektronix is trying to manipulate the oscilloscope market. Today I learned from my local dealership that they are required by contract to destroy every scope which is traded in for a new Tektronix scope, regardless of age or condition. So if you decide to trade in that old scope for a Tektronix, know ahead of time that it is NOT going to end up in the hands of a ham, or of some kid learning and experimenting in electronics on a tight budget like I was thir... er, twenty years ago. No, Tektronix needs to raise their profits by destroying every used scope they can get their greedy little hands on, regardless of who feels the pinch! -----= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =----- http://www.newsfeeds.com - The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! -----== Over 100,000 Newsgroups - 19 Different Servers! =----- |
I don't know I wasn't stupid enough to even think about calling GTE.
Actually "now that I remember" I had called Tek to enquire about a 465 B faceplate, this guy totally "lost his wig" before I even got to speak about owning a 2232. $^% 465 !! jokingly told me "THIS ISN'T SANFORD AND SON" I have since sold the 2232 and baught 465B and a little NLS battery operated (NLS are VERY very nice people, they sent me a manual, alignment/service procedure and schematic free!! ) I also have a 545 on a cart to I use in the basement (winter) people love looking at it :) -RP "private" wrote in message ... Did they actually pull off that deal with GTE for service. I was there training some of those ****ers. RP Jones wrote: Could it be they don't want to do anymore service, perhaps it cheaper just to replace those new off seas plastic cheap ones one under warrantee. I called them about a Tek 2232 and someone on the other end got all ****ed off, said call GTE for service ? "Frank Gilliland" wrote in message ... Tektronix is trying to manipulate the oscilloscope market. Today I learned from my local dealership that they are required by contract to destroy every scope which is traded in for a new Tektronix scope, regardless of age or condition. So if you decide to trade in that old scope for a Tektronix, know ahead of time that it is NOT going to end up in the hands of a ham, or of some kid learning and experimenting in electronics on a tight budget like I was thir... er, twenty years ago. No, Tektronix needs to raise their profits by destroying every used scope they can get their greedy little hands on, regardless of who feels the pinch! -----= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =----- http://www.newsfeeds.com - The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! -----== Over 100,000 Newsgroups - 19 Different Servers! =----- |
"RP Jones" wrote in message .. .
I don't know I wasn't stupid enough to even think about calling GTE. Actually "now that I remember" I had called Tek to enquire about a 465 B faceplate, this guy totally "lost his wig" before I even got to speak about owning a 2232. $^% 465 !! jokingly told me "THIS ISN'T SANFORD AND SON" I have since sold the 2232 and baught 465B and a little NLS battery operated (NLS are VERY very nice people, they sent me a manual, alignment/service procedure and schematic free!! ) I also have a 545 on a cart to I use in the basement (winter) people love looking at it :) -RP "private" wrote in message ... Did they actually pull off that deal with GTE for service. I was there training some of those ****ers. RP Jones wrote: Could it be they don't want to do anymore service, perhaps it cheaper just to replace those new off seas plastic cheap ones one under warrantee. I called them about a Tek 2232 and someone on the other end got all ****ed off, said call GTE for service ? "Frank Gilliland" wrote in message ... Tektronix is trying to manipulate the oscilloscope market. Today I learned from my local dealership that they are required by contract to destroy every scope which is traded in for a new Tektronix scope, regardless of age or condition. So if you decide to trade in that old scope for a Tektronix, know ahead of time that it is NOT going to end up in the hands of a ham, or of some kid learning and experimenting in electronics on a tight budget like I was thir... er, twenty years ago. No, Tektronix needs to raise their profits by destroying every used scope they can get their greedy little hands on, regardless of who feels the pinch! -----= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =----- http://www.newsfeeds.com - The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! -----== Over 100,000 Newsgroups - 19 Different Servers! =----- isn't it true that the older stuff is built like a battleship and isn't as proprietary and can be repaired with user obtainable parts? I always heard tek for scopes and hp for analyzers. Any thoughts on that? |
"RP Jones" wrote in message .. .
I don't know I wasn't stupid enough to even think about calling GTE. Actually "now that I remember" I had called Tek to enquire about a 465 B faceplate, this guy totally "lost his wig" before I even got to speak about owning a 2232. $^% 465 !! jokingly told me "THIS ISN'T SANFORD AND SON" I have since sold the 2232 and baught 465B and a little NLS battery operated (NLS are VERY very nice people, they sent me a manual, alignment/service procedure and schematic free!! ) I also have a 545 on a cart to I use in the basement (winter) people love looking at it :) -RP "private" wrote in message ... Did they actually pull off that deal with GTE for service. I was there training some of those ****ers. RP Jones wrote: Could it be they don't want to do anymore service, perhaps it cheaper just to replace those new off seas plastic cheap ones one under warrantee. I called them about a Tek 2232 and someone on the other end got all ****ed off, said call GTE for service ? "Frank Gilliland" wrote in message ... Tektronix is trying to manipulate the oscilloscope market. Today I learned from my local dealership that they are required by contract to destroy every scope which is traded in for a new Tektronix scope, regardless of age or condition. So if you decide to trade in that old scope for a Tektronix, know ahead of time that it is NOT going to end up in the hands of a ham, or of some kid learning and experimenting in electronics on a tight budget like I was thir... er, twenty years ago. No, Tektronix needs to raise their profits by destroying every used scope they can get their greedy little hands on, regardless of who feels the pinch! -----= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =----- http://www.newsfeeds.com - The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! -----== Over 100,000 Newsgroups - 19 Different Servers! =----- isn't it true that the older stuff is built like a battleship and isn't as proprietary and can be repaired with user obtainable parts? I always heard tek for scopes and hp for analyzers. Any thoughts on that? |
In (rec.radio.amateur.homebrew), gw wrote:
isn't it true that the older stuff is built like a battleship and isn't as proprietary and can be repaired with user obtainable parts? I always heard tek for scopes and hp for analyzers. Any thoughts on that? My experience is that HP scopes are OK-to-great, while Tek scopes are excellent-to-superb. Similarly, HP generators and analyzers are excellent-to-superb, while OK-to-great. There are other manufacturers that make excellent-to-superb hardware, such as Fluke. -- Mike Andrews Tired old sysadmin |
In (rec.radio.amateur.homebrew), gw wrote:
isn't it true that the older stuff is built like a battleship and isn't as proprietary and can be repaired with user obtainable parts? I always heard tek for scopes and hp for analyzers. Any thoughts on that? My experience is that HP scopes are OK-to-great, while Tek scopes are excellent-to-superb. Similarly, HP generators and analyzers are excellent-to-superb, while OK-to-great. There are other manufacturers that make excellent-to-superb hardware, such as Fluke. -- Mike Andrews Tired old sysadmin |
RP Jones wrote:
I don't know I wasn't stupid enough to even think about calling GTE. Actually "now that I remember" I had called Tek to enquire about a 465 B faceplate, this guy totally "lost his wig" before I even got to speak about owning a 2232. $^% 465 !! jokingly told me "THIS ISN'T SANFORD AND SON" The repair depot in Washington DC has one old guy who likes working on the older gear, and has some limited parts supply for them. Last year he spent an awful lot of time getting the 100V supply on my 610 video monitor working reliably, and I can strongly recommend the DC folks. --scott -- "C'est un Nagra. C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis." |
RP Jones wrote:
I don't know I wasn't stupid enough to even think about calling GTE. Actually "now that I remember" I had called Tek to enquire about a 465 B faceplate, this guy totally "lost his wig" before I even got to speak about owning a 2232. $^% 465 !! jokingly told me "THIS ISN'T SANFORD AND SON" The repair depot in Washington DC has one old guy who likes working on the older gear, and has some limited parts supply for them. Last year he spent an awful lot of time getting the 100V supply on my 610 video monitor working reliably, and I can strongly recommend the DC folks. --scott -- "C'est un Nagra. C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis." |
With out doubt, most new hardware looks like its built to be thrown away
and crushed. "Built in absolesance" Its a dam shame ! Id agree on Tek for scopes and HP for analyzers, if you look on Ebay HP "as is" scopes with problems must out number the Tek's 10-1. (Many developed push button/switchpad related problems) "gw" wrote in message isn't it true that the older stuff is built like a battleship and isn't as proprietary and can be repaired with user obtainable parts? I always heard tek for scopes and hp for analyzers. Any thoughts on that? |
With out doubt, most new hardware looks like its built to be thrown away
and crushed. "Built in absolesance" Its a dam shame ! Id agree on Tek for scopes and HP for analyzers, if you look on Ebay HP "as is" scopes with problems must out number the Tek's 10-1. (Many developed push button/switchpad related problems) "gw" wrote in message isn't it true that the older stuff is built like a battleship and isn't as proprietary and can be repaired with user obtainable parts? I always heard tek for scopes and hp for analyzers. Any thoughts on that? |
The saddest problems I have found with the HP gear is purely their own
fault. When they made the horizontal timing knobs for their 80's vintage scopes, they made them out of plastic, and carved large slots in the space between the outer part you turn with your fingers and the inner part that turns the knob. This left very little plastic to take the torque of turning the knob. Once they break there is no easy way of repairing them. The other big problem is their use of delrin gears with aluminum hubs just about everywhere. And after 15 years, they are all broken. The HP8640B is built like a tank, but everyone I have ever had came with several gears that had split due to shrinkage. -Chuck RP Jones wrote: With out doubt, most new hardware looks like its built to be thrown away and crushed. "Built in absolesance" Its a dam shame ! Id agree on Tek for scopes and HP for analyzers, if you look on Ebay HP "as is" scopes with problems must out number the Tek's 10-1. (Many developed push button/switchpad related problems) "gw" wrote in message isn't it true that the older stuff is built like a battleship and isn't as proprietary and can be repaired with user obtainable parts? I always heard tek for scopes and hp for analyzers. Any thoughts on that? |
The saddest problems I have found with the HP gear is purely their own
fault. When they made the horizontal timing knobs for their 80's vintage scopes, they made them out of plastic, and carved large slots in the space between the outer part you turn with your fingers and the inner part that turns the knob. This left very little plastic to take the torque of turning the knob. Once they break there is no easy way of repairing them. The other big problem is their use of delrin gears with aluminum hubs just about everywhere. And after 15 years, they are all broken. The HP8640B is built like a tank, but everyone I have ever had came with several gears that had split due to shrinkage. -Chuck RP Jones wrote: With out doubt, most new hardware looks like its built to be thrown away and crushed. "Built in absolesance" Its a dam shame ! Id agree on Tek for scopes and HP for analyzers, if you look on Ebay HP "as is" scopes with problems must out number the Tek's 10-1. (Many developed push button/switchpad related problems) "gw" wrote in message isn't it true that the older stuff is built like a battleship and isn't as proprietary and can be repaired with user obtainable parts? I always heard tek for scopes and hp for analyzers. Any thoughts on that? |
Looked like English to me. What part of it did you not understand?
jak "Bill Turner" wrote in message ... On Fri, 14 Nov 2003 03:21:29 GMT, "RP Jones" wrote: I had called Tek to enquire about a 465 B faceplate, this guy totally "lost his wig" before I even got to speak about owning a 2232. $^% 465 !! jokingly told me "THIS ISN'T SANFORD AND SON" __________________________________________________ _______ I've read the above several times and can't quite figure out what you're complaining about. Try it again in English. -- Bill, W6WRT |
Looked like English to me. What part of it did you not understand?
jak "Bill Turner" wrote in message ... On Fri, 14 Nov 2003 03:21:29 GMT, "RP Jones" wrote: I had called Tek to enquire about a 465 B faceplate, this guy totally "lost his wig" before I even got to speak about owning a 2232. $^% 465 !! jokingly told me "THIS ISN'T SANFORD AND SON" __________________________________________________ _______ I've read the above several times and can't quite figure out what you're complaining about. Try it again in English. -- Bill, W6WRT |
On Fri, 14 Nov 2003 11:46:28 -0500, Chuck Harris
wrote: The saddest problems I have found with the HP gear is purely their own fault. When they made the horizontal timing knobs for their 80's vintage scopes, they made them out of plastic, and carved large slots in the space between the outer part you turn with your fingers and the inner part that turns the knob. This left very little plastic to take the torque of turning the knob. Once they break there is no easy way of repairing them. That sounds just like the knobs used in the HT 32, 33, and SX101 series. They have a very thin flange, or lip around the front that is very fragile. I saw one on e-bay a couple days ago that was described as excellent, yet it had at least two sections of that lip missing. The other big problem is their use of delrin gears with aluminum hubs just about everywhere. And after 15 years, they are all broken. The HP8640B is built like a tank, but everyone I have ever had came with several gears that had split due to shrinkage. But Delrin is very easy to machine. Also unless the gears are of a very odd size (most are spur gears or a pair of 45 degree bevel gears) that can be replaced with something more modern and durable. I do like a lot of the new, lighter weight gear as I have a bad back. (Probably from man handling that old stuff that takes two good size men to load it into a trailer) Roger Halstead (K8RI EN73 & ARRL Life Member) www.rogerhalstead.com N833R World's oldest Debonair? (S# CD-2) -Chuck RP Jones wrote: With out doubt, most new hardware looks like its built to be thrown away and crushed. "Built in absolesance" Its a dam shame ! Id agree on Tek for scopes and HP for analyzers, if you look on Ebay HP "as is" scopes with problems must out number the Tek's 10-1. (Many developed push button/switchpad related problems) "gw" wrote in message isn't it true that the older stuff is built like a battleship and isn't as proprietary and can be repaired with user obtainable parts? I always heard tek for scopes and hp for analyzers. Any thoughts on that? |
On Fri, 14 Nov 2003 11:46:28 -0500, Chuck Harris
wrote: The saddest problems I have found with the HP gear is purely their own fault. When they made the horizontal timing knobs for their 80's vintage scopes, they made them out of plastic, and carved large slots in the space between the outer part you turn with your fingers and the inner part that turns the knob. This left very little plastic to take the torque of turning the knob. Once they break there is no easy way of repairing them. That sounds just like the knobs used in the HT 32, 33, and SX101 series. They have a very thin flange, or lip around the front that is very fragile. I saw one on e-bay a couple days ago that was described as excellent, yet it had at least two sections of that lip missing. The other big problem is their use of delrin gears with aluminum hubs just about everywhere. And after 15 years, they are all broken. The HP8640B is built like a tank, but everyone I have ever had came with several gears that had split due to shrinkage. But Delrin is very easy to machine. Also unless the gears are of a very odd size (most are spur gears or a pair of 45 degree bevel gears) that can be replaced with something more modern and durable. I do like a lot of the new, lighter weight gear as I have a bad back. (Probably from man handling that old stuff that takes two good size men to load it into a trailer) Roger Halstead (K8RI EN73 & ARRL Life Member) www.rogerhalstead.com N833R World's oldest Debonair? (S# CD-2) -Chuck RP Jones wrote: With out doubt, most new hardware looks like its built to be thrown away and crushed. "Built in absolesance" Its a dam shame ! Id agree on Tek for scopes and HP for analyzers, if you look on Ebay HP "as is" scopes with problems must out number the Tek's 10-1. (Many developed push button/switchpad related problems) "gw" wrote in message isn't it true that the older stuff is built like a battleship and isn't as proprietary and can be repaired with user obtainable parts? I always heard tek for scopes and hp for analyzers. Any thoughts on that? |
"RP Jones" wrote in message . ..
With out doubt, most new hardware looks like its built to be thrown away and crushed. "Built in absolesance" Its a dam shame ! Id agree on Tek for scopes and HP for analyzers, if you look on Ebay HP "as is" scopes with problems must out number the Tek's 10-1. (Many developed push button/switchpad related problems) "gw" wrote in message isn't it true that the older stuff is built like a battleship and isn't as proprietary and can be repaired with user obtainable parts? I always heard tek for scopes and hp for analyzers. Any thoughts on that? what is a good spectrum analyzer to have for a home shop in your opinion, and also what is a good scope to have and do you have to break the bank on this stuff? thanks. |
"RP Jones" wrote in message . ..
With out doubt, most new hardware looks like its built to be thrown away and crushed. "Built in absolesance" Its a dam shame ! Id agree on Tek for scopes and HP for analyzers, if you look on Ebay HP "as is" scopes with problems must out number the Tek's 10-1. (Many developed push button/switchpad related problems) "gw" wrote in message isn't it true that the older stuff is built like a battleship and isn't as proprietary and can be repaired with user obtainable parts? I always heard tek for scopes and hp for analyzers. Any thoughts on that? what is a good spectrum analyzer to have for a home shop in your opinion, and also what is a good scope to have and do you have to break the bank on this stuff? thanks. |
what is a good spectrum analyzer to have for a home shop in your opinion, and also what is a good scope to have and do you have to break the bank on this stuff? thanks. What specs do you want, and how much do you want to spend? The HP 141T series is great for technically-inclined hams. Very maintainable, very reliable once you understand its quirks, very competitive performance... and very big and heavy. Typically $1K or less on eBay for a working outfit. Tek's 492-497 series are also excellent analyzers. Newer and much more portable than the 141T series, but still easily maintainable (via parts units and aftermarket suppliers, not through Tek). Quite a bit more expensive in most cases. $2K - $7K depending on model and options. HP 8560-series analyzers are also very nice; I have no personal experience with these, though. Stay away from the cheaper (8557/8/9) HP units. Tek's older 491 is probably also best avoided in favor of the 141T line (this is probably where the saying "HP for analyzers" came from.) Tek analyzers from the 2780 series should also be avoided by most users. They are still extremely expensive ($7K and up), and like the older 490/2750 analyzers no parts or manuals can be ordered from Tek anymore. However, unlike the 490/2750 units, they can be calibrated only with special PC-based configurations connected to specific test sources via GPIB and running obsolete software. Worse, Tek supported them only via module exchange, never releasing any component-level schematics. These are very powerful instruments, but keeping a 2782 or 2784 running nowadays would be a serious, ongoing research project in itself. These were symptomatic of the "bean-counter" generation at Tek, where customer needs were considered secondary to high-priced, proprietary product support and finite market lifetime. -- jm ------------------------------------------------------ http://www.qsl.net/ke5fx Note: My E-mail address has been altered to avoid spam ------------------------------------------------------ |
what is a good spectrum analyzer to have for a home shop in your opinion, and also what is a good scope to have and do you have to break the bank on this stuff? thanks. What specs do you want, and how much do you want to spend? The HP 141T series is great for technically-inclined hams. Very maintainable, very reliable once you understand its quirks, very competitive performance... and very big and heavy. Typically $1K or less on eBay for a working outfit. Tek's 492-497 series are also excellent analyzers. Newer and much more portable than the 141T series, but still easily maintainable (via parts units and aftermarket suppliers, not through Tek). Quite a bit more expensive in most cases. $2K - $7K depending on model and options. HP 8560-series analyzers are also very nice; I have no personal experience with these, though. Stay away from the cheaper (8557/8/9) HP units. Tek's older 491 is probably also best avoided in favor of the 141T line (this is probably where the saying "HP for analyzers" came from.) Tek analyzers from the 2780 series should also be avoided by most users. They are still extremely expensive ($7K and up), and like the older 490/2750 analyzers no parts or manuals can be ordered from Tek anymore. However, unlike the 490/2750 units, they can be calibrated only with special PC-based configurations connected to specific test sources via GPIB and running obsolete software. Worse, Tek supported them only via module exchange, never releasing any component-level schematics. These are very powerful instruments, but keeping a 2782 or 2784 running nowadays would be a serious, ongoing research project in itself. These were symptomatic of the "bean-counter" generation at Tek, where customer needs were considered secondary to high-priced, proprietary product support and finite market lifetime. -- jm ------------------------------------------------------ http://www.qsl.net/ke5fx Note: My E-mail address has been altered to avoid spam ------------------------------------------------------ |
johnm wrote in message ...
what is a good spectrum analyzer to have for a home shop in your opinion, and also what is a good scope to have and do you have to break the bank on this stuff? thanks. What specs do you want, and how much do you want to spend? The HP 141T series is great for technically-inclined hams. Very maintainable, very reliable once you understand its quirks, very competitive performance... and very big and heavy. Typically $1K or less on eBay for a working outfit. Tek's 492-497 series are also excellent analyzers. Newer and much more portable than the 141T series, but still easily maintainable (via parts units and aftermarket suppliers, not through Tek). Quite a bit more expensive in most cases. $2K - $7K depending on model and options. HP 8560-series analyzers are also very nice; I have no personal experience with these, though. Stay away from the cheaper (8557/8/9) HP units. Tek's older 491 is probably also best avoided in favor of the 141T line (this is probably where the saying "HP for analyzers" came from.) Tek analyzers from the 2780 series should also be avoided by most users. They are still extremely expensive ($7K and up), and like the older 490/2750 analyzers no parts or manuals can be ordered from Tek anymore. However, unlike the 490/2750 units, they can be calibrated only with special PC-based configurations connected to specific test sources via GPIB and running obsolete software. Worse, Tek supported them only via module exchange, never releasing any component-level schematics. These are very powerful instruments, but keeping a 2782 or 2784 running nowadays would be a serious, ongoing research project in itself. These were symptomatic of the "bean-counter" generation at Tek, where customer needs were considered secondary to high-priced, proprietary product support and finite market lifetime. -- jm ------------------------------------------------------ http://www.qsl.net/ke5fx Note: My E-mail address has been altered to avoid spam ------------------------------------------------------ how about a 8569b ? some guy has one on ebay now for about $3,000.00......i might pull the trigger on that one.....I would be using it for hf work. I was considering a 141t from tucker . it cost more but at least you know it works. i was going to get the 8552b and 8553b plugins with it. then you have to round up the connecting cables and manuals for them. comments? oh by the way i have read good things about the hp 8569b's. if they work. |
johnm wrote in message ...
what is a good spectrum analyzer to have for a home shop in your opinion, and also what is a good scope to have and do you have to break the bank on this stuff? thanks. What specs do you want, and how much do you want to spend? The HP 141T series is great for technically-inclined hams. Very maintainable, very reliable once you understand its quirks, very competitive performance... and very big and heavy. Typically $1K or less on eBay for a working outfit. Tek's 492-497 series are also excellent analyzers. Newer and much more portable than the 141T series, but still easily maintainable (via parts units and aftermarket suppliers, not through Tek). Quite a bit more expensive in most cases. $2K - $7K depending on model and options. HP 8560-series analyzers are also very nice; I have no personal experience with these, though. Stay away from the cheaper (8557/8/9) HP units. Tek's older 491 is probably also best avoided in favor of the 141T line (this is probably where the saying "HP for analyzers" came from.) Tek analyzers from the 2780 series should also be avoided by most users. They are still extremely expensive ($7K and up), and like the older 490/2750 analyzers no parts or manuals can be ordered from Tek anymore. However, unlike the 490/2750 units, they can be calibrated only with special PC-based configurations connected to specific test sources via GPIB and running obsolete software. Worse, Tek supported them only via module exchange, never releasing any component-level schematics. These are very powerful instruments, but keeping a 2782 or 2784 running nowadays would be a serious, ongoing research project in itself. These were symptomatic of the "bean-counter" generation at Tek, where customer needs were considered secondary to high-priced, proprietary product support and finite market lifetime. -- jm ------------------------------------------------------ http://www.qsl.net/ke5fx Note: My E-mail address has been altered to avoid spam ------------------------------------------------------ how about a 8569b ? some guy has one on ebay now for about $3,000.00......i might pull the trigger on that one.....I would be using it for hf work. I was considering a 141t from tucker . it cost more but at least you know it works. i was going to get the 8552b and 8553b plugins with it. then you have to round up the connecting cables and manuals for them. comments? oh by the way i have read good things about the hp 8569b's. if they work. |
what is a good spectrum analyzer to have for a home shop in your opinion, and also what is a good scope to have and do you have to break the bank on this stuff? thanks. A tek 7000 mainframe is my spectrum analyzer, and backup scope. I have a 7L5 plugin for 0-5MHz, and 7L13 for 0.1 to 1800 MHz I also have the companion tracking generator. This stuff was all aquired piecemeal at hamfests, and in total, probably set me back $1k. I've had it for (eek!) 13 years! The 7000 series is getting long in the tooth, but there's a ton of plugins out there cheap, and they are very nice instruments. Generally, get the best scope you can afford, and "give till it hurts". :) My current scope is a TDS-420 4 channel DSO. It wasn't cheap, except in relative terms, but it's my main tool for earning a living, and I wouldn't want to work with less. Depending on what you want to do with it, you might be ok with a 100 or even 60 MHz non-storage analog scope. You want the bandwidth to be the frequency you'll be working at. Assuming 11M applications, I'd say 60 would be marginal, 100 definitely better. Also, GET GOOD PROBES! I just re-probed at Dayton this year, I think I spent $800 or so on probes. I got two sets of very nice probes (8 probes total) plus a set of lesser quality "everyday" probes that I use when I'm not really pushing the limits. Save the good ones for when it matters. Some old BNC cable with clipleads will work at audio, but you wouldn't want to debug a switching power supply with it! |
what is a good spectrum analyzer to have for a home shop in your opinion, and also what is a good scope to have and do you have to break the bank on this stuff? thanks. A tek 7000 mainframe is my spectrum analyzer, and backup scope. I have a 7L5 plugin for 0-5MHz, and 7L13 for 0.1 to 1800 MHz I also have the companion tracking generator. This stuff was all aquired piecemeal at hamfests, and in total, probably set me back $1k. I've had it for (eek!) 13 years! The 7000 series is getting long in the tooth, but there's a ton of plugins out there cheap, and they are very nice instruments. Generally, get the best scope you can afford, and "give till it hurts". :) My current scope is a TDS-420 4 channel DSO. It wasn't cheap, except in relative terms, but it's my main tool for earning a living, and I wouldn't want to work with less. Depending on what you want to do with it, you might be ok with a 100 or even 60 MHz non-storage analog scope. You want the bandwidth to be the frequency you'll be working at. Assuming 11M applications, I'd say 60 would be marginal, 100 definitely better. Also, GET GOOD PROBES! I just re-probed at Dayton this year, I think I spent $800 or so on probes. I got two sets of very nice probes (8 probes total) plus a set of lesser quality "everyday" probes that I use when I'm not really pushing the limits. Save the good ones for when it matters. Some old BNC cable with clipleads will work at audio, but you wouldn't want to debug a switching power supply with it! |
In article ,
says... johnm wrote in message ... what is a good spectrum analyzer to have for a home shop in your opinion, and also what is a good scope to have and do you have to break the bank on this stuff? thanks. What specs do you want, and how much do you want to spend? The HP 141T series is great for technically-inclined hams. Very maintainable, very reliable once you understand its quirks, very competitive performance... and very big and heavy. Typically $1K or less on eBay for a working outfit. Tek's 492-497 series are also excellent analyzers. Newer and much more portable than the 141T series, but still easily maintainable (via parts units and aftermarket suppliers, not through Tek). Quite a bit more expensive in most cases. $2K - $7K depending on model and options. HP 8560-series analyzers are also very nice; I have no personal experience with these, though. Stay away from the cheaper (8557/8/9) HP units. Tek's older 491 is probably also best avoided in favor of the 141T line (this is probably where the saying "HP for analyzers" came from.) Tek analyzers from the 2780 series should also be avoided by most users. They are still extremely expensive ($7K and up), and like the older 490/2750 analyzers no parts or manuals can be ordered from Tek anymore. However, unlike the 490/2750 units, they can be calibrated only with special PC-based configurations connected to specific test sources via GPIB and running obsolete software. Worse, Tek supported them only via module exchange, never releasing any component-level schematics. These are very powerful instruments, but keeping a 2782 or 2784 running nowadays would be a serious, ongoing research project in itself. These were symptomatic of the "bean-counter" generation at Tek, where customer needs were considered secondary to high-priced, proprietary product support and finite market lifetime. -- jm ------------------------------------------------------ http://www.qsl.net/ke5fx Note: My E-mail address has been altered to avoid spam ------------------------------------------------------ how about a 8569b ? some guy has one on ebay now for about $3,000.00......i might pull the trigger on that one.....I would be using it for hf work. I was considering a 141t from tucker . it cost more but at least you know it works. i was going to get the 8552b and 8553b plugins with it. then you have to round up the connecting cables and manuals for them. comments? oh by the way i have read good things about the hp 8569b's. if they work. My guess is that the 8569b would be a very passable unit. Its specs seem competitive with an optioned-out Tek 492 in most respects, except that it only goes down to 10 MHz (perhaps there's an underrange capability that lets it see lower frequencies?) That might be a concern if you're going to be using it mostly for HF work. I see that there's some modern GPIB software for it at www.febo.com, which is VERY good to have. (I've written my own for the Tek 49x analyzers, but it's never been tested on the HP jobs.) But since I've never actually played with an 8560-series model, I can't speak with any authority. Maybe someone who owns one will pipe up. The 141Ts at Tucker seem like a pretty good deal. I believe they all come with new CRTs. I personally like to buy broken models on eBay and fix them up. It's cheaper, you get really familiar with the gear inside and out, and you always have spare parts on hand. But that strategy isn't for everybody. -- jm ------------------------------------------------------ http://www.qsl.net/ke5fx Note: My E-mail address has been altered to avoid spam ------------------------------------------------------ |
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