Purchase B&K 1590a or repair Tektronix 485 ?

[Tim Dudley]

Hello,
I have an old Tektronix 485 scope which needs a $300 repair. I was also
offered a B&K 1590a for $380 . I will be using the scope for audio
repair work . The Tektronix is very old and I am afraid that I may run
into more service problems in the near future . The B&K is about 12
years old . Is anyone familiar with the B&K scope? Is it a decent
machine? I am not sure what to do right now.
Thank you,
Tim

 

[Baphomet]

Hello,
I have an old Tektronix 485 scope which needs a $300 repair. I was also
offered a B&K 1590a for $380 . I will be using the scope for audio
repair work . The Tektronix is very old and I am afraid that I may run
into more service problems in the near future . The B&K is about 12
years old . Is anyone familiar with the B&K scope? Is it a decent
machine? I am not sure what to do right now.

Look around:
http://search.ebay.ca/ws/search/Sal...from=R10&catref=C3&sacategory=45004&BasicSear
ch=

Since you will be working with audio, your needs don't seem too critical. I
used to be able to pick up a used working 545B Tektronix (a great scope by
anyone's definition) for under $150 at a surplus electronics house. Ask on
the newsgroups if anyone has a used, working scope that will fall within
your price range and has the capabilities you require. Don't rush. There are
great bargains out there for those willing to wait. Most importantly, get
the service manual for your scope of choice if it's available.

 

[Glenn Gundlach]

Hello,
I have an old Tektronix 485 scope which needs a $300 repair. I was also
offered a B&K 1590a for $380 . I will be using the scope for audio
repair work . The Tektronix is very old and I am afraid that I may run
into more service problems in the near future . The B&K is about 12
years old . Is anyone familiar with the B&K scope? Is it a decent
machine? I am not sure what to do right now.
Thank you,
Tim

Do I use a yugo or fix my mercedes? Granted the wide bandwidth of the
Tek is way more than you need for audio. I started in audio, went to
video then HD video. My 475 is going just fine and I certainly
wouldn't trade it for a B&K. Seriuosly, you might check out a more
modest Tek like a 465. My $0.02
GG

 

[Jim Yanik]

[email protected] (Glenn Gundlach) wrote in

[email protected] (Tim Dudley) wrote in message


Do I use a yugo or fix my mercedes? Granted the wide bandwidth of the
Tek is way more than you need for audio. I started in audio, went to
video then HD video. My 475 is going just fine and I certainly
wouldn't trade it for a B&K. Seriuosly, you might check out a more
modest Tek like a 465. My $0.02
GG

Gee,for audio,he could use a T922 or T932/935,442,or a 2213/15.And for a
lot less than $300.Just cruise Ebay.

And I'm sure some people there would want to buy his old 485,too.

 

[John Fields]

Gee,for audio,he could use a T922 or T932/935,442,or a 2213/15.And for a
lot less than $300.Just cruise Ebay.

 

[Jim Yanik]

Keep an eye on the pre-reg FET,the Molex connector should be removed and
the 3-wire ribbon soldered direct to the FET leads.This was a mod after the
Molex heated up and burned(turned dark brown) and caused FET failure.
(I have a 2213 myself.)

 

[Tim Dudley]

Hi,
The repair bill on the 485 is $60 right now. It worked fine for several years
and then dropped dead. The scope now has limited bandwidth but is supposed
to be functioning well enough for basic audio service. The shop is supposed
to return it to me in about a weeks time. Once I get it back, it will be
decision making time. The B&K is not an option .
Thanks for all of the advice!!
Tim