Repair Tektronix 485 or buy B&K 1590a ?

[Tim Dudley]

Hello,
I have a Tektronix 485 in the shop. I have been given a quote of $300 to repair
it. I also have been offered a B&K 1590a for $380. I am not sure what to do.
I like the 485 but it is very old. I do not know much about the B&K . I
have never owned one of their scopes. The scope would be used in servicing
audio equipment. What should I do?
Thank you,
Tim

 

[Lewin A.R.W. Edwards]

Hi Tim,

I have a Tektronix 485 in the shop. I have been given a quote of $300 to repair
it. I also have been offered a B&K 1590a for $380. I am not sure what to do.

Either of these scopes is overkill for audio-only work (IMHO) but if I
was in your position I'd fix the Tek, no questions asked. It's a good
scope, and worth around $600 in good condition. The B&K unit is newer,
but much lower spec and by comparison to Tektronix, a no-name.

 

[Fred Abse]

Hello,
I have a Tektronix 485 in the shop. I have been given a quote of $300 to
repair it. I also have been offered a B&K 1590a for $380. I am not sure
what to do. I like the 485 but it is very old. I do not know much about
the B&K . I have never owned one of their scopes. The scope would be
used in servicing audio equipment. What should I do? Thank you,
Tim

Fix the Tek. No contest.

 

[Tim Dudley]

Hi,
I did some searching around for information on the B&K . Not much support
out there. The 485 functions now (repair bill-$60) but the bandwidth is
limited. I think it will be fine for audio applications. Time will tell.
Thank you for your help,
Tim