I recently aquired an old(ish) Tektronix digital scope which is faulty and does not start up; instead, the power turns on for 1/2 of a second then off for 1/2 a second and a 'clicking' noise comes from the unit (this process repeats). I take it this is a faulty power supply, possibly tripping out due to excessive current being drawn. I have heard this problem has occured on other Tektronix scopes; has anyone had any experince of this fault, and if so, where exactly does the problem lie?!
> I recently aquired an old(ish) Tektronix digital scope which is faulty and > does not start up; instead, the power turns on for 1/2 of a second then off > for 1/2 a second and a 'clicking' noise comes from the unit (this process > repeats). I take it this is a faulty power supply, possibly tripping out due > to excessive current being drawn. I have heard this problem has occured on > other Tektronix scopes; has anyone had any experince of this fault, and if > so, where exactly does the problem lie?!
> Thanks!
> Angus Thomson
In general, anywhere. Look for shorted tantalum caps. If possible, disconnect subassemblies.
> I recently aquired an old(ish) Tektronix digital scope which is faulty > and does not start up; instead, the power turns on for 1/2 of a second > then off for 1/2 a second and a 'clicking' noise comes from the unit > (this process repeats). I take it this is a faulty power supply, > possibly tripping out due to excessive current being drawn. I have > heard this problem has occured on other Tektronix scopes; has anyone > had any experince of this fault, and if so, where exactly does the > problem lie?!
> Thanks!
> Angus Thomson
Bad news here;TEK did not make service manuals with real schematics and component parts lists for the TDS series scopes,and the PS were purchased units.The TDS scopes are intended to be module-exchange service only,and you will have to check the LTPS( long term product support) list at www.tek.com to see if your particular scope model is still supported.But TEK support will be expensive.
I would begin by using a DMM to check the rectifier diodes in the PS,and an ESR meter to check electrolytic caps.
> On Thu, 28 Aug 2003 02:17:41 +0100, Jim Yanik wrote:
>> Bad news here;TEK did not make service manuals with real schematics and >> component parts lists for the TDS series scopes,and the PS were >> purchased units.The TDS scopes are intended to be module-exchange >> service only
> Tek have gone right down the pan.
> I suspect MBAs at work :-(
Absolutely correct.
TEK sold off their ICO/hybrid manufacturing unit;had to drop an entire product line as a direct result. TEK laid off or reassigned much of their Service Support staff. Manuals without the TEK schematics,parts lists,and the invaluable Circuit Description section are MUCH cheaper to make. And they don't have to distribute service data to service centers anymore,as they closed those.Only the DC field office is left.
Beancounters :-( -- Jim Yanik,NRA member jya...@kua.net
