Hi, I consider the curve tracer to be one of the most useful measuring devices for component testing. I always wanted to have at least one on my desk, but since I live in the Czech Republic it is basically unavailable to me. So I built at least a classic octopus as a base, good, but not enough, I managed to buy a non-functional copy of the Tektronix TI-210 and fix it, it is a big improvement over the octopus, but the max voltage is 60V and it doesn't have a step generator, so classic transistor tests can't be done. In combination with an arbitrary generator, I managed to create a step image of the transistor, but I am still limited by the max voltage. The new Huntron models are absolutely amazing, which can not only create a curve, but also measure the tested component. You create amazing videos, I always look forward to new ones, I love Tektronix devices and old HPs. I once had this idea, could a tracker be modified to measure tubes? Nice day 🙂Tom
Great video, Can you do another using the same curve trace, as I have a 577 and a much older 575 , but using Jfets and if possible V-fets as I have a few V-fets of unknown health and these are very rare devices .
Great request. This 577 saved me a bunch of headache when some shady looking V-Fets started to appear on eBay for a fraction of the average price. If it weren’t to this equipment, I may have used them in an amplifier and caused some damage. However, I have carried out those measurements with touch and feel, a more accurate measurement guide from your side would be much appreciated.
@@oturgator If you remeber how you set it up for the V-fets that be great if you could post it. The 577 I have needed to PS rebuilt and I got it to work but never tested it, just power on and used the Beam finder to get a trace and line. Well yesterday I tried to check some 2SA1220A and I I could not get any spteps to generate. Not sure If I had it set up right or if the step gen is not working. So more investigation is needed
So yes, I want to see more. Not sure how often you use a curve tracer but how about a vide on a real world application then next time you use it during a repair? Also, are there modern equivalents out there at a reasonable price with the same feature set?
It is not a use often but when I need it only a curve tracer will fit the bill. Unfortunately the modern equivalent is MUCH higher in price as there is no unit that duplicated a 576 or 577. The current way this is done is with two or more SMU units. These either need to be high voltage or high power. Minimum cost is $15,000 with a computer to control them.
I think you mentioned in a 576/7 video, that one of them had a bad transformer that was hard to source a replacement. I picked up a giant multitap tek transformer in an electonics store recently likely from a 500 series scope, but im not sure. Do you know the model # of transformer you need?
@ZenwizardStudios dang, was worth a shot, the one I found today is a 120-232 (likely later marked 120-0232-01) which isn't on tekwiki but it's undoubtedly for a 500 scope. Don't have an immediate need for it so I thought I'd check if it could help you out. I think I'll check my 561 to see if I really got lucky ~($1/pound) worst case I can use it in a tube amp build
Hi, I consider the curve tracer to be one of the most useful measuring devices for component testing. I always wanted to have at least one on my desk, but since I live in the Czech Republic it is basically unavailable to me. So I built at least a classic octopus as a base, good, but not enough, I managed to buy a non-functional copy of the Tektronix TI-210 and fix it, it is a big improvement over the octopus, but the max voltage is 60V and it doesn't have a step generator, so classic transistor tests can't be done. In combination with an arbitrary generator, I managed to create a step image of the transistor, but I am still limited by the max voltage.
The new Huntron models are absolutely amazing, which can not only create a curve, but also measure the tested component.
You create amazing videos, I always look forward to new ones, I love Tektronix devices and old HPs.
I once had this idea, could a tracker be modified to measure tubes?
Nice day 🙂Tom
Great video, Can you do another using the same curve trace, as I have a 577 and a much older 575 , but using Jfets and if possible V-fets as I have a few V-fets of unknown health and these are very rare devices .
I do not have a 575 unfortunately to put in front of the camera.
Great request. This 577 saved me a bunch of headache when some shady looking V-Fets started to appear on eBay for a fraction of the average price. If it weren’t to this equipment, I may have used them in an amplifier and caused some damage. However, I have carried out those measurements with touch and feel, a more accurate measurement guide from your side would be much appreciated.
@@oturgator If you remeber how you set it up for the V-fets that be great if you could post it. The 577 I have needed to PS rebuilt and I got it to work but never tested it, just power on and used the Beam finder to get a trace and line. Well yesterday I tried to check some 2SA1220A and I I could not get any spteps to generate. Not sure If I had it set up right or if the step gen is not working. So more investigation is needed
@@ZenwizardStudios Using the 577 for Fets would be fine as well.
So yes, I want to see more. Not sure how often you use a curve tracer but how about a vide on a real world application then next time you use it during a repair?
Also, are there modern equivalents out there at a reasonable price with the same feature set?
It is not a use often but when I need it only a curve tracer will fit the bill. Unfortunately the modern equivalent is MUCH higher in price as there is no unit that duplicated a 576 or 577. The current way this is done is with two or more SMU units. These either need to be high voltage or high power. Minimum cost is $15,000 with a computer to control them.
Do you have a 575? I’d like to see a video on one of those.
I do have a 576 that is here in the lab yes.
@ , a 575, the old original transistor curve tracer. I have a video of one on my channel.
I think you mentioned in a 576/7 video, that one of them had a bad transformer that was hard to source a replacement. I picked up a giant multitap tek transformer in an electonics store recently likely from a 500 series scope, but im not sure. Do you know the model # of transformer you need?
It is the HV transformer in the 576. This one is unique to the 576 it is PN 120-0612-02
@ZenwizardStudios dang, was worth a shot, the one I found today is a 120-232 (likely later marked 120-0232-01) which isn't on tekwiki but it's undoubtedly for a 500 scope. Don't have an immediate need for it so I thought I'd check if it could help you out. I think I'll check my 561 to see if I really got lucky ~($1/pound) worst case I can use it in a tube amp build
Wow, you have a bunch of curve tracers! Do you have any plans for them or are you mainly collecting them?
Not collecting really but I did kind of fall down the rabbit hole for a little while.
@@ZenwizardStudios Completely understandable! These really are amazing machines
Would you ever sell any? Repairing some old tek scopes and one of these would be very handy.
Training is always good, especially on these.. How about doing the same on 576.. maybe check some mosfets and zeners?
That is the plan there is some additional buttons and knobs on the 576. So we started with the slightly less complex unit.
Show some tunel diodes and other inusual stuff
Always wanted one, but I don't trust people's packaging skills on ebay