Had to choose between a used Tektronix scope and a new Rigol for bench work

I went with the Tektronix because I figured old school reliability would save me headaches, but now I'm chasing a weird vertical line issue in Phoenix that's eating up my time. Anyone else regret going vintage over new for their test gear?

3 comments

3 Comments

zara4471mo ago

Phoenix heat probably cooked that old Techtronix before you even plugged it in.

fiona_clark1mo ago

My buddy Mark learned that one the hard way last summer. He brought his vintage Techtronix amp straight from the 115 degree trunk into his garage and fired it up. Heard a pop and saw a little smoke before it even made a sound. Took it to a repair guy who said the sudden heat change cracked a solder joint on the main board. Cost him $80 just to get a diagnosis and the guy told him to let it cool down for a few hours next time. That thing never worked quite right after that, he ended up selling it for parts on eBay.

elizabeth2201mo ago

Did you try leaving it unplugged for a while before powering it on? Phoenix heat has killed a couple of my older electronics too. For my old Techtronix, I actually let it sit in the shade for a whole day after bringing it inside from the car. @zara447 maybe that would help yours if it ever acts up again... just a thought. It worked for me because the internal temp dropped enough to not fry the circuit board.