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moomoo
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Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 121
Good Answers: 1

Tektronix 577 Curve Tracer

03/22/2012 5:27 PM

Hi there,

I have with me an old faithful 577 curve tracer with storage option for about 20 years.. and now it's giving some problems.

Firstly, when I set the MAX PEAK voltage to 25V, and upon increasing the variable collector pot to max on open circuit mode or with DUT connected to the C and E, the maximum voltage that can be achieved is only 15v.

And secondly the C, E open circuit trace should be flat with zero gradient. But I see a slight gradient indicating that there is an inherent resistance between the C and E inputs of the curve tracer, in the order of about kilohms

I tried to google on websites that discuss these repaire or calibration issues but to no avail. I could only get the operating guide.

Is there anyone who has had similar problems provide me some inputs on how to go about resolving this problem.

This is such a d@mn good faithful all along, and only of late its showing signs of ageing and perhaps is it time that it's giving up its ghost?

Is there a manual that I can also download? I bought this old faithful from a junk shop long time ago.

Shalom..

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SimpleMind
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Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 1056
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#1

Re: tektronix 577 problem.

03/22/2012 6:34 PM

Here are some schematics from BAMA on 577. You could also check on TekScopes Yahoo group for help.

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bubbapebi
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#2
In reply to #1

Re: tektronix 577 problem.

03/24/2012 12:00 AM

Here's a link to the schematic and the operator's manual.

http://www.barrytech.com/tektronix/vintage/tek577.html

I love old gear. Am loth to part with my Tektronix 535A, good to 15 Mhz and a fine auxiliary space heater.
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SimpleMind
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#7
In reply to #2

Re: Tektronix 577 problem.

03/26/2012 10:03 AM

I'm not that heroic, but I do have a 2465 (not A, not B), and if I smell fire in my garage, that's what I'll run to save first, over much more expensive stuff. (LOL). S.M.

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WoodwardDL
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Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Anthem, AZ
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#3

Re: Tektronix 577 Curve Tracer

03/24/2012 11:05 AM

I would replace C101 first ( a 3 microfarad device). The bridge diodes following C1 would be the next target.
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moomoo
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Join Date: Jun 2008
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#4
In reply to #3

Re: Tektronix 577 Curve Tracer

03/26/2012 12:08 AM

what u meant is the bridge following C101 cap would be the next target?

Thanks

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WoodwardDL
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#8
In reply to #4

Re: Tektronix 577 Curve Tracer

03/26/2012 1:32 PM

Right.
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Winfield Hill
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Location: Cambridge, MA
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#5

Re: Tektronix 577 Curve Tracer

03/26/2012 6:52 AM

FYI, working 577 curve tracers are available from several sellers on eBay for $500. An original service manual is available for $45. A CD containing the operator and service manuals is available for $10, including shipping (that seller often gathers online stuff, or he scraps manuals from other sellers, and sells it burned onto a CD; you might find it is merely the BAMA stuff).

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MRH620
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Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Carrollton, TX.
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#6

Re: Tektronix 577 Curve Tracer

03/26/2012 9:21 AM

Check the mechanical contacts, I have had to clean many of those wafer type mechanical switches. Also, there are some relays that can be removed from the PCB, cleaned and reattached. Make sure the series resistance (current shunt) haven't been overloaded, they seem to go more open (higher resistance) as they get heated up. I have repaired several of the Tektronix Curve Tracers (including the 577), and they usually just require a lot of TLC with attention to detail, rarely do I have to replace any parts.

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silvCrow
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#9

Re: Tektronix 577 Curve Tracer

03/26/2012 2:14 PM

I have a Tektronix 370 curve tracer. It displays similar symptoms every few years. I have found that removing every board and cleaning the contacts fixes the problem.

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bubbapebi (1); moomoo (1); MRH620 (1); silvCrow (1); SimpleMind (2); Winfield Hill (1); WoodwardDL (2)

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