Part of the #EICO signal tracer evaluation that was done long ago was simply looking at some of the #components and asking if they needed to be what they are.

Usually yes, but that doesn't mean you can't make them better.

(This was part 0 of the series, but hey, does the order really matter?)

One more step in getting the #EICO signal tracer ready for rebuild is taking everything off (yeah, should have done that before!) and cleaning it. Case, knobs, handle, chassis, cord - you name it, if it comes out or off, it comes out or off.

This is probably the last step before it gets set aside for the summer.

I'll come back to this later in the year, after the weather turns me towards indoor activities.

https://wereboar.com/projects/index.php/2024/04/29/an-eico-145-signal-tracer-part-4/

The next step in getting the #EICO signal tracer ready is determining what parts I've got on hand, and what I'll need. Since this is going to be a "repair to last," I'm going to replace all of the #components with new - at least ones that can be replaced. Passives are easy enough to get, and it allows me to make some changes that others have found useful in prolonging the life of the device.

https://wereboar.com/projects/index.php/2024/04/21/an-eico-145-signal-tracer-part-3/

Before I really get into tearing down the #EICO 145 signal tracer and replacing the #electronics, I may as well take off all the knobs and things for cleaning.

It also means I get to play with my ultrasonic cleaner.

https://wereboar.com/projects/index.php/2024/04/07/an-eico-145-signal-tracer-part-2/

The first thing to do when #restoring a vintage piece of #electronics is to give it a good look-over and see what's going to be needed.

I've started tearing into the #EICO 145 that I wrote about earlier. It's mostly just going to be a cleanup and replace the parts. There aren't many components in there, so it should be a pretty quick job.

https://wereboar.com/projects/index.php/2024/03/24/an-eico-145-signal-tracer-part-1/

A #Signal #Tracer is a useful thing to have on your bench when you're working with #audio. There are a number of different makes out there, but #EICO produced quite a few different models.

I found an Eico 145 and decided it was a good candidate for restoration. Check it out:

https://wereboar.com/projects/index.php/2023/06/27/checking-out-an-eico-145-signal-tracer/

Hey, all back together! And it even works, despite that weird spot which I’ve realised could very much be my cheap little $60 oscilloscope being weird at me.

#electronics #restoration #eico

This time I think we’re actually good. It doesn’t even seem to need any glue between the new brass end and the original acrylic but I’ve put in some epoxy anyway to help it last longer. I’ve got it stepped off the front knob socket _just_ a tad in case there’s any glue seepage but 1) it’ll work perfectly this way too (moving it forward adds no strength) and 2) it won’t seep like that, I’m just being paranoid.

#diy #electronics #eico