#tektronix 576 update:
Cleaning the switches helped more than I suspected in terms of correcting some weird trace anomalies and drifting. Sometime last night, it started drawing a lot of current when I switched to NPN mode. I suspected a stuck relay, and my suspicions were confirmed. I managed to unstick it, but I’m a little worried that it will happen again, so I’ll keep it on the dim bulb variac while doing other work, and will look for a replacement.
The trace is still a bit odd, and compresses into the center 6 divisions or so and can’t expand or move past it. I wish I took a picture of it all open - getting in to clean the switches and access the relay requires disconnecting dozens of individual connectors, and the removal of several assemblies. It’s not the easiest thing to work on.
#electronics #solidState #1960s #retrotech #testEquipment #apolloEra

Another #tektronix 567 update - the vertical trace issue was caused by a loose deflection plate connection on the CRT. Looking much better, but could use a calibration.

@forty2 the 576 is a great classic 😍