Ceramic strips: Difference between revisions

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[[File:Tek ceramic strips 6.jpg|thumb|350px|right|Tek ceramic strips]]
Some Tektronix instruments use '''ceramic strips with metallized grooves''' to hold components and wiring.
Some Tektronix instruments use '''ceramic strips with metallized grooves''' to hold components and wiring.
This started with the [[315|Type 315]] in 1952.
This started with the [[315|Type 315]] in 1952.
It continued into the early 7000-series instruments
It continued into the early 7000-series instruments such as the [[7514]] mainframe and [[7A18]] vertical plug-in,
such as the [[7514]] mainframe and [[7A18]] vertical plug-in,
both of which were [[introduced in 1971]].  A late example is the [[465B]] from 1980 that uses these strip in the HV section.
both of which were [[introduced in 1971]].


Two distinct types of ceramic strips have been used in Tektronix instruments.
The earlier wedge type used a nut and bolt to mount it to the chassis.
The later rectangular style uses plastic snap-in clips. 
The production method is discussed in US Patent #3,121,020.
The production method is discussed in US Patent #3,121,020.
[[File:Tek ceramic strip soldering.jpg|thumb|350px|right|Soldering instructions (click to enlarge)]]
The ceramic strips have turned out to be quite reliable.
The ceramic strips have turned out to be quite reliable.
If they aren't abused, the only known failure mode is when they are used in HV supplies
If they aren't abused, the only known failure mode is when they are used in HV supplies and are allowed to get very dirty.
and are allowed to get very dirty.
The dirt can become conductive, resulting in unintended current flow over the surface of the ceramic strip, and/or arcing.
The dirt can become conductive, resulting in unintended current flow
over the surface of the ceramic strip, and/or arcing.
This can be avoided by keeping the HV circuit clean, particularly the nodes after the rectifier(s).
This can be avoided by keeping the HV circuit clean, particularly the nodes after the rectifier(s).


Tektronix warned that these strips should only be soldered with silver-bearing solder (3% Ag was recommended).
==Soldering considerations==
Tektronix warned that their ceramic strips should only be soldered with silver-bearing solder (3% Ag was recommended).
From [[502]] manual [[Media:070-090.pdf|070-090]] (1959), page 5-2:
From [[502]] manual [[Media:070-090.pdf|070-090]] (1959), page 5-2:


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it is easier to work on the ceramic strips with this type of tip.
it is easier to work on the ceramic strips with this type of tip.
</blockquote>
</blockquote>
Two distinct types of ceramic strips have been used in Tektronix instruments. The earlier wedge type used a nut and bolt to mounted to the chassis. The later rectangular one uses plastic snap-in clips. 


Early instruments often contained a small spool of suitable solder inside the cabinet.
Early instruments often contained a small spool of suitable solder inside the cabinet.
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==Links==
==Links==


* [https://vintagetek.org/ceramic-strips/ VintageTEK: Ceramic Strips and Funnels]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpB5JqGo1co Tektronix video: Ceramic Strip Soldering Techniques]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpB5JqGo1co Tektronix video: Ceramic Strip Soldering Techniques]
* [[Media:US2836807.pdf|US Patent 2,836,807, "Ceramic Terminal Mount"]]
* [[Media:US2836807.pdf|US Patent 2,836,807, "Ceramic Terminal Mount"]]
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Tek Ceramic-strip-old2.jpeg | Earlier model ceramic strip
Tek Ceramic-strip-old2.jpeg | Earlier model ceramic strip
Tek Ceramic-strip-early-used.jpeg | Earlier model ceramic strip (used)
Tek Ceramic-strip-early-used.jpeg | Earlier model ceramic strip (used)
585 HV - Black Beauty.jpg|Ceramic strips in [[585]] HV section
Tek_547-Silver-Solder1.jpg | Silver Solder Spool inside a Tek 547 #1
Tek_547-Silver-Solder1.jpg | Silver Solder Spool inside a Tek 547 #1
Tek_547-Silver-Solder2.jpg | Silver Solder Spool inside a Tek 547 #2
Tek_547-Silver-Solder2.jpg | Silver Solder Spool inside a Tek 547 #2