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The 511 was Tek's first product, [[introduced in 1947]]. 
{{Oscilloscope Sidebar TEST
A revised version, the 511A, was [[introduced in 1950]]. 
|manufacturer=Tektronix
It uses a standard CRT, the [[5CP1A]].
|series=
The vertical output of the 511A is a pair of [[6AG7]] tubes,
|model=511
AC-coupled to the vertical deflection plates.
|summary=10 MHz Tube scope<br />''First Tektronix oscilloscope''
The 511A does not have response down to DC.
|image=Tek 511 1.jpg
The frequency range is specified as 10 Hz to 10 MHz.
|caption=Tektronix 511 front
There is also a 511AD.
|introduced=1947
The "D" in the model number indicates that it has a delay line.
|discontinued=1953
It 511A weighs 50 pounds and uses 230 watts.
|designers=Frank Hood;Logan Belleville;Howard Vollum
|manuals=
* [[Media:IM-511.pdf|Tektronix 511/511A Manual]] (OCR, includes S/N 5100+ information)
* [[Media:IM-511A-1.pdf|Tektronix 511A Manual SN <2869]] (OCR)
* [[Media:IM-511A-2.pdf|Tektronix 511A Manual revised in 1951 for SN 2869-5099]] (OCR)
* [[Media:1947_Tektronix_Catalog.pdf|Tektronix 1947 "Catalog" (511 only)]]
}}
The 511 was Tektronix' '''first oscilloscope''', [[introduced in 1947|introduced in June 1947]] but only the second product released by the young company – the first was the [[101|Type 101 Video Calibrator]].
[[Howard Vollum]] was directly involved with the design of the 511.  
__TOC__
According to TekWeek March 23, 1984, ''"511" stood for 5-inch tube, 1 channel, 1st model. It sold for $795<sup>[Note 1]</sup>, compared to $1,800 for a two-piece Dumont scope that was mostly pre-war technology.''


* [http://bama.edebris.com/download/tek/511alater/Tek%20511A%20SN%202869-5099.pdf Tektronix 511A Manual (PDF)]
An improved version, the 511A, was [[introduced in 1948|introduced in November 1948]]. Major improvements included a regulated power supply for CRT, and a (in later models, s.b.) a calibrator.  The 511AD was available through 1953.


{{BeginSpecs}}
{{Spec | Bandwidth  | 5 Hz to 10 MHz (8 MHz with 2-stage amplifier); no DC coupling }}
{{Spec | Rise time  | 40 ns (50 ns with 2-stage amplifier) }}
{{Spec | Deflection | Without amplifier, 27 V/cm – 200 V/cm, DC or AC<sub>p-p</sub>.  1-stage amplifier, 2.7 V/cm – 40 V/cm.  2-stage amplifier, 0.27 V/cm – 4 V/cm. }}
{{Spec | Input      | 1 MΩ // 40 pF; 600 V max. DC+peak AC }}
{{Spec | Sweep      | 100 ns/cm to 10 ms/cm + variable; ×5 magnifier }}
{{Spec | Trigger    | 0.5 to 50 V (Peak) sine or pulse ≥50 ns }}
{{Spec | X input    | DC coupled via 100 K potentiometer and sweep amplifier; 1.5 V/cm or less; DC to 800 kHz }}
{{Spec | CRT        | [[5CP]], 3 kV acceleration }}
{{Spec | Calibrator | Clipped sine wave of power line frequency, ranges 0-0.3, 0-1, 0-3, 0-10, 0-30, 0-100 V<sub>p-p</sub> }}
{{Spec | Outputs    | Sweep sawtooth, 20 V<sub>p-p</sub>; Positive and negative gate, 40 V<sub>p-p</sub> }}
{{Spec | Weight    | 511 – 29 kg (65 lb); 511A – 23 kg (50 lb); }}
{{Spec | Dimensions | 15½" high, 12½" wide, 21½" deep }}
{{Spec | Power      | 511 – 180 W; 511A – 105-125 or 210-250 V, 50-60 Hz, 230 W }}
{{EndSpecs}}
(511A unless noted otherwise)
There is also a 511AD, where the "D" in the model number indicates that it has an L-C [[delay line]].
==Prices==
* $795 in 1948 (~$9,700 in 2023 dollars)
==Internals==
The 511/511A uses a standard CRT, the [[5CP1A]] (with P1 [[phosphor]]), [[5CP7A]] ([[phosphor|P7]]) or [[5CP11A]] ([[phosphor|P11]]) below S/N 5100, the [[5AB]]P from 5100 up. P1 was standard, P7 and P11 optional at no extra charge.
The vertical output is a pair of [[6AG7]] tubes, AC-coupled to the vertical deflection plates.  The horizontal amplifier is DC-coupled through a chain of five [[NE-2]] neons on either side for voltage offset.
There was an option that added a 1 μs marker generator.
Neither the 511 nor the 511A has a [[thermal cutoff]]. 
===511===
The original 511 was produced with serial numbers 101 to 454 (June 1947 – November 1948).
There are two power transformers, T1 and T2, both operating on 60 Hz mains power with their primaries in parallel.
T1 produces the CRT anode and cathode voltages, as well as various other regulated and unregulated voltages. 
The CRT cathode and anode voltages (+1500/-1500 V) are simply rectified voltages from the secondary of T1. 
The lack of regulation means that variations in mains voltage results in variation of deflection sensitivity. 
The +275 V and + 475V rectifier circuits have choke inputs.
===511A (SN 455+)===
The main difference introduced in the 511A is the power supply. 
The regulated positive supply voltages were lowered somewhat to +225 V and +450 V, with capacitor-input circuits (no chokes).
The CRT cathode and anode voltages are produced by a 2 kHz oscillator (a [[6AQ5]]) that is powered by the +225 V<sub>DC</sub> regulated supply.
This results in vertical deflection calibration that is independent of mains voltage. 
HV rectifiers are two [[1B3GT]] tubes producing +1500/-1500 V.
===511A (SN 1406+)===
Beginning with SN 1406, the 511A(D) gained a continuously variable sweep speed control, visible as a 2nd dial next to the "sweep speed multiplier".
===511A (SN 2406+)===
From SN 2406 upward, a dedicated calibrator stage uses one half of a [[12AT7]], V16.1, to clip a voltage derived from the mains transformer to a 100 V level divided from the regulated +225 V rail.
The HV rectifier uses two [[1V2]] tubes producing +1800/-1500 V.
===Delay===
The Tektronix Type 1-AD-25 delay line, composed of 24 L-C sections, was available as a factory option for the 511A.  With the delay, the scope is a 511-AD.
Even when ordered without the delay, the 511's chassis was pre-drilled for the delay so that it could be added later, in the field, without drilling.
The delay could be switched in and out of the signal path, presumably to avoid the slight signal degradation the delay causes.
==History==
The 511 was designed by [[Frank Hood]], [[Logan Belleville]], and [[Howard Vollum]].
* See also https://vintagetek.org/tektronix-first-products/
Tektronix engineer [[Frank Hood]] recollects:
<blockquote>My first assignment was to build or modify some special instruments for Bonneville Power. They wanted a device that would detect and record any lightning strikes or arc-overs on the high voltage power lines running between Vancouver, Wash. and other cities such as Longview, Spokane, etc. They wanted to detect each event, in a fraction of a millionth of a second, then to send a pulse of energy down the defective line and measure the time it took to return, (this was an application much like radar). They wanted markers displayed at each mile and fraction of a mile so that they could determine the exact location of the fault. They needed to record a photographic image for latter study. Two or more such instruments were built. We called these Type 511B. They worked very well and were used for several years.
</blockquote>
[[John Addis]] says:
<blockquote>
The 511 was indeed somewhat crude. The vaunted calibrator which Vollum introduced to give people the sense that you could make real measurements is actually just a 60 Hz sine wave off the power transformer, not even a square wave, so it is completely unregulated. Fortunately for Vollum, both the calibrator and the CRT HV are unregulated. When the line voltage goes down, the scope sensitivity goes up (reduced HV makes beam converge less after plates). So the displayed calibrator amplitude is not very sensitive to line voltage.
</blockquote>
==Links==
* [https://richardsears.wordpress.com/2012/01/07/near-the-beginning-of-an-era-the-tektronix-511a/ Richard Sears' detailed 511A Page]
* ''[Note 1]'' TekWeek March 23, 1984 says $595 but the advertised price was $795 (see below).
==Pictures==
===511===
<gallery>
Tek 511 1.jpg
Tek 511 2.jpg
Tek 511 3.jpg
Tek 511 4.jpg
Vollum scope - Electronics Magazine April 1948.jpg | Vollum scope - Electronics Magazine, April 1948
Septad511.jpg|511 ad from September 1948
Tek 511 ps.png  | 511 non-A power supply schematics 
</gallery>
===511A===
<gallery>
<gallery>
Image:511a-ps.png
Tek 511a 1.JPG
Image:511a-vertical.png
Tek 511a 2.JPG
Image:511a sweep.png
Tek 511a 3.JPG
Tek 511a 4.JPG
Tek 511a 5.JPG
Tek 511AD top 2.jpg
Tek 511AD top 3.jpg
Tek 511AD bottom 2.jpg
511a-ps.png|511A
511a-vertical.png|511A
511a sweep.png|511A
511A ad from Electronics 1948-11 p239.jpg | 511A ad from Electronics Magazine, November 1948, p.239
</gallery>
</gallery>
===511AD===
<gallery>
Tek 511ad 1.jpg|511AD
Tek 511ad 2.jpg|511AD
Tek 511ad 3.jpg|511AD
Tek 511_ad4.jpg|511AD
</gallery>
==Components==
{{Parts|511}}
{{Parts|511A}}
[[Category:Monolithic tube scopes]]

Latest revision as of 14:46, 18 August 2024

Tektronix 511
10 MHz Tube scope
First Tektronix oscilloscope
Tektronix 511 front

Produced from 1947 to 1953

Manuals
(All manuals in PDF format unless noted otherwise)

The 511 was Tektronix' first oscilloscope, introduced in June 1947 but only the second product released by the young company – the first was the Type 101 Video Calibrator. Howard Vollum was directly involved with the design of the 511.

According to TekWeek March 23, 1984, "511" stood for 5-inch tube, 1 channel, 1st model. It sold for $795[Note 1], compared to $1,800 for a two-piece Dumont scope that was mostly pre-war technology.

An improved version, the 511A, was introduced in November 1948. Major improvements included a regulated power supply for CRT, and a (in later models, s.b.) a calibrator. The 511AD was available through 1953.

Key Specifications

Bandwidth 5 Hz to 10 MHz (8 MHz with 2-stage amplifier); no DC coupling
Rise time 40 ns (50 ns with 2-stage amplifier)
Deflection Without amplifier, 27 V/cm – 200 V/cm, DC or ACp-p. 1-stage amplifier, 2.7 V/cm – 40 V/cm. 2-stage amplifier, 0.27 V/cm – 4 V/cm.
Input 1 MΩ // 40 pF; 600 V max. DC+peak AC
Sweep 100 ns/cm to 10 ms/cm + variable; ×5 magnifier
Trigger 0.5 to 50 V (Peak) sine or pulse ≥50 ns
X input DC coupled via 100 K potentiometer and sweep amplifier; 1.5 V/cm or less; DC to 800 kHz
CRT 5CP, 3 kV acceleration
Calibrator Clipped sine wave of power line frequency, ranges 0-0.3, 0-1, 0-3, 0-10, 0-30, 0-100 Vp-p
Outputs Sweep sawtooth, 20 Vp-p; Positive and negative gate, 40 Vp-p
Weight 511 – 29 kg (65 lb); 511A – 23 kg (50 lb);
Dimensions 15½" high, 12½" wide, 21½" deep
Power 511 – 180 W; 511A – 105-125 or 210-250 V, 50-60 Hz, 230 W

(511A unless noted otherwise)

There is also a 511AD, where the "D" in the model number indicates that it has an L-C delay line.

Prices

  • $795 in 1948 (~$9,700 in 2023 dollars)

Internals

The 511/511A uses a standard CRT, the 5CP1A (with P1 phosphor), 5CP7A (P7) or 5CP11A (P11) below S/N 5100, the 5ABP from 5100 up. P1 was standard, P7 and P11 optional at no extra charge.

The vertical output is a pair of 6AG7 tubes, AC-coupled to the vertical deflection plates. The horizontal amplifier is DC-coupled through a chain of five NE-2 neons on either side for voltage offset.

There was an option that added a 1 μs marker generator.

Neither the 511 nor the 511A has a thermal cutoff.

511

The original 511 was produced with serial numbers 101 to 454 (June 1947 – November 1948).

There are two power transformers, T1 and T2, both operating on 60 Hz mains power with their primaries in parallel. T1 produces the CRT anode and cathode voltages, as well as various other regulated and unregulated voltages. The CRT cathode and anode voltages (+1500/-1500 V) are simply rectified voltages from the secondary of T1. The lack of regulation means that variations in mains voltage results in variation of deflection sensitivity. The +275 V and + 475V rectifier circuits have choke inputs.

511A (SN 455+)

The main difference introduced in the 511A is the power supply. The regulated positive supply voltages were lowered somewhat to +225 V and +450 V, with capacitor-input circuits (no chokes).

The CRT cathode and anode voltages are produced by a 2 kHz oscillator (a 6AQ5) that is powered by the +225 VDC regulated supply. This results in vertical deflection calibration that is independent of mains voltage. HV rectifiers are two 1B3GT tubes producing +1500/-1500 V.

511A (SN 1406+)

Beginning with SN 1406, the 511A(D) gained a continuously variable sweep speed control, visible as a 2nd dial next to the "sweep speed multiplier".

511A (SN 2406+)

From SN 2406 upward, a dedicated calibrator stage uses one half of a 12AT7, V16.1, to clip a voltage derived from the mains transformer to a 100 V level divided from the regulated +225 V rail.

The HV rectifier uses two 1V2 tubes producing +1800/-1500 V.

Delay

The Tektronix Type 1-AD-25 delay line, composed of 24 L-C sections, was available as a factory option for the 511A. With the delay, the scope is a 511-AD. Even when ordered without the delay, the 511's chassis was pre-drilled for the delay so that it could be added later, in the field, without drilling. The delay could be switched in and out of the signal path, presumably to avoid the slight signal degradation the delay causes.

History

The 511 was designed by Frank Hood, Logan Belleville, and Howard Vollum.

Tektronix engineer Frank Hood recollects:

My first assignment was to build or modify some special instruments for Bonneville Power. They wanted a device that would detect and record any lightning strikes or arc-overs on the high voltage power lines running between Vancouver, Wash. and other cities such as Longview, Spokane, etc. They wanted to detect each event, in a fraction of a millionth of a second, then to send a pulse of energy down the defective line and measure the time it took to return, (this was an application much like radar). They wanted markers displayed at each mile and fraction of a mile so that they could determine the exact location of the fault. They needed to record a photographic image for latter study. Two or more such instruments were built. We called these Type 511B. They worked very well and were used for several years.

John Addis says:

The 511 was indeed somewhat crude. The vaunted calibrator which Vollum introduced to give people the sense that you could make real measurements is actually just a 60 Hz sine wave off the power transformer, not even a square wave, so it is completely unregulated. Fortunately for Vollum, both the calibrator and the CRT HV are unregulated. When the line voltage goes down, the scope sensitivity goes up (reduced HV makes beam converge less after plates). So the displayed calibrator amplitude is not very sensitive to line voltage.

Links

Pictures

511

  • Vollum scope - Electronics Magazine, April 1948

    Vollum scope - Electronics Magazine, April 1948

  • 511 ad from September 1948

    511 ad from September 1948

  • 511 non-A power supply schematics

    511 non-A power supply schematics

511A

  • 511A

    511A

  • 511A

    511A

  • 511A

    511A

  • 511A ad from Electronics Magazine, November 1948, p.239

    511A ad from Electronics Magazine, November 1948, p.239

511AD

  • 511AD

    511AD

  • 511AD

    511AD

  • 511AD

    511AD

  • 511AD

    511AD

Components

Some Parts Used in the 511

Part Part Number(s) Class Description Used in
0C3 154-0002-00 Gas Discharge Tube (Voltage regulator) 105 V voltage reference 511
0D3 154-003 • 154-0003-00 Gas Discharge Tube (Voltage regulator) 153 V voltage reference 511 • 511A • 513 • 514
2X2 154-0085-00 Vacuum Tube (Dual Rectifier) dual rectifier 511
5CP 154-062 • 154-0062-00 CRT 5" CRT with post-deflection acceleration 511 • 511A
5U4 154-086 • 154-0086-00 Vacuum Tube (Dual Rectifier) dual rectifier 511
6AC7 154-011 • 154-0011-00 Vacuum Tube (Pentode) RF pentode 511 • 511A
6AG7 154-012 • 154-0012-00 Vacuum Tube (Pentode) 9 Watt power pentode 104 • 104A • 105 • 112 • 511 • 511A • 512 • 513 • 514 • 517 • 517A • 524
6AL5 154-016 • 154-0016-00 • 154-0038-00 Vacuum Tube (Dual Diode) high-perveance dual diode 163 • 181 • 190 • 1M1 • 310 • 310A • 315 • 316 • 317 • 3B1 • 3B1S • 3B2 • 3B3 • 3B5 • 502 • 502A • 503 • 511 • 511A • 512 • 516 • 517 • 517A • 524 • 526 • 535 • 535A • 545 • 545A • 549 • 551 • 565 • 570 • 581 • 581A • 585 • 585A • C • T • Telequipment D52 • Telequipment D56 • Telequipment S52
6AU6 154-0022-00 • 157-0073-00 • 157-0059-00 • 154-0284-00 Vacuum Tube (Pentode) RF pentode 107 • 160 • 181 • 190 • 60 • 2A60 • 72 • 3A72 • 3C66 • 310 • 310A • 316 • 317 • 360 • 502 • 502A • 506 • 511 • 511A • 512 • 513 • 516 • 517 • 517A • 524 • 526 • 529 • RM529 • 531 • 531A • 535 • 536 • 545 • 545A • 546 • 547 • 549 • 555 • 561 • 561A • 561S • 564 • 565 • 567 • 570 • 575 • 581 • 581A • 585 • 585A • 80 • C • CA • Q
6C4 154-029 • 154-0029-00 Vacuum Tube (Triode) VHF triode 190 • 3B2 • 507 • 511 • 511A • 517 • 517A • Chemtrix 205
6J6 154-032 • 154-0032-00 Vacuum Tube (Dual Triode) high-frequency dual triode 104 • 104A • 161 • 511 • 511A • 512 • 517 • 517A
6L6 154-087 • 154-0087-00 Vacuum Tube (Pentode) beam power pentode 511
6SJ7 154-088 • 154-0088-00 Vacuum Tube (Pentode) Pentode 511
6V6 154-089 • 154-0089-00 Vacuum Tube (Pentode) 12-watt beam power pentode 511
6X5 154-090 • 154-0090-00 Vacuum Tube (Dual Rectifier) dual rectifier 511
NE-2 150-002 • 150-0002-00 Gas Discharge Tube (neon lamp) Neon lamp 511 • 511A • 581 • 581A • 585 • 585A • 545A • TU-4


Some Parts Used in the 511A

Part Part Number(s) Class Description Used in
0D3 154-003 • 154-0003-00 Gas Discharge Tube (Voltage regulator) 153 V voltage reference 511 • 511A • 513 • 514
12AT7 154-0039-00 Vacuum Tube (Dual Triode) dual high-gain triode 161 • 180 • 310 • 310A • 315 • 316 • 360 • 502 • 502A • 511A • 512 • 513 • 513D • 514 • 514AD • 514D • 516 • 524 • 529 • RM529 • 544 • 546 • 547 • 556 • 565 • 570 • 3A2 • 75 • 3A75 • 1M1 • A • B • C • G • H • K • L • ML • M • N • K • R • S • Z • Keithley 610B
12AU7 154-041 • 154-0041-00 • 154-0287-00 Vacuum Tube (Dual Triode) dual medium-μ triode 104 • 104A • 122 • 160 • 161 • 162 • 181 • 190 • 310 • 310A • 316 • 317 • 3C66 • 502 • 502A • 507 • 511A • 512 • 516 • 517 • 517A • 524 • 526 • 535 • 536 • 545 • 545A • 545B • 547 • 549 • 555 • 561 • 564 • 570 • 575 • 581 • 581A • 585 • 585A • C • D • E • N • Q • Hickok 1825
1B3GT 154-091 • 154-0091-00 Vacuum Tube (Diode) high-voltage rectifier 511A
1V2 154-004 • 154-0004-00 Vacuum Tube (Diode) high-voltage rectifier 511A
5651 154-052 • 154-0052-00 • 154-0288-00 Gas Discharge Tube (Voltage regulator) 87 V voltage reference 128 • 160 • 310 • 310A • 502 • 503 • 504 • 511A • 512 • 516 • 517 • 524 • 526 • 531 • 531A • 535 • 536 • 541 • 541A • 543 • 543A • 543B • 545 • 545A • 545B • 570 • 549 • 581 • 581A • 585 • 585A
5ABP 154-068 • 154-0068-00 • 154-0068-01 • 154-0068-03 • 154-069 • 154-0069-00 • 154-070 • 154-0070-00 • 154-0070-01 CRT 5" CRT with electrostatic deflection 511A • 512 • 524
5CP 154-062 • 154-0062-00 CRT 5" CRT with post-deflection acceleration 511 • 511A
5V4G 154-008 • 154-0008-00 Vacuum Tube (Dual Rectifier) dual rectifier 104 • 104A • 160 • 511A • 514
6AC7 154-011 • 154-0011-00 Vacuum Tube (Pentode) RF pentode 511 • 511A
6AG7 154-012 • 154-0012-00 Vacuum Tube (Pentode) 9 Watt power pentode 104 • 104A • 105 • 112 • 511 • 511A • 512 • 513 • 514 • 517 • 517A • 524
6AL5 154-016 • 154-0016-00 • 154-0038-00 Vacuum Tube (Dual Diode) high-perveance dual diode 163 • 181 • 190 • 1M1 • 310 • 310A • 315 • 316 • 317 • 3B1 • 3B1S • 3B2 • 3B3 • 3B5 • 502 • 502A • 503 • 511 • 511A • 512 • 516 • 517 • 517A • 524 • 526 • 535 • 535A • 545 • 545A • 549 • 551 • 565 • 570 • 581 • 581A • 585 • 585A • C • T • Telequipment D52 • Telequipment D56 • Telequipment S52
6AQ5 154-017 • 154-0017-00 Vacuum Tube (Pentode) beam pentode 310 • 310A • 316 • 360 • 507 • 511A • 512 • 517 • 517A • 524 • 536 • 570 • 575
6AS7 154-020 • 154-0020-00 Vacuum Tube (Pentode) dual power triode 160 • 506 • 511A • 512 • 513 • 517 • 517A • 524 • 561 • 561A • 561S • 564
6AU6 154-0022-00 • 157-0073-00 • 157-0059-00 • 154-0284-00 Vacuum Tube (Pentode) RF pentode 107 • 160 • 181 • 190 • 60 • 2A60 • 72 • 3A72 • 3C66 • 310 • 310A • 316 • 317 • 360 • 502 • 502A • 506 • 511 • 511A • 512 • 513 • 516 • 517 • 517A • 524 • 526 • 529 • RM529 • 531 • 531A • 535 • 536 • 545 • 545A • 546 • 547 • 549 • 555 • 561 • 561A • 561S • 564 • 565 • 567 • 570 • 575 • 581 • 581A • 585 • 585A • 80 • C • CA • Q
6C4 154-029 • 154-0029-00 Vacuum Tube (Triode) VHF triode 190 • 3B2 • 507 • 511 • 511A • 517 • 517A • Chemtrix 205
6J6 154-032 • 154-0032-00 Vacuum Tube (Dual Triode) high-frequency dual triode 104 • 104A • 161 • 511 • 511A • 512 • 517 • 517A
6X4 154-035 • 154-0035-00 Vacuum Tube (Dual Rectifier) dual rectifier 128 • 130 • 181 • 511A • 512 • 517 • 517A • 570
NE-2 150-002 • 150-0002-00 Gas Discharge Tube (neon lamp) Neon lamp 511 • 511A • 581 • 581A • 585 • 585A • 545A • TU-4
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