511: Difference between revisions

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* [[Media:IM-511A-1.pdf|Tektronix 511A Manual SN <2869]] (OCR)  
* [[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:IM-511A-2.pdf|Tektronix 511A Manual revised in 1951 for SN 2869-5099]] (OCR)
* [https://richardsears.wordpress.com/2012/01/07/near-the-beginning-of-an-era-the-tektronix-511a/ Richard Sears' 511A Page]
* [[Media:1947_Tektronix_Catalog.pdf|Tektronix 1947 "Catalog" (511 only)]]
* [[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]].
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.


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.''
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.''


An improved version, the 511A, was [[introduced in 1948|introduced in November 1948]].  Major improvements included a regulated power supply for CRT and calibrator (s.b.)  
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.
 
[[Howard Vollum]] was directly involved with the design of the 511.  


{{BeginSpecs}}
{{BeginSpecs}}
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==Internals==
==Internals==
The 511 and 511A were normally furnished with P1 [[phosphor]]. P7 and P11 were optional, at no extra charge.
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.


The 511/511A uses a standard CRT, the [[5CP1A]] ([[phosphor|P1]]), [[5CP7A]] ([[phosphor|P7]]) or [[5CP11A]] ([[phosphor|P11]]) below S/N 5100, the [[5AB]]P from 5100 up.
There was an option that added a 1 μs marker generator.
The vertical output of the 511A is a pair of [[6AG7]] tubes,
AC-coupled to the vertical deflection plates. 


Neither the 511 nor the 511A has a [[thermal cutoff]].   
Neither the 511 nor the 511A has a [[thermal cutoff]].   
The 511AD was available through 1953.


===511A differences===
The 511 was produced with serial numbers 101 to 454.  The 511A has serial numbers 455 and up.
The 511 was produced with serial numbers 101 to 454.  The 511A has serial numbers 455 and up.
The main difference between the 511 and the 511A is the power supply.
The main difference between the 511 and the 511A is the power supply.
In the 511 there are two power transformers, T1 and T2, both operating on 60 Hz mains power with their primaries in parallel.
 
In the '''511''', 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.   
T1 produces the CRT anode and cathode voltages, as well as various other regulated and unregulated voltages.   
The CRT cathode and anode voltages in the 511 are simply rectified voltages from the secondary of T1.   
The CRT cathode and anode voltages in the 511 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 lack of regulation means that variations in mains voltage results in variation of deflection sensitivity.   


In the 511A, the CRT cathode and anode voltages are produced by a 2 kHz oscillator that is powered by the 511A's +225 V<sub>DC</sub> regulated supply.   
In the '''511A''', the CRT cathode and anode voltages are produced by a 2 kHz oscillator that is powered by the 511A's +225 V<sub>DC</sub> regulated supply.   
This results in vertical deflection calibration that is independent of mains voltage.
This results in vertical deflection calibration that is independent of mains voltage.
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.
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 511 and 511A use a [[6AL5]] tube (V3) as the disconnect diode for the sweep.
There was an option that added a 1 μs marker generator.


===Delay===
===Delay===
The Tektronix Type 1-AD-25 delay was available as a factory option for the 511.
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.
With the delay, the scope is a 511-AD.  The delay is composed of 24 L-C sections.
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.
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.
The delay could be switched in and out of the signal path, presumably to avoid the slight signal degradation the delay causes.
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==Links==
==Links==
* [http://richardsears.wordpress.com/2012/01/07/near-the-beginning-of-an-era-the-tektronix-511a/ Detailed article on 511A]
* [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).
* ''[Note 1]'' TekWeek March 23, 1984 says $595 but the advertised price was $795 (see below).