Should I buy an Iwatsu ss-5710? [Solved]

[pallee]

Hi!

Allthough my first scope is still working (Advance instruments OS250), I couldn't help noticing that an Iwatsu ss-5710 is for sale in my neighborhood for the swedish equivalent of US$20.

The ad text reads (rough translation):

Oscilloscope Iwatsu SS-5710th 60MHz Incl.manual.
Dimensions 47x32x17(cm) plus bracket/stand and manual tray. Weight 10.4 kg. Mains power cable included, lacks the front cover and probes.
Been unused for many years, needs to be calibrated.

There is also an image attached showing sine waves on two channels neither is matching the claimed voltage as proof of the need for calibration.

In case there are more things wrong than the calibration, or if it needs repairs in the future, are the 5710 easily maintained in general?

Essentially my question is: should i go for it?

[edavid]

There is also an image attached showing sine waves on two channels neither is matching the claimed voltage as proof of the need for calibration.

An error that is large enough to see in a photo is not caused by mis-calibration, it's caused by something being broken.

Unless... the seller doesn't know enough to put the variable gain control in the calibrated position.

[pallee]

An error that is large enough to see in a photo is not caused by mis-calibration, it's caused by something being broken.

Unless... the seller doesn't know enough to put the variable gain control in the calibrated position.

That may be the case... anyway here is the image claiming to be 10mV, 60Mhz and the scope is supposed to be set to 10mV, 50ns. I have  unfortionatly no way to varify that the settings are correct. What do you think?
Link to the ad (in swedish) http://www.tradera.com/item/340196/228246158/oscilloskop-iwatsu-ss-5710-60mhz-inkl-manual-

[edavid]

I don't see anything in the photos that would make me think it's not working OK.  It looks like it's in very nice condition - $20 with manual seems like a great deal.

[Lightages]

$20?! Go for it. If anything is broken to cause the error it should be cheap to fix because the expensive parts, the CRT and high voltage parts, are working.

[tautech]

I've learnt the hard way, things like scopes, it's not just a manual but a service manual that you need before buying.
If you can find it online, great....cheap scope and a well respected brand. 

[mij59]

It's an auction, if the price stay's this low it's wort to take the risk.
The difference in amplitude may be caused by the way the two channels are connected, looks like a T-connector is used.
You may need other probes.
Service manual is online available.   

[pickle9000]

Not much of a gamble, just get it.

[Stephan_T]

Hi,

I have bought the SS-5711 (100MHz) on Ebay for about €100 (including postage) and I am relatively(*) happy with it. It was described as "long time unused" and "may need some contact maintenance", which was exactly right. The switches may need a little attention before they work reliable and 100% fine. I cleaned especially the contacts of the time base selection. Also you may have to operate some of the other switches (e.g. AC-GND coupling)  for some time to get them back on track. I would not recommend to start adjustments before the contacts work properly.


The service manual can be found online here:
 http://www.iti.iwatsu.co.jp/manual/pdf/ss5710-e.pdf
It is 173 pages long and includes the maintenance and adjustment procedures plus all the schematics.

(*) The only problem with my scope is an intermittent fault on the right side of the horizontal amplifier which only appears for a view minutes mostly after some hours of usage. It is hard to detect, because it just shows up randomly.

[tautech]

Hi,

I have bought the SS-5711 (100MHz) on Ebay for about €100 (including postage) and I am relatively(*) happy with it. It was described as "long time unused" and "may need some contact maintenance", which was exactly right. The switches may need a little attention before they work reliable and 100% fine. I cleaned especially the contacts of the time base selection. Also you may have to operate some of the other switches (e.g. AC-GND coupling)  for some time to get them back on track. I would not recommend to start adjustments before the contacts work properly.


The service manual can be found online here:
 http://www.iti.iwatsu.co.jp/manual/pdf/ss5710-e.pdf
It is 173 pages long and includes the maintenance and adjustment procedures plus all the schematics.

(*) The only problem with my scope is an intermittent fault on the right side of the horizontal amplifier which only appears for a view minutes mostly after some hours of usage. It is hard to detect, because it just shows up randomly.

Welcome to the forum.

Your fault may be heat related, have you tried some freeze spray?

[pallee]

Thanks for all your input!

Since it was an auction someone else got lucky and managed to snipe it for $35-40 while I was having a lecture at the university... I guess that I will keep looking