Vintage/Classic Chassis/Mechanical Renovation/Restoration Techniques

[VK5RC]

xrunner did a high level button recreation using a 3D printed button - sanded, primed then painted.

 He gives away some secrets on reply # 110705 in the TEA section https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/test-equipment-anonymous-(tea)-group-therapy-thread/msg3926399/#msg3926399
Thanks

[Tubesrule]

My little contribution to the thread, nothing like the stuff here. But I'm pretty happy, is an odd duck. Still need to sort out the cable, the original was replaced by a modern one but is beat up and not attached properly. The magic eye!!

[TERRA Operative]

Does anyone know a good way to reapply white lettering onto flat panels, like the red plastic used on the displays on 80's HP gear and on Tek TM500 modules?

It would be simple with a laser printer if I could print white.....

[Tubesrule]

Hi anyone here can id, this type of rivet. Trying to keep it as original as possible.
Thanks

[SeanB]

Hollow brass rivet, Mcmaster carr will have them, though you might have to order a pack of 100 of them. Otherwise hobby shops tend to have thin wall brass tubing that you can use to make them, just cut a small piece off ( use a drill bit shaft that is a snug but sliding fit in the tube, then grind the tube to cut it as an easy way to not crush it) then flare out the one end, insert then flare out the other end.

[manicdoc]

Got a TDS540 with 3 feet, so needed another one... found this

https://www.printables.com/model/22192-replacement-feetpads-for-tektronix-tds-500600700-s/files

Covers series 500/600/700

[tautech]

Got a TDS540 with 3 feet, so needed another one... found this

https://www.printables.com/model/22192-replacement-feetpads-for-tektronix-tds-500600700-s/files

Covers series 500/600/700

There is also this useful thread in the TE board with a # of Tek listings one of which has the 5,6,700 feet.
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/replacement-knobs-feet-and-fittings-for-test-equipment/

[technogreek]

Hi- Need some help identifying the manufacturer (or possible successor) of this type PCB board to cable connector.  Only marking is "OTP" .  These are from approx 30-40 year old boards made in Japan.  Other components all look to be Japenese manfacturers.  Thanks

[VK5RC]

@technogreek what is the pin spacing - and approx pin diameter, is the socket expecting a square, rectangular or round pin? From the photo it looks like a 0.1" pin sockets - but hard to guess.

[technogreek]

as close as I can measure-- 2.5mm (0.1") pitch, square pins maybe 0.6mm(0.024") looks like a spring type latch, meaning it snaps into an opening in the socket
thanks for responding.  these old connectors are difficult!

[DavidKo]

Does it fit on standard 2.54 header? Example picture of header in https://kr.misumi-ec.com/vona2/detail/222005577741/. In case you need also the locking, than it will be harder.

[mag_therm]

They look similar to JAE IL-G series, if 2.50mm pitch
The JAE 0.1 inch pitch is not in latest catalog
https://www.jae.com/en/technical/catalog/
The JAE cable contacts are separate part number on a reel and click in after crimping.
Crimper was special. the contacts can be hand soldered to wire if care is taken to minimise solder so the crimp ears can be bent in

If you have to change both the pcb header and cable side, I use Phoenix contact PTSM
https://www.phoenixcontact.com/en-us/products/pcb-header-ptsm-05-4-hv-25-thr-r32-1778573

4 pin example:
PCB header - PTSM 0,5/ 4-HV-2,5-thr r32
Cable Plug - PTSM 0,5/ 4-P-2,5-

The cable plugs have push-in locking receptacles I have used AWG 22 and 24 stranded.
The 4 pin width fits 0.1 inch pcb OK. 8 pins would have 0.32mm length error over length, might still be OK for a repair job

[technogreek]

Good thought, hadn't tried a 2.54 header.  I just tried and the spacing is just large enough to through off anything larger than the 2 pin connection.
I appreciate your input.

[technogreek]

Thanks, i’ll investigate your links. Don’t think i can find the originals for replacement, so Plan B!

[David D]

New guy here!

I have searched and cannot find any info on the frosted/anti-glare coating that HP used on the front panels of the 90's gear like my 8903B. Apparently, it had some stickers on it at one time and when they peeled them off, the coating came off as well. I've thought about trying some matt or frosted clear spray paint, but would like to know if anyone else has delt with this before.

[BlownUpCapacitor]

I don't think it would be a very easy thing to restore.

I thought of peeling off the old coat of "Frosting" and just leave it as that, but that may damage the actual good material underneath.

Maybe you can cover the whole thing in stickers and peel them off along with the old coat. 

Anyways it doesn't seem like something that is a very important thing to fix and it's only a minor aesthetic defect. I personally would leave it alone for fear of possibly making it worse.

[David D]

LOL, I have gotten quite good at removing stickers from surplus/vintage test gear over the years. I can remember using ether(!) to remove sticky tape residue back in the early 80’s. Had to be sure to use it in a well ventilated area! 

It appears that the text on the front panel is under a clear plastic layer, so the frosted coating could be carefully removed without damage to the text/paint. It’s not a high priority issue, but I’ll experiment when I get the chance and see what works.