Mini review / teardown of 70's vintage function/sweep generator

[w2aew]

Here's a little video I put together showing the overall design, construction and layout of a 70's vintage sweep / function generator.  It's an interesting unit, with all of the I/O located on the front panel, and featuring fully discrete design.  The only integrated components are a handful of ua741 opamps, transistor arrays, 3-terminal voltage regulators and a quad 2-input NOR gate.

[StubbornGreek]

I've have to say, I really enjoy your channel. You choose very interesting and relevant content, thank you.

[SeanB]

Lovely unit, very nicely laid out with the one and only logic chip hiding in front of the power stage.

[WV1800es]

Ahh, the Good Old Days, when controls were of a size and spaced so a man could get ahold of them!  A classy presentation on a classic design, Thank You!!

[w2aew]

Ahh, the Good Old Days, when controls were of a size and spaced so a man could get ahold of them!  A classy presentation on a classic design, Thank You!!

The good old days, indeed! 

[sorin]

can you share the schematic...

[lowimpedance]

I have an Exact 516 function/Sweep generator has a fmax. around 11MHz. Built in a rather sleek bench form factor casing.
I love the fact its all discrete, very easy to use and very functional.
Only minor repairs done, ie shorted tantalum's. But the switch contacts are noisy and using contact cleaner/lube will only work for a bit of time before another treatment is needed!.

[poodyp]

Interesting design. I have a Wavetek 187 which is also from the 70s I believe, looks identical inside. It's interesting that all the connectors have caps, is there any reason they'd need to be shielded?

[w2aew]

Interesting design. I have a Wavetek 187 which is also from the 70s I believe, looks identical inside. It's interesting that all the connectors have caps, is there any reason they'd need to be shielded?

I think it was designed for the military, and the caps were included to keep dirt out of the connectors.

[jancumps]

Great video. Together with your other one



 it 'll help to complete the hack that I'm doing to get at those sweep signals.
 

[WV1800es]

This is a grand old firm I've been doing business with since the 70's- they're listing 2 - Exact units :
https://www.fairradio.com/catalog.php?mode=view&categoryid=178
The site has quite a bit of the unexpected, Enjoy~!