dual-beam oscilloscope

Datecirca 1960

Inventory Number2008-1-0111

ClassificationOscilloscope

Subject

Maker Tektronix, Inc. 1946-present

User Stephen W. Kuffler 1913 - 1980

Cultural Region

Place of Origin

Place of Use

Dimensions31 x 48.4 x 60.5 cm (12 3/16 x 19 1/16 x 23 13/16 in.)

Material

Accessoriespower cord; instruction manual; note (inside manual)

DescriptionThis oscilloscope is a type RM 502A, or Rack Mount type. It is equipped with a cathode-ray tube with a blue phosphor display, each vertical beam covering a minimum of 8 cm of vertical scan. The numerous dials are used to modify and calibrate the sweep rates, inputs, triggering signals, etc. It also has a cooling fan.

All the instrument's characteristics and many uses are found in the instruction manual now stored in the instrument's file.

Signedon front: TEKTRONIX, INC., PORTLAND, OREGON, U.S.A.

Inscribednote, found in instrument file (tucked into instruction manual), folded in half and written in pen and pencil: on top half of note, in pencil: RACK MOUNT--502 A/ DUAL BEAM/'' " DIFFERENTIAL INPUTS (ND VISION FRONT END)/ WITH DOCUMENTATION/'SCOPE WORKS--SIZEABLE DISPLAY/ BLUE PHOSPHOR/ MAY NEED CALIBRATION FOR VERT AMP'S/ WAS STEVE KUFFLER'S FIRST 'SCOPE AT H.M.S. CIRCA MID '60'S!! on bottom half of note, in blue ink: Josh--if you want it, let me know today, please./ Thanks! Sue

FunctionAccording to the instruction manual: "The Tektronix Type 502A Oscilloscope provides linear dual-beam displays with a wide range of sweep rates combined with high input sensitivity. In adition, the Type 502A may be used to provide dual-beam X-Y displays at high sensitivities. Vertical amplifiers for both beams may be operated with single-ended inputs for conventional operation, or with differential inputs for cancellation of common-mode signals. The wide range of operational modes available make the Type 502A adaptable to a great many industrial and scientific applications."

ProvenanceGift from Peter Grigg, Prof. Emeritus, UMass Medical School, Worcester, MA.

Historical AttributesWas used by Stephen Kuffler. Likely the first oscilloscope he used when he arrived at the Harvard Medical School in the early 1960s.