Blank RF Probe tips

Guest
Do any companies sell those blank RF probe tubes with metal tips? I
recall back in the 60s you could buy the entire probes with internal
parts as kits. They came with the same basic "shell" but had different
internal parts for different uses. The parts inside of them are basic.
Normally one diode and a resistor(s) or cap, or both.

I've found the schematics for several different probes, and I know that
some people build them in a pill bottle, or ink pen shell, or whatever,
but I'd like to find some of the REAL shells if they are sold.

Anyone know?

Thanks
 
On 3/27/2017 2:46 PM, oldschool@tubes.com wrote:
I've found the schematics for several different probes, and I know that
some people build them in a pill bottle, or ink pen shell, or whatever,
but I'd like to find some of the REAL shells if they are sold.
Click to expand...

Heathkit and Eico come to mind, but they haven't been sold in over
40 years.


--
Jeff-1.0
wa6fwi
http://www.foxsmercantile.com

---
This email has been checked for viruses by AVG.
http://www.avg.com
 
On Mon, 27 Mar 2017 14:56:06 -0500, Foxs Mercantile <jdangus@att.net>
wrote:

On 3/27/2017 2:46 PM, oldschool@tubes.com wrote:
I've found the schematics for several different probes, and I know that
some people build them in a pill bottle, or ink pen shell, or whatever,
but I'd like to find some of the REAL shells if they are sold.

Heathkit and Eico come to mind, but they haven't been sold in over
40 years.
Click to expand...

Yep, those are the schematics I have, and maybe some popular electronics
magazine articles as well.

I know this new generation of fat lazy kids are too lazy to build kits,
but probes are still used even on modern electronic test gear. I'm sure
there are some technicians, experimenters and some older guys who still
want to build a special needs probe, and need a plastic shell with tip
to do so.... Someone must sell them....
 
You are making it far too easy. A basic search found these and two other links to them.

Give a man a fish....

Agreed on the BS factor however. When it is convenient to whine about China, let's whine. When it is convenient to use their products, go for it. XAM products were part of the initial foray in the race for the bottom. That $0.99 pair of underwear as it were. To mix a metaphor, the rest of the camel inevitably followed. And here we are.

Peter Wieck
Melrose Park, PA
 
On 3/27/2017 3:07 PM, oldschool@tubes.com wrote:
I know this new generation of fat lazy kids are too lazy to build kits,
but probes are still used even on modern electronic test gear. I'm sure
there are some technicians, experimenters and some older guys who still
want to build a special needs probe, and need a plastic shell with tip
to do so.... Someone must sell them....
Click to expand...

Lets put a stop to this bullshit right now.

There is no shortage of "Kids" (either in the classic teen bracket, or
by you're implied definition of anyone else under 60) building kits.
The kit companies of yesteryear and their kits aren't in business any
more. The big thing now is Arduino, Instructables and the Makers.

As much as you hate "Anything Chinese" the bottom line is you can't
compete against them either. Heathkit is back and trying to sell kits
again. Tell me why I should pay $149 for an transistorized AM radio.

And after all your bellyaching about "I want tubes" I see you bought a
used MAX Model 200. That has neither any vacuum tubes in it, nor was
it manufactured in the US.

Oh, and all the prices you remember? Multiply them by roughly ten for
the value in today's currency. That $14 Heathkit something? $149 now.

So quite playing Rip Van Winkle and bitching that it's not the '60s
any more.


--
Jeff-1.0
wa6fwi
http://www.foxsmercantile.com

---
This email has been checked for viruses by AVG.
http://www.avg.com
 
On Mon, 27 Mar 2017 15:57:27 -0500, Foxs Mercantile <jdangus@att.net>
wrote:

>Lets put a stop to this bullshit right now.

I asked a simple question, if you cant answer it, maybe someone else
can. I only asked because I dont know much about what companies sell
what. It's been years since I dealt with electronics companies other
than radio shack.

And yea, I like tube stuff, but I bought a XAM solid state amp. So what,
that's my business, not yours.... It's a lot better than those crappy
computer speakers. Regardless, I buy what I damn well please, and you
dont have any decisions in what I buy or do. Nor do I really need your
opinions. I asked if anyone knows if any stores sells blank probe tips,
not for opinions of how to live my life, which is none of your damn
business anyhow.

I could spend a whole day googling for these probes, so I asked for some
advice. If you cant answer a simple question, dont answer......
 
On 3/27/2017 5:34 PM, oldschool@tubes.com wrote:
On Mon, 27 Mar 2017 15:57:27 -0500, Foxs Mercantile <jdangus@att.net
wrote:

Lets put a stop to this bullshit right now.
I asked a simple question, if you cant answer it, maybe someone else
can.
Click to expand...

No, you didn't ask a simple question. You decided to bitch about fat
lazy kids.

Previously, you asked a simple question and you got an answer. Then
you went off on one of your pointless rants bitching how things aren't
like they used to be.

And for the record, I don't give a shit what you do.
But you come here asking for help, then you sit and bitch and argue
about the help you get.



--
Jeff-1.0
wa6fwi
http://www.foxsmercantile.com

---
This email has been checked for viruses by AVG.
http://www.avg.com
 
Here's two RF probe kits for about $15 each.
<http://www.qrpkits.com/rfprobe.html>
And
<http://www.ebay.com/itm/142283510722>


--
Jeff-1.0
wa6fwi
http://www.foxsmercantile.com

---
This email has been checked for viruses by AVG.
http://www.avg.com
 
On Mon, 27 Mar 2017 19:10:24 -0500, Foxs Mercantile <jdangus@att.net>
wrote:

Here's two RF probe kits for about $15 each.
http://www.qrpkits.com/rfprobe.html
And
http://www.ebay.com/itm/142283510722
Click to expand...

Now we're getting somewhere......
I particularly like the one from qrpkits.
And at a good price.
I downloaded the PDF for it, and it's very complete.

I also browsed their other kits. Lots of interesting stuff....

Thank You!
 
On Mon, 27 Mar 2017 17:21:00 -0700 (PDT), "pfjw@aol.com" <pfjw@aol.com>
wrote:

You are making it far too easy. A basic search found these and two other links to them.

Give a man a fish....

Agreed on the BS factor however. When it is convenient to whine about China,
let's whine. When it is convenient to use their products, go for it. XAM product
s were part of the initial foray in the race for the bottom. That $0.99 pair of unde
rwear as it were. To mix a metaphor, the rest of the camel inevitably followed. An
d here we are.

Peter Wieck
Melrose Park, PA
Click to expand...

This XAM was made in Taiwan, which I know is darn near the same as
China, but it was made around 1970, and made quite well. The entire case
is metal, and well made. For my stereo, I like tube amps and want more
power, but for a computer sound system, I just want to hear what is
coming out of the computer. My laptop has practically no volume at all
from it's internal speakers. Now I can actually hear it, and I am
pleased with the sound. I spent almost twice what I paid for the XAM
about a year ago, for some of the so called "computer speakers". They
had poor sound, and they quit working after 7 months. My prior ones
lasted maybe 2 years, and they had crappy sound too.

Sure, I had the speakers that I am using on this XAM, but I know this
system will outlast any of those cheap computer speakers and it's still
small enough to haul around easily. When I saw it, I knew that is was
what I was looking for. And it suits me well for the intended use. Not
to mention it was cheap.

Even without a schematic, I am sure I can fix it. Particularly since it
has real power transistors for the output stage, not those damn ICs that
usually can not be replaced, because they are not available.

But I'd still like to have a schematic if I can locate one.
 
On Mon, 27 Mar 2017 18:00:38 -0500, Foxs Mercantile <jdangus@att.net>
wrote:

On 3/27/2017 5:34 PM, oldschool@tubes.com wrote:
On Mon, 27 Mar 2017 15:57:27 -0500, Foxs Mercantile <jdangus@att.net
wrote:

Lets put a stop to this bullshit right now.
I asked a simple question, if you cant answer it, maybe someone else
can.

No, you didn't ask a simple question. You decided to bitch about fat
lazy kids.

It's the truth, and I have a thing called "Freedom of speech"!
Click to expand...

Previously, you asked a simple question and you got an answer. Then
you went off on one of your pointless rants bitching how things aren't
like they used to be.
Click to expand...

Things are what they are, that dont mean I have to like them....
And for the record, I don't give a shit what you do.
But you come here asking for help, then you sit and bitch and argue
about the help you get.
Click to expand...

Here is some shopping advice for you. Quit buying your ties from China,
they are too tight and they are cutting off the blood to your brain!!!
 
XAM equipment of that vintage often (very nearly always) used germanium transistors - so be very careful of the part numbers.

Peter Wieck
Melrose Park, PA
 
oldschool@tubes.com wrote:

On Mon, 27 Mar 2017 18:00:38 -0500, Foxs Mercantile <jdangus@att.net
wrote:

On 3/27/2017 5:34 PM, oldschool@tubes.com wrote:
On Mon, 27 Mar 2017 15:57:27 -0500, Foxs Mercantile <jdangus@att.net
wrote:

Lets put a stop to this bullshit right now.
I asked a simple question, if you cant answer it, maybe someone else
can.

No, you didn't ask a simple question. You decided to bitch about fat
lazy kids.

It's the truth, and I have a thing called "Freedom of speech"!
Click to expand...

It's always been true! Damn kids today!!

´The children now love luxury. They have bad manners, contempt for authority;
they show disrespect for elders and love chatter in place of exercise.Ą

attributed to -- Socretes!!

I rembember being one of those damn kids back in the late 60s and early
70s. Promised myself to try not to grow up into a geezer.

I suppose I'll be retiring one of these days. Maybe I'll make an
attempt at Ardino programming or apps or something. Or maybe I'll just
sit on the porch and yell "Get off my lawn!!".

Sort of a coin toss.
 
oldschool@tubes.com wrote:

Do any companies sell those blank RF probe tubes with metal tips? I
recall back in the 60s you could buy the entire probes with internal
parts as kits. They came with the same basic "shell" but had different
internal parts for different uses. The parts inside of them are basic.
Normally one diode and a resistor(s) or cap, or both.

I've found the schematics for several different probes, and I know that
some people build them in a pill bottle, or ink pen shell, or whatever,
but I'd like to find some of the REAL shells if they are sold.

Anyone know?

Thanks
Click to expand...

The probe in the old ARRL handbooks was in the sort of shield and socket
used with 7 pin tubes. The pin connectors were removed from the socket
and a long screw was installed through the center tube of the socket.
All the RF probe parts were installed on a terminal strip which was held
to the socket by the screw which also served as the tip of the probe.
 
oldschool@tubes.com prodded the keyboard with:

On Mon, 27 Mar 2017 14:56:06 -0500, Foxs Mercantile
jdangus@att.net> wrote:

On 3/27/2017 2:46 PM, oldschool@tubes.com wrote:
I've found the schematics for several different probes, and I know
that some people build them in a pill bottle, or ink pen shell, or
whatever, but I'd like to find some of the REAL shells if they are
sold.

Heathkit and Eico come to mind, but they haven't been sold in over
40 years.

Yep, those are the schematics I have, and maybe some popular
electronics magazine articles as well.

I know this new generation of fat lazy kids are too lazy to build
kits, but probes are still used even on modern electronic test gear.
I'm sure there are some technicians, experimenters and some older
guys who still want to build a special needs probe, and need a
plastic shell with tip
to do so.... Someone must sell them....
Click to expand...

I used to make mine from copper and gas water pipe with Tuffnel plugs
at the ends and copper nails for the tip. Nowadays I would heat
shrink a cover on them.

--
Best Regards:
Baron.
 
<http://www.ebay.com/itm/132140338092>


--
Jeff-1.0
wa6fwi
http://www.foxsmercantile.com

---
This email has been checked for viruses by AVG.
http://www.avg.com
 
Michael Black wrote:


But it's no longer so easy to find tube sockets and shields. It looked
like a good idea back then.
Click to expand...

Lots on ebay. Brand new from China, if that's not a problem for you. I
don't quite understand Chinese manufacturing priorities. You can find
new compactron and 10 pin decal sockets, too.
 
On Tue, 28 Mar 2017, analogdial wrote:

oldschool@tubes.com wrote:

Do any companies sell those blank RF probe tubes with metal tips? I
recall back in the 60s you could buy the entire probes with internal
parts as kits. They came with the same basic "shell" but had different
internal parts for different uses. The parts inside of them are basic.
Normally one diode and a resistor(s) or cap, or both.

I've found the schematics for several different probes, and I know that
some people build them in a pill bottle, or ink pen shell, or whatever,
but I'd like to find some of the REAL shells if they are sold.

Anyone know?

Thanks

The probe in the old ARRL handbooks was in the sort of shield and socket
used with 7 pin tubes. The pin connectors were removed from the socket
and a long screw was installed through the center tube of the socket.
All the RF probe parts were installed on a terminal strip which was held
to the socket by the screw which also served as the tip of the probe.
Click to expand...
But it's no longer so easy to find tube sockets and shields. It looked
like a good idea back then.

But I did try making a probe, and I wasn't really pleased with the
results. It looked not so great.

I'd just go to a hobby store (they still exist) and hope to find some
brass tubing that was big enough and make probe case with that. If the
hobby store sells the brass tubing, then likely they sell small bits of
brass sheet, and one could make end caps with those.

For things that don't need shielding, old markers to work.

Michael
 
On Wed, 29 Mar 2017, analogdial wrote:

Michael Black wrote:



But it's no longer so easy to find tube sockets and shields. It looked
like a good idea back then.


Lots on ebay. Brand new from China, if that's not a problem for you. I
don't quite understand Chinese manufacturing priorities. You can find
new compactron and 10 pin decal sockets, too.
Click to expand...
But back when the idea was topical, you could easily get ahold of the
pieces, at the local store or hamfest, if you didn't have the pieces lying
around in the first place.

Once you have to start ordering, you might as well go for something
fancier.

Michael
 
On Tue, 28 Mar 2017 04:15:37 -0700 (PDT), "pfjw@aol.com" <pfjw@aol.com>
wrote:

XAM equipment of that vintage often (very nearly always) used germanium transistors - so be very careful of the part numbers.

Peter Wieck
Melrose Park, PA
Click to expand...

Thats good to know. Thanks!

I was just reading recently that the earlier transistors were made with
germanium, but it is rare and thus costly so they changed to silicone.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Welcome to EDABoard.com

Sponsor

Back
Top