Vintage Tektronix 515A oscilloscope is looking for a new home

This post was written by eli on April 25, 2009
Posted Under: miscellaneous
Tektronix 515A Oscilloscope

Tektronix 515A Oscilloscope

I got it when I was 13. Yes, some of us play with strange toys. I had a lot of fun moments with it, but the truth is that even if it worked, it’s not much of use, now that I’ve betrayed it with a young and colorful one.

Mechanically, this old scope is in good shape (it’s the one in the picture above). Electronically, it does turn on, but there is no beam. The panel lamps behave as expected, so I suppose that with some love and care, it can be fixed without major surgery.

The scope was manufactured in 1957. Naturally, it’s based upon vacuum tubes, which gives it the same nostalgic feel as an old radio.

There is no point in myself keeping it, but my sentiments won’t let me throw it in the dustbin. So I’m ready to give it away to a museum or serious collector. My basic condition, is that whoever wants it, will have to pay for the shipping. And if you’re serious about this kind of gear, you surely know that this “portable scope” weights 20 kg.

In case you’re interested, please drop me a note. My email address can be found at my website.

June 2019 update: Nah, I’ll keep it. If it’s been with me this long, it was probably meant to stay with me.

Reader Comments

I guess the scope is gone by now. If not, Iam interested. I collect vintage scopes. Visited Israel for the first time last February and enjoyed it. Great country. Plan on going back some day. Interesting website. The company I work for does quite a bit of work for Elta, Elop, Elbit and we are involved with Iron Dome. If the scope is still available let me know.
Best Regards,
Jack P.

#1 
Written By Jack P. on October 29th, 2014 @ 00:55

The scope is actually still available, probably in the same condition as it was then.

#2 
Written By eli on October 29th, 2014 @ 08:09

i am a collector of old instruments like TEKTONIX and HP

#3 
Written By nelson on September 10th, 2016 @ 16:52

Hi, we have an Tektronix Type 585A Oscilloscope in our attic. Is anyone interested in buying it? Would be great to hear from you. We are based in the UK.

#4 
Written By Ruby on October 4th, 2016 @ 11:38

Hi, i have the same oscilloscope. I am from Poland. How much can it cost such equipment?

#5 
Written By Bartek on June 25th, 2019 @ 22:09

Hi,

I have no idea. As for my scope, I’ve decided to keep it. I’m just updating the post above.

#6 
Written By eli on June 25th, 2019 @ 22:50

i have this same scope along with numerous boxes of tubes, transistors and other equipment from my late father who had a tv / sterio repair shop 1960s-2000. anyone interested in a bulk sale i’d be happy to pass these items along to someone that will get use from them. please email at christian.h.wittmann@gmail.com

#7 
Written By chris w. on March 8th, 2020 @ 14:53

I have the same oscilloscope that came from Germany a few years ago. It is operational but not used. I will gladly sell it.

#8 
Written By Piotr on April 14th, 2021 @ 21:47

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