It has become apparent to me that what were modern electronics in my youth are now considered vintage electronics. What does that say about me?
The piece of vintage electronics in question this day is a veteran Tektronix 465 oscilloscope. This particular oscilloscope was purchased decades ago as surplus from Elliot Electronics in Tucson, once my go to place for electronic parts and tools.
The ‘scope is in great shape… Mostly.
Aside from a couple indicator lamps of the front panel it works well. It has calibration stickers from decades back, before it ended up in surplus.
I was putting it away last weekend when the scope suddenly fell to one side. I caught it before it fell, but was wondering why it fell over, that should not happen. Turning it around I find that one of the rear feet had just crumbled. The plastic decayed and quite fragile, further crumbling as I examine it.
I sit there and consider what to do, the other three feet look to be headed the same way, one is already missing a good chunk.
You know where this is going already. I look at the part and quickly realize this bit of plastic is a good candidate for a 3D printed replacement. I can already see how I will design it.
It took a good hour on the computer to design the part. A pair of digital calipers and a not-quite crumbling foot in front of me, the best of the remaining three feet. The part doubles as a cord wrap where the power cord is stowed when the scope is not in use.
Done. The replacements look great and fit perfectly. I wrap up the cord and put the ‘scope away. I find later that other folks have had the same issue and have also designed 3D printed replacements, I could have just downloaded the design. Oh well, I like my version better.
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