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Old 4th Jul 2022, 10:52 am   #1
Manx Nick
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Default Heathkit Ignition Analyser

Hi all,

I have saved a Heathkit Ignition Analyser from a skip this morning, (like the one pictured) and am going to pick it up later on but what can I do with it other than test my car or bike ignition? Can it be used for measuring other wave forms at all? Such as diagnosing issues with old computers etc.

Sorry if this is a silly question, just been looking for a Heathkit Oscilloscope for a while and wonder if this might be worth saving.

I was also sad to see it in a skip, although the lads emptying the old garage it was in has placed it carefully at the front of the skip in the hope someone might save it.

Here on the Isle of Man, most people just get rid of things like old test equipment and I have yet to get my hands on an Oscilloscope!

Thanks,

Nick
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Old 4th Jul 2022, 12:59 pm   #2
Radio Wrangler
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Default Re: Heathkit Ignition Analyser

Ignition scopes tend to be very tightly dedicated to that use. There are no amplifiers, rather attenuators are used to measure the monumentally large voltages involved. Timebases are limited in speed and are triggered, expecting those large voltages to trigger them.

It's too far from a general purpose oscilloscope to the point where though the CRT and EHT supplies might be useful, it'll be easier to build the rest of the circuitry from scratch.

There seems to be no shortage of scopes on the mainland. A few years ago I gave away my collection of HP180 scopes along with a variety of plug-ins.

If you're going to start using a scope and learning what can be done with one, it's best to start with a working, general purpose unit. Don't worry if it has multiple channels, multiple timebases, bells and whistles. You can get guidance on how to park them so they don't upset things. They'll be there, waiting patiently, until you reach a point where you need them.

It would be a lot more difficult with something very limited and needing nursing along all the time, you'd also miss out on many of the things a scope can do for you.

David
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Old 4th Jul 2022, 1:22 pm   #3
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Default Re: Heathkit Ignition Analyser

There's a demand for Ignition Analysers from classic car owners. It might be worth putting this on eBay and using the proceeds to buy a "proper" 'scope.
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Old 4th Jul 2022, 1:34 pm   #4
Nickthedentist
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Default Re: Heathkit Ignition Analyser

Seconded.

But don't overlook that scope CRTs seem to be very easily damaged by knocks in the post.
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Old 4th Jul 2022, 2:52 pm   #5
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Default Re: Heathkit Ignition Analyser

I don't suppose the handbook for it was in the skip too?

If not, you should search Google to see what documentation (service/operating manuals) you can find.

Don't be tempted to plug it in and switch it on unless you have a Variac to allow you to bring the mains volts up over a few seconds. If it's not been used for a long time, it needs to "woken up slowly".

B
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Old 4th Jul 2022, 3:16 pm   #6
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Default Re: Heathkit Ignition Analyser

Depending on the model some info may be available here:-

https://www.vintage-radio.info/heathkit
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Old 4th Jul 2022, 6:01 pm   #7
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Default Re: Heathkit Ignition Analyser

If you do sell it for many £££s, then call around and I will have a good working scope here.
Les.
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Old 4th Jul 2022, 11:12 pm   #8
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Default Re: Heathkit Ignition Analyser

One post moved to new thread.

https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/...d.php?t=192536

Cheers

Mike T
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Old 6th Jul 2022, 10:22 am   #9
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Default Re: Heathkit Ignition Analyser

Hi all thank you for the info and I will try to pass it onto the classic car club here on the Island.

I haven't tried to fire it up yet but may do this weekend. Will let you know what happens
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Old 6th Jul 2022, 5:39 pm   #10
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Default Re: Heathkit Ignition Analyser

Here's some pictures.

Needs three pots replacing but other than that seems ok.

Powers up too. (I used a lamp/bulb limiter)
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Old 6th Jul 2022, 6:10 pm   #11
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Default Re: Heathkit Ignition Analyser

Isn't it just the knobs which are missing?
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Old 7th Jul 2022, 3:39 pm   #12
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Default Re: Heathkit Ignition Analyser

Quote:
Originally Posted by Station X View Post
Isn't it just the knobs which are missing?
Well the pots are there but the knobs have snapped off flush
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