Shaun Merrigan's Information Pages



Tektronix TM500 Module Holder

Posted by Shaun Merrigan in 3D Printing, Electronics, Restoration, Tech. Comments Off on Tektronix TM500 Module Holder

28th June

I have previously written about the substantial number of different modules available for the Tektronix TM500 and TM5000 module plug-in systems. Since the equipment is now anywhere from 20 – 40 years old it needs to be refreshed and/or repaired before going back into service. This often means working on the modules while they are not installed in the power frame:

TM500 Extender Overview: Connects between module and power frame.

TM500 Extender Overview: Connects between module and power frame.

Dan Meeks Extender Closeup. This extender allows monitoring of all supply voltages and currents. It also has LED indicators for each voltage rail.

Extender Plugged into Power Frame

Extender Plugged into module. This allows working on the module outside of the power frame.

From the image above, the extender board projects beyond the edges of the plug-in. This means that the plug in … Read More »


Tektronix TM500 Power Frame Tester

Posted by Shaun Merrigan in Electronics, Test Equipment. Comments Off on Tektronix TM500 Power Frame Tester

25th June

The Tektronix TM50n is an “n”bay (where n = 1 to 6, the number of bays) power frame which can host and power TM500 plug-ins. It was available in 1 through 6 bay versions and was the predecessor to the TM5000 power frame: See my post here about the TM5000 power frames. Tektronix themselves had dozens of plug-ins available which comprised power supplies, signal generators, oscilloscopes, multimeters, test oscillators, calibrators, attenuators, filters, logic analyzers, frequency counters, audio analyzers and more. It is important to note that while TM500 plug-ins can be used in the TM5000 power frame, the inverse is not true: TM5000 plug-ins cannot be used in a TM500 power frame.

Part of the repair/refresh process of any TM500 power frame requires the use of a Power Module Tester which (in conjunction with some basic test equipment … Read More »



Tektronix Type 106 Square Wave Generator Refresh

Posted by Shaun Merrigan in Electronics, Restoration, Tech, Test Equipment. Comments Off on Tektronix Type 106 Square Wave Generator Refresh

20th June

Introduced in 1966, the Tektronix 106 Square Wave Generator is a signal generator which can produce fast rise (<1nS @50 ohm loads positive or negative going) or high amplitude (120 Volts, high impedance load) square waves from 10Hz to 1MHz. It is used for oscilloscope calibration, risetime testing and for triggering extremely fast rise (<100pS) tunnel diode pulsers. The 106 uses a combination of vacuum tube and discrete solid-state technology. This is the sort of equipment that was used for development and testing during the NASA Apollo Program through the 1960’s.

The cost of the Tektronix Type 106 was USD 590 in 1966 or about USD 4900 in 2021 dollars. I was fortunate enough to obtain one of these units in decent condition and I was able to restore it to better than factory specification. What … Read More »


Tektronix TM5006 Power Frame Refresh

Posted by Shaun Merrigan in Electronics, Restoration, Tech, Test Equipment. Comments Off on Tektronix TM5006 Power Frame Refresh

17th June

The Tektronix TM5006 is a 6-Bay power frame which can host and power either TM5000 or TM500 plug-ins .

Tektronix themselves had about 130 different plug-ins available which comprised power supplies, signal generators, oscilloscopes, multimeters, test oscillators, calibrators, attenuators, filters, logic analyzers, frequency counters, audio analyzers and more. In addition, numerous third parties made plug-ins for the system. The total number of different plug-ins numbered at least 200. The system was introduced in 1972 and was available in some form through at least 1995. The system is remarkably interesting from a technology standpoint because it encompasses the move from discrete transistor circuitry in early equipment, evolving through microprocessor-controlled units in later equipment. The more modern TM5000 equipment also had network interface (GPIB) capability for control and data acquisition.

In terms of cost, a basic … Read More »


Tektronix Type 114 Pulse Generator Update

Posted by Shaun Merrigan in Electronics, Restoration, Test Equipment. Comments Off on Tektronix Type 114 Pulse Generator Update

16th June

This is an update to my previous post documenting my restoration/repair of two Tektronix Type 114 Pulse Generators. As of this writing I have completed some cosmetic work on the cabinets, front panels and carrying handles of both units. This includes cleaning and painting the cases, cleaning the front panels, knobs, BNC connectors and replacing the missing handle inserts.

Tektronix 114 Handle Insert Bottom Section Missing

Tektronix 114 Handle Insert New Aluminum Base Plates and OEM Example

Tektronix 114 Replacement Inserts and Tolex

Tektronix 114 Replacement Handle Insert and Tolex in place

Tektronix Type 114 Refinished Cabinet and Front Panel

Tektronix 114 Front Panel Cosmetics Completed

I have implemented a Maintenance and Inventory system which includes an equipment label with QR code. The code includes the Equipment Name, Serial Number, Instrument ID Number, and a summary of the latest service work completed on the unit. … Read More »