Originally posted in June 2022

I have previously written about the substantial number of different plug-ins available for the Tektronix TM500 and TM5000 systems. Since the equipment is now anywhere from 20 – 50 years old it needs to be refreshed and/or repaired before going back into service. This often means working on the plug-ins while they are not installed in the power mainframe:

From the image above, the extender board projects beyond the edges of the plug-in. This means that the plug-in is suspended by the extender connector on one end. This results in stress on the extender and tilting of the plug-in faceplate. However, by using a plug-in holder, the plug-in is no longer suspended by the extender card at one end. Additionally, the modified plug-in holder allows the plug-in to be placed on its side and above the bench surface.

I found this TM500 plug-in holder on Thingiverse . I printed it using 3D Fuel Workday Blue PLA on normal print settings using a Snapmaker A250. With a bit of deburring the two pieces assemble and disassemble properly. Realizing that the holder would not allow the plug-in to sit flat on the bench while on its side, I have added rubber feet to each side.

Now the module sits flat and stable on the bench while allowing full access to both sides.

Since single TM5000 plug-ins are the same physical dimensions as  single TM500 plug-in, the plug-in holder works with them as well.

This TM500/5000 plug-in holder has proven to be especially useful in the lab when troubleshooting and repairing TM500/5000 plug-ins.