Early
Digital Test
Equipment
Para-Time Instruments Inc. 130
Counter
 

Manufacturer:Para-Time Instruments Inc.
Model:130
Year:1967
Schematic:RE
  
Max Rate:~ 60 KHz (m)
Display:dekatron
Digits:4
Logic:tube, transistor, RTL

A nice little dekatron-based counter.

This model is notable for it's combination of old and new technologies. The counters/display are dekatron tubes. Dual-triode tubes are used for the inter-digit dekatron drivers. RTL integrated circuits make up the timebase and control logic, and a few discrete transistors interface between the RTL and the tubes.

Two types of dekatron counter tubes are used. The first two digits (LSD) use high-speed type 6909 dekatrons, while the remaining digits use 6802 dekatrons. The 6802's have the orange glow typical of neon while the 6909's have a purplish-pink glow. Other than that, their physical appearance is identical. A tube manual indicates the 6802's are good to 5KHz while 6909's should count up to 100KHz, however this counter only seems to be reliable up to around 60KHz.

 



- Unit Log -

Serial Number:0012
Year of Manufacture: 1967 (Capacitors stamped with 6621, 6708).
Date of Receipt:1997 Jun
State upon Receipt:Non-functional. Fair physical condition.


Repair Date: 1997 Jun 30
Procedure:2N3877 for reset replaced.


Repair Date: 1997 Jun 30
Procedure:Neon bulb in gate lamp bad. Housing opened and terminal strip installed to provide contacts for replacement bulb.


Repair Date: 1997 Jun 30
Procedure:Input circuit rewired.


Repair Date: 1997 Jul 03
Procedure:One 6909 dekatron not functional, modifications to bypass units counter.


Repair Date: 2003 Nov 28
Procedure:Fuse blown (1A), two 1N4002 diodes in logic power supply (ground side) shorted, all 4 replaced.



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Early Digital Test Equipment
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