Navy OBL-2 'scope. How old??? - Videokarma.org TV - Video

radiotvnut · #1 02-29-2008, 09:47 PM

I hope someone here can shed some light on this old Navy oscilloscope. It is a model OBL-2 and was made by Reiner Electronics Company for the Navy Department, Bureau of Ships. The screen is about 3" and it uses all octal base tubes. It is full of Sprague caps that are grey in color. I fired it up with the variac and I get some life; but, it needs a good cleaning and a re-cap. I think this would be an interesting piece to add to my antique radio test equipment collection. Anyone have any idea how old this thing is?

Scorpion8 · #2 02-29-2008, 09:57 PM

Well, BuShips went away about 1966 to be replaced by NavSea and the other "systems commands". So it had to be made before that. Nice find. Does it work?

radiotvnut · #3 02-29-2008, 10:00 PM

I get a blurry green distorted trace. I'm sure new caps and control cleaning will cure it. At least the HV supply works.

targeteye · #4 03-01-2008, 01:26 PM

I'm guessing 1940s. If you can post the tube line up it would be easier to date.

Sandy G · #5 03-01-2008, 02:49 PM

Yeah, it just has a "1940s" look to it...But a glance at the tubes would help to be able to "mouth" it...

radiotvnut · #6 03-02-2008, 09:01 PM

The tubes are:

6SH7 X 4
2X2
6X5
884

radiotvnut · #7 03-02-2008, 09:09 PM

Here's some pictures of the inside.

Scorpion8 · #8 03-02-2008, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sandy G

Yeah, it just has a "1940s" look to it...

BuShips was established circa 1940, so the unit had to be built long enough after it's establishment for the contract process to allow the name change. So say between 1941 and 1966.