I once read Heathkit had a unique way of developing its instruction manuals. The article said they hired housewives to use the assembly manual to build a kit. When the builder asked what something was they inserted a picture of the item. Hence, pictures of pliers, screwdrivers of different types, etc. If the builder was confused about a workflow they cleaned up their process flow. If not knowledgeable in some part of the build, like soldering, they inserted instructions and suggestions for practicing and technique. Would that we had that level of professionalism and care today.
Thanks for taking the time to share your find. Love the video (and your assistant). The contribution that Heathkit made went well beyond just the end result. As you mention their manuals were first class and included theory of operations that were educational.
John I have the same model in still Pristine condition given by Parents for my 21st Birthday many yers ago I am now 77 years old it reminds of better times.
Like so many I grew through amateur radio buiding Heathkits. Never built a transceiver, but meters, dip meters, cw keyers, watt/swr meters. etc. I remember the respect that Heathkits had, and the joy and pride of completing one of their kits. we need something like that today to keep "The flame going with today's new amateurs" . well done and thanks for sharing. de Ellis /WA1RKS
Wow.. definitely rare! I love it when you find old equipment that has been treated well. btw.. I love cats... and my "respect meter" always goes up one notch for those who have cats :) btw, I miss Heathkit... it sad they are gone, and you can't find any good electronic kits anymore.
I had the same model, though the graticule was gone. I had to get the transformer rewound but after that it worked a treat. Big failing though was only AC input coupling. I sold it eventually, maybe it's still going.
Would it have killed you to show us some of the "pristine" inside with the flawless workmanship? I mean, we get it that the grey wrinkle finish is perfect on four sides or that the graticule is perfect and in place. But then nature of this unit - with point-to-point wiring - just screams for public exposure! Otherwise, it's just a waste of nine minutes of our time!
I once read Heathkit had a unique way of developing its instruction manuals. The article said they hired housewives to use the assembly manual to build a kit. When the builder asked what something was they inserted a picture of the item. Hence, pictures of pliers, screwdrivers of different types, etc. If the builder was confused about a workflow they cleaned up their process flow. If not knowledgeable in some part of the build, like soldering, they inserted instructions and suggestions for practicing and technique. Would that we had that level of professionalism and care today.
Very nice video, thanks! I used to build a lot of Heathkits.
Thanks for taking the time to share your find. Love the video (and your assistant). The contribution that Heathkit made went well beyond just the end result. As you mention their manuals were first class and included theory of operations that were educational.
John I have the same model in still Pristine condition given by Parents for my 21st Birthday many yers ago I am now 77 years old it reminds of better times.
Long before Heath started making Heathkit electronics kits in 1947, they made consumer airplane kits.
Like so many I grew through amateur radio buiding Heathkits. Never built a transceiver, but meters, dip meters, cw keyers, watt/swr meters. etc. I remember the respect that Heathkits had, and the joy and pride of completing one of their kits. we need something like that today to keep "The flame going with today's new amateurs" . well done and thanks for sharing. de Ellis /WA1RKS
Wow.. definitely rare! I love it when you find old equipment that has been treated well. btw.. I love cats... and my "respect meter" always goes up one notch for those who have cats :) btw, I miss Heathkit... it sad they are gone, and you can't find any good electronic kits anymore.
Thank you for your nice comment fellow cat lover. By the way, Dillon is a working cat; he keeps the mouse population down here in the shop.
Thanks for the share! Nice touch with the cat! RWB
KD2QXQ
Wonderful!
Amazing find! Love your videos, thank you for your time.
Built one in 1959. The amp had a significant hum on Y at full gain. Rewiring the filament circuitry with twisted wire solved this.
A purrfect oscilloscope :)
Where do you obtain Heathkit assembly service parts manuals?
awesome find! I aspire to have as awesome of a workshop as yours one day
shop assistants like that take a lot of breaks lol
I had the same model, though the graticule was gone. I had to get the transformer rewound but after that it worked a treat. Big failing though was only AC input coupling. I sold it eventually, maybe it's still going.
I have a hand mic on a easel FT 450 and it sounds very tinny can you tell me how to change the highs on that microphone thank you
Really nice video. I greatly enjoy listening. Ted
Just found one for 20 bucks at a garage sale! They had a heathkit 4235 as well for 20 but it was missing the power cord unfortunately
Great restoration job John.
I picked up one of those about a year ago! Mine is in very similar condition
Love that video. I built one of those. Mine still looks new. I haven't yet renewed the caps. It's not in the living room. It's in my room.
I've built Eico test equipment Kits and Heathkits. Last major build of Heathkit 21" colour tv.
Can you make a video of you demonstrating it?
I used to have one just like that
I Had a scope just like this, and it still works.
Chickens are building up steam (cackling in the background sound) to pop out tomorrow mornings breakfast!
even the cat likes it so it must be in good shape what a find meow jeff..m0prf
I would rather have seen a video of your work restoring it.
Easy to fix but pretty useless for debugging most stuff.
Would it have killed you to show us some of the "pristine" inside with the flawless workmanship? I mean, we get it that the grey wrinkle finish is perfect on four sides or that the graticule is perfect and in place. But then nature of this unit - with point-to-point wiring - just screams for public exposure!
Otherwise, it's just a waste of nine minutes of our time!