#249

Today we will restore an old Heathkit IT-12 signal tracer.
Kotto Solder Sucker:
www.amazon.com/Solder-Desolde...
Franlab's Heathkit IT-12, 5 part series build:
• Rare 1973 Heathkit BUI...
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[@doc_sav]

"This one is a Heathkit and... It must survive." Wise words we should all live by.

[@moseshall9428]

That statement jumped out at me too. Wise words indeed.

[@jenniferlachance351]

Thanks for the informative video!! I'm a sucker for a solder sucker! Count me in!

[@nor4277]

Please put me in for or the Kotto solder sucker Buddy.I love this video , I been trying for years to find a Heathkit signal tracer. I am jealous .watching your repair work I always learn something new.

[@jp040759]

YES!!! I would love a Kotto solder sucker. They really look much much nicer than them older versions of chinesium ones.

[@andypalm7061]

I remember Heathkit as a kid in the 70's....it was was my favorite magazine, even though i could not afford anything at the time. this is so cool to see. and still usable !

[@JoseHernandez-md8tv]

Nice restoration and little solder sucker too, please add me to the hat if Germany shipping is not a problem.

[@AnalogElectronicsGent]

Very Nice Restoration and probe that you fabricated.

[@TerryMcKean]

Thanks for sharing, Buddy... the IT-12 came out beautifully. I like that idea of using silicon tubing as the tip of the Kotto de-soldering tool ... compared to the hard Teflon tip of the Edsyn, that soft silicon tip will provide a nice bit of shock absorbing to lessen or even eliminate any damage to printed-circuit board solder-traces that can be caused by the recoil of the de-soldering tip as the spring does it's thing. :-) .

[@PapasDino]

Nice work as usual Buddy, cleaned up better than I thought it might, especially the grille cloth! 73 - Dino KLØS

[@TheRadioShop]

Glad you enjoyed it Dino. Yes looks pretty good now.

[@mikehuedepohl7927]

Very well done Video. I always enjoy your rebuilds I am learning a Lot from you and all the people on KZbin. Could you please place me in the drawing of the Koto solder sucker I also use a Solder pullit it on my bench I am currently going to build signal tracer. The Heath kit IT-12 is very cost prohibitive for me but Every ham fest I go to I hope to find one $200 to $300 is a bit much as I have been out of work since march with neck and back surgery Thanks again for all the great videos thanks Miike

[@drvrdn1]

I could certainly put one of those Kotto solder suckers to use here on my bench! Thanks for all the Great repair videos!

[@ojjenkins7110]

Good one as usual Buddy. Please put me in the hat for a solder sucker. Thanks

[@wansolve2036]

Great restoration on a fine old tool Buddy. Please enter me on drawing for the Solder Sucker tool.

[@Budro4764]

Shlumber Jay is the way we say it down here in Louisiana .... I'm pretty sure it's the same company as the oil industry one down here....And all over the industry....... I think I missed the gaw i'm a lil late on watching this great restore.......If not then throw me in da hat Mon Ami...... Merci ..

[@texasvarmint9542]

Nice work, Buddy. I like the way you cleaned it up. If the hat ain't too full for the solder suckered, put me in.

[@user-uv4xe3cq2y]

Beautiful restoration, Buddy!

[@TheRadioShop]

Thank you kindly

[@josephcote6120]

Very nice restoration. It sure cleaned up pretty well. Mine is not so pretty but it works well. Besides the BNC input jack I did make one mod: I didn't like the noise function putting high voltage on the probe tip (and didn't think I'd ever use it) and I did not have a proper probe with switch, so I turned the noise switch into an AF/RF switch putting the diodes inside the case.

[@killercloud7019]

I always enjoy watching the restoring of old classic Heathkit test equipment, good video Buddy!!! I have opened up many a dust, nicotine gummed up piece of equipment. Give me a chance at the Kotto solder sucker Buddy, it would be great to have in my troubleshooting bag. Have a good one Buddy and be safe out there.

[@VintageElectronicsGeek]

Fantastic job as usual Buddy! I recently picked up a Heathkit T-3 that Ill be doing the same on when time is available...you know how that is. :) , It works, just fine, but its all original. Add me to hat for the solder sucker, thanks! ~Jack, VEG

[@cuban9splat]

Great video. The IT-12 sure came out nice. Looks new. I agree, the "chicken-head" knobs look better than the originals. Thanks for sharing this with us, Buddy. 73 de K7RMJ Frank

[@n2jmb]

You made the tracer look better than new! Very cool video, thanks for sharing.

[@hestheMaster]

Would love getting that Kotto solder sucker. Put me , Steve in the hat! Love your restoration process Buddy in the signal tracer. Top notch stuff.

[@GeorgeWMays]

I'd like to try one of those solder suckers...! Fun and interesting project. Thanks as always. It's appreciated. Gosh, I miss Heathkit.

[@terryspears2307]

Nice repair demo. Yes, throw my name in the sucker pot. I could use a new one. Terry WD4NVZ

[@bigmotter001]

I need to replace my 19 year old soldapult. Put my name in. I restored my IT12 about 3 years ago and it is the best and most economical tool for the bench. Thanks for the video and take care.

[@TheRadioShop]

Thanks for sharing.

[@cwebs1000]

I'd like to have one of those solder suckers, so please enter me. I restored the same tracer and have found the problem with some radios in less them a minute! Thanks Bud, Carl

[@JerryEricsson]

I was going to build a signal tracer, and needed a probe. So I ordered 3 of those cheap China solder suckers with the intent of throwing away the sucker innards and using the shell for a probe shell.Thing is, I began using the suckers and really liked the performance so I have kept all 3 to use in my shop. I sure could use one of those fancy ones you showed on your video, then I would sacrifice one of the junkers and make the probe for my shop!

[@allthegearnoidea6752]

That’s a good idea for the probe body to use a solder sucker

[@bobmiller5056]

Great video, it sure cleanED up nice. I would like a chance to win the KOTTO

[@Joe_HamRadioGuy]

Nice Heathkit. Thanks for sharing this restore. I'll give a try at the give a away why not.

[@bblod4896]

I can't find any decent tracer/injector kits anymore. Sorry to see Heathkit go so long ago. There is a resurrected Heathkit company, but they only sell a few items. Thanks for restoring that old beauty. Have a good week.

[@TheRadioShop]

They are getting rare to find now. And the price is gone crazy

[@sneakysnake109]

Great video. Really enjoyed the restoration. Please add me to the drawing for the solder sucker. I like the idea of the silicon hose tip. The teflon ones are always needing replaced. Thanks!

[@leschadwick1984]

Put me in the draw. It would be a great replacement for my old bulb type sucker!

[@injoelsgarage3934]

Nicely done buddy! Another wonderful video from the radio shop. Joel

[@TheRadioShop]

Thanks Joel

[@timka880057]

I've got a Heathkit signal tracer I built back in the late 80s. It's the model IT 5283. It's been old faithful.

[@TheRadioShop]

Good unit

[@old64goat]

Nice job on that IT-12 Buddy

[@TheRadioShop]

Thanks Bill

[@randelstuckey5494]

Buddy I definetly would love to have one of those Solder suckers that you used in this video. I can't wait to see this Heathkit brought back to life. Keep up the good work.

[@LarryDeSilva64]

Great to see you working on this old classic equipment Buddy. That is going to be as good as new for sure. Thanks for sharing.

[@Justplast]

Have one in my bench love it. Good Job .

[@denniskonieczny138]

Nice solder sucker. Sure beats my old red bulb. Please put me in the draw!

[@Dyaxxis]

Great restoration video Buddy! And I used to have that very same VTVM. Not that it matters to me, but if you or anyone is curious, the usual pronunciation of Schlumberger is, "shlum-ber-zhay."

[@jdmccorful]

Good job, like the chicken head knobs also. Please put me in for the drawing of the Kotto sucker. Thanks.

[@PoolBoy1960]

nice video and I am in for the draw! :)

[@jeffminnick5209]

Always enjoy your videos Buddy...and could always use a solder sucker 73 Jeff de WD8JM

[@alpcns]

Always a treat to see another restoration video from you, Buddy! Thank you so much. Please put me on the list for the solder sucker, too.

[@N6MKC]

The original Edsyn Solda-Pullt is hard to beat. Looking forward to hearing your appraisal of the Kotto after you've used it for a while.

[@TheRadioShop]

Agreed, will let you know in the future.

[@randelstuckey5494]

If I do get one I'll definetly let you know how it works for me. Like you I've used a few other devices and most of them worked fine for a few times then just quit doing what they are supposed to do. I've also had one pop me in the head from the long plunger but they were the long barreled ones like the one that you showed that came from Radio Shack. Keep me in mind on the 2 meter radio. Take care and thanks for your hard work.

[@Littlelewie151]

That lotto looks like a nice quality tool. Ill have to try and get one

[@daviddevillers6790]

I would love a solder sucker! It looks like a good one. Thank you!

[@sarahhoward9081]

Man I would love to have one of those solder suckers!

[@aaa000777]

That Kotto solder sucker would make a nice probe for the signal tracer. Just need to find a way to get an insulated tip installed in the end.

[@Datsunwizard]

Nice job on the IT-12, like the chicken head knobs, looks more old time! Please put me into the drawing for the solder sucker. I wonder if they will make replacement part avaiablel for that tapered o- ring.

[@tracyadventistchurch9360]

Nice video Buddy, I would like to be in the running for the KOTTO

[@userfixit]

Great Video ! Great Information Buddy KQ2Q. Bob

[@yusdiy]

Nice signal tracer, thumbs up sir. Hope to find one for myself in the future.

[@josephcote6120]

The old ones are nice to look at, but really all it is is a low power audio amp. Easy to build your own with a simple op amp front end and a small IC amp. Add whatever switches you think you'd like.

[@yusdiy]

@@josephcote6120 but that illuminating green eye sir. 😂

[@josephcote6120]

@@yusdiy Fair enough.

[@n5lul010]

Add me to the list Buddy! Finished tweaking my Heathkit HR-10B today. Best shape it's ever been in.

[@TheRadioShop]

Cool deal Brad

[@TaciturnRichard]

Enjoyed the video. I'm interested in the Kotto Solder Sucker. Thank you , Buddy.

[@michaelpuckett2084]

Nice work!! Would love a try for the solder sucker.

[@terryblackman6217]

What a lovely job you have done on the IT-12. I have been looking for a signal tracer hear in the UK for a while, but they just don't seem to appear on eBay. Still I will keep looking. Very much enjoyed your video. Terry

[@TheRadioShop]

Thanks

[@rosshollinger8097]

These are great signal tracers. I have one and rebuilt it two years ago. I would love to enter the drawing for the Kotto.

[@caulktel]

I need one of those.

[@houseblacksmithing9836]

I would like to have one of the solder suckers. You can put me in the hat. Thanks!

[@adrongarretson6195]

Love the video// I need too get one of those for my bench 73

[@skykingagi]

That kotto looks neat. I need me one of those!!

[@gamlemann53]

Thank's for this video! The best from LB1NH Arild in Oslo Norway!

[@larrysherwood9]

Buddy, I would definitely be interested in one of those solder tools! Excellent video!

[@gilbus4989]

Yes- I would like to have one of those solder suckers. Thanks.

[@andypalm7061]

oh yes! that de-soldering tool is a must....toss me in the hat please!

[@TheShawna1]

Yep toss my name in to... I'll be restoring a Military TS-673/U signal tracer very soon myself... have to remove all the paper caps and some resistors that are packed over the caps.jim

[@daveb7397]

Always fun watching you rebuild nice old gear. I grew up using a soldipult. The no name solder sucker I have now is about dead. Definitely curious how that one performs.

[@J0B-]

i would love the solder sucker, mine sux but not solder!

[@wayneparris3439]

I have an unrestored signal tracer like that. It came from a sale at North American Aviation (how is that for a name from tha past?) Yourse came out very nice, pretty much like new and if someone did not know any different, those chicken head knobs look like they should have been there all along. Very nice. THANKS!!

[@TheRadioShop]

NAA lol. Yep it turned out pretty decent looking and glad I made the decision on the knobs

[@francisraj1319]

cool video, very interesting.

[@TheRadioShop]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@timtimeprojects3576]

Hey Buddy. Nice job. It's a shame all those vintage tracers are going for so much now on eBay and such. Please put me in for the Kotto solder sucker. Tim

[@TheRadioShop]

I agree Tim. We just may try and build our own tube circuit for one that can be made with off the shelf parts.

[@dougmcartin3881]

And yes please throw me in the hat for the Kotto,

[@bigslick]

Please enter me in the Kotto solder sucker giveaway contest, thank you, and I enjoyed this heathkit signal tracer video. Cant go wrong with Heathkit or Eico vintage test gear. They still have plenty of uses today.

[@merrittderr9708]

Put me on the list for one of the Kotto solder suckers. I saw the Fran Blanche videos for this. Excellent work.

[@HipocratesAG]

This is soo fun, I'm rebuilding one right know

[@TheRadioShop]

Cool deal!

[@TheDefpom]

When I picked up my IT-12 the first thing I did was buy a set of tubes for it, haven’t needed to use any of them, of course.

[@TheRadioShop]

lol, I know that feeling. However mine get plenty of use.

[@timka880057]

I think they sell soldapult parts at Newark. I had bought a newer vacuum type desoldering tool so I rarely use it now.

[@TheRadioShop]

Will check it out. I use mine often instead of warming up the vacuum unit

[@antoniogutierrezbarba6360]

Presente: Cordial Saludo; Desde Zapopan, Jalisco, Mx.

[@eugenewyble6264]

Sure could use the solder sucker on the bench I am putting together...

[@kgsalvage6306]

Not sure if anyone mentioned this. Mine has the banana jacks different. I think it's correct. The one black terminal is the negative for the speaker. The other black is the center tap for the output transformer. Two of the red terminals are on the very bottom for the op transformer. Then you know the polarity of the speaker. Nice restoration! The color of the face on yous is different from others I have seen. Most are the grey color. It tuned out Nice though.

[@allenskaggs6567]

Buddy I would like to put my name in the basket for the Kotto solder sucker. Thanks. Great video

[@wiltonarmstrong2781]

That nice I been hunting one

[@TheRadioShop]

Getting hard to find

[@MrVasile]

Hi Buddy. The solder sucker looks nice. I could use a small manual one when it isn't worth heating up the big vacuum station! Sign me up! 73 Tony KB9A

[@TheRadioShop]

That is why I keep them around, just needing a quick removal you can do it before the other one warms up

[@bookerol]

I'm interested in a Kotto.

[@AYDENandDAD]

Nice video! Please put me down for the solder sucker!

[@rewalton46]

I have one of these, a model T-4 in a gray case but functionally identical. I restored mine a couple of years back. It is one of several pieces of Heathkit equipment on my bench, although I haven't used it in a while. Please include me in the drawing for the desoldering tool.

[@brianmichaud3668]

I’d like to have one

[@chessapk5034]

Buddy, please make a video showing how ~You~ use the signal tracer, maybe different scenarios that you have found it useful.

[@TheRadioShop]

This is on the list to do real soon.

[@questionmark9684]

Yes, Buddy, that would be real nice!

[@JelckedeBoer]

Hi, thanks for.the nice restore video.pleaee put my name in the hat!

[@dougmcartin3881]

These things are getting pricey now Buddy. They are selling for $100 to $200 on Ebay. We used to get them at hamfests for $20 or less.

[@allthegearnoidea6752]

Hi Doug - just passing through!

[@hccripe]

Please add me to the solder sucker list. Thanks. Also - I bought an LED circular replacement light from Menards for the magnifier light. It uses less power and is plastic so it won't break as easily.

[@hectorpascal]

But sadly most of the LED version create a LOT more RF noise too.

[@ottodydaktyk]

Please throw my name in the hat for the solder sucker. Thanks!

[@questionmark9684]

Hi Buddy, That was really awesome! Thank you very much. I had seen this signal tracer on your bench while you were fixing a radio. I was thinking about how useful it would be for me so I ran to Ebay and found one cheap and bought it. It has not yet arrived but I figured that I would look for a restoration video and, wouldn't you know, you just did one a couple of months ago! So absolutely fantastic! I am so looking forward to reproducing your steps... What capacitors did you use? Also would you be able to reccomend capacitors for a V-7a? Cheers Mark

[@hectorpascal]

I'd be more worried about the possibility of the desolder plunger shooting out and hitting my eye! :((( Tubes can be replaced, but eyes... Nice restoration, but a little disappointed you didn't use the "caps in octal tube base" trick! LOL

[@TheRadioShop]

I dont think this one will come out, seems to be pretty tight on the shaft. I did have a radio shack unit do that. You know I thought about the tube socket idea and may go back and change it. There are a couple more things I want to do to this but will in another video.

[@albanep]

Buddy please put my name in the hat for the de-soldering tool. Thanks

[@johnpeters5515]

Please enter me in the Kotto solder sucker giveaway contest, thank you. Enjoy your videos!

[@aaa000777]

Put me in as interested in getting one of the Kotto solder sucers Buddy.

[@jonnyb1963]

What did you use to clean the speaker grille? looks like it came out nice!

[@worldwide1376]

Do you not have to disconnect one lead of the resistor to get an accurate measurement? Otherwise, you could be measuring all effective resistance between the terminals?

[@tubeDude48]

Add me to the HAT! Like to try one!