EICO 324 Signal Generator Ad Nauseam

[@erin19030]

I love my EICO 324 Signal Generator and first home built one in 1963 as a young electronics student enrolled at RETS. Over the years I bought kits , built them and sold them for profit. One of my projects as a lab instructor at Swarthmore was building several of the 324 as a class projects with my Sophomore Physics students.

[@erin19030]

My favorite signal generator. I usually add a signal buffer on the front panel for the digital counter. I have been recapping and restoring these for 50 years.

[@mackfisher4487]

Tony its nice to see you review the old Eico gear I remember looking in the Lafayette and Allied catalogs saving my allowance Eico was within reach.

[@barryf5479]

I had an Eico 753 SSB transceiver. Did that thing ever drift!

[@hestheMaster]

Great repair of old EICO signal generator. Replacing with correct type of more modern components and explaining why, saved the day. Using Lock-Tite on the BNC connectors will keep it in place when you tightened the nuts on. Good mods added to increase its versatility. Probably should have added a polarized plug and connect the hot side to the on/off switch and put a fuse after it , slow blow 1/4 Amp , would be fine. Got to protect that power transformer.

[@raymondlewis2055]

I learn more from your "entertainment" videos than from many of the "educational" videos with their many interupting KZbin ads. You are a very good calm instructor. Thank you, 73, AA4EZ

[@markrhine5809]

Tony, I think you are a very humber person, and I am glad you post these videos, I learn so much from you, and wanted to say thank you kindly for the time it takes to make these.

[@rusty1187]

Thanks, Tony! After watching this, i was able to figure out why the "F" band on my 324 wasn't working. Also figured out that my new "digital" scope has a very crappy low sensitivity!

[@TheRadioShop]

Thanks for the video Tony. I love these old Eico pieces. I restored a 324 a couple years back. Just uploaded a video on Patreon on a 324. I may restore that one on KZbin but will have to see. Enjoyed the repair and chat.

[@dhpbear2]

I used one of these 50 years ago in high school electronics lab! I we built Heathkit radios with s/w band.

[@erin19030]

While I was in the Army overseas I use to host the building of EICO equipment for our radio shop training program. My guys were capable of doing repairs beyond the echelon level we were permitted, thus keeping our equipment truly combat ready at all times. I also built stere amplifier kits for the 90 day wonder officers. These activities kept me off guard duty and perimeter guard duties. The only downside was my duty of being available 24/7 . Rank came easily and quickly for me.

[@tucker934]

I love my little Eico 232 VTVM. The little 324 signal gen I recently got from a great friend and love it too! I use a Carbon Zinc D cell for the ohms scale

[@bilhep]

I saw one of those videos, where the technician, for an unknown reason chose NOT to replace some of the electrolytic in a guitar amp. No explanation and then it was working and she said, "Thanks for watching!" and I literally got nothing from her demonstration. I like your style, Tony.

[@poormanselectronicsbench2021]

Depending on where a capacitor may be in an audio amplifier, leaving one in that is "out of value" may not hurt anything, as it may be one that is not blocking a large DC voltage to keep from changing a bias on a tube (An old capacitor that has developed an internal resistive "leak" may pass on more low frequencies than a new one, creating that "warm tube sound" that some want). Some customers that bring in older guitar amps for work may request to "change as little as posssible" , so, I wouldn't immediately fault the the tech doing the work. Tony does what he does, and usually gives a great explation for everything he does, and it is much appreciated.

[@R.AudioElectronics]

Pretty much all of us will be having some kind of issue as we get older. Getting old is not a choice and it’s associated consequences. Thanks for sharing Tony. We do seem to have a connection more then just electronic with you and probably easier for us then you

[@dhpbear2]

D-Lab appears to have a number of front panels from the EICO 377 audio generator. He uses them in projects to 'patch' chassis. It's cool seeing part of that EICO front panel showing up in the weirdest of places!

[@erin19030]

I’ve got 60 years in-this business and not to brag but I was a top tech in my day with RCA. I watched your interesting video and found it to very good in content and method. I got a lot of valuable information and was pleased with your logical approach. In fact iI watched the video a second time. You taught a know it all dog learn how to listen, and something new. Thanks you ! I will not pass up any of your videos again. You will be this old mans mentor now.

[@jamesbruno5896]

Nice job Tony! Half the fun fixing vintage equipment is using vintage test equipment like this to fix them!

[@gizmothewytchdoktor1049]

tony. i watch this because you give good electrical advice...are practical and a very sweet person/kind hearted. keep doing what you do and worry not about those who disapprove. thank you for the time you put into these vids. i realize..and so should others....that time is the most precious thing a person can share with another. =dok=

[@markmelchiori511]

Little late to the party but really appreciate your efforts and enjoyed this video. The explanation about the non-sinusoidal nature of the output wave form of the 324 was worth the price of admission. I also dig just about anything Hallicrafters so naturally, love your vids on those golden oldies. Thank you, Tony!

[@bob1842ra]

I love the solder and chat videos. They are as educational as all your videos, or maybe even more. Besides everything about old RF signal generators I learned today that American grandmas seem to be very similar to ours here in Germany (my grandma was born 1904): "Was man nicht im Kopf hat, hat man in den Füßen!" (what you dont carry....). Educational and entertaining content is sometimes called edutainment over here.

[@jdmccorful]

The educational value is "top shelf". Thanks for your time and dedication to your hobby.

[@dhpbear2]

50:19 I enjoy your videos. For those that don't like your videos, there's umteen other channels!

[@AERVBlog]

Nice video Tony. Leaned back in the chair and watched the whole thing. Got a couple of those type RF generators myself. Great for finding a signal on a WAY off, magic screwdrivered radio.

[@dhpbear2]

I like the new camera-mount. You'll be in Mr. Carlson's league in no time!

[@jansen2810]

Why should he be in that league? I like Tony’s own league.

[@dhpbear2]

@@jansen2810 Oh, I know that. I was just joshing.

[@KeritechElectronics]

Hey, nice mod on that Eico - I saw Mr Carlson do something like this on one of his vintage generators. I'm all for replacing esoteric/outdated connectors with modern ones as well, if it can be done in a nice looking way. E.g. I replaced two obscure C50 connectors (they look like overgrown BNC) on my MZN-8C harmonic distortion meter with SO259, they fit in nicely, and BNC wouldn't look good at all.

[@dhpbear2]

I would've mounted that substituted BNC connector from the inside of the chassis - less ugly.

[@gearheadted9210]

Cool project Tony,am fixing up an Eico 249,love the huge meter for my old eyeballs

[@jameswortley6716]

Hi Tony, I found this video fascinating not that I don't think all your videos are fascinating. Thank you

[@rwl-pj4kh]

Nice job on this old unit. I have a model 315 that came from the local university, it looks brand new and works great in original condition, I did go through it. It could use some new caps but looks sweet, although it is massive lol

[@benoySimon]

A brilliant video you have presented of this vintage EICO 324. Watched this again and again. Just wondering what diode you used. Thank you Tony for kindly sharing. simon, vienna

[@markrhine5809]

Hi xraytonyb, GREAT video, I have an Eico 324 and I have it on my work table, it work great, I replaced the cap and some resistors, this is a great unit.

[@erin19030]

I use bees wax from the old caps to hold nutz and screws in mu 1/4” nut driver, but the best ticky tacky substance is the lanolin from the inside of old piezoelectric phono cartridges. It smell to hell and back but cleans up nice. I grind off the rivets, split the shell and dig out the lanolin. The lanolin looks like bees wax.

[@erin19030]

My entire shop workbench consists of all modern Sleek silver looking Eico products, except for the Tektronics 453 portable solid state oscilloscope. The scope faceplate does match that sleek silvery look. On a second bench are all my backup instruments made by Heathkit, Simpson, Precision and Fluke. I have acquired all my test gear repaired and restored all my own equipment over the years. I think I enjoy fixing test equipment more than I do radios. I am 80 years of age and worked in electronics back when tubes were in use. My equipment is all analog but for the TinySA, Fluke DVM and LCR tester. Lately my fascination is with good SDR products. $$$$ is a problem in retirement years, so I make a few bucks selling services , repairs, restorations and test equipment.

[@rusty1187]

I'm 62 years old now, and cut my teeth on tube stuff. my problem now is learning to solder surface mount stuff and not sneezing, and poor eyesight. Thank god for microscopes!

[@tim9778]

Ahh, the “ Philips rolled joint”. Their radios were full of them. A very useful technique.

[@radio-ged4626]

Hi Tony. Love the outside foil detector. Did you do a build video on that? Would love to see your design. I have been using a scope but it's very hit and miss.

[@alanvandusen76]

Would love to see how he made it.

[@afnDavid]

160 V elo caps aren't quite enough. the output of the transformer ~120 Volts x 1.414 is ~ 170 volts while ~110 V x 1.414 is ~ 156 V depending on what the mains input is.

[@lelandclayton5462]

I bought one of those off of ebay once. Seller said it was fully restored and when I got it I opened it up and sadly it wasn't. The power Transformer was also cooked. I ended up gutting it and built a power supply with the chassis. The variable cap was a perfect spot for a small variac.

[@erin19030]

You did a nice job soldering that 2.2k resistor in the power supply filter , by wrapping the lead snug on the terminal strip. The guy that had to remove that part in the future will curse you though, unless he is at the space station on Mars.

[@johnblystone8781]

I picked up several tips. Thanks very much Tony!!

[@greengrayradio1394]

I bought and built a Heathkit IG-102 when I was in the Signal Corps, still use it as my "first line" sig gen. I have also taken the signal before the attenuator and made an output for a counter. As I have it the counter gets the AM modulated signal, I will have to add a broadband amp with high input impedance before the 6AN8 pentode

[@erin19030]

Nicest $10 piece of test equipment ever. I built 6 of these while in the Army for testing our radio equipment, rather than sending the. to Signal , whose backup log was three months long. How was that combat ready? They promoted me to Buck Sgt. Made me duty free and a 3 day pass every month.

[@rleeAZ]

My first computer job was night shift operator on a System/3 model 10. Loved that job.

[@patprop74]

I just picked one up! So glad you put this one out. 42:13 Retirement is for old people, someone is only as old as they feel, I don't think you are quite there yet haha

[@SDsailor7]

How much did it cost? I am looking for one. Thank you

[@patprop74]

@@SDsailor7 I think I was lucky at picking one up at around 30$ Canadian.

[@SDsailor7]

@@patprop74 yeah you were. Nice.

[@patprop74]

@@SDsailor7 prices on fleabay vary wildly, some being sold as low as 40$ and others as high as 120$ but they all have the same thing in common Shipping cost which is killing us all, Luckily for me, I got mine as part of a lot of a vintage Radio hoarders sell out, along with many great gems.

[@erin19030]

Retirement is for those who earned it.

[@richardkelsch3640]

The males in my family have always had the "shakes". We don't drink, nor are we drug users. It gets worse with fatigue though. It usually starts in our 20a and slowly gets worse as we age. It's not severe and is not debilitating. My father was an accomplished artist and his shakes never affected his work. Doctors never have been able to figure out what it is except it's genetic. Some days my hands are still, some days they are shaky. It's weird. It's nice though how concerned some people are.

[@roberthead127]

Just a few thoughts for you Tony from sunny England . Tomatoes cause Pain in all Arthritic joints. Turmeric is a very good pain killer. Cod liver oil lubricates joints . I hope these thoughts help yours rob xx

[@jamesaguirre853]

Tony I would love to see a a schematic on that outside foil tool

[@chriscimino7854]

Hi Tony I have one exactly like that. Works OK. I wish I had one that has frequency modulation to help align FM detectors

[@dhpbear2]

1:02:30 - Back in 1975, I worked across the hall from a System 3. IIRC it had a red color scheme. It was the first time I'd seen an 8-inch floppy disk and the smaller punch-cards. This is the 'Data Station' that was used. Note the dual 8" floppy drives mounted vertically! en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IBM_3740

[@geoffreykeane4072]

If you put one of those small neodymium magnets on the shaft of a screw driver or nut driver, it will make the tool magnetic whilst it’s on there.

[@terryblackman6217]

I really enjoyed today's video. More interesting than TV.

[@jimmissenda6590]

Greetings ffrom the South Hills (Mt. Lebanon) PA. Nice video, have the same siggen that I use on a semi-regular basis. Few questions: 1) Why do yse a manual Soldapullit as opposed to a Hakko desoldering gun? 2) Do you uae tin/lead solder for your rework? 3) Eo you do your own test equipment cals, or, do you use an outsde vendor?

[@tucker934]

@xraytonyb you can get new carbon composite resistors on mouser, not sure if your aware, or not! All were pre tested before installing, and were all in great shape!

[@Dutch-linux]

your doing fine ... you can always use 2 cameras one for the straighht forward shots and one for the top shots with OBS you can blend it in loike when you show the meters you can have 1 camera on the meter and do picture in picture and things .. OBS is free

[@gmcjetpilot]

When I got into restoring tube radios I bought tube test equipment. I enjoyed rebuilding the test equipment as nuclear as the radios. However I got out if tube test gear to get classic digital HP test equipment, new cost $35,000 40 yrs ago you can get under $1000. Having digital signal Gen, sweep, markers that dead on makes working on radios easy, faster and accurate. But the tube gear is cool and fun to play with abd restore. You can use them to align radio's.

[@marka1986]

That magnetic 1/4 in nutdriver was handy to start TV screws too. Had a long version of that too for remounting tuners back in the cabinet. Quarter inch and 5/16 were the most common screw heads and nuts on consumer electronics. Make the video long as you need. People can speed it up skip some or watch something else.

[@dhpbear2]

Heathkit used to provide a 'nut-starter', a red plastic tool that had a tight-fitting end that accommodated 1/4" hex-nuts!

[@Theoobovril]

Great video, as usual, Tony...snap !!..I have the same model HP Frequency Counter as yours.

[@erin19030]

You really do not need the amplifier module, thats overkill. Just run a .001 uf cap from pin 3 of V2a the cathode pin of the cathode follower to the new BNC . You will get s strong large reproduction signal of the main adjustable output and it will not load the signal causing signal drift. Putting in that 4 screw BNC is needed needed eilther the regular Bnc will fit and use a drop or two of lock tite on the fastening nut and a internally toothed washer.

[@electronicengineer]

Hi Tony! May I recommend you keep a spare 50 ohm BNC terminator (RF seal) on the new, amplified, frequency counter output you added, so you do not broadcast your new, Amplified and Inverted RF signal all over your workbench when this unit is powered up? I can see all kinds of issues sneaking up on you if you use this RF signal generator to perform radio alignments, with the new BNC connector output open - with no cable connected. Fred

[@tedcuff9155]

A factory built unit will have a tested stamp somewhere with a date on it. I have that on one of my eico pieces.

[@markrhine5809]

Tony, I realize you do not have time to respond, but want you to know, I watch all you video, an really enjoy them.

[@multicyclist]

An easy way to tell if an Eico product is factory assembled is the tube sockets will be riveted whereas a kit uses screws and nuts. This one was a kit that had to be assembled.

[@MrLeejan]

I’m a pro. Own one of these . Using a digital frequency meter my 324 calibration is spot on.

[@billmcdonald2436]

In regards to your story about your grandmother, I think too many people dwell on the problems of our country’s past and refuse to recognize how far we have come to being a better country today. We cannot continue improving unless we can recognize how far we’ve already come.

[@markrhine5809]

Tony, May I ask you a question? How did you start in the electronics field. You are so talented with what you do, your videos are GREAT!!

[@dougb3699]

I have one, built as as a kit. I updated the RF connector to BNC.

[@erin19030]

Very goo videography techniques.

[@erikdenhouter]

Well, I enjoyed the 'company', I had some MSM to dodge 😣 I noticed directly that the amplifier inverted the signal, and I wondered if the triggering of the counter was fooled by that, because the harmonic side was up now ?

[@Dutch-linux]

tony your video's are fine I love them

[@georgeroberts613]

Question: My 324 had solder on the outside of the upper tube. Saw something several years ago about that being deliberate at times as a quick fix of some sort specifically for these maybe. It worked before I pulled it apart and cleaned tube sockets...now it doesn't. Forgot about it till after I'd knocked the solder off the side. Still has five paper caps, .05, .02, and three .01. no safety caps. Those values don't jive with your schematic but they look original. Ideas? The purpose of the solder on the outside of the tube in a vertical line on the variable tuner side? Doesn't look factory.

[@barryf5479]

What did you use to clean the wafer switch? It turned out really well.

[@RapperBC]

Great stories about your mother and grandmother! Thanks for those. And of course for the rest of the video. (8^D)

[@mikemullenix6956]

How does the eico compare to the healthkit ig-102 signal generator?

[@keybutnolock]

Another treat ! Thanks.

[@dhpbear2]

57:20 - It's a real bummer when that prescription runs out! :)

[@XPFTP]

where you get the yellow caps from??? anyone know ?

[@HipocratesAG]

I have the same problem on my hand (I like woodworking too) and CBD have made wonders for me ( just in case)

[@dhpbear2]

1:12:50 - Wouldn't you have the modify some resistor values to accommodate today's higher line-voltage?

[@reginaldmorton2162]

I really would appreciate and wish you would analyze, repair or mod some modern-day amplifiers; PASS, KRELL, LUXMAN etc. Id like to know what exactly is their secret sauce

[@davidwright2192]

what kind of led light did you use, did you need a dropping resistor, also did you drill a round hole for the other bnc connector

[@bobamos3628]

Looking at the schematic it looks as if C1 and C2 should both be safety caps as they come from both sides of the power cord. One is after the on/off switch but is power cord related. Am I wrong in thinking this or is one only needed in this application? I ask this because I am about to do exactly what you are doing here except drilling the faceplate for a mod. Was also wondering what safety cap you used. I understand that it would call for a 104 y type but cannot seem to locate them. What value did you use?

[@sterst]

Grace Hopper on The David Letterman Show (1986)👍

[@majorkonfuzion1007]

i use to have one of this thing , never knew how to use it.

[@erin19030]

I prefer the carbon comp. for form and longevity.

[@paulparton1114]

Can you make a short video on how you letter your panels. Thanks

[@Traci_S_Aaron]

We are concerned I have similar issues with my neck and its a pain

[@erin19030]

Ive got one like this with Band A inoperative. I know its the A coil, but have no idea about the inductance values of the coil windings. Band A us no big deal 100khz to 500 Khz as band B covers the entire broadcast band where I need to use it. I am capable of hand winding my own coils. My only concern is the intrinsic value as a vintage piece of gear. I plan on using. The device as a signal audio modulated oscillator generating radio stations around my shop show room containing real old time radio shows fro youtube channels

[@mmaranta785]

Eico is top shelf

[@docholliday3150]

Can someone comment on how the amplified signal now present on the front of the sig gen will affect the alignment of a radio. These were not very well shielded to begin with. Do you think having that high amplitude signal available willl "leak" into the antenna on a radio under test? Best, Doc.

[@Joetechlincolns]

Someone mentioned putting a 50 ohm termination on the amplifier output when it is not in use.

[@thatampguy]

Yesssssss

[@mickblackmore290]

OK I only have 1 RF amp. (really don't want to blow it up experimenting) Using a free circuit simulator I'm having a hard time coming up with the values for the voltage supply parts. Just when I think I have it I question the outcome. picking the right resister and cap combination for the current and voltage. turns out it's way more complicated than than it looks. the ripple, rectified voltage, filtered voltage, just for changing 6.2v to to 5v at 25ma It sounds so easy I question the simulator. a video as to how you VERY CAREFULLY chose the resister would be nice. Do I need to join patron to ask this?

[@mitkothemacedonian]

Why not remove the death cap and install a three-wire ac cord?

[@andymouse]

Cheers.

[@rusty1187]

How do you clean those wafer switches? what do you use?

[@daleburrell6273]

DeOxid-(?)

[@SDsailor7]

Can it be used to troubleshoot a reel to reel? Anyone know? Thank you

[@kevinhurley7846]

I owen 5 marantz 4400 3 have been restored. The other 2 need restored do you have any interest in restoring one? I will pay to have you do it. Thank you.

[@erin19030]

You use of spaghetti wire insulation is inconsistent, but very neat.

[@skullheadwater9839]

i guess i am abnormal i am almost 54 I need glasses to drive and watch tv. My prescription has not changed and I can see up close perfectly. Lucky I spose.

[@tubeDude48]

I see it inverted as well at 1:37:00

[@iamhe999]

Don't mess up the front panel...

[@dl7majstefan753]

Ad nauseam - are you seasick now?

[@jimburns348]

Nauseous, got that right.

[@erin19030]

Just replaced the danged things, they are over 50 years old. Otherwise you are just spinning wheels.

[@daleburrell6273]

7:07...doesn't a factory-built EICO unit have a serial number stamped on it-(?)

[@KE8UYV]

I thought so

[@KE8UYV]

With all the tarnish on the copper plating, I'd assume it was built by someone with a lot of sweat and oil on their skin. My factory built eico almost looks like it was just delivered

[@daleburrell6273]

@@KE8UYV ...that's interesting...

[@daleburrell6273]

@@KE8UYV ...I suppose it depends on the environment where the unit was stored-(?)