What Can Old Test Gear Teach Us About Electronics? Find Out.

What can two $5 oscilloscopes teach us about electronics? Will they work without any restoration? Find out! To check out my Patreon page, click here: / mrcarlsonslab To see additional information about this video, click the "SHOW MORE" tab below this description.
Video Details:
* Video build time: 14 days.
* Number of individual videos within this video: 19.
* Camera: Canon EOS C100 Mark II
* Lenses used:
- Canon EFS 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM.
- Canon EFS 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM.
- Tamron 16-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD Macro.
* Mic: Custom Mr Carlson vacuum tube condenser mic.
* Audio processing: ART Voice Channel. All audio processing is done on the analog side.

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

To increase your electronic knowledge, and see more video's, check out my Patreon page. Click here: www.patreon.com/MrCarlsonsLab

[@noelj62]

29:12 is an electronically romantic lighting. Very nice.

[@noelj62]

Detailed explanation as usual. Thank you.

[@EscapeMCP]

1312 views, 136 thumbs up, ZERO thumbs down. Congrats to you sir.

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

I just launched another video on Patreon, and plan on having a video here, not to long from now. Also, I have been working on the second Lab (day and night) This new Lab will be part of the up-coming news letter on Patreon.

[@AlForte13]

@@EscapeMCP 105,883 views now on 12/2/20 3.7K thumbs up and personally

[@aryonllewellyn]

I would love to see a full restoration on KZbin of the older oscilloscope.

[@ibsoarin]

I agree with Aryon and would like to see a restoration of the older RCA oscilloscope. I thoroughly enjoy your restorations and always learn something new.

[@BruceNitroxpro]

@@ibsoarin , So would I, but with one caveat... please compare the two. If you fully restore the two, the only differences should be the tubes used and the actual CRTs installed.

[@boyinlove2k]

One of, if not the best, explained videos of how oscilloscopes work. A gem of a channel.

[@RiverWyvrn]

huge respect for someone who shares the knowledge like this!

[@MrPatdeeee]

Amen, amen and AMEN!

[@TheRadioShop]

Mr. Carlson's Lab and pizza, great combination! Really great video Paul.

[@BruceNitroxpro]

The Radio Shop , And JUST as tasty as pizza!

[@mikesradiorepair]

Seeing the title and just starting to watch the video the first thing that comes to mind is quality. Most modern "stuff" is so much lower in build quality. We call old stuff boat anchors for a reason. I have HP high voltage power supplies built in the 1940's that are still 100% original to include the massive sized electrolytic capacitors. Doubt I will ever see a modern power supply last half as long. Now back to the video.

[@BruceNitroxpro]

Recap them, PLEASE. Been there, done that.

[@omniyambot9876]

@@ProgNoizesB actually, older equipments like that are several times expensive or even costs house and lots those days. but you could argue how long they last makes them worth it. but no, products today are so cheap, you can't begin to compare it. it's not even proportional. there are super high quality expensive products these days that will compete with multiple times costly old products.

[@ianbutler1983]

I always get excited when I see a new video from Paul-by far the best electronics videos on KZbin. Thanks, Ian

[@hankbizzo5]

Must agree..

[@crocellian2972]

Another genius video. People, where do you get quality information like this on KZbin without bloated AU egos? $2/month Patreon is incredible. Sign up. I've been doing this since before the 8080. I am still learning from Mr. Carlson.

[@robertcalkjr.8325]

Only $2 a month?! After I get caught up on my own stuff I'll be signing up.

[@robertcalkjr.8325]

Changed my mind and signed up now.

[@BruceNitroxpro]

@@robertcalkjr.8325 , $5 a month is better still. LOL

[@robertcalkjr.8325]

@@BruceNitroxpro Yes it is.

[@Samiby]

The most relaxing videos on KZbin to watch. Who needs whale noises when this makes me feel warm, comfortable and a tiny bit sleepy (but in a good way). It's like watching a Bob Ross video, just seeing someone at the top of their game helping the rest of us along with such tranquillity. We just need Mr Carlson to come up with a few catch phrases now. Happy Little Tubes.

[@PileOfEmptyTapes]

...tune in next week for a new edition of " Electronics ASMR with Mr. Carlson"... :)

[@MrPatdeeee]

Amen, amen and AMEN!

[@samadams6487]

Yeah, there is that same peaceful tone in his voice that you got from Bob Ross.

[@12DGJB21]

This is an outstanding video with a very clear and basic explanation of how analog oscilloscopes and vacuum tubes work. I would very much enjoy seeing you restore the 2nd (older) RCA oscilloscope. Thank you. -Dave

[@3oo3tube2020]

I also would like to see a restoration of the oscilloscope, and would also like to thank you for all the information you share on your KZbin channel.

[@injoelsgarage3934]

Dr. Carlson, outstanding explanation of how an oscope works. Awaiting your restoration of the other scope. Fantastic video. Thank you for your time and sharing. Joel

[@SkinnyBiker]

I really would love to see the older oscilloscope rebuilt on KZbin! Videos like yours keeps building my knowledge and confidence in rebuilding my on the shelf projects!

[@uh6537]

A boring Sunday and then you discover a new video from Mr. Carlson. That makes the day!

[@DavidSmith-zx7wz]

Still one of the best videos ever on the explanation of tube circuits, just a ton of info. I have watched this video at least 3 or 4 times and still pick up something new each time. Absolutely great stuff!! Thank You.

[@budandbean1]

Mr. Carlson, just seeing that I have a video from you is such a nice thing. Your videos are all so informative and fun to watch. Thanks so much for all your time and expertise. Really enjoyed this. Oh, Here is your big thumbs up 👍🏼 😀

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

Thanks Buddy!

[@richardfrick8051]

Another great, very informative video. Thank you and yes, I would definitely like to see a full restoration of the second scope. I would also like to see videos on using the older test gear on real trouble shooting applications.

[@JerryDodge]

A lot of people who do the stuff you do on KZbin stray away from the topic, and talk about crap like politics. Thanks for staying right on track.

[@hi-friaudioman]

Im so happy every time I see you post a video.

[@chuckthebull]

Your tube operation description is one of the most concise and simple explanations i have ever heard,,i have been working with tubes my whole life and still learned a few new things from you just from seeing it in a different light..absolutely fantastic! i have some old acorn tubes i'm going to use in some preamp design..just cause they look so cool.

[@1959Berre]

Very well explained, as usual. You really take your time to elaborate but it never gets boring. Good job.

[@robertcalkjr.8325]

Thanks Paul. Nice video. I would definitely like to see the restoration.

[@ghislainballester3391]

I really like your videos. They are a great way to learn. I fixed an old french scope a few years ago and now I want to revisit it to follow all your advices ! That s so great to see people like you doing high quality videos. Thank you so much. 73.

[@fig8man]

Such a relaxing video as always!

[@jeffminnick5209]

Paul...yet another great video...i will be going to your patreon channel Keep em comin!!

[@fredflintstone8048]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us. I enjoyed your explanation of the functions of the circuits inside the unit as well as your other insights.

[@ci70telita]

nice and crystal clear, again.... is always a pleasure watching your videos..... thank you!

[@McLKeith]

Heck of a good explanation on how the vacuum tubes amplify. Mr Carlson answered my questions almost as I thought of them.

[@thatampguy]

Such rich detail and depth. I've learned so much from you over the years. Ty so much.

[@jcampbell2481]

Just an excellent video. Your explanations are very good. I love the older equipment. I have an older (1980) ham transceiver that I do repairs on. Keep on making videos on older gear!

[@MrPatdeeee]

Incredibility awesome, Kind Sir Paul. In my 91 yrs of age; I have NEVER known; any one that can teach electronics; as easy as you can. And I say this; because I was an electronic Instructor for RCA, for 33 yrs; and then I subbed for 12 yrs; to Electronic Technical Co's all over America.. Also, I had many teachers. But NONE could care your case. I wish I had an instructor like you. Thanks Paul. You are truly a "Cut-Above". Oh yes. Keep it up. May Jesus bless you and yours always.❤

[@viesturssilins858]

This was a wonderful video, thank yo very much for taking the time and effort to make it. What an enjoyable way to spend my evening :)

[@rebelba42]

Wonderful explanation of how an analog oscilloscope works! I really enjoyed the part in which you explained the schematic. Can't believe how far you brought me in this short time so I was able to understand your explanation of the circuit! I already work on part 2 of my little CLT project which I will upload to the community section soon. Thank you Paul, great work and thanks for all the effort!

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

You're very welcome Ralf! I look forward to seeing your finished project.

[@6A8G]

I am a big fan of your videos Mr. Carlson & would really like to see the restoration of the other scope. Thank you for posting this video.

[@jimadams2473]

Man, you are the BEST when it comes to explaining circuits and especially tube circuits!!! I know I have said it before but keep up the great work. Your site is the world's best and my "go to" site for learning about electronics. Thanks!!!

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

Thanks for your kind words Jim!

[@MLX1401]

What a find, these (t)rusty scopes! Thanks for giving us such a nice & thorough presentation....especially loved that how-it-works -section you did with the schematics :)

[@letsnotplaywithelectricity9346]

Yesssss! New Mr. Carlson!!

[@angryknome94]

This is my first time finding this channel, and I'm super into electronics, but at the 12 second mark, instantly shocked by the size of his collection of electronic test equipment I paused the video to admire it and subscribe because I can already tell this is someone I'm going to be learning a lot from.

[@Nemoando]

Excellent video. I love the detail you give the viewers. Hats off! :)

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

Glad you liked it!

[@richardlitwin4046]

Dear Mr Carlson, thank you for a truly inspiring video. Richard

[@TheDefpom]

Great explanation of how the valves work, very helpful.

[@murdoch817]

another winner, I would like to see the restoration on the non-curve tracer. I must admit I am completely self taught and EVERY video increases my knowledge. I really appreciate intelligent folks like you sharing all their experience. Thank you!

[@andrewmccarter4678]

I will put this comment on your patreon page as well: I have really enjoyed watching your content over the last year or so. I graduated in 2016 from a college in NC, USA for Electrical Engineering. Along the way I gained a love and appreciation for electronics and enjoyed all of the labs I had, even if I didn't fully understand them at the time. Sadly, being an engineer in practice doesn't always mean you get to do the "fun" stuff and realistically it means more paperwork and meetings than bench time. That being said, there is something very satisfying about zipping a project up and sending it off to manufacturing! Since I haven't had as much bench time as I would like, I have found myself extremely timid when it comes to jumping in and trying it out, always feeling like maybe I don't know what I am doing. Well, after watching your videos I learned that I do know what I am doing for the most part and your channel has given me the confidence to just jump on in and not worry about making mistakes! At least not the life altering (or ending) kind. So I wanted to thank you very much for keeping me interested in something that is highly fascinating and, whether you know it or not, for encouraging all of your viewers to take a chance on something cool! -73 KX4MA

[@adrianschneider4441]

Yes, would love to see a restoration video on the other oscilloscope. Thanks & Regards

[@ClassALiving]

Thanks for helping me learn about electronics, loving this channel 🙂👍

[@ReflectingMe2024]

Once again I have a few days off work and her I am finding myself riveted to watching your outstanding videos. Great work Paul.

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

Thanks John, glad you're enjoying!

[@davelowets]

I like your explaintion of how a tube works. Like you said, alot of people think they "amplify", but they don't. They're a large variable resistor, with which you need a somewhat high-impedance power supply feeding them, so that the tube can "sag" the power supply and recreate the sine wave by lowering the voltage by sagging the supply with a series resistance introduced by the tube. They work pretty much backwards than what some people think they do.

[@faxcapper]

Paul, ALL your restoration projects are educational. Yes I would love to see that 2nd scope rebuilt along with any Ham and/or shortwave radios or audio gear. If I could only talk you into doing a 90 minute video on my Kenwood R-5000. Fix the infamous key bounce....the memory battery.....the PLL "goop" problem so many R-5000s have, etc. :-)

[@psyolent.]

awesome paul. thanks heaps for your explanation on valves, looking forward to more details on the different types. i've not seen anything as remotely awesome as valve based oscilloscopes here in Australia ; that said probably not looking in the right places.

[@flurng]

Yet another FANTASTIC video! Thanks for sharing your INCREDIBLE knowledge with the rest of us!!!

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

Thanks for your kind comment, and you're welcome!

[@montygore]

I love to see the old gear videos

[@johnbellas490]

Paul, I would be interested in seeing your restore of the other scope!!

[@scottlundy257]

Thank you for sharing your great knowledge of electronics even though you lost me off the start somewhere around the pony and the pinto tube but I just love your teaching better than any TV channel .

[@GroverCricketDaisy]

Great lesson on older oscilloscopes. I got a lot out of this video. Thanks

[@carpenter123154]

I thoroughly enjoyed this video! I've always wondered what made an oscilloscope tick--and now I know. You also taught me a few tricks with regards to creating a negative power source. Thanks.

[@harrystevens3885]

New video!! Of goes the bloody TV and instead another quality video from Mr Carlson lab to be watched, just loved the circuit description .......Yes please restore the other RCA oscilloscope would enjoy watching that.......... Brilliant stuff.

[@qzh00k]

I worked a Calibration van for some time and was surrounded by antiques and that was back in the 70's, tons of electronics literally. The Marine Corps gets what the Navy retires. But a Fluke meter calibration station replaced better than half of the hardware within a few weeks of testing the new procedures and results verse old. That was a lesson in change, miniaturization, and even more precision. Participating in the migration from tube to transistor to IC's was a career and quantum memory may not be far away or closer than we think. Metrology was and is still a fascinating endeavor for me, and the big data that comes with.

[@BetamaxFlippy]

Seeing you restore gear is the best part, we'll certainly want to see the other one done as well!

[@jeffclark2725]

I'm new to this channel ,I already picked up a lot, You have taught more about solder, than anyone else has, now I'm subscribed

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

Welcome Aboard!

[@soundmankreek]

Paul, that is the best, clearest, easiest to understand explanation of how a vacuum tube works that I have ever heard. You sir, are a genius! Thank you for your videos! I love every one of them.

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

Thanks Kirk!

[@georgekoerner6591]

Excellent analysis and great instruction!

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@connorthecarguy6835]

I picked up the later WO-33B model that as far as I can tell is like the poly-cap one with a black face plate and a few more inputs. It has a couple of minor issues and I'm very happy that I ran across this video. You go into far more detail than most to the point that this video should be a very useful guide in rebuilding mine to use. I work on tube radios so precision isn't super important,you use any old O-scope and a signal generator to align the tuner and that's about it.

[@Blackmage50]

More on vacuum tubes would be awesome! Great videos. Thanks

[@pekkagronfors7304]

Fantastic high quality videos.

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

Thanks Pekka!

[@varer]

Every time I see your videos, I wonder how much time you put in them. You must be efficient because I guessed more than you mentioned in the video description. Thanks for your work!

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

Thanks for your kind comment!

[@skycarl]

Great comparison video showing advancements in technology in just a short period of time. Thanks as always Paul. Hope more take advantage of you patreon offer,,,, I think it's a fantastic value.

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

Thanks Carl!

[@AJMjazz]

Great video! Two thumbs up! would like to see restoration video of the RCA WO-33A. Looked up some info on this scope - it appears it was offered as a kit as well as factory assembled circa 1960. Good little scope for what it was intended for in those days. Keep up the great work, Paul. 73 de KA2EMI

[@bobvines00]

Paul, I forgot to thank you for making this type of "teaching" video -- I think it's great! And, yes, please make a video of you restoring the second (i.e., the older one) oscilloscope -- you definitely have my vote for that video too. Thanks again for the clearly explained "how it works" and "what the old gear can teach us today about electronics."

[@dougmcartin3881]

This brought back many fond memories. The WO-33A was my first scope when I was a young lad starting out in electronics back in the early 1970's. It was kindly given to me by a local TV repair shop owner that I helped out after school and on the weekends. They claimed a bandwidth of 5 MHZ or so and for TV and radio service work at the time that was good enough. It sold for $129 back in 1960 or you could save some money and buy the kit for $79.99. Many of the kits were built by students at the then RCA Institutes electronics schools as part of their course of study. It wasn't a cheap scope when you consider that $129 is about $1100 in todays money and at the time was about the weekly wage of the average working man. Thanks for the look see Paul, great as always. 73 Doug.

[@chrismosley409]

Mr. Carlson, loved your explanation of how the pentode amplifies..

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

Thanks Chris!

[@kardeef33317]

Thanks Paul I am for you making any video :)

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

You're Welcome!

[@jimirving204]

Thanks for the very informative video. These RCA WO-33A scopes were available either factory assembled or as kits. I bought the kit version when I was in 7th grade (1963) from Allied Electronics with my summer lawn mowing money (with some additional help from Dad). My 1968 Allied catalog has a list price of $99 for the kit, and $139 for the assembled model. Allied states the bandwidth is 20 Hz to 150 kHz.

[@alanhughes1262]

great old scopes great channel.

[@georgegherghinescu]

Great explanation of the circuit operation! How about a simple retrace blanking circuit for these old type of scopes as a future project. Just an Idea :-) Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us!

[@davecheney8501]

Thanks so much for posting..very informative 👍

[@MAURICIOFALCAOPY5MZ]

Hello Paul What a nice!!!! My vote is "go ahead" It will be a pleasure to see. Regards

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

Thanks for your input Mauricio.

[@bjornbrandstedt5306]

As usual, an excellent job. From a 1966 Newark Electronics catalog (I worked for them at the time and still have one of the catalogs), the RCA WO-33A was selling for $139.00. It was also available as a kit, for $99.00 and that may account for some of the differences in assembly that you have noted. Bjorn

[@cpopte]

Mister Carlson ...anything that you do makes me happy. You are my joy every evening after a hard day’s work...I prefer you instead of Netflix. Please DO a complete restoration on that oscilloscope. I would love to see a restoration and the resulting product. Thankyou for all your videos, your time and effort !

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

You're welcome!

[@coldfinger459sub0]

Looking forward to the complete restoration of that other lab scope.

[@StevePietras]

Nice job Paul! You are quickly becoming "the dean" of electronics on KZbin. I would enjoy watching the restoration of the old RCA Scope. I also would like to see your "checking for outside foil" trick again as you replace those old caps. I recently SAVED an IT-28 cap checker thanks to your videos. It is cosmetically restored, switches cleaned and now needs a re-cap but one step at a time. 73's Steve

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

Thanks Steve!

[@jamespaterson7597]

very interesting mr carlson thank you

[@purpleviolin]

Enjoying your videos. Great Audio. I fancy learning a bit more about valves. Any chance you did a video about your "Mr Carlson vacuum tube condenser mic"?

[@call5sam]

Nice explanation of negative power supplies. Thanks very much! Please do a complete restoration on the older one. Great stuff/

[@jlucasound]

I know I am late. I am sure you are going to do both but I know you made the curve tracer. As soon as I can get into Patreon, I am going to pledge and learn. What a cool piece of test equipment. Also, the low voltage capacitor tester is a must have. Thanks!!

[@iamhe999]

Love your videos.... most excellent... love the idea of turning old scopes into curve tracers... for tubes? for tansistors? diodes?.. looking forward to watching and maybe even doing.. best

[@stavinaircaeruleum2275]

Always love watching your vids while I have breakfast

[@rossthompson1635]

Really enjoyed this, thank you. Coming from the UK , where the usual supply voltage is 230V, I'm always surprised to see metal-clad equipment like this with a 2-core mains lead, i.e. no safety ground connection to the outer case..

[@dbeaumontresident847]

Would love to see you do a full restoration of the oscilloscope with modern upgrades! Very exciting to see!

[@isaacderr2799]

The shot with the capacitor checker had something really beautiful and film noire about it.

[@kharakim]

Couldn't imagine that I would be interested in the "theory of a vacuum tube oscilloscope," but Paul has done it again. Maybe everyone else knew that vacuum tubes don't actually amplify; but rather work as switches to vary plate voltage-but I had to learn it here, along with myriad other useful information. It's a privilege and a gift to watch these videos and be one of Mr. Carlson's students.

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

I'm happy to share this information with you. Thank you for your kind words!

[@MrUbiquitousTech]

Wow, great video Mr. Carlson! I'm still trying to take the "magic" out of vacuum tubes myself and your explanation of exactly what's going on in there helps a lot. Well built equipment to still be working like that. I recently picked up an ancient Heathkit scope from a second hand store. They sold it as "not working", paid $20 for it. Got it home and opened it up and yep, tons of paper caps. Took a chance and powered it up. The reason it was "not working" was because the brightness was turned all the way down and the trace was off screen. I vote for the restoration video, but I always do. :) I enjoy them all. Look forward to it and the curve tracer project over at Patreon. Thanks as always! -Niles

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

Thanks Niles!

[@jimmcdowell6000]

I absolutely love this channel. I would rather watch this than Netflicks or TV. I've learned so much.

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

I'm glad you're enjoying Jim!

[@inductorbackemf7204]

You really make my day better thank you so much!

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

You're Welcome! Glad to be a part of your day.

[@DielectricVideos]

Awesome video! That's a good tip about twisting the AC lines in vacuum tube audio amps. I've built a couple of amps from my own designs before, and I've never though to twist the wires. One problem I've faced is a very subtle mains hum on the preamp, and I'd be willing to bet my lack of twisting of AC filament supply lines has a bit to do with that. Thanks for the tip!

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

You're welcome, glad you enjoyed!

[@ikonix360]

I have several vacuum tube operated oscopes.I will often use one of those for testing things like vacuum tube amplifiers and other things capable of high voltage and/or high current when I don't want to risk one of my more modern dual channel scopes.

[@steelcity321pb6]

I for one would love the opportunity to see you restore your surplus RCA oscilloscope. Thank you for producing, and uploading another very interesting, and informative video. Phil.

[@davidportch8837]

Another great video Paul. I learn something new every time I watch one of your vids and was very interested in the lead in inductance point and this made a lot of sense in relation to the shape of acorn valves (I still have a couple of those that I intend to build into a SW regen receiver at some point!). The circuit diagram - schematic :-) run through piece here was very interesting. Many thanks and keep up the good work... David... PS would be good to see the other scope restoration project...

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

Thanks for your comment David!

[@sincerelyyours7538]

Fantastic video, as usual, Paul. Very clear explanations. I'd be most interested in seeing you do both; build your curve tracer out of one scope and restore the other to like new condition. I'm now kinda sorry I sold my two Tektronix scopes (a 465 and a 475) two years ago on eBay. Fixed power supply issues in both but they were still showing their age in scratchy pots and inconsistent alignment. I was not confident I could rebuild them so replaced them while they were still working with an entry level DSO that I'm now not entirely happy with. Wish I'd known about you then, I'd have two gloriously rebuilt top-notch analog scopes by now...

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

Thanks for your kind comment!

[@richardtallant3598]

Please complete restoration on this scope. 👍

[@glennsprigg2378]

Wow... I'm NOT discounting the rest of this video by any-means, but regarding the schematic descriptions from about 42:00 onwards, I actually understood 100% of what you were saying !!! Some of those 'specifics' used to 'scare' me into not absorbing what I should..... but NOW I actually UNDERSTAND !!...... And can RELATE that to SO many other examples. Thanks Paul....

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

That's great Glenn! You're Welcome!