The Museum of T&M Instruments

"This Oscilloscope is a portable, triggered-sweep, dual-trace, DC-to-10 MHz, laboratory-grade instrument. Outstanding features such as the fast vertical rise time, good trace brightness, and the high input sensivity make the Oscilloscope ideal for the wide range of measurements typically encountered in electronics, development laboratories, and scientific research. In addition, the rugged construction and dependable operation make it a versatile tool for either the hobbyist or the service technician." (Heathkit, Manual IO-4550, 1976)

(Heathkit, Catalog, 1980)

BRIEF SPECS

Vertical Sensivity	10 mV/cm to 20 V/cm
Frequency Response	DC to 10 MHz
Risetime	35 ns
Time Base	0.2 s/cm to 200 ns/cm
Power	70 watts
Dimensions	6.9" x 12.9" x 19.3"
Weight	22 lbs / 10 kgs
Technology	transistor, ic
Price (for 1980)	$ 399.95 (kit)

This IO-4550 kit is not yet finished. Assembly of pcb's is done and I begun with the mechanics. Building an old Heathkit is a very amazing experience. It also eliminates the risk of purchasing an assembled kit where you don't see wether the builder did a well or lousy job. The last scope kit I ever saw was about 1995 when ELV offered a Hameg scope in kit form. As cost was nearly the same for the finished product and while everybody seems to have no more patience for construction it disappeared only one year later. When finished, the IO-4550 will be my scope for everyday work.