Re: Burr Brown 501 dual power supply

Feb 02, 2024 Last reply: 2 years ago 2 Replies
L


I'm going through some stuff I have to move (retiring in June) and trying to decide what to keep. I have a Burr Brown 501 dual supply that puts out +/-15 volts with 115 VAC in. The supply is working but I don't know what's its use was originally. It's a compact block and it's heavy, but there's no current rating listed and I haven't been able to find out anything about it. Is it supposed to supply a reference for calibrating meters or is it used as a power supply? Not being adjustable I wonder if it's made for something specific. Any insight appreciated.


It's just a supply aimed at permanent installation in analog circuits.


If it's got air holes, (or you can crack the case) you might see an internal preset pot or two - one to adjust output (11-16V) and one for balance - sometimes a current limit adjustment.


It might have some value as an antique.


RL

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L

I think you'll find it's both low drift and quiet, but it's getting past it's due date w/r to low frequency electrolytic filter caps . . . and even film caps.

The casing should keep any 60Hz flux from contaminating your local measurements.

Built for instrumentation.

I suggested antique value after spotting one on ebay for $$$.

RL

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L

If low frequency output ripple increases prior to internal current limiting, then the bulk reservoir caps will need replacement.

I've been trying to get a mid-50s G-Limiting Computer into a suitable museum for the last decade.

It's one of the earliest components used in fly-by-wire avionics, employing plug-in vacuum tube op amps; the sort of thing used in the Avro Arrow.

I get the impression that these organizations anticipate that if they hold off acquisitions long enough, then all the old crocks will die off and stop bothering them.

The 501 may have been used in analog computing in the 60s.

RL

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