SW
Skip Withrow
Mon, Oct 31, 2016 8:54 PM
Hello Time-Nuts,
I recently acquired a stock of dead cesium beam tubes, and my curiosity got
the best of me, so I have cut one open. After watching lots of YouTube
video of burning and exploding cesium I was a little leery at first. The
first step was to make a very small hole just to let a small amount of air
in, no flames or heat so I let it sit for a while for any reactions with
air to take their course. Next I proceeded to cut off the ends, and after
that the bottom of the unit, finally I trimmed the top off as far as I
could. Pictures are linked below for your enjoyment. I have attached two
of the before and after at low resolution.
-
http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube1.jpg
This is the before picture of a tube (not the actual one opened). It is HP
part number 05061-6077. The band around the center of the tube is a mu
metal shield that is removed by removing the screws along the seam.
Unfortunately
11 of the 14 tubes that I received had the cables cut as shown (ouch!).
-
http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube2.jpg
This is a shot of the deconstructed tube. The cesium oven is on the left,
the microwave cavity is in the center (under a metal cover), and the
detector is on the right.
-
http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube3.jpg
This is the oven end of the tube. The oven (with the cesium) is the copper
vessel. The ion trap assembly is at the top (with magnet). The first beam
magnet is between the oven and the microwave cavity. One thing that I can
say is that HP brought the art of spot welding to a new level. Note the
stainless steel strips welded over the screw heads (and lots of other
things).
-
http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube4.jpg
This is the detector end of the tube. I believe the hot wire ionizer is
the broken metal strip. The electron multiplier/detector is in the metal
box above it. The second beam magnet sits between the microwave cavity and
the electronics at this end of the tube. I don’t think I broke the
filament, this was probably the failure mode of this tube. Also note that
all the wiring insulation is ceramic tubing, since insulation that out
gasses in vacuum is a no-no.
-
http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube5.jpg
This is the bottom view of the tube for completeness. I have not yet
removed the cover that is over the microwave cavity (and has the C-field
coil around it).
-
http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube6.jpg
This is the top of the tube with the potting compound removed. I was
surprised to find a couple of embedded resistors. I guess the good news is
that it would be easy enough to remove the potting and solder on new wires
if deemed useful.
-
http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube7.jpg
This is just a close-up of the broken hot wire ionizer (and all the spot
welds).
-
http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube8.jpg
This is a close-up of the ion trap where the +3500V connects. I’m not a
physics expert, but didn’t think about a magnet being involved. I don’t
think any of the drawings that I have seen have ever mentioned it.
So, enjoy. I will most likely be throwing the rest of the tubes up on ebay
at some point. If there is strong interest in having them cut open first
please let me know. I intend to cut up some wood to make an appropriate
stand and add this one to my tube collection.
Sorry for the long post, but I hope you found it informative.
Regards,
Skip Withrow
Hello Time-Nuts,
I recently acquired a stock of dead cesium beam tubes, and my curiosity got
the best of me, so I have cut one open. After watching lots of YouTube
video of burning and exploding cesium I was a little leery at first. The
first step was to make a very small hole just to let a small amount of air
in, no flames or heat so I let it sit for a while for any reactions with
air to take their course. Next I proceeded to cut off the ends, and after
that the bottom of the unit, finally I trimmed the top off as far as I
could. Pictures are linked below for your enjoyment. I have attached two
of the before and after at low resolution.
1. http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube1.jpg
This is the before picture of a tube (not the actual one opened). It is HP
part number 05061-6077. The band around the center of the tube is a mu
metal shield that is removed by removing the screws along the seam.
Unfortunately
11 of the 14 tubes that I received had the cables cut as shown (ouch!).
2. http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube2.jpg
This is a shot of the deconstructed tube. The cesium oven is on the left,
the microwave cavity is in the center (under a metal cover), and the
detector is on the right.
3. http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube3.jpg
This is the oven end of the tube. The oven (with the cesium) is the copper
vessel. The ion trap assembly is at the top (with magnet). The first beam
magnet is between the oven and the microwave cavity. One thing that I can
say is that HP brought the art of spot welding to a new level. Note the
stainless steel strips welded over the screw heads (and lots of other
things).
4. http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube4.jpg
This is the detector end of the tube. I believe the hot wire ionizer is
the broken metal strip. The electron multiplier/detector is in the metal
box above it. The second beam magnet sits between the microwave cavity and
the electronics at this end of the tube. I don’t think I broke the
filament, this was probably the failure mode of this tube. Also note that
all the wiring insulation is ceramic tubing, since insulation that out
gasses in vacuum is a no-no.
5. http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube5.jpg
This is the bottom view of the tube for completeness. I have not yet
removed the cover that is over the microwave cavity (and has the C-field
coil around it).
6. http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube6.jpg
This is the top of the tube with the potting compound removed. I was
surprised to find a couple of embedded resistors. I guess the good news is
that it would be easy enough to remove the potting and solder on new wires
if deemed useful.
7. http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube7.jpg
This is just a close-up of the broken hot wire ionizer (and all the spot
welds).
8. http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube8.jpg
This is a close-up of the ion trap where the +3500V connects. I’m not a
physics expert, but didn’t think about a magnet being involved. I don’t
think any of the drawings that I have seen have ever mentioned it.
So, enjoy. I will most likely be throwing the rest of the tubes up on ebay
at some point. If there is strong interest in having them cut open first
please let me know. I intend to cut up some wood to make an appropriate
stand and add this one to my tube collection.
Sorry for the long post, but I hope you found it informative.
Regards,
Skip Withrow
CJ
Clint Jay
Mon, Oct 31, 2016 8:58 PM
There's a sectioned Cs tube at the science museum in London, sadly I can't
see the pics you link to but I'd be interested to see if they're the same
as that exhibit (I think I have a picture somewhere)
On 31 Oct 2016 20:54, "Skip Withrow" skip.withrow@gmail.com wrote:
Hello Time-Nuts,
I recently acquired a stock of dead cesium beam tubes, and my curiosity got
the best of me, so I have cut one open. After watching lots of YouTube
video of burning and exploding cesium I was a little leery at first. The
first step was to make a very small hole just to let a small amount of air
in, no flames or heat so I let it sit for a while for any reactions with
air to take their course. Next I proceeded to cut off the ends, and after
that the bottom of the unit, finally I trimmed the top off as far as I
could. Pictures are linked below for your enjoyment. I have attached two
of the before and after at low resolution.
-
http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube1.jpg
This is the before picture of a tube (not the actual one opened). It is HP
part number 05061-6077. The band around the center of the tube is a mu
metal shield that is removed by removing the screws along the seam.
Unfortunately
11 of the 14 tubes that I received had the cables cut as shown (ouch!).
-
http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube2.jpg
This is a shot of the deconstructed tube. The cesium oven is on the left,
the microwave cavity is in the center (under a metal cover), and the
detector is on the right.
-
http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube3.jpg
This is the oven end of the tube. The oven (with the cesium) is the copper
vessel. The ion trap assembly is at the top (with magnet). The first beam
magnet is between the oven and the microwave cavity. One thing that I can
say is that HP brought the art of spot welding to a new level. Note the
stainless steel strips welded over the screw heads (and lots of other
things).
-
http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube4.jpg
This is the detector end of the tube. I believe the hot wire ionizer is
the broken metal strip. The electron multiplier/detector is in the metal
box above it. The second beam magnet sits between the microwave cavity and
the electronics at this end of the tube. I don’t think I broke the
filament, this was probably the failure mode of this tube. Also note that
all the wiring insulation is ceramic tubing, since insulation that out
gasses in vacuum is a no-no.
-
http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube5.jpg
This is the bottom view of the tube for completeness. I have not yet
removed the cover that is over the microwave cavity (and has the C-field
coil around it).
-
http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube6.jpg
This is the top of the tube with the potting compound removed. I was
surprised to find a couple of embedded resistors. I guess the good news is
that it would be easy enough to remove the potting and solder on new wires
if deemed useful.
-
http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube7.jpg
This is just a close-up of the broken hot wire ionizer (and all the spot
welds).
-
http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube8.jpg
This is a close-up of the ion trap where the +3500V connects. I’m not a
physics expert, but didn’t think about a magnet being involved. I don’t
think any of the drawings that I have seen have ever mentioned it.
So, enjoy. I will most likely be throwing the rest of the tubes up on ebay
at some point. If there is strong interest in having them cut open first
please let me know. I intend to cut up some wood to make an appropriate
stand and add this one to my tube collection.
Sorry for the long post, but I hope you found it informative.
Regards,
Skip Withrow
time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/
mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
and follow the instructions there.
There's a sectioned Cs tube at the science museum in London, sadly I can't
see the pics you link to but I'd be interested to see if they're the same
as that exhibit (I think I have a picture somewhere)
On 31 Oct 2016 20:54, "Skip Withrow" <skip.withrow@gmail.com> wrote:
> Hello Time-Nuts,
>
>
>
> I recently acquired a stock of dead cesium beam tubes, and my curiosity got
> the best of me, so I have cut one open. After watching lots of YouTube
> video of burning and exploding cesium I was a little leery at first. The
> first step was to make a very small hole just to let a small amount of air
> in, no flames or heat so I let it sit for a while for any reactions with
> air to take their course. Next I proceeded to cut off the ends, and after
> that the bottom of the unit, finally I trimmed the top off as far as I
> could. Pictures are linked below for your enjoyment. I have attached two
> of the before and after at low resolution.
>
>
>
> 1. http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube1.jpg
>
>
>
> This is the before picture of a tube (not the actual one opened). It is HP
> part number 05061-6077. The band around the center of the tube is a mu
> metal shield that is removed by removing the screws along the seam.
> Unfortunately
> 11 of the 14 tubes that I received had the cables cut as shown (ouch!).
>
>
>
> 2. http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube2.jpg
>
>
>
> This is a shot of the deconstructed tube. The cesium oven is on the left,
> the microwave cavity is in the center (under a metal cover), and the
> detector is on the right.
>
>
>
> 3. http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube3.jpg
>
>
>
> This is the oven end of the tube. The oven (with the cesium) is the copper
> vessel. The ion trap assembly is at the top (with magnet). The first beam
> magnet is between the oven and the microwave cavity. One thing that I can
> say is that HP brought the art of spot welding to a new level. Note the
> stainless steel strips welded over the screw heads (and lots of other
> things).
>
>
>
> 4. http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube4.jpg
>
>
>
> This is the detector end of the tube. I believe the hot wire ionizer is
> the broken metal strip. The electron multiplier/detector is in the metal
> box above it. The second beam magnet sits between the microwave cavity and
> the electronics at this end of the tube. I don’t think I broke the
> filament, this was probably the failure mode of this tube. Also note that
> all the wiring insulation is ceramic tubing, since insulation that out
> gasses in vacuum is a no-no.
>
>
>
> 5. http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube5.jpg
>
>
>
> This is the bottom view of the tube for completeness. I have not yet
> removed the cover that is over the microwave cavity (and has the C-field
> coil around it).
>
>
>
> 6. http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube6.jpg
>
>
>
> This is the top of the tube with the potting compound removed. I was
> surprised to find a couple of embedded resistors. I guess the good news is
> that it would be easy enough to remove the potting and solder on new wires
> if deemed useful.
>
>
>
> 7. http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube7.jpg
>
>
>
> This is just a close-up of the broken hot wire ionizer (and all the spot
> welds).
>
>
>
> 8. http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube8.jpg
>
>
>
> This is a close-up of the ion trap where the +3500V connects. I’m not a
> physics expert, but didn’t think about a magnet being involved. I don’t
> think any of the drawings that I have seen have ever mentioned it.
>
>
>
> So, enjoy. I will most likely be throwing the rest of the tubes up on ebay
> at some point. If there is strong interest in having them cut open first
> please let me know. I intend to cut up some wood to make an appropriate
> stand and add this one to my tube collection.
>
>
>
> Sorry for the long post, but I hope you found it informative.
>
> Regards,
>
> Skip Withrow
>
> _______________________________________________
> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
> To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/
> mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
> and follow the instructions there.
>
MD
Magnus Danielson
Mon, Oct 31, 2016 8:59 PM
Hi,
To enjoy the links, replace CS-tube with CS_tube in the links.
Cheers,
Magnus
On 10/31/2016 09:54 PM, Skip Withrow wrote:
Hello Time-Nuts,
I recently acquired a stock of dead cesium beam tubes, and my curiosity got
the best of me, so I have cut one open. After watching lots of YouTube
video of burning and exploding cesium I was a little leery at first. The
first step was to make a very small hole just to let a small amount of air
in, no flames or heat so I let it sit for a while for any reactions with
air to take their course. Next I proceeded to cut off the ends, and after
that the bottom of the unit, finally I trimmed the top off as far as I
could. Pictures are linked below for your enjoyment. I have attached two
of the before and after at low resolution.
-
http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube1.jpg
This is the before picture of a tube (not the actual one opened). It is HP
part number 05061-6077. The band around the center of the tube is a mu
metal shield that is removed by removing the screws along the seam.
Unfortunately
11 of the 14 tubes that I received had the cables cut as shown (ouch!).
-
http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube2.jpg
This is a shot of the deconstructed tube. The cesium oven is on the left,
the microwave cavity is in the center (under a metal cover), and the
detector is on the right.
-
http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube3.jpg
This is the oven end of the tube. The oven (with the cesium) is the copper
vessel. The ion trap assembly is at the top (with magnet). The first beam
magnet is between the oven and the microwave cavity. One thing that I can
say is that HP brought the art of spot welding to a new level. Note the
stainless steel strips welded over the screw heads (and lots of other
things).
-
http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube4.jpg
This is the detector end of the tube. I believe the hot wire ionizer is
the broken metal strip. The electron multiplier/detector is in the metal
box above it. The second beam magnet sits between the microwave cavity and
the electronics at this end of the tube. I don’t think I broke the
filament, this was probably the failure mode of this tube. Also note that
all the wiring insulation is ceramic tubing, since insulation that out
gasses in vacuum is a no-no.
-
http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube5.jpg
This is the bottom view of the tube for completeness. I have not yet
removed the cover that is over the microwave cavity (and has the C-field
coil around it).
-
http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube6.jpg
This is the top of the tube with the potting compound removed. I was
surprised to find a couple of embedded resistors. I guess the good news is
that it would be easy enough to remove the potting and solder on new wires
if deemed useful.
-
http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube7.jpg
This is just a close-up of the broken hot wire ionizer (and all the spot
welds).
-
http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube8.jpg
This is a close-up of the ion trap where the +3500V connects. I’m not a
physics expert, but didn’t think about a magnet being involved. I don’t
think any of the drawings that I have seen have ever mentioned it.
So, enjoy. I will most likely be throwing the rest of the tubes up on ebay
at some point. If there is strong interest in having them cut open first
please let me know. I intend to cut up some wood to make an appropriate
stand and add this one to my tube collection.
Sorry for the long post, but I hope you found it informative.
Regards,
Skip Withrow
time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
and follow the instructions there.
Hi,
To enjoy the links, replace CS-tube with CS_tube in the links.
Cheers,
Magnus
On 10/31/2016 09:54 PM, Skip Withrow wrote:
> Hello Time-Nuts,
>
>
>
> I recently acquired a stock of dead cesium beam tubes, and my curiosity got
> the best of me, so I have cut one open. After watching lots of YouTube
> video of burning and exploding cesium I was a little leery at first. The
> first step was to make a very small hole just to let a small amount of air
> in, no flames or heat so I let it sit for a while for any reactions with
> air to take their course. Next I proceeded to cut off the ends, and after
> that the bottom of the unit, finally I trimmed the top off as far as I
> could. Pictures are linked below for your enjoyment. I have attached two
> of the before and after at low resolution.
>
>
>
> 1. http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube1.jpg
>
>
>
> This is the before picture of a tube (not the actual one opened). It is HP
> part number 05061-6077. The band around the center of the tube is a mu
> metal shield that is removed by removing the screws along the seam.
> Unfortunately
> 11 of the 14 tubes that I received had the cables cut as shown (ouch!).
>
>
>
> 2. http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube2.jpg
>
>
>
> This is a shot of the deconstructed tube. The cesium oven is on the left,
> the microwave cavity is in the center (under a metal cover), and the
> detector is on the right.
>
>
>
> 3. http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube3.jpg
>
>
>
> This is the oven end of the tube. The oven (with the cesium) is the copper
> vessel. The ion trap assembly is at the top (with magnet). The first beam
> magnet is between the oven and the microwave cavity. One thing that I can
> say is that HP brought the art of spot welding to a new level. Note the
> stainless steel strips welded over the screw heads (and lots of other
> things).
>
>
>
> 4. http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube4.jpg
>
>
>
> This is the detector end of the tube. I believe the hot wire ionizer is
> the broken metal strip. The electron multiplier/detector is in the metal
> box above it. The second beam magnet sits between the microwave cavity and
> the electronics at this end of the tube. I don’t think I broke the
> filament, this was probably the failure mode of this tube. Also note that
> all the wiring insulation is ceramic tubing, since insulation that out
> gasses in vacuum is a no-no.
>
>
>
> 5. http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube5.jpg
>
>
>
> This is the bottom view of the tube for completeness. I have not yet
> removed the cover that is over the microwave cavity (and has the C-field
> coil around it).
>
>
>
> 6. http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube6.jpg
>
>
>
> This is the top of the tube with the potting compound removed. I was
> surprised to find a couple of embedded resistors. I guess the good news is
> that it would be easy enough to remove the potting and solder on new wires
> if deemed useful.
>
>
>
> 7. http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube7.jpg
>
>
>
> This is just a close-up of the broken hot wire ionizer (and all the spot
> welds).
>
>
>
> 8. http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube8.jpg
>
>
>
> This is a close-up of the ion trap where the +3500V connects. I’m not a
> physics expert, but didn’t think about a magnet being involved. I don’t
> think any of the drawings that I have seen have ever mentioned it.
>
>
>
> So, enjoy. I will most likely be throwing the rest of the tubes up on ebay
> at some point. If there is strong interest in having them cut open first
> please let me know. I intend to cut up some wood to make an appropriate
> stand and add this one to my tube collection.
>
>
>
> Sorry for the long post, but I hope you found it informative.
>
> Regards,
>
> Skip Withrow
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
> To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
> and follow the instructions there.
>
MD
Magnus Danielson
Mon, Oct 31, 2016 9:20 PM
Hi Skip,
Many thanks for taking the effort and describing what we see.
Good thing to tinker around with, if you have one. Good conversation
piece. :)
Cheers,
Magnus
On 10/31/2016 09:54 PM, Skip Withrow wrote:
Hello Time-Nuts,
I recently acquired a stock of dead cesium beam tubes, and my curiosity got
the best of me, so I have cut one open. After watching lots of YouTube
video of burning and exploding cesium I was a little leery at first. The
first step was to make a very small hole just to let a small amount of air
in, no flames or heat so I let it sit for a while for any reactions with
air to take their course. Next I proceeded to cut off the ends, and after
that the bottom of the unit, finally I trimmed the top off as far as I
could. Pictures are linked below for your enjoyment. I have attached two
of the before and after at low resolution.
-
http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube1.jpg
This is the before picture of a tube (not the actual one opened). It is HP
part number 05061-6077. The band around the center of the tube is a mu
metal shield that is removed by removing the screws along the seam.
Unfortunately
11 of the 14 tubes that I received had the cables cut as shown (ouch!).
-
http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube2.jpg
This is a shot of the deconstructed tube. The cesium oven is on the left,
the microwave cavity is in the center (under a metal cover), and the
detector is on the right.
-
http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube3.jpg
This is the oven end of the tube. The oven (with the cesium) is the copper
vessel. The ion trap assembly is at the top (with magnet). The first beam
magnet is between the oven and the microwave cavity. One thing that I can
say is that HP brought the art of spot welding to a new level. Note the
stainless steel strips welded over the screw heads (and lots of other
things).
-
http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube4.jpg
This is the detector end of the tube. I believe the hot wire ionizer is
the broken metal strip. The electron multiplier/detector is in the metal
box above it. The second beam magnet sits between the microwave cavity and
the electronics at this end of the tube. I don’t think I broke the
filament, this was probably the failure mode of this tube. Also note that
all the wiring insulation is ceramic tubing, since insulation that out
gasses in vacuum is a no-no.
-
http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube5.jpg
This is the bottom view of the tube for completeness. I have not yet
removed the cover that is over the microwave cavity (and has the C-field
coil around it).
-
http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube6.jpg
This is the top of the tube with the potting compound removed. I was
surprised to find a couple of embedded resistors. I guess the good news is
that it would be easy enough to remove the potting and solder on new wires
if deemed useful.
-
http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube7.jpg
This is just a close-up of the broken hot wire ionizer (and all the spot
welds).
-
http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube8.jpg
This is a close-up of the ion trap where the +3500V connects. I’m not a
physics expert, but didn’t think about a magnet being involved. I don’t
think any of the drawings that I have seen have ever mentioned it.
So, enjoy. I will most likely be throwing the rest of the tubes up on ebay
at some point. If there is strong interest in having them cut open first
please let me know. I intend to cut up some wood to make an appropriate
stand and add this one to my tube collection.
Sorry for the long post, but I hope you found it informative.
Regards,
Skip Withrow
time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
and follow the instructions there.
Hi Skip,
Many thanks for taking the effort and describing what we see.
Good thing to tinker around with, if you have one. Good conversation
piece. :)
Cheers,
Magnus
On 10/31/2016 09:54 PM, Skip Withrow wrote:
> Hello Time-Nuts,
>
>
>
> I recently acquired a stock of dead cesium beam tubes, and my curiosity got
> the best of me, so I have cut one open. After watching lots of YouTube
> video of burning and exploding cesium I was a little leery at first. The
> first step was to make a very small hole just to let a small amount of air
> in, no flames or heat so I let it sit for a while for any reactions with
> air to take their course. Next I proceeded to cut off the ends, and after
> that the bottom of the unit, finally I trimmed the top off as far as I
> could. Pictures are linked below for your enjoyment. I have attached two
> of the before and after at low resolution.
>
>
>
> 1. http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube1.jpg
>
>
>
> This is the before picture of a tube (not the actual one opened). It is HP
> part number 05061-6077. The band around the center of the tube is a mu
> metal shield that is removed by removing the screws along the seam.
> Unfortunately
> 11 of the 14 tubes that I received had the cables cut as shown (ouch!).
>
>
>
> 2. http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube2.jpg
>
>
>
> This is a shot of the deconstructed tube. The cesium oven is on the left,
> the microwave cavity is in the center (under a metal cover), and the
> detector is on the right.
>
>
>
> 3. http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube3.jpg
>
>
>
> This is the oven end of the tube. The oven (with the cesium) is the copper
> vessel. The ion trap assembly is at the top (with magnet). The first beam
> magnet is between the oven and the microwave cavity. One thing that I can
> say is that HP brought the art of spot welding to a new level. Note the
> stainless steel strips welded over the screw heads (and lots of other
> things).
>
>
>
> 4. http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube4.jpg
>
>
>
> This is the detector end of the tube. I believe the hot wire ionizer is
> the broken metal strip. The electron multiplier/detector is in the metal
> box above it. The second beam magnet sits between the microwave cavity and
> the electronics at this end of the tube. I don’t think I broke the
> filament, this was probably the failure mode of this tube. Also note that
> all the wiring insulation is ceramic tubing, since insulation that out
> gasses in vacuum is a no-no.
>
>
>
> 5. http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube5.jpg
>
>
>
> This is the bottom view of the tube for completeness. I have not yet
> removed the cover that is over the microwave cavity (and has the C-field
> coil around it).
>
>
>
> 6. http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube6.jpg
>
>
>
> This is the top of the tube with the potting compound removed. I was
> surprised to find a couple of embedded resistors. I guess the good news is
> that it would be easy enough to remove the potting and solder on new wires
> if deemed useful.
>
>
>
> 7. http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube7.jpg
>
>
>
> This is just a close-up of the broken hot wire ionizer (and all the spot
> welds).
>
>
>
> 8. http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube8.jpg
>
>
>
> This is a close-up of the ion trap where the +3500V connects. I’m not a
> physics expert, but didn’t think about a magnet being involved. I don’t
> think any of the drawings that I have seen have ever mentioned it.
>
>
>
> So, enjoy. I will most likely be throwing the rest of the tubes up on ebay
> at some point. If there is strong interest in having them cut open first
> please let me know. I intend to cut up some wood to make an appropriate
> stand and add this one to my tube collection.
>
>
>
> Sorry for the long post, but I hope you found it informative.
>
> Regards,
>
> Skip Withrow
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
> To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
> and follow the instructions there.
>
D
djl
Mon, Oct 31, 2016 9:45 PM
Echo, Magnus. Thanks, Skip! Easy now to see the incredible expense of
building one of these! Kinda Kludgy; Love the s/s spot welded keepers on
the screw heads, e.g.
My really dumb question is, why isn't there Cs plated on everything? Or
is the Cs contained in the rf cavity only? I think I see a window on one
end...
Thanks again, Don
On 2016-10-31 15:20, Magnus Danielson wrote:
Hi Skip,
Many thanks for taking the effort and describing what we see.
Good thing to tinker around with, if you have one. Good conversation
piece. :)
Cheers,
Magnus
On 10/31/2016 09:54 PM, Skip Withrow wrote:
Hello Time-Nuts,
I recently acquired a stock of dead cesium beam tubes, and my
curiosity got
the best of me, so I have cut one open. After watching lots of
YouTube
video of burning and exploding cesium I was a little leery at first.
The
first step was to make a very small hole just to let a small amount of
air
in, no flames or heat so I let it sit for a while for any reactions
with
air to take their course. Next I proceeded to cut off the ends, and
after
that the bottom of the unit, finally I trimmed the top off as far as I
could. Pictures are linked below for your enjoyment. I have attached
two
of the before and after at low resolution.
-
http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube1.jpg
This is the before picture of a tube (not the actual one opened). It
is HP
part number 05061-6077. The band around the center of the tube is a
mu
metal shield that is removed by removing the screws along the seam.
Unfortunately
11 of the 14 tubes that I received had the cables cut as shown
(ouch!).
-
http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube2.jpg
This is a shot of the deconstructed tube. The cesium oven is on the
left,
the microwave cavity is in the center (under a metal cover), and the
detector is on the right.
-
http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube3.jpg
This is the oven end of the tube. The oven (with the cesium) is the
copper
vessel. The ion trap assembly is at the top (with magnet). The first
beam
magnet is between the oven and the microwave cavity. One thing that I
can
say is that HP brought the art of spot welding to a new level. Note
the
stainless steel strips welded over the screw heads (and lots of other
things).
-
http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube4.jpg
This is the detector end of the tube. I believe the hot wire ionizer
is
the broken metal strip. The electron multiplier/detector is in the
metal
box above it. The second beam magnet sits between the microwave
cavity and
the electronics at this end of the tube. I don’t think I broke the
filament, this was probably the failure mode of this tube. Also note
that
all the wiring insulation is ceramic tubing, since insulation that out
gasses in vacuum is a no-no.
-
http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube5.jpg
This is the bottom view of the tube for completeness. I have not yet
removed the cover that is over the microwave cavity (and has the
C-field
coil around it).
-
http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube6.jpg
This is the top of the tube with the potting compound removed. I was
surprised to find a couple of embedded resistors. I guess the good
news is
that it would be easy enough to remove the potting and solder on new
wires
if deemed useful.
-
http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube7.jpg
This is just a close-up of the broken hot wire ionizer (and all the
spot
welds).
-
http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube8.jpg
This is a close-up of the ion trap where the +3500V connects. I’m not
a
physics expert, but didn’t think about a magnet being involved. I
don’t
think any of the drawings that I have seen have ever mentioned it.
So, enjoy. I will most likely be throwing the rest of the tubes up on
ebay
at some point. If there is strong interest in having them cut open
first
please let me know. I intend to cut up some wood to make an
appropriate
stand and add this one to my tube collection.
Sorry for the long post, but I hope you found it informative.
Regards,
Skip Withrow
time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
To unsubscribe, go to
https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
and follow the instructions there.
--
Dr. Don Latham
PO Box 404, Frenchtown, MT, 59834
VOX: 406-626-4304
Echo, Magnus. Thanks, Skip! Easy now to see the incredible expense of
building one of these! Kinda Kludgy; Love the s/s spot welded keepers on
the screw heads, e.g.
My really dumb question is, why isn't there Cs plated on everything? Or
is the Cs contained in the rf cavity only? I think I see a window on one
end...
Thanks again, Don
On 2016-10-31 15:20, Magnus Danielson wrote:
> Hi Skip,
>
> Many thanks for taking the effort and describing what we see.
> Good thing to tinker around with, if you have one. Good conversation
> piece. :)
>
> Cheers,
> Magnus
>
> On 10/31/2016 09:54 PM, Skip Withrow wrote:
>> Hello Time-Nuts,
>>
>>
>>
>> I recently acquired a stock of dead cesium beam tubes, and my
>> curiosity got
>> the best of me, so I have cut one open. After watching lots of
>> YouTube
>> video of burning and exploding cesium I was a little leery at first.
>> The
>> first step was to make a very small hole just to let a small amount of
>> air
>> in, no flames or heat so I let it sit for a while for any reactions
>> with
>> air to take their course. Next I proceeded to cut off the ends, and
>> after
>> that the bottom of the unit, finally I trimmed the top off as far as I
>> could. Pictures are linked below for your enjoyment. I have attached
>> two
>> of the before and after at low resolution.
>>
>>
>>
>> 1. http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube1.jpg
>>
>>
>>
>> This is the before picture of a tube (not the actual one opened). It
>> is HP
>> part number 05061-6077. The band around the center of the tube is a
>> mu
>> metal shield that is removed by removing the screws along the seam.
>> Unfortunately
>> 11 of the 14 tubes that I received had the cables cut as shown
>> (ouch!).
>>
>>
>>
>> 2. http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube2.jpg
>>
>>
>>
>> This is a shot of the deconstructed tube. The cesium oven is on the
>> left,
>> the microwave cavity is in the center (under a metal cover), and the
>> detector is on the right.
>>
>>
>>
>> 3. http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube3.jpg
>>
>>
>>
>> This is the oven end of the tube. The oven (with the cesium) is the
>> copper
>> vessel. The ion trap assembly is at the top (with magnet). The first
>> beam
>> magnet is between the oven and the microwave cavity. One thing that I
>> can
>> say is that HP brought the art of spot welding to a new level. Note
>> the
>> stainless steel strips welded over the screw heads (and lots of other
>> things).
>>
>>
>>
>> 4. http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube4.jpg
>>
>>
>>
>> This is the detector end of the tube. I believe the hot wire ionizer
>> is
>> the broken metal strip. The electron multiplier/detector is in the
>> metal
>> box above it. The second beam magnet sits between the microwave
>> cavity and
>> the electronics at this end of the tube. I don’t think I broke the
>> filament, this was probably the failure mode of this tube. Also note
>> that
>> all the wiring insulation is ceramic tubing, since insulation that out
>> gasses in vacuum is a no-no.
>>
>>
>>
>> 5. http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube5.jpg
>>
>>
>>
>> This is the bottom view of the tube for completeness. I have not yet
>> removed the cover that is over the microwave cavity (and has the
>> C-field
>> coil around it).
>>
>>
>>
>> 6. http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube6.jpg
>>
>>
>>
>> This is the top of the tube with the potting compound removed. I was
>> surprised to find a couple of embedded resistors. I guess the good
>> news is
>> that it would be easy enough to remove the potting and solder on new
>> wires
>> if deemed useful.
>>
>>
>>
>> 7. http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube7.jpg
>>
>>
>>
>> This is just a close-up of the broken hot wire ionizer (and all the
>> spot
>> welds).
>>
>>
>>
>> 8. http://www.rdrelectronics.com/skip/CS-tube/cstube8.jpg
>>
>>
>>
>> This is a close-up of the ion trap where the +3500V connects. I’m not
>> a
>> physics expert, but didn’t think about a magnet being involved. I
>> don’t
>> think any of the drawings that I have seen have ever mentioned it.
>>
>>
>>
>> So, enjoy. I will most likely be throwing the rest of the tubes up on
>> ebay
>> at some point. If there is strong interest in having them cut open
>> first
>> please let me know. I intend to cut up some wood to make an
>> appropriate
>> stand and add this one to my tube collection.
>>
>>
>>
>> Sorry for the long post, but I hope you found it informative.
>>
>> Regards,
>>
>> Skip Withrow
>>
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>> To unsubscribe, go to
>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>> and follow the instructions there.
>>
> _______________________________________________
> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
> To unsubscribe, go to
> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
> and follow the instructions there.
--
Dr. Don Latham
PO Box 404, Frenchtown, MT, 59834
VOX: 406-626-4304
EB
ed breya
Mon, Oct 31, 2016 9:50 PM
Wow. Nice job of dissection, and good pictures - very informative. No
wonder those things are so expensive.
It's a shame that they're not built in such a way that just the wear-out
parts could be replaced, and not wasting all the rest of the design and
craftsmanship that's probably just fine.
Ed
Wow. Nice job of dissection, and good pictures - very informative. No
wonder those things are so expensive.
It's a shame that they're not built in such a way that just the wear-out
parts could be replaced, and not wasting all the rest of the design and
craftsmanship that's probably just fine.
Ed
PK
Poul-Henning Kamp
Mon, Oct 31, 2016 9:53 PM
Echo, Magnus. Thanks, Skip! Easy now to see the incredible expense of
building one of these! Kinda Kludgy; Love the s/s spot welded keepers on
the screw heads, e.g.
I don't think they're keepers. I think they there to contain any metalic
dust or particles from the act of screwing the screw in.
My really dumb question is, why isn't there Cs plated on everything?
Because Cs is incredibly reactive and sticks to the strategically placed
getters.
--
Poul-Henning Kamp | UNIX since Zilog Zeus 3.20
phk@FreeBSD.ORG | TCP/IP since RFC 956
FreeBSD committer | BSD since 4.3-tahoe
Never attribute to malice what can adequately be explained by incompetence.
--------
In message <67092a4fd8045729d0aa463bd288fbd0@blackfoot.net>, djl writes:
>Echo, Magnus. Thanks, Skip! Easy now to see the incredible expense of
>building one of these! Kinda Kludgy; Love the s/s spot welded keepers on
>the screw heads, e.g.
I don't think they're keepers. I think they there to contain any metalic
dust or particles from the act of screwing the screw in.
>My really dumb question is, why isn't there Cs plated on everything?
Because Cs is incredibly reactive and sticks to the strategically placed
getters.
--
Poul-Henning Kamp | UNIX since Zilog Zeus 3.20
phk@FreeBSD.ORG | TCP/IP since RFC 956
FreeBSD committer | BSD since 4.3-tahoe
Never attribute to malice what can adequately be explained by incompetence.
TV
Tom Van Baak
Mon, Oct 31, 2016 9:56 PM
I used to have a whole set of photos on my web site of the inside of the 5071A Cs tube, taken during a tour of the Santa Clara production facility. Sadly, I was asked to take the page down. But Skip is ok because his photos are of a Cs tube one or two generations older. Thanks for posting those.
Your photos are a welcome alternative to these:
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JuleDYM54nE/U7I-i9wzrSI/AAAAAAAAAIk/QtRO7ngBgjU/s1600/clip_image040.gif
http://www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/obj/images/services-services/time-heure/faq_time_cesiumclockinside_small.jpg
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/XRWlDCgNVXg/maxresdefault.jpg
Although. you have to admit the first one has a certain charm.
Here's the inside of the original cesium bean tube:
http://www.leapsecond.com/museum/essen/
/tvb
I used to have a whole set of photos on my web site of the inside of the 5071A Cs tube, taken during a tour of the Santa Clara production facility. Sadly, I was asked to take the page down. But Skip is ok because his photos are of a Cs tube one or two generations older. Thanks for posting those.
Your photos are a welcome alternative to these:
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JuleDYM54nE/U7I-i9wzrSI/AAAAAAAAAIk/QtRO7ngBgjU/s1600/clip_image040.gif
http://www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/obj/images/services-services/time-heure/faq_time_cesiumclockinside_small.jpg
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/XRWlDCgNVXg/maxresdefault.jpg
Although. you have to admit the first one has a certain charm.
Here's the inside of the original cesium bean tube:
http://www.leapsecond.com/museum/essen/
/tvb
PS
paul swed
Mon, Oct 31, 2016 10:12 PM
Skip,
Really great pictures that have lots of clean detail. Thanks for sharing
with us. I can see that many of the wires would be a challenge to deal with.
But I will guess the ionizer was the issue on this tube also.
Thanks for sharing.
Regards
Paul
WB8TSL
On Mon, Oct 31, 2016 at 5:56 PM, Tom Van Baak tvb@leapsecond.com wrote:
Skip,
Really great pictures that have lots of clean detail. Thanks for sharing
with us. I can see that many of the wires would be a challenge to deal with.
But I will guess the ionizer was the issue on this tube also.
Thanks for sharing.
Regards
Paul
WB8TSL
On Mon, Oct 31, 2016 at 5:56 PM, Tom Van Baak <tvb@leapsecond.com> wrote:
> I used to have a whole set of photos on my web site of the inside of the
> 5071A Cs tube, taken during a tour of the Santa Clara production facility.
> Sadly, I was asked to take the page down. But Skip is ok because his photos
> are of a Cs tube one or two generations older. Thanks for posting those.
>
> Your photos are a welcome alternative to these:
>
> http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JuleDYM54nE/U7I-i9wzrSI/
> AAAAAAAAAIk/QtRO7ngBgjU/s1600/clip_image040.gif
> http://www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/obj/images/services-services/time-
> heure/faq_time_cesiumclockinside_small.jpg
> https://i.ytimg.com/vi/XRWlDCgNVXg/maxresdefault.jpg
>
> Although. you have to admit the first one has a certain charm.
>
> Here's the inside of the original cesium bean tube:
> http://www.leapsecond.com/museum/essen/
>
> /tvb
>
> _______________________________________________
> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
> To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/
> mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
> and follow the instructions there.
>
R(
Richard (Rick) Karlquist
Mon, Oct 31, 2016 10:28 PM
The ghost of Jack Kusters is now spinning in his grave on
this Halloween night. Jack was a fairly opinionated
guy and it didn't take much to get him excited.
Jack used to rail against people who asked this naive
question. There are any number of reasons why this
doesn't make sense. One major one is that everything
in the tube is thoroughly "cesiated" as Jack put it.
Another is: how do you determine which parts to replace?
Another is: is this economically feasible?
Rick
N6RK
On 10/31/2016 2:50 PM, ed breya wrote:
The ghost of Jack Kusters is now spinning in his grave on
this Halloween night. Jack was a fairly opinionated
guy and it didn't take much to get him excited.
Jack used to rail against people who asked this naive
question. There are any number of reasons why this
doesn't make sense. One major one is that everything
in the tube is thoroughly "cesiated" as Jack put it.
Another is: how do you determine which parts to replace?
Another is: is this economically feasible?
Rick
N6RK
On 10/31/2016 2:50 PM, ed breya wrote:
> It's a shame that they're not built in such a way that just the wear-out
> parts could be replaced, and not wasting all the rest of the design and
> craftsmanship that's probably just fine.
>
> Ed
> _______________________________________________
> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
> To unsubscribe, go to
> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
> and follow the instructions there.
>
>
