Beautiful, cosmetics present as near mint, electrically untested. This unit was discovered in near Time capsule storage, we are at had not seen used for many years if ever––it actually appears to be new having seen little to no use. The only notable cosmetic flaw isn't engraving from the original owner on the side of one of the aluminum brackets. See exhibit B. Even the original Sencore warranty booklet is still attached with red string as you can see in exhibit A. based on the booklet, this unit appears to be from late 1978. Cosmetics are immaculate, there are only a few slight scuffs in tiny tiny scratches from it's many years of storage. This unit clearly did not suffer daily use. The exterior vinyl covering is still gleaming for the most part –– as is the sleek aluminum storage drawer for parts. This unit still contained it's a regional to black test leads which are a little bit aged but still flexible enough and look safe to use.
During the heyday of the vacuum tube consumer-electronics era in America from the 1950s three the early 1970s; nearly every repair shop of a decent size had several Products from the leaders in repair bench test equipment–– Sencore of Addison, Illinois.
Beautiful, cosmetics present as near mint, electrically untested. This unit was discovered in near Time capsule storage, had not seen use for many years if ever–– The only notable cosmetic flaw is heavy engraving from the original owner on the side of one of the aluminum brackets. See exhibit E. Even the original Sencore warranty booklet is still attached with red string as you can see in exhibit A. based on the booklet, this unit appears to be from late 1978. Cosmetics are immaculate, there are only a few slight scuffs in tiny tiny scratches from it's many years of storage. This unit clearly did not suffer daily use. The exterior vinyl covering is still gleaming for the most part –– as is the sleek aluminum storage drawer for parts. This unit still contained it's a regional to black test leads which are a little bit aged but still flexible enough and look safe to use. These units were capable of many new movable number of functions and are loaded with parts some of which can age and drift overtime ––. No checking has been done whatsoever so please purchase with the expectation that it may need TLC, or fresh caps here or there. Despite any normal refreshing or TLC this unit may need, this is an immaculate looking find–– and these were so useful …. they typically were wrong worn into the ground at service shops it's extremely difficult to find one that looks so clean!
By the early 1960s Sencore had a diversified lineup of portable and bench friendly test equipment specifically designed for the tube era, including all that is relevant to audio and radio of the day.
The TC 167 “Substitor” — by the late 1970s was the top of the line substitution console. This deluxe model replaced the earlier version .. the “Handy”. The Substitor retained all of the advanced features (see exhibit synopsis in included documents)… including 75 frequently used values, using variations of the built-in resistors capacitors electrolytic's power resistors and selenium/Silicon rectifiers –– providing superfast on the spot substitution.
Back then -- many of the small shops in America resorted to using test equipment kits cobbled together from Heathkit & Eico. Sencore was vastly more costly but it had the fit & finish — and no-nonsense turnkey operation, with various service professional’s luxury’s (ie. surge protection) that you couldn't find anywhere else.
Nearly every piece of equipment they made was made with painted or stainless steel and steel vinyl wrapped cabinetry. It was real heft from 1960s America.
Sencore is best known for its line of high powered capacitor checkers, known as the Z meter. They they made several other "best of’s” ( The Mity Mite and Continental tube testers were standout as well) over the years especially during the mid 60s into the late 1970s which was their heyday.
When it comes to substitution boxes you were generally limited to the decent offerings of Heathkit and Eico — they're not quite as straightforward and don’t quite have the professional are about them… Sencore gear does.
- This is why many modern tube hobbyists that are setting up test benches have found Sencore equipment of this era to be snazzy,, yet sensibly laid out -with the straight forward, yet professional layout that hobbyist and kit versions from other companies just do not present.
If you are setting up a tube era oriented repair bench — there is no doubt that a substitution console, such as this is a supremely useful luxury item. Given time you can pick out any one of these components to substitute by hand — but overall if you have the small amount of room required for a primo substitutor — it will bring organization to your bench as well as the ability to find faults far quicker … there's sometimes no better way to make a test besides subbing components. When it comes to layout, Sencore designs are often the best it's far easier to read than a lot of the dark horse and off-brand versions you may see out there. It also possesses far more variables, options and features as you can see ...study exhibit A B C and D.
The TC167 was the Cadillac of sub boxes…. replaced the “Handy “75” that was current around the early 1960s. Well worth the effort, to setup … this is the cool version with the articulated bench sitting stand — it's the most favored of all variations of this essential bench tool–– this one is the cleanest I have ever seen besides noted very small flaws that you can see in below exhibits. It will sell very quickly, so jump on it if you need one.
Includes reprint pages you see, no manual though. Thanks to Sencore, pretty much everything you’ll need is written on front.
Will be carefully packed in a double box with lots of padding. Shipping ASAP after payment with full tracking info via email please see all of my 100% feedback.
