Heathkit IB-101 Frequency Counter: History, Restoration, Demonstration, Theory

In this video, I document Heathkit's first digital product, their model IB-101 frequency counter (it looks externally identical to their later IB-1101 product which has a higher frequency range).
I cover the history of this model, my restoration of it to fully working condition, I demonstrate it in operation, I describe the circuit theory of operation, and I also tack on to the ending a brief look at how I designed and 3D printed a new light shield for the Nixie tube display.
Once I get around to completing the CAD work, my newly CAD drawn IB-101 schematic, calibration, etc; document, and also my 3D printable "light shield" STL file, will be available for download here: www.serpentwebsite.com/fileshare.htm
Timeline Table of Contents:
00:00 Introduction & history
04:10 Restoration
08:06 Internal tour
26:11 Demonstration
32:04 Beauty shot
32:23 Heathkit manual
40:15 Schematic diagram/circuit theory
1:14:24 Designing & fabricating a light shield

[@user-to9fw1wv9l]

I enjoy your videos. I have a question for you. I inherited Dad stereophonic stereo with a Scott tuner and amplifier. I going to try and restore it. Can you direct me to where I can get replacement tubes. Some of the tubes seem to be out or do they still make tubes?
I appreciate all the help I can get since I’m not too electronic oriented. I believe he bought it back in the late fifties. Take care
🙏🙏🙏

[@youtuuba]

User.....do what everyone else does. Google the part number of the tube(s) you need and/or search eBay.

[@Chriva]

That power transistor - Would it be possible to drill a hole in the backplate and mount it with wires? Have bad experiences with legs breaking on freestanding devices like that

[@youtuuba]

Chriva, yes of course it would be possible, but since I try to restore these as close as possible to the original design, I left it as-is. The small heatsink does the job.