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Dielectric 600-P Smith Chart Impedance Plotter 300-1000 MC Raymond Maine Vintage For Sale

Dielectric 600-P Smith Chart Impedance Plotter 300-1000 MC Raymond Maine Vintage
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Dielectric 600-P Smith Chart Impedance Plotter 300-1000 MC Raymond Maine Vintage:
$149.99

DIELECTRIC SMITH CHART IMPEDANCE PLOTTER TYPE 600-P - RARE VINTAGE RF TEST EQUIPMENTOffered is an exceptionally rare piece of broadcast and RF engineering history: a Dielectric Smith Chart Impedance Plotter, Model 600-P, Serial Number 164. This analog instrument represents the pinnacle of pre-digital RF test technology and is a must-have for collectors of vintage test equipment or restoration of period-correct broadcast facilities.
MANUFACTURER BACKGROUNDDielectric Products Engineering Co., Inc., Raymond, Maine, was founded in 1942 as a pioneer in developing components for wartime radar systems. The company relocated to Raymond, Maine in 1954, where it continues operations today as a leading manufacturer of broadcast antennas and RF systems. This unit was manufactured during Dielectric's golden era of precision RF instrumentation, estimated between 1955-1965.​
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
  • Model: Smith Chart Impedance Plotter, Type 600-P
  • Serial Number: 164
  • Frequency Coverage: Dual-range operation
  • Low Band: 300-560 MC (Megacycles)
  • High Band: 540-1000 MC (Megacycles)
  • Impedance: 50-ohm system
  • Dimensions: Approximately 11 inches L × 4 inches W × 3.5 inches H
  • Weight: 4-5 lbs
  • Construction: Heavy-duty steel enclosure with original light blue/grey enamel finish

FUNCTION AND OPERATIONThis instrument is an analog Smith Chart plotter designed for graphical display and analysis of complex impedance in RF transmission lines, antennas, and matching networks. Before the advent of digital vector network analyzers, engineers relied on instruments like this to:​
  • Measure antenna impedance and VSWR (Voltage Standing Wave Ratio)
  • Design impedance matching networks for maximum power transfer
  • Analyze transmission line RF systems graphically using the Smith Chart method​

The unit features multiple color-coded test inputs (Blue, Yellow, Red, Green bands visible on front panel) that correspond to Smith Chart plotting coordinates. Range selection switches allow toggling between LO (300-560 MC) and HI (540-1000 MC) bands. Adjustment knobs labeled "LO ADJ," "HI ADJ," and "RANGE SW" provide precise calibration for each frequency range.​
CONNECTORS AND INTERFACES
  • INPUT: Type N connector on rear panel for RF signal input
  • LOAD: Type N connector on right panel for connecting device under test
  • TEST POINTS: Four color-coded BNC-style connectors on front panel for Smith Chart X-Y plotting outputs

Type N connectors were the premier microwave frequency connector of the era, invented by Paul Neill of Bell Labs in the 1940s and capable of handling signals beyond 1 GHz.​
HISTORICAL CONTEXTThe term "MC" (megacycles) was standard nomenclature in the 1950s and early 1960s before being replaced by "MHz" (megahertz) in the late 1960s. The 300-1000 MC frequency range covered critical UHF applications including:​
  • Early UHF television broadcasting (channels 14-83: 470-890 MHz)
  • Military radar systems
  • Microwave relay links
  • Early mobile radio systems​

The Smith Chart itself, invented by Phillip Hagar Smith in 1939, became an essential tool for RF engineers and remains widely used today despite modern computer simulation.​
CONDITIONThis unit is in excellent cosmetic condition for its age, showing normal signs of professional use. The original enamel finish is intact with minor surface scuffs and scratches consistent with 60+ years of age. All knobs and switches are present and move freely. The manufacturer's nameplate is clearly legible. Hardware and fasteners are original.
COLLECTIBILITY AND VALUE
Analog Smith Chart plotters from the 1950s-60s are exceedingly rare. Most were retired and scrapped as digital test equipment became available in the 1970s-80s. Dielectric manufactured these in limited quantities primarily for broadcast engineers and military contractors. Serial number 164 suggests very limited production.
Comparable vintage RF impedance analyzers and Smith Chart instruments command premium prices in the collector market. This represents an opportunity to acquire a museum-quality example of pre-digital RF test technology from a prestigious American manufacturer.​
IDEAL FOR:
  • Collectors of vintage test equipment and scientific instruments
  • Radio and television broadcast historians
  • Museums and educational institutions
  • Restoration of period-correct broadcast facilities
  • Display in vintage electronics collections
  • Amateur radio operators interested in RF measurement history.

ABOUT DIELECTRICDielectric remains in operation today at its original Raymond, Maine headquarters, now occupying 120,000 square feet of manufacturing and engineering space. The company holds more patents than any other antenna manufacturer worldwide and continues to supply broadcast transmission equipment to customers around the globe. This vintage test equipment represents the engineering excellence that established Dielectric's reputation over 75 years ago.​
PROVENANCEThis instrument was acquired from an estate collection of vintage broadcast engineering equipment. Its history of use and maintenance is unknown.
Thank you for your interest in this exceptional piece of RF engineering history.Includes oursatisfaction guaranteedescribed below. Feel free to contact us with questions or offers.

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