[Milsurplus] OS-8C capacitors

[Ray Fantini]

I recently bought a OS-8C scope for a grand total of $5, keep in mind that I have a Tektronix flat panel digital scope with all the options but found that the new flat digi scopes leave something to be desired when looking at AM modulated carrier so I decided that I need a primitive tube type scope for a modulation monitor. So back to the five dollar scope, took the thing home and into the shop and disassembled the unit and found that every electrolytic capacitor was shorted or way leakey. The question is why did they use about the same grade wax and foil capacitor on the OS-8 as in any run of the mill fifties era television set instead of the higher quality capacitors that were in other military equipment of the time? Was the OS-8 a militarized civilian scope or were the mill specs lower for some items then others?
Ray Fantini KA3EKH