Product Overview
Dekastat SP1298 Decade Resistor Rack – Used, Vintage Pre-1970 Laboratory Standard
The Dekastat SP1298 is a precision decade resistor rack offering selectable resistance from 0.01 ohms to 11 kilohms. Built with rugged construction and high-tolerance components, it served as a calibration and testing standard in mid-century laboratories.
This unit carries visible history—inventory tags dating to 1970 and an earlier label beneath it suggest long institutional use and careful stewardship. During inspection and basic electrical testing, all switch positions performed properly, confirming reliable continuity and stability across the range.
Product Condition
Used, vintage pre-1970. Shows minor marks and scuffs consistent with careful laboratory use. Switches turn smoothly, contacts tested operational. Original institutional tags remain affixed, reflecting provenance and authenticity.
Product Overview
Dekastat produced laboratory-grade resistance standards for electrical calibration, circuit development, and educational use. The SP1298’s design—metal chassis, precision resistors, and rotary selector banks—represents the quality craftsmanship typical of pre-1970 test equipment. Its durability and measured accuracy make it suitable for both operational use and collection.
Key Features
- Model: SP1298 decade resistor rack
- Resistance range: 0.01Ω to 11KΩ
- Multiple decade dials for fine adjustment
- High-stability resistor network construction
- Manual rotary switches with firm detents
- Rackmount format for lab integration
- Durable metal enclosure with grounding terminals
- Tested for continuity and consistent resistance output
- Original institutional labeling preserved
- Pre-1970 manufacture era
Applications
- Electrical calibration and resistance substitution
- Instrument testing and circuit design
- Training and educational laboratory setups
- Restoration of vintage test benches
- Historical electronics collections
- Analog instrumentation research
- Precision measurement demonstrations
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the resistance range of this SP1298?
The unit provides selectable resistance from 0.01 ohms to approximately 11 kilohms through its decade dials.
Has the unit been tested?
Basic electrical testing was performed, confirming functional switching and consistent resistance across all ranges.
What does the tag history indicate?
The most recent inventory tag dates from 1970, with an earlier one underneath—suggesting long-term institutional service before that date.
Is this suitable for modern calibration work?
While still functional, it is best suited for educational, experimental, or historical demonstration use rather than certified metrology calibration.
Who manufactured Dekastat instruments?
Dekastat was a U.S.-based manufacturer known for producing high-quality resistor banks and substitution boxes widely used in laboratories during the 1950s–1970s.
A relic of precision engineering’s analog era, the Dekastat SP1298 continues to demonstrate craftsmanship and stability—its next measurement story belongs to you.
