Tektronix oscilloscopes could catch fire due to volatile Li-ion

We've seen some strange devices catch fire due to faulty batteries, but this one just may take top honors. Apparently, a pair of Tektronix oscilloscopes (model numbers TDS3000 and TDS3000B) have the potential of catching fire; according to the company, it has received two reports of the units "burning at customer sites." Upon closer inspection, it was noticed that the machines both relied on a TDS3BATB Li-ion battery, which is now carrying the blame for the unexpected blazes. If you or a loved one just so happen to own or use one of these rigs in your everyday life, Tektronix is suggesting that you power it down and stop using the battery until further notice.

[Via TheInquirer]

[Reader @ Oct 16th 2007 3:47AM]

That's just what they want you to believe...

[Hollywood Ron @ Oct 16th 2007 8:45AM]

How am I supposed to figure out signal voltage without my oscilloscope?!

[Eric @ Oct 16th 2007 8:56AM]

I remember when o'scopes caught fire because of the tubes!

[Oliver @ Oct 16th 2007 11:20AM]

Ha! There's one of these sitting about 5ft away from me...but it doesn't have the battery...which is an option anyway. Funny stuff...until it blows!

[Jeff @ Oct 16th 2007 3:39PM]

Ha! I have a TDS3014B sitting on my desk right now... Funny thing is, yesterday was the first day I left it on overnight so I could vpn in, write some firmware and look at some signals remotely...

[Jeff @ Oct 16th 2007 3:51PM]

ahh... maybe it's not the series and just the 3000 & 3000B... ops!