Bob Groom was the Managing Director of Telequipment. He got his start in the electronics business in 1952 by observing the need for a television test generator for repair. At that time television was only broadcast 2 hours in the evening so television repairmen needed a reliable signal source. He later partnered with Jim Copps and Jack Coomber to market an improved version. At a trade show they had their home-made scope and interest shown got them into the oscilloscope business.

Tektronix first showed interest in Telequipment in 1959 with their ServiScope. This excerpt from the Winning With People: The First 40 Years Of Tektronix book mentions the founders and Howard's view of Bob Groom.

 

Tektronix announced the acquisition of Telequipment in 1966. This Spring 1967 issue of TekTalk describes the early history of Telequipment. Click on the image to view the PDF.

 

This January 19, 1968 TekWeek article mentions Bob Groom as the Director of Engineering.

 

We do not understand this 10 year anniversary announcement in the February 26, 1971 issue of TekWeek. It indicates Bob had a 10 year anniversary which would indicate he was hired in 1961. In 1961 he was clearly at Telequipment prior to the acquisition by Tektronix. Perhaps he joined the group since he was the Managing Director.

 

This August 6, 1971 TekWeek article features Bob Groom and Lionel Kreps.

 

This April 21, 1972 TekWeek article mentions Bob will be the speaker at the next Area Rep conference.

This  May 12, 1972 TekWeek article features Bob Groom and Don Alvey's presentation at the Area Rep meeting. Bob describes the Telequipment operation and Don Alvey, along with Bob, take questions from the audience. Click on the image to view the PDF.

 

This November 10, 1972 TekWeek features Bob among a group of international personnel.

 

This March 30, 1973 TekWeek article features Bob with two 20 year employees.

 

This February 1, 1974 TekWeek features Bob among a group of international employees.

 

Here is Bob Groom's official photo.

 

More information on Telequipment is on our Telequipment/Hoddesdon page.  Bob's niece Deanna Groom visited the museum for a lengthy tour including our history of Telequipment and our Telequipment instruments.