Publisher: Heath Company (Benton Harbor, MI)
Type: Original Vintage Educational Product Catalog
Year: 1987
Key Subjects: Robotics (HERO 1), Microprocessors, Digital Techniques, Advanced Electronics, Circuit Design, Computer Programming
Featured Hardware: Zenith Z-159 Personal Computer, ET-3600 Analog Trainer, ET-3700 Digital Trainer, HERO 1 Robot Trainer, Epson FX-286-E Printer, Weller Soldering Stations, Luxo Magnifier Lamps
Up for sale is a fantastic, highly collectible piece of late-1980s tech ephemera: an original 1987 Heathkit Education Catalog. Published by the legendary Heath Company of Benton Harbor, Michigan, this comprehensive catalog was directed toward vocational schools, universities, and dedicated self-taught hobbyists looking to master the blossoming fields of computing, automated electronics, and industrial robotics.
The catalog provides an incredible nostalgic deep dive into the hardware and training systems that built a generation of tech professionals.
Catalog Highlights:
Zenith Data Systems Computer Workstations: Features full systems spreads, including the premium Zenith Z-159 Personal Computer system (an 8088-based machine operating at dual speeds of 4.77 or 8 MHz), paired with the iconic Epson FX-286-E dot-matrix printer. Includes pricing configurations up to $2,499.00!
HERO 1 Robot Trainer: A highly detailed section outlining the legendary HERO 1 educational robot, showcasing its onboard 8-bit microcomputer, multi-jointed arm, voice synthesizer, sonar/light sensors, and corresponding robotics curriculum.
Electronics & Digital Trainers: Full technical details and pricing for the ET-3600 Analog Trainer (featured prominently on the front cover), ET-3200-B Versatile Digital Trainer, and the Digital Circuits Experiment Module.
Lab Bench Hardware: Promotes heavy-duty hobbyist gear like Weller temperature-controlled soldering stations, high-voltage power supplies, and classic Luxo magnifying swing-arm desk lamps.
Curriculum Roadmap: A comprehensive visual tree diagram mapping out Heathkit's "Learn-At-Home" certification courses ranging from basic electricity to advanced linear circuits and microprocessors.
Overall Condition: Good / Very Good Vintage Condition with great structural integrity.
Front & Back Covers: Show normal, authentic handling wear consistent with vintage paper items of this age. There is typical light edge chipping, minor corner creasing, and minor dust-soiling/toning along the white borders. The graphics remain bold, and the colors are vibrant. The original rear mailing flap/address field is present and completely blank.
Spine & Binding: Original staple binding is firm and secure. No loose or detached pages.
Interior Pages: Clean, crisp, and beautifully preserved. The pages show mild natural age toning but are completely free of textbook-style highlighting, ink underlines, missing coupons, or grease smudges. It remains an excellent, highly readable reference copy.
Shipped flat with thick, protective cardboard reinforcement to ensure it arrives without any bending or spine rolling.
Dispatched promptly via USPS Ground Advantage with tracking provided.