At 05:53 PM 1/18/2007, you wrote:
My gosh! I wouldn't want one of those nowadays!
But I suppose that was what I used before the two rack 8620/9845
based versions. I do recall an automated spectrum analysis system
based on 141T's that took up a couple of racks, darned if I can
remember the controller though. Of course this was in the days when
we still had 524 series counters in racks because the powers that be
thought they were more reliable than 5245's. All the gear tended to
be in racks lined up along the wall and we worked on castored
trolley's that rolled between our individual benches and the test
gear.
The system is NOTHING like a 524 which is all tube. You could not give
me one of those.
My reminiscing, I used to have two of these in my house, saved on the
heating bill!
The system is mostly solid state (it has some BWOs (in the higher
frequency band PIs) and a couple of tubes in the power supply for them
and a CRT) and is largely ICs. In fact, it's a LOT more maintainable
since it has no unobtainable or $$$$$$$$$$ microwave hybrids or ASICs.
Have you tried to fix newer HP stuff?
Up until a couple of years ago I maintained all my own gear. My
"shack" collection included an 8505A (sorry I sold it now!) 141T
system (regret selling that too!) and a complete 8409C system. As
well as lots of other 1980's HP stuff. Fortunately much of the gear
was either acquired new ( 8620C's and plug-ins, 5345A & PI's, 8505A,
141T (2 complete systems) when I had a consulting practice, or came
from sources where I knew the entire history of the unit. In all
those years we replaced two output amplifiers in 8640B's and one 8555A mixer.
Basically, you have to cannibalize
another unit. I have a 3.7 to 4.2 and 5.9 to 6.5 GHz Communication
Sweep Generator that died.
Hmmm, I might have one of those in the basement. What model number is it?
It turns out that HP left a loose screw in
the RF output amp during assembly. The screw was provably NEVER
tightened.... that was clear from a microphotograph I took I complained
bitterly, but they essentially said 'too bad'... it's out of warranty.
They also said I should 'hurry up' and order the replacement module for
ONLY $1400 because the price was about to go up to $2000++. Since then,
I've tried to avoid their newer stuff.
Sadly, HP lost sight of the HP way. I know that many of us who were
very close to HP back in the 70's regret what happened. I know a lot
of the staff did too. But that's the way of the world I am afraid.
OTOH, I had a Tek RTD-710A fail. The replacement part was about $2500
(an amplifier hybrid), but they said there had been a manufacturing
problem. I took it to the local Tek office and they repaired and
calibrated the unit and returned it to me shipping prepaid... at no
charge... ZERO.
That sort of thing USED to happen at HP sometimes too. Sadly my last
experience with Tektronix was being laughed at when I asked about
parts for an AWG2000 series unit about two years ago. Luckily I
picked up a parts unit on the big auction for little money and saved
the day. If you think HP had problems, try Keithley! I tried for ages
to get manuals for some gear with absolutely no luck at all, I gather
that they would not even provide service manuals where they had
signed contracts that required them to do so. In one case I know they
maintained the equipment free of charge for 13 years rather than
provide manuals.
John
I've thought about changing from the 2100 to a 98xx or PC but rewriting
the SW is just not on my agenda. I mostly use a 8505A these days.
-John
