Thanks John; I have ruled out Python for now but may?learn it some?day.?

20 years using C does not make me a programmer but I have built many successful projects with the tools I have.

Many seem to be missing the point that I am looking for the shortest learning curve. The two missing items are a C compiler with a nice IDE to run on Windows and learning graphics with it.

I understand the following (TurboC)

/* Simple example to draw circle */

#颈苍肠濒耻诲别”驳谤补辫丑颈肠蝉.丑”

#颈苍肠濒耻诲别”肠辞苍颈辞.丑”

void main()

{

int gd=DETECT,gm;

initgraph(&gd, &gm, “c:/tc/bgi “);

circle(330,180,100);

getch();

closegraph();

}

I just need to get started with software running on a Windows computer to?write programs like that.? I have done similar on a low res LCD with a PIC.

The best advice so far was the free MS Visual C which I will try to load. There is a very nice Tutorial that I partly completed on?the version that was not free.?

I hope the free version is as good.

Is anyone interested in helping with a PC controlling an HP Impedance analyzer?

Peter

On Sun, Nov 7, 2021 at 1:38 PM John Griessen <john@...> wrote:

On 11/7/21 09:39, peter bunge wrote:
> I am not a programmer and like to keep things simple.
> The reason I like the PIC over Arduino and RaspberryPi is that I can make custom PCBs and program the pins on the PIC to be
> convenient.

micropython on a STM32F4 or others might interest you.? It's still a learning curve.? STM32's have lots of GPIOs ports and such
that can be remapped? in various alternate ways, but not pin by pin.? The power and grounds and XTAL in/out don't remap, but some
redundant ones can be left off.

I'm not sure if this is a good excuse but I'm relatively young (< 30)
and only been doing electronics for the last couple years, when I
started teaching myself. I also don't come from an engineering
background, so I've probably missed some things that are evident to
others in the field. I did study physics undergrad though, and research
is one of the places I've come across these. But, none of us were too
concerned that these were called 19" racks.

Matt

6 nov. 2021 kl. 4:33 em skrev peter bunge <bunge.pjp@...>:

?

I looked at the 1700 page data sheet for the Arm Cortex 32 bit CPU and the much smaller development board data sheet (30 pages?).

It looks complicated!

I have a RaspberryPi 3 inserted in a SmartiPi Touch Case with wireless ISB keyboard. I think it would be easier to use and it has a higher resolution screen. $350 Cdn if I remember correctly.

It may be easier to replace in 5 years time when the ST becomes obsolete.

On Sat, Nov 6, 2021 at 2:36 PM peter bunge via <bunge.pjp=[email protected]> wrote:

I am impressed with the video and would love to add an LCD to my HP4192A Impedance Analyzer that has no CRT and expects an XYY analog pen plotter.

Anyone interested please contact me privately and maybe we can do something.

I also have a Tek 576 Curve Tracer but the CRT is good and I have a spare. I can see the advantages of updating it. Keep me in the loop,?I may be able?to contribute.

I updated my HP8753B with the Newscope LCD and am delighted with it. My HP8757C has a colour LCD and is excellent but a bit dim in bright lighting, as is my HP54542C DSO.

Getting a digital screen capture would be great as well. My 3 HP mentioned have ways to get a screen capture (John Miles 7470A emulator, Prologix USB/GPIB, and a USB floppy reader).

What language is the software written in? I am struggling with a decision to learn Python but have pretty well decided to stick to C which I use for programming PICs. Python would be a huge distraction and time burner for me.

Peter

On Sat, Nov 6, 2021 at 12:49 PM green <hrgerson@...> wrote:

hi,

In the event of instrument CRT death, one might want to do a replacement having an LCD display:

The question is:
-- are there any existing modules ( or schematics, or projects )? that might be used for an HP older instrument having an XY (XYZ or Vector) type CRT that would allow replacement of the CTR with an LCD ( & also provide a laptop connection for data manipulation & saving ) ?

This question is for a Vector type XY or XYZ CRT?? found in some older scopes, ... & ? for example the Tek 576 Curve Tracer ( CT ) :

??? {??? Raster type CRT to VGA type modules can be had inexpensively on eBay for ~ $29,etc.? .... and is not the topic in this thread }

There has been some recent discussion about this for the Tek 576 CT on that Groups .io .... without a resolution as of yet,
but the same solution *might* be of use to older HP instruments as well ?

/g/TekScopes/topic/86718765
and
/g/TekScopes/topic/69490299#164207


Anyway, looking for a solution to this XY ( XYZ, Vector )? type CRT to LCD problem.
{ Not wanting to replace the CRT with another CRT ! }

There is an example of someone doing a retrofit add-on LCD module for an HP 141T 18GHz SA:



The individual did not make any further YouTube video upgrades to that project; but it is a start !
The discussed ST LCD module is not too expensive ( $55 to $130 ).


The video Arcade Game folks do have an expensive module that can do this for their Vector type CRT's,
... discussed in the Tek Curve Tracer CRT discussion : /g/TekScopes/topic/86718765
However, this Tempest module ( ~$525 !! ) & the NewScope modules are way too expensive !
-- So, would not be buying those at all !

So, looking for a less expensive module or schematics of such to attempt a DIY for the XY (XYZ or Vector) CRT to LCD replacement.

>> Anyone having specific detailed technical knowledge for an XY (XYZ, Vector) to LCD module, or schematics? to the above issue ?
? would be appreciated.

thank you,
rick

Attachments:

• 20210509_194618.jpg

I keep basically all of my large and heavy (mostly HP) equipment on a
heavy-duty shelf I ordered from McMaster-Carr
(). I recently moved and wound up with
less space than I previously had. Before, I left about 2.5' behind the
instrument rack to be able to access the backs of the equipment. But, I
could really use that space in the new spot. So, I thought it might be
nice to put my normally stationary shelf on casters. This way I can roll
the shelf out when I need access to the rear of the instruments and keep
it against the wall for normal use. However, I'd very much like to
ensure my equipment doesn't go toppling over when I move it. I posted
about this on eevblog
()
and received some really great advice, which has gotten me to the
current iteration of the design (more on this momentarily). However, I
wanted to field advice from people on this thread who are probably more
used to large and heavy equipment than most.

I've modeled the shelf + casters in CAD and added pictures to this
post. The leveling+swiveling casters are also from McMaster-Carr
(). Basically, I'll put the shelf on
two C channels. The channel will be bolted to the shelf just below each
vertical column. I've designed the length of the channel to be longer
than the depth of the shelf so that the distance between the center of
the wheels when both wheels are rolled inward is still wider than the
depth of the shelf (24").

Some things to note. I'd estimate the total weight of my equipment
between 500 and 1000 lbs, though I'm guessing. The diameter of the
wheels is only 2". However, I'll be careful to ensure there is nothing
in the path of the wheels when I roll it out or in. Also, this is on
flat, hardwood floor. Most of the weight of the shelf is placed on the
middle two shelves since that's where it's accessible. Obviously from a
stability perspective it would be better if it were on the
bottom. Unfortunately, that's not an option. Though I wouldn't
necessarily be opposed to putting weights on the bottom shelf if people
feel that's a major improvement.

Lastly, a previous thread here
(/g/HP-Agilent-Keysight-equipment/topic/racks_for_older_equipment/72918532?p=Created%2C%2C%2C20%2C1%2C0%2C0&prev=1)
contained some good information about this topic. The takeaway seemed to
be that proper NSF metro racks are a good way to achieve what I'm
looking for. And, from Don's comment, it sounds like this is what HP
used for their mobile cal lab, which is obviously a big
endorsement. However, I've already sunk a good chunk of money into this
shelf and would like to use it rather than buying something new. Also,
my uninformed impression is that my shelf looks a bit sturdier than the
metro racks. I could very well be wrong though and would be greatful to
hear why!

Thanks!
Matt

"Dave McGuire" <mcguire@...> writes:

You're not familiar with 19" racks, which have been ubiquitous in
many industries for about a century?

- test equipment
- computing
- telephony
- sound reinforcement
- pro music gear (synthesizers, audio processing)
- industrial automation
- [probably more that I can't think of offhand]

I'm not trying to talk down to you, man, but I can't see how anyone
who has lived on Earth for awhile couldn't know about these. Heck, my
grandmother suggested to me that I should get one when I was about 14,
in the 80s.

I googled "HP test equipment rack" and the 19" rack popped up. I have
seen these before, though I didn't know the term (or know that it was a
standard). I also did not know that these are what HP, Agilent and
Keysight use for their test equipment racks.

I'm not sure if this is a good excuse but I'm relatively young (< 30)
and only been doing electronics for the last couple years, when I
started teaching myself. I also don't come from an engineering
background, so I've probably missed some things that are evident to
others in the field. I did study physics undergrad though, and research
is one of the places I've come across these. But, none of us were too
concerned that these were called 19" racks.

Matt

?

I repaired L2 as best I could and it measured ok so thought I would give it a try. I suspect on 6AU6 may be part of my problem. I swapped them around and I now have a perfectly functional unit as far as I can tell, except R30 gets scolding hot still. I have 4 more 6AU6 coming.

I measured the voltage at the R40/R31/R30 junction at 132V DC and -5.8V and -5.3V on the other side of R30 and R31 respectively with respect to chassis ground. Why would R30 get twice as hot as R31 given those measurements? Don't they effectively have almost the same current flowing across them ? I desoldered R30 and it measure 3.1kOhm but perhaps something else is wrong with it ?

I think I am getting closer

Regards

Richard

The biggest problem is to be sure the that COG never can get forward
of the wheels.  An 800 pound rack tipping is lethal.  A 2 inch caster
seems to be a bit small for the load, unless it's rated for 300 pounds.
If one of those fails you might have a problem.

I like the metro rack solution, I have a bunch of them.  Adjustable
shelves, 800 pounds/rack easy and it's not too hard to find them
used in the $50-75 range.  Every restaraunt has a few.

  Paul


On Sun, Nov 07, 2021 at 03:27:22PM -0800, Matt Huszagh wrote:

I keep basically all of my large and heavy (mostly HP) equipment on a
heavy-duty shelf I ordered from McMaster-Carr
(). I recently moved and wound up with
less space than I previously had. Before, I left about 2.5' behind the
instrument rack to be able to access the backs of the equipment. But, I
could really use that space in the new spot. So, I thought it might be
nice to put my normally stationary shelf on casters. This way I can roll
the shelf out when I need access to the rear of the instruments and keep
it against the wall for normal use. However, I'd very much like to
ensure my equipment doesn't go toppling over when I move it. I posted
about this on eevblog
()
and received some really great advice, which has gotten me to the
current iteration of the design (more on this momentarily). However, I
wanted to field advice from people on this thread who are probably more
used to large and heavy equipment than most.

I've modeled the shelf + casters in CAD and added pictures to this
post. The leveling+swiveling casters are also from McMaster-Carr
(). Basically, I'll put the shelf on
two C channels. The channel will be bolted to the shelf just below each
vertical column. I've designed the length of the channel to be longer
than the depth of the shelf so that the distance between the center of
the wheels when both wheels are rolled inward is still wider than the
depth of the shelf (24").

Some things to note. I'd estimate the total weight of my equipment
between 500 and 1000 lbs, though I'm guessing. The diameter of the
wheels is only 2". However, I'll be careful to ensure there is nothing
in the path of the wheels when I roll it out or in. Also, this is on
flat, hardwood floor. Most of the weight of the shelf is placed on the
middle two shelves since that's where it's accessible. Obviously from a
stability perspective it would be better if it were on the
bottom. Unfortunately, that's not an option. Though I wouldn't
necessarily be opposed to putting weights on the bottom shelf if people
feel that's a major improvement.

Lastly, a previous thread here
(/g/HP-Agilent-Keysight-equipment/topic/racks_for_older_equipment/72918532?p=Created%2C%2C%2C20%2C1%2C0%2C0&prev=1)
contained some good information about this topic. The takeaway seemed to
be that proper NSF metro racks are a good way to achieve what I'm
looking for. And, from Don's comment, it sounds like this is what HP
used for their mobile cal lab, which is obviously a big
endorsement. However, I've already sunk a good chunk of money into this
shelf and would like to use it rather than buying something new. Also,
my uninformed impression is that my shelf looks a bit sturdier than the
metro racks. I could very well be wrong though and would be greatful to
hear why!

Thanks!
Matt

"Paul Amaranth" <paul@...> writes:

The biggest problem is to be sure the that COG never can get forward
of the wheels. An 800 pound rack tipping is lethal. A 2 inch caster
seems to be a bit small for the load, unless it's rated for 300 pounds.
If one of those fails you might have a problem.

The COG will be roughly halfway into the shelf. And, since I've designed
the wheels to at least be past the edge of the shelf, that should never
be a problem. Each caster is rated for 550lbs. I like these casters
because I can keep the weight off the wheel most of the time and level
the shelf (they're leveling casters).

I like the metro rack solution, I have a bunch of them. Adjustable
shelves, 800 pounds/rack easy and it's not too hard to find them
used in the $50-75 range. Every restaraunt has a few.

Yep, I've got nothing against the metro rack. They look great and when I
need an additional shelf that's probably what I'll go for. But, I'd like
to make this existing shelf work if I can.

Also, I should mention that my CAD rendition of the C channel and
casters are accurate, but the shelf is a rough approximation (in the
interest of time). The McMaster-Carr link shows a good depiction of it
though. In particular, though mounting of the shelf to the vertical
supports is quite robust (not as shown here).

Matt