开云体育

ctrl + shift + ? for shortcuts
© 2025 开云体育
Date

70902A spectrum analyzer IF module RESOLUTION BANDWIDTH problems

 

Hello,

I am trying to fix a 71100A spectrum analyzer and I'm stuck. It passes the "analyzer test" built into the firmware but does not pass calibration of the resolution bandwidth for some of the bandwidth filters (in the 70902A IF module).

The problen is easily seen in the shape of the curve from the calibrator, which for three of the filters does not look like it should. If you take a look at



you will see that:

* 10 Hz: Looks like if it was composed of two filters in series not aligned to the same center frequency. Peak amplitude 8 dB down.

* 30 Hz: Almost right but again not 100% symmetric. Peak amplitude OK.

* 100 Hz: Seems nice to me.

* 300 Hz: Just A bit asymmetric

* 1.00 kHz: Ugly, centered but no simmetry. Peak amplitude OK.

* 3.00 kHz: Ugliest, a complete mess. Peak amplitude 13dB up.

* 30.0 kHz: Looks nice.

* 100 kHz: Strange shape, convex skirts instead of concave (??)

* 300 kHz: Strange shape, convex skirts instead of concave (??)


The first error ( 2023 , Illegal Cal Signal ) appears when the 3.0 kHz test is done. The last one ( 6011 , RBW hardware error ) appears after the last one, which is the 10Hz test.

I have the Component Level Information Package (from ARTEKMANUALS) for the module, and it shows there are (among other), 9 filter stages:

LC1 > LC2 > XTAL1 > XTAL2 > XTAL3 > XTAL4 > XTAL5 > LC3 > LC4

Most of the stages have a bandwidth and center control pot/cap, some also a symmetry control. I tweaked them and could not see any significant difference in the ones that don't look nice so I carefully left them all where they were.

There are also "SHORT" LEDs on each filter stage, I believe to signal which stages are being bypassed. What I do not understand is why the LC1, LC2, LC3 and LC4 LEDs are never ON and the XTAL1, XTAL2, XTAL3, XTAL4 and XTAL5 are either ON

of OFF, all at the same time. From 10K up they are all ON and from 3K and down they are all OFF. I was expecting some kind of weighted switching to get the desired filter bandwidth, so I could find and repair the stage that was failing, but it does not seem to be that easy. Since it is possible to have continuos bandwidth control, some of the stages are probably not as simple as I thought.

Appart from some of the trim caps being stuck, there was no physical damage that I could find.

Does anyone know how the filter stages work? Suggestions to try?

Thank you and Merry xmas to you all.

Roberto EB4EQA


Re: FS: Percent Modulation meter for HP 608 (?) signal generators

 

Oops? I looked up the meters in the 608D manual and I find that the two are not identical. The RF level is 50 uA while the modulation is 1 mA. Unfortunately I need the RF level for the 608. In the case of the 606 the PDF of the manual I have is not very clear and I couldn't find the meter listing. I think they are both 200 uA meter movements. I had to shunt the 100 uA meter I kluged in to be able to calibrate it.

Regards.

Max. K 4 O DS.

Email: max@...

Transistor site
Vacuum tube site:
Woodworking site
Music site:

To subscribe to the fun with transistors group send an email to.
funwithtransistors-subscribe@...

To subscribe to the fun with tubes group send an email to,
funwithtubes-subscribe@...

To subscribe to the fun with wood group send a blank email to
funwithwood-subscribe@...

----- Original Message -----
From: "Brad Thompson" <brad.thompson@...>
To: <hp_agilent_equipment@...>
Sent: Friday, December 21, 2012 2:43 PM
Subject: [hp_agilent_equipment] FS: Percent Modulation meter for HP 608 (?) signal generators


Hello--

In case anyone needs a replacement, I'm offering FS a NOS
(new-old-stock) "Percent Modulation" meter, HP p/n 1120-0397-1,
1 mA full-scale movement. This meter bears a corporate
calibration sticker that seals the meter's adjustment screw,
but the date-of-calibration code is not obvious.

IIRC, this meter is an exact replacement for the percentage
modulation meters used in HP's 608-C (and possibly other
608-family?) signal generators; if that's incorrect, please
let me know.

I'm asking $10.00 plus USPS postage; I honor PayPal and welcome questions.

Thanks, and 73--

Brad AA1IP


------------------------------------

Yahoo! Groups Links




Re: HP Oldies.

 

----- Original Message -----
From: "Max Robinson" <max@...>
To: <hp_agilent_equipment@...>
Sent: Friday, December 21, 2012 11:59 AM
Subject: [hp_agilent_equipment] HP Oldies.


I am looking for a couple of HP oldies. The 260A Q meter and the 250A RX
meter. I can't find any on eBay. These two instruments were carried over
from Boonton when HP bought them out.

Regards.

Max. K 4 O DS.
I've seen both for sale occasionally. Search for Boonton since most were made by them. I have both instruments and a 190A VHF Q-Meter. I am looking for a main capacitor assembly for mine. It was evidently bumped very hard long before I got it.
FWIW, I bought the Q meters at a local swap meet (TRW) and the RX meter via the web.


Re: HP Oldies.

 

1959. the instruments are shown in the HP 1963 catalog.

In a message dated 12/21/2012 12:22:30 P.M. Pacific Standard Time,
kc0wjn@... writes:




Wow. I didn't know HP bought Boonton. I always liked Boonton
instruments, probably because I was born in Boonton. When did HP buy them?

Dave

On 12/21/2012 12:59 PM, Max Robinson wrote:

I am looking for a couple of HP oldies. The 260A Q meter and the 250A RX
meter. I can't find any on eBay. These two instruments were carried over
from Boonton when HP bought them out.

Regards.

Max. K 4 O DS.

Email: _max@... (mailto:max@...)
<mailto:max%40maxsmusicplace.com>

Transistor site _
()
Vacuum tube site: _
()
Woodworking site
_
()
Music site: _
()

To subscribe to the fun with transistors group send an email to.
_funwithtransistors-subscribe@...
(mailto:funwithtransistors-subscribe@...)
<mailto:funwithtransistors-subscribe%40yahoogroups.com>

To subscribe to the fun with tubes group send an email to,
_funwithtubes-subscribe@...
(mailto:funwithtubes-subscribe@...)
<mailto:funwithtubes-subscribe%40yahoogroups.com>

To subscribe to the fun with wood group send a blank email to
_funwithwood-subscribe@...
(mailto:funwithwood-subscribe@...)
<mailto:funwithwood-subscribe%40yahoogroups.com>

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]






[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]


Re: HP-608A Repair

Bob Albert
 

I think the oscillator is okay but I will take another look. If it's weak I'd expect no output on some frequencies, which isn't happening.

Bob

--- On Fri, 12/21/12, Ken Greenough <g0wbm@...> wrote:

From: Ken Greenough <g0wbm@...>
Subject: Re: [hp_agilent_equipment] HP-608A Repair
To: hp_agilent_equipment@...
Date: Friday, December 21, 2012, 12:05 PM

? ----- Original Message -----
? From: Bob Albert
? To: hp_agilent_equipment@...

? Sent: Friday, December 21, 2012 6:02 PM
? Subject: Re: [hp_agilent_equipment] HP-608A Repair


? ?
? I am having attenuator problems also, with a Marconi
TF1066/4. The attenuator rack, made of plastic, had broken
because the generator had been removed from the case
carelessly. I repaired it with epoxy and the repair looks
very good. The attenuator moves smoothly and works well.

? However, the calibration is wrong. The output from
the generator is about 10dB less than the attenuator says.
The pickup coil is as far into the tube as it will go; any
farther and it contacts the coil. There is no means I can
see for rotating the pickup coil, so I am puzzled as to why
the output is low.

? I tried increasing the carrier level, assuming that
wasn't calibrated, but even at maximum the output is several
dB below the dial reading.

? Any ideas? This is a true boat anchor, and is way too
big and heavy for what it does. I want to get it working
properly so I can see about selling it. It has many great
features, and covers from 10 to 470 MHz, AM and FM and so
on. And it's a nice looking unit, with two big circular
dials with two pretty meters and light blue control knobs.

? Bob

? Hello Bob,

? Have you checked that the valves [ tubes] are in full
working order?

? If you're getting low output from the oscillator then
there's nothing the

? attenuator can do to compensate.

? 73 Ken g8beq

? Sorry to the group for the previous mail, I caught
send before I was ready.

? Happy Christmas to all.

?

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]



------------------------------------

Yahoo! Groups Links


? ? hp_agilent_equipment-fullfeatured@...


FS: Percent Modulation meter for HP 608 (?) signal generators

 

Hello--

In case anyone needs a replacement, I'm offering FS a NOS
(new-old-stock) "Percent Modulation" meter, HP p/n 1120-0397-1,
1 mA full-scale movement. This meter bears a corporate
calibration sticker that seals the meter's adjustment screw,
but the date-of-calibration code is not obvious.

IIRC, this meter is an exact replacement for the percentage
modulation meters used in HP's 608-C (and possibly other
608-family?) signal generators; if that's incorrect, please
let me know.

I'm asking $10.00 plus USPS postage; I honor PayPal and welcome questions.

Thanks, and 73--

Brad AA1IP


Re: HP Oldies.

 

It was some time in the 60s but I have no idea of the exact year.

Regards.

Max. K 4 O DS.

Email: max@...

Transistor site
Vacuum tube site:
Woodworking site
Music site:

To subscribe to the fun with transistors group send an email to.
funwithtransistors-subscribe@...

To subscribe to the fun with tubes group send an email to,
funwithtubes-subscribe@...

To subscribe to the fun with wood group send a blank email to
funwithwood-subscribe@...

----- Original Message -----
From: "Dave Daniel" <kc0wjn@...>
To: <hp_agilent_equipment@...>
Sent: Friday, December 21, 2012 2:22 PM
Subject: Re: [hp_agilent_equipment] HP Oldies.


Wow. I didn't know HP bought Boonton. I always liked Boonton
instruments, probably because I was born in Boonton. When did HP buy them?

Dave


On 12/21/2012 12:59 PM, Max Robinson wrote:

I am looking for a couple of HP oldies. The 260A Q meter and the 250A RX
meter. I can't find any on eBay. These two instruments were carried over
from Boonton when HP bought them out.

Regards.

Max. K 4 O DS.

Email: max@... <mailto:max%40maxsmusicplace.com>

Transistor site
Vacuum tube site:
Woodworking site

Music site:

To subscribe to the fun with transistors group send an email to.
funwithtransistors-subscribe@...
<mailto:funwithtransistors-subscribe%40yahoogroups.com>

To subscribe to the fun with tubes group send an email to,
funwithtubes-subscribe@...
<mailto:funwithtubes-subscribe%40yahoogroups.com>

To subscribe to the fun with wood group send a blank email to
funwithwood-subscribe@...
<mailto:funwithwood-subscribe%40yahoogroups.com>







------------------------------------

Yahoo! Groups Links




Re: HP Oldies.

 

I didn't know there was a Boonton group. I'll check it out.

Regards.

Max. K 4 O DS.

Email: max@...

Transistor site
Vacuum tube site:
Woodworking site
Music site:

To subscribe to the fun with transistors group send an email to.
funwithtransistors-subscribe@...

To subscribe to the fun with tubes group send an email to,
funwithtubes-subscribe@...

To subscribe to the fun with wood group send a blank email to
funwithwood-subscribe@...

----- Original Message -----
From: "J. Forster" <jfor@...>
To: <hp_agilent_equipment@...>
Sent: Friday, December 21, 2012 2:04 PM
Subject: Re: [hp_agilent_equipment] HP Oldies.


Also ask on the Boonton Group.

-John

==========


I am looking for a couple of HP oldies. The 260A Q meter and the 250A RX
meter. I can't find any on eBay. These two instruments were carried over
from Boonton when HP bought them out.

Regards.

Max. K 4 O DS.

Email: max@...

Transistor site
Vacuum tube site:
Woodworking site

Music site:

To subscribe to the fun with transistors group send an email to.
funwithtransistors-subscribe@...

To subscribe to the fun with tubes group send an email to,
funwithtubes-subscribe@...

To subscribe to the fun with wood group send a blank email to
funwithwood-subscribe@...




------------------------------------

Yahoo! Groups Links




Re: HP Oldies.

 

Wow. I didn't know HP bought Boonton. I always liked Boonton
instruments, probably because I was born in Boonton. When did HP buy them?

Dave

On 12/21/2012 12:59 PM, Max Robinson wrote:

I am looking for a couple of HP oldies. The 260A Q meter and the 250A RX
meter. I can't find any on eBay. These two instruments were carried over
from Boonton when HP bought them out.

Regards.

Max. K 4 O DS.

Email: max@... <mailto:max%40maxsmusicplace.com>

Transistor site
Vacuum tube site:
Woodworking site

Music site:

To subscribe to the fun with transistors group send an email to.
funwithtransistors-subscribe@...
<mailto:funwithtransistors-subscribe%40yahoogroups.com>

To subscribe to the fun with tubes group send an email to,
funwithtubes-subscribe@...
<mailto:funwithtubes-subscribe%40yahoogroups.com>

To subscribe to the fun with wood group send a blank email to
funwithwood-subscribe@...
<mailto:funwithwood-subscribe%40yahoogroups.com>


Re: HP-608A Repair

 

----- Original Message -----
From: Bob Albert
To: hp_agilent_equipment@...
Sent: Friday, December 21, 2012 6:02 PM
Subject: Re: [hp_agilent_equipment] HP-608A Repair



I am having attenuator problems also, with a Marconi TF1066/4. The attenuator rack, made of plastic, had broken because the generator had been removed from the case carelessly. I repaired it with epoxy and the repair looks very good. The attenuator moves smoothly and works well.

However, the calibration is wrong. The output from the generator is about 10dB less than the attenuator says. The pickup coil is as far into the tube as it will go; any farther and it contacts the coil. There is no means I can see for rotating the pickup coil, so I am puzzled as to why the output is low.

I tried increasing the carrier level, assuming that wasn't calibrated, but even at maximum the output is several dB below the dial reading.

Any ideas? This is a true boat anchor, and is way too big and heavy for what it does. I want to get it working properly so I can see about selling it. It has many great features, and covers from 10 to 470 MHz, AM and FM and so on. And it's a nice looking unit, with two big circular dials with two pretty meters and light blue control knobs.

Bob

Hello Bob,

Have you checked that the valves [ tubes] are in full working order?

If you're getting low output from the oscillator then there's nothing the

attenuator can do to compensate.

73 Ken g8beq

Sorry to the group for the previous mail, I caught send before I was ready.

Happy Christmas to all.


Re: HP-608A Repair

Bob Albert
 

What's this? You replied, simply quoting my message. Did you plan to comment?

Bob

--- On Fri, 12/21/12, Ken Greenough <g0wbm@...> wrote:

From: Ken Greenough <g0wbm@...>
Subject: Re: [hp_agilent_equipment] HP-608A Repair
To: hp_agilent_equipment@...
Date: Friday, December 21, 2012, 12:01 PM

? ----- Original Message -----
? From: Bob Albert
? To: hp_agilent_equipment@...

? Sent: Friday, December 21, 2012 6:02 PM
? Subject: Re: [hp_agilent_equipment] HP-608A Repair


? ?
? I am having attenuator problems also, with a Marconi
TF1066/4. The attenuator rack, made of plastic, had broken
because the generator had been removed from the case
carelessly. I repaired it with epoxy and the repair looks
very good. The attenuator moves smoothly and works well.

? However, the calibration is wrong. The output from
the generator is about 10dB less than the attenuator says.
The pickup coil is as far into the tube as it will go; any
farther and it contacts the coil. There is no means I can
see for rotating the pickup coil, so I am puzzled as to why
the output is low.

? I tried increasing the carrier level, assuming that
wasn't calibrated, but even at maximum the output is several
dB below the dial reading.

? Any ideas? This is a true boat anchor, and is way too
big and heavy for what it does. I want to get it working
properly so I can see about selling it. It has many great
features, and covers from 10 to 470 MHz, AM and FM and so
on. And it's a nice looking unit, with two big circular
dials with two pretty meters and light blue control knobs.

? Bob

?





------------------------------------

Yahoo! Groups Links


? ? hp_agilent_equipment-fullfeatured@...


Re: HP Oldies.

J. Forster
 

Also ask on the Boonton Group.

-John

==========

I am looking for a couple of HP oldies. The 260A Q meter and the 250A RX
meter. I can't find any on eBay. These two instruments were carried over
from Boonton when HP bought them out.

Regards.

Max. K 4 O DS.

Email: max@...

Transistor site
Vacuum tube site:
Woodworking site

Music site:

To subscribe to the fun with transistors group send an email to.
funwithtransistors-subscribe@...

To subscribe to the fun with tubes group send an email to,
funwithtubes-subscribe@...

To subscribe to the fun with wood group send a blank email to
funwithwood-subscribe@...


Re: HP-608A Repair

 

----- Original Message -----
From: Bob Albert
To: hp_agilent_equipment@...
Sent: Friday, December 21, 2012 6:02 PM
Subject: Re: [hp_agilent_equipment] HP-608A Repair



I am having attenuator problems also, with a Marconi TF1066/4. The attenuator rack, made of plastic, had broken because the generator had been removed from the case carelessly. I repaired it with epoxy and the repair looks very good. The attenuator moves smoothly and works well.

However, the calibration is wrong. The output from the generator is about 10dB less than the attenuator says. The pickup coil is as far into the tube as it will go; any farther and it contacts the coil. There is no means I can see for rotating the pickup coil, so I am puzzled as to why the output is low.

I tried increasing the carrier level, assuming that wasn't calibrated, but even at maximum the output is several dB below the dial reading.

Any ideas? This is a true boat anchor, and is way too big and heavy for what it does. I want to get it working properly so I can see about selling it. It has many great features, and covers from 10 to 470 MHz, AM and FM and so on. And it's a nice looking unit, with two big circular dials with two pretty meters and light blue control knobs.

Bob


HP Oldies.

 

I am looking for a couple of HP oldies. The 260A Q meter and the 250A RX meter. I can't find any on eBay. These two instruments were carried over from Boonton when HP bought them out.

Regards.

Max. K 4 O DS.

Email: max@...

Transistor site
Vacuum tube site:
Woodworking site
Music site:

To subscribe to the fun with transistors group send an email to.
funwithtransistors-subscribe@...

To subscribe to the fun with tubes group send an email to,
funwithtubes-subscribe@...

To subscribe to the fun with wood group send a blank email to
funwithwood-subscribe@...


Re: 3456A Voltmeter

 

Thank you all for your inputs.

--- In hp_agilent_equipment@..., Michael Hong <mcllhns@...> wrote:

Hi everyone,
I just bought two 3456As from the same dealer off eBay.
Both of them have the same problem. When they are turned on, the number drift from low mV number and goes up to -8.nnnnn for one meter and the other meter to -6.nnnn. And then float around there. When I short the leads at Ohm or Volt setting, they show the near zero and when disconnected, go to their the number again.

I expect they stay at very low mV or zero without any input. What seems be the problem?
Thank you.


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]


Re: HP-608A Repair

 

I'll give that a try. Thanks.

Regards.

Max. K 4 O DS.

Email: max@...

Transistor site
Vacuum tube site:
Woodworking site
Music site:

To subscribe to the fun with transistors group send an email to.
funwithtransistors-subscribe@...

To subscribe to the fun with tubes group send an email to,
funwithtubes-subscribe@...

To subscribe to the fun with wood group send a blank email to
funwithwood-subscribe@...

----- Original Message -----
From: "Bob Albert" <bob91343@...>
To: <hp_agilent_equipment@...>
Sent: Friday, December 21, 2012 12:45 PM
Subject: Re: [hp_agilent_equipment] HP-608A Repair


Max,

I too had the sticking meter syndrome. It's easy to repair. You remove the meter (two panel screws and two connection nuts) and then take the front bezel off. There is a tiny screw adjustment of the pivot. In my meters, that was too loose. I tightened them slightly until the pivot started to bind, then loosened a bit. No more sticky meters!

Bob

--- On Fri, 12/21/12, Max Robinson <max@...> wrote:

From: Max Robinson <max@...>
Subject: Re: [hp_agilent_equipment] HP-608A Repair
To: hp_agilent_equipment@...
Date: Friday, December 21, 2012, 10:13 AM
What a remarkable coincidence.
I have just come back on the list after
being on no mail for some time. Most of you are
working on somewhat newer
things than I am. I just finished putting a 606B and a
608D back into
operation. I have run into a sticking meter problem
with both. I was not
able to use the modulation meter in the 606 and had to kluge
a 100 microamp
meter in its place. If anyone has either the
modulation or RF level meter I
have saved the scale so I could use it. On the 608 the
RF Level meter
sticks above the set point which makes it a lower priority
but if anyone has
one lying around it would be nice to have the full range
capability. As
with the 606, both meters are identical so if you have a
modulation meter I
can just switch the scales and be all set.

For the gentleman named Dennis Klipa I have quite a lot of
experience with
tube gear and I could probably fix it if none of the parts
made of
unobtainium are defective. I have a source for the
pencil triodes although
they aren't cheep. The shipping on it would be a
bear though. I live in
Bowling Green Kentucky.

Regards.

Max. K 4 O DS.

Email: max@...

Transistor site
Vacuum tube site:
Woodworking site

Music site:

To subscribe to the fun with transistors group send an email
to.
funwithtransistors-subscribe@...

To subscribe to the fun with tubes group send an email to,
funwithtubes-subscribe@...

To subscribe to the fun with wood group send a blank email
to
funwithwood-subscribe@...

----- Original Message -----
From: "Steve Vineyard" <willltinker@...>
To: <hp_agilent_equipment@...>
Sent: Friday, December 21, 2012 9:05 AM
Subject: Re: [hp_agilent_equipment] HP-608A Repair


HP 608D's are good units, just big. If you are
going to use it and
space is not a problem, by all means fix it if you do
not have to spend
too much.

But keep in mind the market for these is very slow and
they do not bring
much anymore. Most people don't have the space
and newer smaller design
seem to have pushed them aside. Not that they are
any better, just
smaller.

I have one I keep for a back up, but use the two
HP8656A's I have most
of the time (smaller, easier to setup, little warm up
time). I think I
gave only $75 for mine several years ago. Not
sure it would bring that
now.

At least that is what the market looks like in my
world.

Hope this helps.

Steve, KJ5RV

Dennis Klipa wrote:
Richard and Dave,

Thanks for the leads. I did find that it is
the HP 608D with the crystal
calibrator option. I also found a photo of a
608D without the crystal
calibrator.

I am still looking for someone who might repair
these
things, notwithstanding the question of whether it
is worth the expense.

Best Regards,
Dennis, N8ERF


On Thu, Dec 20, 2012 at 2:58 PM, Richard Knoppow
<dickburk@...>wrote:


**



----- Original Message -----
From: "Dennis" <klipadk@...>
To: <hp_agilent_equipment@...>
Sent: Thursday, December 20, 2012 7:24 AM
Subject: [hp_agilent_equipment] HP-608A Repair


I have a 608A that is in need of some
repair. Actually, I
am not sure which "letter" it is as the
label with model
and serial number is missing. The unit does
work, but the
wave form is not very good in some ranges
and there are a
few other issues. Is there anyone out there
who
refurbishes these units. A few years ago, I
found a place
on the web in Washington State, I think,
that refurbished
them, but I can't find it now.

I have been telling myself that I would do
it myself but I
just can't seem to get it up on the
priority list. I did
search the archives but didn't find
anything helpful.
There might be something but nothing popped
up in my
search. Any help would be appreciated.

Best Regards,
Dennis, N8ERF

Check the -hp- archive site, there are old
catalogues
at:


Also see:


where there are many photographs of older
equipment and may
help to identify it.

The 608 series is shown at:



--
Richard Knoppow
Los Angeles
WB6KBL
dickburk@...




[Non-text portions of this message have been
removed]



------------------------------------

Yahoo! Groups Links




------------------------------------

Yahoo! Groups Links





------------------------------------

Yahoo! Groups Links


hp_agilent_equipment-fullfeatured@...


------------------------------------

Yahoo! Groups Links


Re: 3456A Voltmeter

 

The low ohms 4-wire for the HP3456A is excellent.

I've 2 of the HP3456a, one in cal from a medical company in Minnesota cost me $200, another from an auto-electronics firm in michigan was only $50.

--- In hp_agilent_equipment@..., "Ed Breya" <edbreya@...> wrote:

The nice big old lab/bench type DMMs will usually be a good deal in terms of performance v. price, since most people are looking for more modern, smaller types. Unless you plan to become a volt-nut, you likely won't need to go beyond six digits of resolution, so DMMs in the HP3456A class are just right for the top-end of a home lab, and can be used as the standard to calibrate all lesser equipment.

I have a 3456A, but I prefer the 3455A - I recently added a second, fixed with a simple repair. I've collected these over several years, and some Fluke 8400A five digit models, and a couple of Dana five digit ones. As I recall, I paid around USD30 to USD75 for the HPs in unknown working condition (they were OK or needed only minor repairs), and about USD5 to USD15 for the others.

The HPs usually sit on the shelf, to be brought out only for high precision work. The Flukes are the workhorses, used all the time for bench stuff. The most used, however, are those $3 handheld, disposable ones from Harbor Freight - good enough for routine work, and when in doubt, double checked with a Fluke.

So, portability is important, but it's nice to have at least one really high performance lab/bench unit available.

If you read entirely message #48085 from a couple of weeks back, you will see some more detailed discussion of DMM issues. Note that this thread was about the HP34(65)A - a crappy 4.5 digit model - not to be confused with the HP34(56)A, the nice 6 digit one presently discussed.

Ed

--- In hp_agilent_equipment@..., Jeff Machesky <jeff@> wrote:

So what's a fair price for the 3456A without a known state of
calibration? I'm still looking at the 3478A's as well or maybe even the
3468A. Something really intriguing about the 3456A however. I did order
one of the fluke 8050A's just because. Found one that was powered on and
appeared very clean. Doubt I'll have it before x-mas however. Can one
really have too many meters ?

Thanks,

Jeff

On 12/20/2012 9:42 PM, David C. Partridge wrote:

Normal behaviour. They have VERY high input impedance on the low
voltage ranges, so any stray charge can cause a reading.

Dave
-----Original Message-----
From: hp_agilent_equipment@...
<mailto:hp_agilent_equipment%40yahoogroups.com>
[mailto:hp_agilent_equipment@...
<mailto:hp_agilent_equipment%40yahoogroups.com>] On Behalf Of Michael Hong
Sent: 20 December 2012 23:23
To: hp_agilent_equipment@...
<mailto:hp_agilent_equipment%40yahoogroups.com>
Subject: [hp_agilent_equipment] 3456A Voltmeter

Hi everyone,
I just bought two 3456As from the same dealer off eBay.
Both of them have the same problem. When they are turned on, the
number drift from low mV number and goes up to -8.nnnnn for one meter
and the other meter to -6.nnnn. And then float around there. When I
short the leads at Ohm or Volt setting, they show the near zero and
when disconnected, go to their the number again.

I expect they stay at very low mV or zero without any input. What
seems be the problem?
Thank you.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

------------------------------------

Yahoo! Groups Links


Re: HP-608A Repair

Bob Albert
 

Max,

I too had the sticking meter syndrome. It's easy to repair. You remove the meter (two panel screws and two connection nuts) and then take the front bezel off. There is a tiny screw adjustment of the pivot. In my meters, that was too loose. I tightened them slightly until the pivot started to bind, then loosened a bit. No more sticky meters!

Bob

--- On Fri, 12/21/12, Max Robinson <max@...> wrote:

From: Max Robinson <max@...>
Subject: Re: [hp_agilent_equipment] HP-608A Repair
To: hp_agilent_equipment@...
Date: Friday, December 21, 2012, 10:13 AM
What a remarkable coincidence.?
I have just come back on the list after
being on no mail for some time.? Most of you are
working on somewhat newer
things than I am.? I just finished putting a 606B and a
608D back into
operation.? I have run into a sticking meter problem
with both.? I was not
able to use the modulation meter in the 606 and had to kluge
a 100 microamp
meter in its place.? If anyone has either the
modulation or RF level meter I
have saved the scale so I could use it.? On the 608 the
RF Level meter
sticks above the set point which makes it a lower priority
but if anyone has
one lying around it would be nice to have the full range
capability.? As
with the 606, both meters are identical so if you have a
modulation meter I
can just switch the scales and be all set.

For the gentleman named Dennis Klipa I have quite a lot of
experience with
tube gear and I could probably fix it if none of the parts
made of
unobtainium are defective.? I have a source for the
pencil triodes although
they aren't? cheep.? The shipping on it would be a
bear though.? I live in
Bowling Green Kentucky.

Regards.

Max.? K 4 O DS.

Email: max@...

Transistor site
Vacuum tube site:
Woodworking site

Music site:

To subscribe to the fun with transistors group send an email
to.
funwithtransistors-subscribe@...

To subscribe to the fun with tubes group send an email to,
funwithtubes-subscribe@...

To subscribe to the fun with wood group send a blank email
to
funwithwood-subscribe@...

----- Original Message -----
From: "Steve Vineyard" <willltinker@...>
To: <hp_agilent_equipment@...>
Sent: Friday, December 21, 2012 9:05 AM
Subject: Re: [hp_agilent_equipment] HP-608A Repair


HP 608D's are good units, just big.? If you are
going to use it and
space is not a problem, by all means fix it if you do
not have to spend
too much.

But keep in mind the market for these is very slow and
they do not bring
much anymore.? Most people don't have the space
and newer smaller design
seem to have pushed them aside.? Not that they are
any better, just
smaller.

I have one I keep for a back up, but use the two
HP8656A's I have most
of the time (smaller, easier to setup, little warm up
time).? I think I
gave only $75 for mine several years ago.? Not
sure it would bring that
now.

At least that is what the market looks like in my
world.

Hope this helps.

Steve, KJ5RV

Dennis Klipa wrote:
Richard and Dave,

Thanks for the leads.? I did find that it is
the HP 608D with the crystal
calibrator option.? I also found a photo of a
608D without the crystal
calibrator.

I am still looking for someone who might repair
these
things, notwithstanding the question of whether it
is worth the expense.

Best Regards,
Dennis, N8ERF


On Thu, Dec 20, 2012 at 2:58 PM, Richard Knoppow
<dickburk@...>wrote:


**



----- Original Message -----
From: "Dennis" <klipadk@...>
To: <hp_agilent_equipment@...>
Sent: Thursday, December 20, 2012 7:24 AM
Subject: [hp_agilent_equipment] HP-608A Repair


I have a 608A that is in need of some
repair. Actually, I
am not sure which "letter" it is as the
label with model
and serial number is missing. The unit does
work, but the
wave form is not very good in some ranges
and there are a
few other issues. Is there anyone out there
who
refurbishes these units. A few years ago, I
found a place
on the web in Washington State, I think,
that refurbished
them, but I can't find it now.

I have been telling myself that I would do
it myself but I
just can't seem to get it up on the
priority list. I did
search the archives but didn't find
anything helpful.
There might be something but nothing popped
up in my
search. Any help would be appreciated.

Best Regards,
Dennis, N8ERF

Check the -hp- archive site, there are old
catalogues
at:


Also see:


where there are many photographs of older
equipment and may
help to identify it.

The 608 series is shown at:



--
Richard Knoppow
Los Angeles
WB6KBL
dickburk@...




[Non-text portions of this message have been
removed]



------------------------------------

Yahoo! Groups Links




------------------------------------

Yahoo! Groups Links





------------------------------------

Yahoo! Groups Links


? ? hp_agilent_equipment-fullfeatured@...


Re: HP-608A Repair

 

Dpoug wrote.

Some years ago, I was at a ham flea-market and found a nice Tek scope cart.
I asked how much, and was told that I had to take "this" with it, and it was
$25. "This" was an HP608E. So I took it. The 608 works, except there is
something flaky in the attenuator. (I really don't understand that,
since the
attenuator depends on physics, not resistors or pots, but anyway. . . .

--doug, WA2SAY

The sliding part of the attenuator has a couple of 53 ohm resistors and a variable capacitor in it. It may or may not be possible to get the thing apart to replace them. In any case it would be a lot of work.

Regards.

Max. K 4 O DS.

Email: max@...

Transistor site
Vacuum tube site:
Woodworking site
Music site:

To subscribe to the fun with transistors group send an email to.
funwithtransistors-subscribe@...

To subscribe to the fun with tubes group send an email to,
funwithtubes-subscribe@...

To subscribe to the fun with wood group send a blank email to
funwithwood-subscribe@...

----- Original Message -----
From: "Doug" <dmcgarrett@...>
To: <hp_agilent_equipment@...>
Cc: "Steve Vineyard" <willltinker@...>
Sent: Friday, December 21, 2012 11:39 AM
Subject: Re: [hp_agilent_equipment] HP-608A Repair


On 12/21/2012 10:05 AM, Steve Vineyard wrote:

HP 608D's are good units, just big. If you are going to use it and
space is not a problem, by all means fix it if you do not have to spend
too much.

But keep in mind the market for these is very slow and they do not bring
much anymore. Most people don't have the space and newer smaller design
seem to have pushed them aside. Not that they are any better, just
smaller.

I have one I keep for a back up, but use the two HP8656A's I have most
of the time (smaller, easier to setup, little warm up time). I think I
gave only $75 for mine several years ago. Not sure it would bring that
now.

At least that is what the market looks like in my world.

Hope this helps.

Steve, KJ5RV
/snip/
Some years ago, I was at a ham flea-market and found a nice Tek scope cart.
I asked how much, and was told that I had to take "this" with it, and it was
$25. "This" was an HP608E. So I took it. The 608 works, except there is
something flaky in the attenuator. (I really don't understand that,
since the
attenuator depends on physics, not resistors or pots, but anyway. . . .

--doug, WA2SAY





------------------------------------

Yahoo! Groups Links




Re: HP-608A Repair

 

What a remarkable coincidence. I have just come back on the list after being on no mail for some time. Most of you are working on somewhat newer things than I am. I just finished putting a 606B and a 608D back into operation. I have run into a sticking meter problem with both. I was not able to use the modulation meter in the 606 and had to kluge a 100 microamp meter in its place. If anyone has either the modulation or RF level meter I have saved the scale so I could use it. On the 608 the RF Level meter sticks above the set point which makes it a lower priority but if anyone has one lying around it would be nice to have the full range capability. As with the 606, both meters are identical so if you have a modulation meter I can just switch the scales and be all set.

For the gentleman named Dennis Klipa I have quite a lot of experience with tube gear and I could probably fix it if none of the parts made of unobtainium are defective. I have a source for the pencil triodes although they aren't cheep. The shipping on it would be a bear though. I live in Bowling Green Kentucky.

Regards.

Max. K 4 O DS.

Email: max@...

Transistor site
Vacuum tube site:
Woodworking site
Music site:

To subscribe to the fun with transistors group send an email to.
funwithtransistors-subscribe@...

To subscribe to the fun with tubes group send an email to,
funwithtubes-subscribe@...

To subscribe to the fun with wood group send a blank email to
funwithwood-subscribe@...

----- Original Message -----
From: "Steve Vineyard" <willltinker@...>
To: <hp_agilent_equipment@...>
Sent: Friday, December 21, 2012 9:05 AM
Subject: Re: [hp_agilent_equipment] HP-608A Repair


HP 608D's are good units, just big. If you are going to use it and
space is not a problem, by all means fix it if you do not have to spend
too much.

But keep in mind the market for these is very slow and they do not bring
much anymore. Most people don't have the space and newer smaller design
seem to have pushed them aside. Not that they are any better, just smaller.

I have one I keep for a back up, but use the two HP8656A's I have most
of the time (smaller, easier to setup, little warm up time). I think I
gave only $75 for mine several years ago. Not sure it would bring that now.

At least that is what the market looks like in my world.

Hope this helps.

Steve, KJ5RV

Dennis Klipa wrote:
Richard and Dave,

Thanks for the leads. I did find that it is the HP 608D with the crystal
calibrator option. I also found a photo of a 608D without the crystal
calibrator.

I am still looking for someone who might repair these
things, notwithstanding the question of whether it is worth the expense.

Best Regards,
Dennis, N8ERF


On Thu, Dec 20, 2012 at 2:58 PM, Richard Knoppow <dickburk@...>wrote:


**



----- Original Message -----
From: "Dennis" <klipadk@...>
To: <hp_agilent_equipment@...>
Sent: Thursday, December 20, 2012 7:24 AM
Subject: [hp_agilent_equipment] HP-608A Repair


I have a 608A that is in need of some repair. Actually, I
am not sure which "letter" it is as the label with model
and serial number is missing. The unit does work, but the
wave form is not very good in some ranges and there are a
few other issues. Is there anyone out there who
refurbishes these units. A few years ago, I found a place
on the web in Washington State, I think, that refurbished
them, but I can't find it now.

I have been telling myself that I would do it myself but I
just can't seem to get it up on the priority list. I did
search the archives but didn't find anything helpful.
There might be something but nothing popped up in my
search. Any help would be appreciated.

Best Regards,
Dennis, N8ERF

Check the -hp- archive site, there are old catalogues
at:


Also see:


where there are many photographs of older equipment and may
help to identify it.

The 608 series is shown at:



--
Richard Knoppow
Los Angeles
WB6KBL
dickburk@...







------------------------------------

Yahoo! Groups Links




------------------------------------

Yahoo! Groups Links