¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

ctrl + shift + ? for shortcuts
© 2025 Groups.io
Date

Re: one last 7633 question (for now)

 

One thing that kinda threw me was no trigger light. Well just now looked inside my 7b53a and the previous owner had plugged in the pin header backwards. So the trigger light is now working. Jeesh


Re: Tek 2465a grid bias and brightness problems

 

On Wed, 28 Feb 2018 at 12:22 Francesco <madowax@...> wrote:

On Q1980 collector with grid Bias at min I see 120 V and I have already
replaced C1991 and R1994 even if they tested good out of circuit (R1994 was
indeed a bit low: 1% out of tolerance on the low side)
If you have no control range to speak of on the bias pot, then I'd guess
Q1980 has gone bad.

Looking at the schematic, what the service manual states makes sense.
Discounting Q1980s base current, its collector voltage will be 42.7V +
150kOhm * (I_R1881 + I_R1992). The two control currents are then in the
range of I_R1881=~0-~440uA and I_R1992=~180-~120uA.

In simulation, I see the collector voltage range the service manual
describes, but when I disconnect Q1980s collector, I see the control
voltage rising from ~30V through to ~125V as C1990 charges, pretty much
irrespective the setting of the bias pot.


Re: one last 7633 question (for now)

 

Details,details,details. Thanks for helping me not go crazy. I literally looked at that schematic for hours yesterday and today. Finally got to the "well i gotta ask" point. I told my wife I was too stupid to figure it out and to stubborn to give up. Glad I asked because it would have been another long day.


Re: one last 7633 question (for now)

 

On Wed, Feb 28, 2018 at 08:44 am, Colin Herbert wrote:

Also, those mainframes that had this power-supply
for the push-switches as standard often had a switch where the light intensity
could be turned down or completely off.
Note also that some plugins, notably the programmable ones (definitely 7A16P and 7B90P, probably 7A29P as well) use the 5V 'lights' supply to run their internal logic. They don't work at all in unmodified 76x3 mainframes, and neither do they work well in larger mainframes with the light intensity switched to 'dim'. I found that out the dumb way!

Chris


Re: Tek 475 attenuators faulty when two sections in series

 

Tom,
Thanks for the thumbs up and congrats that it's now doing it...
One of the atten. blocks showing flaky seems now much more sensible... What
wasn't making any sense before was that all combinations of all them
wouldn't work, but they would work well one-by-one...
The lenghty explanation... Well I'm not very good at summarizing my
thoughts... I keep thinking all is importante as I write.
I had myself to build my own normalizer too, and now that you mention I'm
not sure what kind of capacitor I have in parallel to the trimmer... I also
didnt get *perfect* results in all combinations and you maybe have got
it... On mine I think it was an NP0 cap (IIRC, CG0 and NP0 are
interchangeable terms for the same thing).

Brgrds,

Fabio


2018-02-28 15:03 GMT-03:00 Tom Gardner <tggzzz@...>:

Firstly, thank you for taking the time for a lengthy explanation.

Secondly, I didn't take any offence in any way. I'm only too aware that I
have a lot to learn, especially when I ask a question!

I've eventually managed to make progress, after real-life intervened. I
made my own normaliser and, while it significantly improved matters, the
result was still "sub-optimal". Eventually I noticed that the shape of
transitions depended on the level. I was, I thought, using a C0G capacitor
- but either I wasn't or they aren't as voltage insensitive as I believed.
Removing that and using only a trimcap solved that issue, and I made
progress.

Currently there is a good waveshape on both channels and at all
sensitivities, with a 50ohm terminator and a conventional *10 probe. The
notable exception is that one channel's /2 attenuator is very sensitive to
movement; the AC response varies significantly. I've ordered a replacement.

So, thank you very much indeed.



On 21/02/18 14:57, Fabio Trevisan wrote:

Hello Tom,
I own a 466 and, from your description, it seems your 475's vertical
attenuator works exactly as the one in mine (I`m not looking at the 475
manual right now).

Again, from your description, it seems that either you're getting the
frequency compensation adjustment / input capacitance adjustment procedure
wrong, or the input capacitance trimmer of *all* your attenuator modules
are bad or flaky.

Since it's unlikely that *all* them are bad, it seems more likely that
you're getting the procedure wrong (forgive me if I`m assuming too much
here).
It's easy to overlook the input capacitance and have them wrong if you're
always sourcing the signal through a low impedance generator (or low
impedance terminated cable), because whatever they're right or wrong,
these
tiny capacitances, won't trouble a 50 Ohm sourced signal...

Every attenuator module has a freq-compensation trimmer (which is in
series
with the signal, paralleled to the attenuator resistor in question), and
an
input capacitance trimmer, that's between the input of the attenuator and
ground.

The compensation capacitor (the one in series with the signal, paralleled
to the attenuator resistor) works against the input capacitance of the
scope *or* against the input capacitance trimmer of any other attenuator
module that is in series, down in the attenuation chain...so, it's
paramount that each attenuator module's input capacitance is adjusted to
*exactly* the same as the oscilloscope's bare front end capacitance.

So in order to get it right, first of all, you need an input capacitance
normalizer (or feed the signal through a x10 oscilloscope probe, but then
your generator needs to be able to generate some hefty 30Vpp for a 6 div
waveform).

Then you have to follow the sequence of adjustments...

1. Use the most sensitive setting of the scope (5mV/div, no atten.
inserted), source the signal through the input normalizer and adjust the
its trimmer to get a good square edge (or adjust your x10 probe
compensation).
This will assure that the normalizer's capacitance equals the input
capacitance of the oscilloscope front end's bare capacitance.
Adjust the frequency of the generator so that it's low enough for you to
see the square wave become round or pointy... don't set the frequency too
high, or it will only seem that the square wave is changing amplitude.

2. Double the output voltage of your generator, set the scope to 10mV/div
(x2 attenuator inserted), and then...

2.1. Source the signal to the scope through a 50Ohm pass-thru terminator,
and adjust the freq. compensation trimmer of the x2 attenuator module...
This will get the x2 freq. compensation right and will eventually change
by
some amount the input capacitance of the scope... which won't trouble your
50Ohm source.

2.2.Now, remove the 50Ohm pass-thru terminator, insert the input
normalizer
and adjust the input capacitance trimmer from the x2 attenuator module.
Since the input normalizer is adjusted to match the scope's bare input
capacitance (from step 1), when you now adjust the input capacitance
trimmer of the x2 module, you're
making the x2 input capacitance the same as the bare input, meaning that,
as from now, the x2 input capacitance is "normalized" and therefore, will
be seen by any preceding attenuator
that may be inserted in the chain, as having the same input capacitance as
the oscilloscope's bare front end.
Note:
This step is assuming that your connecting cable is short or that you're
hooking up your generator directly to the input of the
normalizer...(because the cable will be not properly terminated)
Anyway, at the frequency that you will be using, in the 10s of kHz, it
shouldn't be troubled too much by the cable's reflections.
If you're a purist, you can keep the 50Ohm pass through terminator before
the input normalizer, but then your square wave will be halved and it may
require you to double the output of the generator.
No big deal at this step, but it can be more difficult to get the
appropriate test level when you're setting the x100 attenuator.

3. Walk you way up through the next attenuation levels, x4, x10 and x100,
repeating the same procedure of step 2, 2.1 and 2.2, as you increase the
output of the generator.

At the end, all input attenuator blocks will present the same input
capacitance to the input BNC of your scope, or to any precedent attenuator
block, as the scope's front end bare capacitance.

Hope I guessed it right, because other than that, to me it simply doesn't
make sense (in considering the way how the blocks are interconnected and
how they're performing correctly when each one is inserted alone).

rgrds,

Fabio




2018-02-21 6:16 GMT-03:00 Tom Gardner <tggzzz@...>:

I'm having a problem setting up the attenuators in my 475. It appears that
each section is working individually, but not when there are two sections
in series.


The background...

The 475 was very cheap because the timebase was unreliable. It was a
little mucky on the outside, but there's no visible problem inside.
There
are signs that a previous owner had been inside before. The power
supplies
are all good, and so far the only components I've replaced has been the
motor controller quad transistors (with ZTX630s that just happened to be
available).

I've got the timebase working by a combination of using:
- IPA to clean the pin in the timebase knob that prods the A/B
microswitch
- IPA on smooth paper to clean the timing board finger contacts
- since that wasn't completely successful, using a jeweller's screwdriver
to add a tiny drop of Caig DeOxit to each switch contact
I'd have preferred not to use DeOxit since it might attract crap over
time, but it wasn't good enough without it. Conclusion: those switch
contacts were imperfect.


The problem...

So now I've moved onto the input channels. I've used a multimeter to
check
the continuity of the topside attenuator finger contacts, and they are
all
fine (<<1ohm). I've reseated all the attenuators and "sel"
resistors/jumpers in the attenuator and added a tiny drop of DeOxit,
without effect.

But I'm getting ambiguous behaviour when 2 attenuator sections are in
series:

1) on 5mV/div the displayed waveform is perfect from DC to 1.8ns
risetime.
I interpret this to everything after the attenuator is working well, and
finger contacts underneath the attenuator board are working.

2) on 10mV/div, I tweaked the *2 attenuator capacitors to get a perfect
display. Therefore that attenuator and those contacts are working.

3) on 20mV/div, ditto with *4 attenuator

4) on 50mV/div, ditto with *10 attenuator

5) on 100mV/div, the displayed waveform shows pronounced HF compensation
error. An attenuator can be re-tweaked to get a good display, but it is
very sensitive to position. Of course that invalidates steps 2 or 4

6) ditto 200mV/div, and invalidating steps 3 or 4

Summary: it appears the *2, *4, *10 attenuator/switch are working
individually, but not in combination.


Future...

So, what's my next step?
I could use IPA and/or DeOxit on the finger contacts. But that might
attract crap, and if a film bridged the gaps it might subtly affect HF
performance.
I believe that sometimes it helps to resolder the contacts inside the
attenuator. But that feels like kill-or-cure, particularly since I don't
know the temperature and the plastic looks like it might melt easily.

Are there any other diagnostics I can do?
What's the best course of action?
What iron temperature and re-soldering techniques should I use?
Would 465 attenuator sections be substitutes for some of the 475's
attenuator?

Thanks








Amazing 453A, nicest old scope I have ever seen

walter shawlee
 

I recently got a 453A off ebay because it was shown working with a bright CRT, and all the BNC connectors were still clean and shiny. It turned out to be amazing in real life, everything worked, (one slightly noisy intensity pot, slightly noisy vertical attenuators from not being switched in heaven knows how many years), the CRT is like new, and everything on it sparkles as if it has been sealed in a plastic bag for 40 years. needless to say, it had bad rear feet (I retrofitted our helimec feet in about 10 minutes), and some paint scuffs on the case, so I will re-paint later.

this 453A looks slightly different than normal, it is s/n B071809 (late), and has MOD 221T, does anyone have details on it? incredibly, the cal sticker said Tektronix, 1985, and the cal was still bang on. that is IMPRESSIVE, 33 years later, and still ticking like new. I am curious to learn more about this unit, as it is clearly a keeper, so any more info on MOD 221T is appreciated.

all the best,
walter (walter2 -at- sphere.bc.ca)
sphere research corp.


Re: Tek 475 attenuators faulty when two sections in series

 

Firstly, thank you for taking the time for a lengthy explanation.

Secondly, I didn't take any offence in any way. I'm only too aware that I have a lot to learn, especially when I ask a question!

I've eventually managed to make progress, after real-life intervened. I made my own normaliser and, while it significantly improved matters, the result was still "sub-optimal". Eventually I noticed that the shape of transitions depended on the level. I was, I thought, using a C0G capacitor - but either I wasn't or they aren't as voltage insensitive as I believed. Removing that and using only a trimcap solved that issue, and I made progress.

Currently there is a good waveshape on both channels and at all sensitivities, with a 50ohm terminator and a conventional *10 probe. The notable exception is that one channel's /2 attenuator is very sensitive to movement; the AC response varies significantly. I've ordered a replacement.

So, thank you very much indeed.

On 21/02/18 14:57, Fabio Trevisan wrote:
Hello Tom,
I own a 466 and, from your description, it seems your 475's vertical
attenuator works exactly as the one in mine (I`m not looking at the 475
manual right now).

Again, from your description, it seems that either you're getting the
frequency compensation adjustment / input capacitance adjustment procedure
wrong, or the input capacitance trimmer of *all* your attenuator modules
are bad or flaky.

Since it's unlikely that *all* them are bad, it seems more likely that
you're getting the procedure wrong (forgive me if I`m assuming too much
here).
It's easy to overlook the input capacitance and have them wrong if you're
always sourcing the signal through a low impedance generator (or low
impedance terminated cable), because whatever they're right or wrong, these
tiny capacitances, won't trouble a 50 Ohm sourced signal...

Every attenuator module has a freq-compensation trimmer (which is in series
with the signal, paralleled to the attenuator resistor in question), and an
input capacitance trimmer, that's between the input of the attenuator and
ground.

The compensation capacitor (the one in series with the signal, paralleled
to the attenuator resistor) works against the input capacitance of the
scope *or* against the input capacitance trimmer of any other attenuator
module that is in series, down in the attenuation chain...so, it's
paramount that each attenuator module's input capacitance is adjusted to
*exactly* the same as the oscilloscope's bare front end capacitance.

So in order to get it right, first of all, you need an input capacitance
normalizer (or feed the signal through a x10 oscilloscope probe, but then
your generator needs to be able to generate some hefty 30Vpp for a 6 div
waveform).

Then you have to follow the sequence of adjustments...

1. Use the most sensitive setting of the scope (5mV/div, no atten.
inserted), source the signal through the input normalizer and adjust the
its trimmer to get a good square edge (or adjust your x10 probe
compensation).
This will assure that the normalizer's capacitance equals the input
capacitance of the oscilloscope front end's bare capacitance.
Adjust the frequency of the generator so that it's low enough for you to
see the square wave become round or pointy... don't set the frequency too
high, or it will only seem that the square wave is changing amplitude.

2. Double the output voltage of your generator, set the scope to 10mV/div
(x2 attenuator inserted), and then...

2.1. Source the signal to the scope through a 50Ohm pass-thru terminator,
and adjust the freq. compensation trimmer of the x2 attenuator module...
This will get the x2 freq. compensation right and will eventually change by
some amount the input capacitance of the scope... which won't trouble your
50Ohm source.

2.2.Now, remove the 50Ohm pass-thru terminator, insert the input normalizer
and adjust the input capacitance trimmer from the x2 attenuator module.
Since the input normalizer is adjusted to match the scope's bare input
capacitance (from step 1), when you now adjust the input capacitance
trimmer of the x2 module, you're
making the x2 input capacitance the same as the bare input, meaning that,
as from now, the x2 input capacitance is "normalized" and therefore, will
be seen by any preceding attenuator
that may be inserted in the chain, as having the same input capacitance as
the oscilloscope's bare front end.
Note:
This step is assuming that your connecting cable is short or that you're
hooking up your generator directly to the input of the
normalizer...(because the cable will be not properly terminated)
Anyway, at the frequency that you will be using, in the 10s of kHz, it
shouldn't be troubled too much by the cable's reflections.
If you're a purist, you can keep the 50Ohm pass through terminator before
the input normalizer, but then your square wave will be halved and it may
require you to double the output of the generator.
No big deal at this step, but it can be more difficult to get the
appropriate test level when you're setting the x100 attenuator.

3. Walk you way up through the next attenuation levels, x4, x10 and x100,
repeating the same procedure of step 2, 2.1 and 2.2, as you increase the
output of the generator.

At the end, all input attenuator blocks will present the same input
capacitance to the input BNC of your scope, or to any precedent attenuator
block, as the scope's front end bare capacitance.

Hope I guessed it right, because other than that, to me it simply doesn't
make sense (in considering the way how the blocks are interconnected and
how they're performing correctly when each one is inserted alone).

rgrds,

Fabio




2018-02-21 6:16 GMT-03:00 Tom Gardner <tggzzz@...>:

I'm having a problem setting up the attenuators in my 475. It appears that
each section is working individually, but not when there are two sections
in series.


The background...

The 475 was very cheap because the timebase was unreliable. It was a
little mucky on the outside, but there's no visible problem inside. There
are signs that a previous owner had been inside before. The power supplies
are all good, and so far the only components I've replaced has been the
motor controller quad transistors (with ZTX630s that just happened to be
available).

I've got the timebase working by a combination of using:
- IPA to clean the pin in the timebase knob that prods the A/B microswitch
- IPA on smooth paper to clean the timing board finger contacts
- since that wasn't completely successful, using a jeweller's screwdriver
to add a tiny drop of Caig DeOxit to each switch contact
I'd have preferred not to use DeOxit since it might attract crap over
time, but it wasn't good enough without it. Conclusion: those switch
contacts were imperfect.


The problem...

So now I've moved onto the input channels. I've used a multimeter to check
the continuity of the topside attenuator finger contacts, and they are all
fine (<<1ohm). I've reseated all the attenuators and "sel"
resistors/jumpers in the attenuator and added a tiny drop of DeOxit,
without effect.

But I'm getting ambiguous behaviour when 2 attenuator sections are in
series:

1) on 5mV/div the displayed waveform is perfect from DC to 1.8ns risetime.
I interpret this to everything after the attenuator is working well, and
finger contacts underneath the attenuator board are working.

2) on 10mV/div, I tweaked the *2 attenuator capacitors to get a perfect
display. Therefore that attenuator and those contacts are working.

3) on 20mV/div, ditto with *4 attenuator

4) on 50mV/div, ditto with *10 attenuator

5) on 100mV/div, the displayed waveform shows pronounced HF compensation
error. An attenuator can be re-tweaked to get a good display, but it is
very sensitive to position. Of course that invalidates steps 2 or 4

6) ditto 200mV/div, and invalidating steps 3 or 4

Summary: it appears the *2, *4, *10 attenuator/switch are working
individually, but not in combination.


Future...

So, what's my next step?
I could use IPA and/or DeOxit on the finger contacts. But that might
attract crap, and if a film bridged the gaps it might subtly affect HF
performance.
I believe that sometimes it helps to resolder the contacts inside the
attenuator. But that feels like kill-or-cure, particularly since I don't
know the temperature and the plastic looks like it might melt easily.

Are there any other diagnostics I can do?
What's the best course of action?
What iron temperature and re-soldering techniques should I use?
Would 465 attenuator sections be substitutes for some of the 475's
attenuator?

Thanks





MG Chemical Responds --> Re: Problems with MG Chemicals Super Contact Clearer

 

They are being proactive.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hello Stan,

I have forwarded your concern to production team. They have tried several tubes and nozzle
and seems to work fine. Also I tried myself as show this picture and I didn¡¯t experience any
difficulty. I didn¡¯t have to tilt or do anything special, it just fitted right in. This product is batch
code # 17193. I would like to resolve this issue and I would like to send you nozzle that has
tube fitted. All you have to do is to take the old one out and replace with new one.

(Photo of joined nozzle and tube )

Please provide me with your shipping information.
Again I do apologize for inconvenience this has caused.

Regards, Titus
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I responded with my address.


Re: Problems with MG Chemicals Super Contact Clearer

 

Hello Eric, Yes, it is either the nozzle or the tube. Your other post asked if I tried both ends of the nozzle, you must have been as tired as I was.
I think your meant both ends of the tube. I thought you meant both nozzles! Yes I tried both nozzles (spray heads).

About both ends of the tube, not explicitly, but probable. I sure tried both tubes. Several settings. I did injure the end of the tube experimenting. Had to cut
1/4" off and tried again. I shaved the end down and it then fit.

Stan


Re: Tek 2465a grid bias and brightness problems

 

On Q1980 collector with grid Bias at min I see 120 V and I have already
replaced C1991 and R1994 even if they tested good out of circuit (R1994 was
indeed a bit low: 1% out of tolerance on the low side)

Both the grid bias pot and U1890A shunt current away from Q1980. By your
description it sounds like extra current is sneaking into Q1980s base -
maybe C1991 has gone leaky?

Page 3-37 has this description of this part of the circuitry:

"Transistor Q1980 is configured as a shunt-feedback amplifier, with C1991
and R1994 as teh feedback elements. The feedback current through R1994
develops a voltage across the resistor that is positive with respect to
the +42.6 V on the base of the transistor. The value of this additive
voltage plus the diode drop across CR1950 sets the upper clamping
threshold. Grid Bias potentiometer R1878 sinks varying amounts of current
away from the base node of the transistor and thus sets the feedback
current through R1994. The adjustment range of the pot can set the nominal
clamping level between +71 V and +133 V."

So the nominal adjustment range of the grid bias pot should result in 71V
to 133V on Q1980s collector. What are you seeing?

Siggi


Re: one last 7633 question (for now)

 

While I intend to do this mod to my 7623A, it is worth bearing in mind a couple of things. If you check the app note/mod sheet (040-0686-01) you will see that some things should be down-rated afterwards - this might be significant to your needs. Also, those mainframes that had this power-supply for the push-switches as standard often had a switch where the light intensity could be turned down or completely off. It may be worth your while to include something like this, unless you like replacing the lamps in the switches on the plug-ins. Just a thought...
Colin.

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of lop pol via Groups.Io
Sent: 28 February 2018 15:32
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [TekScopes] one last 7633 question (for now)

HAHAH. Thank you. That is good stuff. You are exactly right. Im'm going to wait until I get a donor parts 7633 to do that mod. Make her look pretty. Time to button her up for now.


Re: Tek 2465a grid bias and brightness problems

 

On Wed, 28 Feb 2018 at 06:53 Francesco <madowax@...> wrote:

Tested another U950, from a working scope of a friend, both U950 work on
his scope, both doesm't work on mine. It seems like grid bias is not
clamping the ac waveform at the correct amplitude. If I ground the
inverting input of U1890 lowering its output near 0 volts everything starts
to work perfectly (intensity pot can completly dim out the traces and I got
no artifacts or spots on display), when the RC delay starts to increase
again the output voltage of the op amp, however the same problems reappear.
I have already tried to swap U1980 with a good one but nothing changes,
same problem, (its behauviour was indeed correct, it follows the rc delay
as it should, so that was expected).

Both the grid bias pot and U1890A shunt current away from Q1980. By your
description it sounds like extra current is sneaking into Q1980s base -
maybe C1991 has gone leaky?

Page 3-37 has this description of this part of the circuitry:

"Transistor Q1980 is configured as a shunt-feedback amplifier, with C1991
and R1994 as teh feedback elements. The feedback current through R1994
develops a voltage across the resistor that is positive with respect to
the +42.6 V on the base of the transistor. The value of this additive
voltage plus the diode drop across CR1950 sets the upper clamping
threshold. Grid Bias potentiometer R1878 sinks varying amounts of current
away from the base node of the transistor and thus sets the feedback
current through R1994. The adjustment range of the pot can set the nominal
clamping level between +71 V and +133 V."

So the nominal adjustment range of the grid bias pot should result in 71V
to 133V on Q1980s collector. What are you seeing?

Siggi


Re: one last 7633 question (for now)

 

HAHAH. Thank you. That is good stuff. You are exactly right. Im'm going to wait until I get a donor parts 7633 to do that mod. Make her look pretty. Time to button her up for now.


Re: one last 7633 question (for now)

 

I presume you mean the illuminated push switches on the various plug-ins? If so then I'm afraid the answer is nowhere on the 3-slot chassis!

I believe the reason was a shortage of power in the 'smaller' mainframe but do not despair, Tek produced an app note/mod sheet (040-0686-01) that tells you how to add a standard voltage regulator to provide it.

If you google 'tektronix 040-0686-0' you will find it.

Have fun!
Adrian

On 2/28/2018 2:44 PM, lop pol via Groups.Io wrote:
I have no lights but I know they work. Im assuming because p10 is empty. I have looked at the schematic for hours but I cant figure out where the input to p10 comes from.


one last 7633 question (for now)

 

I have no lights but I know they work. Im assuming because p10 is empty. I have looked at the schematic for hours but I cant figure out where the input to p10 comes from.


Re: Tek 2465a grid bias and brightness problems

 

Tested another U950, from a working scope of a friend, both U950 work on his scope, both doesm't work on mine. It seems like grid bias is not clamping the ac waveform at the correct amplitude. If I ground the inverting input of U1890 lowering its output near 0 volts everything starts to work perfectly (intensity pot can completly dim out the traces and I got no artifacts or spots on display), when the RC delay starts to increase again the output voltage of the op amp, however the same problems reappear. I have already tried to swap U1980 with a good one but nothing changes, same problem, (its behauviour was indeed correct, it follows the rc delay as it should, so that was expected).


Re: 7623A + 7A26 + 7B53

 

Hi Fabio,
I have one of these, but it originally came with two 7A18 dual-trace vertical amp plug-ins. I think this, together with the 7B53A, was pretty much the standard complement for the 7623A mainframe. Having said that, my 7623A manual shows a picture with two 7A26s and a 7B50 time-base. The 7A26, with its higher bandwidth is a bit of overkill in this mainframe, but it is a nice dual amp and has a 20 MHz bandwidth switch, which is handy ( I have two of these vertical amps, too). Just about all of the other 7000-series plugins will fit the mainframe, but just remember that the 7623A has a limited bandwidth, so faster plug-ins are wasted.
Colin.

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Fabio Trevisan
Sent: 27 February 2018 18:27
To: [email protected]
Subject: [TekScopes] 7623A + 7A26 + 7B53

Hello folks,
I`m having a chance to acquire a 7623A + 7A26 + 7B53A combination.
Since I will have little chance to check it onsite I would like to ask you experts, if there is any known quirks or component that fails or break often, that I need to be more concerned?
What do you think of the combination?
Thanks for your thoughts,
Fabio


Re: 16700A setting up Xwindows.

 

Right place is the hp_agilent_equipment on Yahoo!

Dave

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Pete Lancashire
Sent: 28 February 2018 06:17
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [TekScopes] 16700A setting up Xwindows.

This will be my last post on this thread. You should do the same, so ppl here can get back to Tek(tronix).

Your post on the CC list says nothing about looking for a CD/ROM drive that is 512 byte block compatible. the CC list is not a HP instrument list, it is a Classic Computer list.

You may have to join the list before trying to post to it, use google search engine and find out.

-pete signing out



On Tue, Feb 27, 2018 at 9:30 PM, Richard R. Pope <mechanic_2@...>
wrote:

Pete,
OK! :(:( I will do that. I got my Unix for Dummies Book out so
that I re-familiarize myself with the various commands. Can I really
mess it up any worst than it is? Yes, like I said I have been using SCSI for decades.
I understand. I'm a hacker and hobbyist. It doesn't bother me to
mess things up and then have to start all over. It is always a
learning experience. I am in the process of building a S100 Computer
system and that is the primary reason I got the LA.
I will do this.
GOD Bless and Thanks,
rich!

On 2/27/2018 11:20 PM, Pete Lancashire wrote:

Until you get a CD drive that is supported buy the Unix disk driver
(thats why it is looking for disk blocks, it knows nothing about cd
blocks) there is nothing I can do, I suggest putting the LA on the
shelf until that can be done. Put the word out on the classic
computer list, lots of helpful guys and gals and I would not be
surprised someone will offer you one for free. Did you use a SCSI terminator ?

The only thing I ever did with my 167xx is shutdown the local display
and ran the X session remotely. I use my as a LA, not a HPUX
computer, so I could care less that it looks like Windows, I have
work to do. For playing with HPUX I have a stack of HP 9000/382s but
even there one is for driving HP GPIB devices with calibration software.

join up with these guys cctalk@...

-pete

On Tue, Feb 27, 2018 at 8:12 PM, Richard R. Pope
<mechanic_2@...>
wrote:

Dave,
I found it. I then burnt a CD and I found the steps to recover
the system in this document:
but my
CD-ROM drive won't work. I am receiving a Boot Device Not Ready.
Message and then a Retrying Boot Device message. Forever and
forever? I am disabled and on SSD. Money is very tight and it will
be quite a while before I have a enough to buy another drive. Can
you please help me at least get back into the Logic Analyzer until I
am able to get a compatible CD-ROM Drive?
GOD Bless and Thanks,
rich!

On 2/27/2018 8:37 PM, Paul Amaranth wrote:

If anybody needs that image, they can get it here:


Paul

On Wed, Feb 28, 2018 at 02:33:04AM -0000, David C. Partridge wrote:

Correction the Ignite CD (HP image CD isn't B3782-10496, it is
B3760-14243))

If you need an iso of that reinstall boot CD for the 16700 series
(16700_A0290.iso) I have a good one, but don't have the space on
my website to store a copy

If you have somewhere I can upload it you¡¯re welcome a copy.

David

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf
Of David C. Partridge
Sent: 28 February 2018 02:23
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [TekScopes] 16700A setting up Xwindows.

Are you the person with the webpage that shows how to enable the
good

version of XWindows?

I think that could be me! Are you referring to <
>?

if so the good one was on the HP_UX 10.20 install CD part number
B3920-13640, not the HP image CD (B3782-10496).

However the page does say:

If you don't have the media, that could be a problem, so here is
the original file:

< >

You just copy (mv) that file to /usr/contrib/lib/X11/ after
backing up the existing one ...

You can set up the network on the 16700 by running (as root)
/sbin/set_parms initial

Do be careful if you configure some of the additional networking
parameters. Don't configure the system as a NIS client if it's
not been setup on the NIS server - you can end up waiting forever
:(

HtH
David

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf
Of Richard R. Pope
Sent: 28 February 2018 01:45
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [TekScopes] 16700A setting up Xwindows.

Pete,
It starts up fine, runs the diagnostics, starts to load the
16700
Analyzer software and then the Display goes blank. The Monitor
never goes in to sleep mode so I know that it is still receiving a
signal.
When I shut it down the Display comes back and shows the Shutdown
procedure.
Are you the person with the webpage that shows how to
enable the good version of XWindows? If you are I followed your
procedure as laid out on the webpage. I couldn't find the
sys.X11start file and the link that you provided took me to what
looks like a text file and I don't know what to do with it.
Will you please help me out of this? If I could find a set
of Floppy files or Images I could put an all new OS on it. This
machine was in a Corporate Environment and it did not use DHCP so
I can't access it over my network. The software has been heavy
modified. I used to own Amigas.
Amigados and Workbench were based on Unix and Xwindows. Also I
have been dabbling in Linux for decades. I learn very quickly and
I am very good about following directions.
GOD Bless and Thanks,
rich!

On 2/27/2018 7:05 PM, Pete Lancashire wrote:

Remember is a T&M that just happens to be running HPUX, there is
NO
customization from HP. That's why unless you really know HPUX and
Unix stuff you will crash it all the time

On Tue, Feb 27, 2018 at 5:04 PM, Pete Lancashire
<pete@...>
wrote:

If you crashed it hard, you get the CD from HP and do a full
reload

the instructions are in the manual or online a few places.

On Tue, Feb 27, 2018 at 3:54 PM, Richard R. Pope
<mechanic_2@...>
wrote:

Hello all,

Mine is a NEC 3x that uses a CD Carrier. Remember those!!
16700s do not have Displays. This is from an expert that
explained the terminology to me. The As came with Ethernet
10baseTs and no CD-ROM drive. The Bs came with 10/100baseT and
internal CD-ROM drives. Mine is an Opt3 which means that the
Graphics have been upgraded.
Yes, I made it where I can no longer run the Analyzer.
This has more to do with the way the machine was heavily
customized. So if someone could please help me to take this
back to day one and rebuild the OS from scratch it would be really appreciated?
GOD Bless and Thanks,
rich!

On 2/27/2018 7:36 AM, Pete Lancashire wrote:

I had a lot of trouble finding a CD reader that would work with

mine. I

think I ended up with either a Plextor or an IBM. The good
news
is that SCSI CD readers are cheap these days.

Another one is Yamaha, can't remember the model, it is the
one SUN
used.

I also added a larger/faster hard drive to mine. Gcc wouldn't
fit on

the original :-)

I've been attempted to try a SCSI<->SCSI80 adapter and see
what
happens with on of the many 15K RPM 72GB drives I have.

got rid of the session manager There is a display-less version
of the 16700's.


On Tue, Feb 27, 2018 at 5:29 AM, Paul Amaranth
<paul@...
wrote:

IIRC, they use fvwm as the window manager and it's relatively
easy to

change the personality. At least once you find where they put
the
configuration file.

It's an interesting box if you're familiar with Unix and/or HPUX.
I've hacked mine significantly, got rid of the session
manager (which is a real pig on that small machine) and use it remote.
Pretty slick getting a 24" DSO screen. (hint: ssh in, then
run the bare app with the DISPLAY variable set). Don't use
vnc, that just gets you an image of the LA desktop.

That's HPUX 10.2 and there are additional binaries you can load.
For a while the Merjin archive had dropped the 10.x binaries
but they're back online now. You can add bash and ssh as
well as gcc, perl and a few others.
Adding ssh makes it very easy to copy files in and out. On
my network that was a mandatory add. If you're unfortunate
enough to be using a windows machine to access the LA remotely, use putty.

All that said, if you're not familiar with unix, just accept
the UI they give you and learn to work with it. For me,
having a computer that runs an LA app is more useful than an
LA that happens to run on a computer.
But
I've been building Unix systems for 30 years and can pretty
much make them do whatever I want.

I had a lot of trouble finding a CD reader that would work
with mine. I think I ended up with either a Plextor or an
IBM. The good news is that SCSI CD readers are cheap these days.

I also added a larger/faster hard drive to mine. Gcc
wouldn't fit on the original :-)

Paul

On Tue, Feb 27, 2018 at 12:41:08AM -0800, Pete Lancashire wrote:

The 16700A is a piece of T&M that uses HPUX as its base
control

software and UI. Although it is a complete kernel the "devices"
are not all standard, any changes to what you see and get
and you can tank the whole thing and have to start over from
a CD mounted via a external SCSI CD Drive, not only external
but one that has to support Unix size disk

blocks
vs native CD block sizes. Back to devices changes in the
startup

sequence can cause I/O modules to stop working as well.

Your prompt is pretty much common for a system without a
host name, in

the
case the unknown is where the host-name would go

If you want to continue using it as a LA, I would strongly
suggest not changing the display and just get use to it.

On Tue, Feb 27, 2018 at 12:21 AM, Richard R. Pope <

mechanic_2@...>
wrote:

Hello all,

. . . . I have a benefactor that was nice enough to
send me
a
16700A

LA.
I don't like the Xwindows that is setup to look like Win95. UGH!
Going by Dave Partridge's web site allows be to get into
HPUX but from there it all comes a part for me. I am able to
log into ISL without any problems and

then I can log into hpux using the -is command. I get a
unknown:/>

prompt.
I am able to execute mkdir /cdrom with no problems. I don't
know enough

about Unix to find the sys.x11start.gz file. When I explore
one
of the CDROM images that I have on my win machine there is
no such file. I

also
don't know how to access the cdrom drive that I have hooked up.
it does

show up in the path as sescsi.0.0 so I know that the system
sees
it.
Unfortunately there is no sys.x11start.gz on the CDROM
discs. I also

don't
know how to setup the network under UNIX.

GOD Bless and Thanks,
rich!






--
Paul Amaranth, GCIH | Rochester MI, USA
Aurora Group, Inc. | Security, Systems & Software
paul@... | Unix & Windows















!DSPAM:5a961163155941124319302!









Re: 16700A setting up Xwindows.

 

This will be my last post on this thread. You should do the same, so ppl
here can get back to Tek(tronix).

Your post on the CC list says nothing about looking for a CD/ROM drive that
is 512 byte block compatible. the CC list is not a HP instrument list, it
is a Classic Computer list.

You may have to join the list before trying to post to it, use google
search engine and find out.

-pete signing out



On Tue, Feb 27, 2018 at 9:30 PM, Richard R. Pope <mechanic_2@...>
wrote:

Pete,
OK! :(:( I will do that. I got my Unix for Dummies Book out so that I
re-familiarize myself with the various commands. Can I really mess it up
any worst than it is? Yes, like I said I have been using SCSI for decades.
I understand. I'm a hacker and hobbyist. It doesn't bother me to mess
things up and then have to start all over. It is always a learning
experience. I am in the process of building a S100 Computer system and that
is the primary reason I got the LA.
I will do this.
GOD Bless and Thanks,
rich!

On 2/27/2018 11:20 PM, Pete Lancashire wrote:

Until you get a CD drive that is supported buy the Unix disk driver (thats
why it is looking for disk blocks, it knows nothing about cd blocks) there
is nothing I can do, I suggest putting the LA on the shelf until that can
be done. Put the word out on the classic computer list, lots of helpful
guys and gals and I would not be surprised someone will offer you one for
free. Did you use a SCSI terminator ?

The only thing I ever did with my 167xx is shutdown the local display and
ran the X session remotely. I use my as a LA, not a HPUX computer, so I
could care less that it looks like Windows, I have work to do. For playing
with HPUX I have a stack of HP 9000/382s but even there one is for driving
HP GPIB devices with calibration software.

join up with these guys cctalk@...

-pete

On Tue, Feb 27, 2018 at 8:12 PM, Richard R. Pope <mechanic_2@...>
wrote:

Dave,
I found it. I then burnt a CD and I found the steps to recover the
system in this document:
but my
CD-ROM
drive won't work. I am receiving a Boot Device Not Ready. Message and
then
a Retrying Boot Device message. Forever and forever? I am disabled and on
SSD. Money is very tight and it will be quite a while before I have a
enough to buy another drive. Can you please help me at least get back
into
the Logic Analyzer until I am able to get a compatible CD-ROM Drive?
GOD Bless and Thanks,
rich!

On 2/27/2018 8:37 PM, Paul Amaranth wrote:

If anybody needs that image, they can get it here:


Paul

On Wed, Feb 28, 2018 at 02:33:04AM -0000, David C. Partridge wrote:

Correction the Ignite CD (HP image CD isn't B3782-10496, it is
B3760-14243))

If you need an iso of that reinstall boot CD for the 16700 series
(16700_A0290.iso) I have a good one, but don't have the space on my
website
to store a copy

If you have somewhere I can upload it you¡¯re welcome a copy.

David

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of
David C. Partridge
Sent: 28 February 2018 02:23
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [TekScopes] 16700A setting up Xwindows.

Are you the person with the webpage that shows how to enable the good

version of XWindows?

I think that could be me! Are you referring to <
>?

if so the good one was on the HP_UX 10.20 install CD part number
B3920-13640, not the HP image CD (B3782-10496).

However the page does say:

If you don't have the media, that could be a problem, so here is the
original file:

< >

You just copy (mv) that file to /usr/contrib/lib/X11/ after backing up
the existing one ...

You can set up the network on the 16700 by running (as root)
/sbin/set_parms initial

Do be careful if you configure some of the additional networking
parameters. Don't configure the system as a NIS client if it's not
been
setup on the NIS server - you can end up waiting forever :(

HtH
David

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of
Richard R. Pope
Sent: 28 February 2018 01:45
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [TekScopes] 16700A setting up Xwindows.

Pete,
It starts up fine, runs the diagnostics, starts to load the
16700
Analyzer software and then the Display goes blank. The Monitor never
goes
in to sleep mode so I know that it is still receiving a signal.
When I shut it down the Display comes back and shows the Shutdown
procedure.
Are you the person with the webpage that shows how to enable the
good version of XWindows? If you are I followed your procedure as laid
out
on the webpage. I couldn't find the sys.X11start file and the link
that you
provided took me to what looks like a text file and I don't know what
to do
with it.
Will you please help me out of this? If I could find a set of
Floppy files or Images I could put an all new OS on it. This machine
was in
a Corporate Environment and it did not use DHCP so I can't access it
over
my network. The software has been heavy modified. I used to own Amigas.
Amigados and Workbench were based on Unix and Xwindows. Also I have
been
dabbling in Linux for decades. I learn very quickly and I am very good
about following directions.
GOD Bless and Thanks,
rich!

On 2/27/2018 7:05 PM, Pete Lancashire wrote:

Remember is a T&M that just happens to be running HPUX, there is NO
customization from HP. That's why unless you really know HPUX and Unix
stuff you will crash it all the time

On Tue, Feb 27, 2018 at 5:04 PM, Pete Lancashire
<pete@...>
wrote:

If you crashed it hard, you get the CD from HP and do a full reload

the instructions are in the manual or online a few places.

On Tue, Feb 27, 2018 at 3:54 PM, Richard R. Pope
<mechanic_2@...>
wrote:

Hello all,

Mine is a NEC 3x that uses a CD Carrier. Remember those!!
16700s do not have Displays. This is from an expert that explained
the terminology to me. The As came with Ethernet 10baseTs and no
CD-ROM drive. The Bs came with 10/100baseT and internal CD-ROM
drives. Mine is an Opt3 which means that the Graphics have been
upgraded.
Yes, I made it where I can no longer run the Analyzer. This
has more to do with the way the machine was heavily customized. So
if someone could please help me to take this back to day one and
rebuild the OS from scratch it would be really appreciated?
GOD Bless and Thanks,
rich!

On 2/27/2018 7:36 AM, Pete Lancashire wrote:

I had a lot of trouble finding a CD reader that would work with

mine. I

think I ended up with either a Plextor or an IBM. The good news
is that SCSI CD readers are cheap these days.

Another one is Yamaha, can't remember the model, it is the one SUN
used.

I also added a larger/faster hard drive to mine. Gcc wouldn't fit
on

the original :-)

I've been attempted to try a SCSI<->SCSI80 adapter and see what
happens with on of the many 15K RPM 72GB drives I have.

got rid of the session manager
There is a display-less version of the 16700's.


On Tue, Feb 27, 2018 at 5:29 AM, Paul Amaranth <paul@...
wrote:

IIRC, they use fvwm as the window manager and it's relatively easy
to

change the personality. At least once you find where they put the
configuration file.

It's an interesting box if you're familiar with Unix and/or HPUX.
I've hacked mine significantly, got rid of the session manager
(which is a real pig on that small machine) and use it remote.
Pretty slick getting a 24" DSO screen. (hint: ssh in, then run the
bare app with the DISPLAY variable set). Don't use vnc, that just
gets you an image of the LA desktop.

That's HPUX 10.2 and there are additional binaries you can load.
For a while the Merjin archive had dropped the 10.x binaries but
they're back online now. You can add bash and ssh as well as gcc,
perl and a few others.
Adding ssh makes it very easy to copy files in and out. On my
network that was a mandatory add. If you're unfortunate enough to
be using a windows machine to access the LA remotely, use putty.

All that said, if you're not familiar with unix, just accept the
UI they give you and learn to work with it. For me, having a
computer that runs an LA app is more useful than an LA that
happens
to run on a computer.
But
I've been building Unix systems for 30 years and can pretty much
make them do whatever I want.

I had a lot of trouble finding a CD reader that would work with
mine. I think I ended up with either a Plextor or an IBM. The
good news is that SCSI CD readers are cheap these days.

I also added a larger/faster hard drive to mine. Gcc wouldn't fit
on the original :-)

Paul

On Tue, Feb 27, 2018 at 12:41:08AM -0800, Pete Lancashire wrote:

The 16700A is a piece of T&M that uses HPUX as its base control

software and UI. Although it is a complete kernel the "devices"
are not all standard, any changes to what you see and get and you
can tank the whole thing and have to start over from a CD mounted
via a external SCSI CD Drive, not only external but one that has
to support Unix size disk

blocks
vs native CD block sizes. Back to devices changes in the startup

sequence can cause I/O modules to stop working as well.

Your prompt is pretty much common for a system without a host
name, in

the
case the unknown is where the host-name would go

If you want to continue using it as a LA, I would strongly
suggest not changing the display and just get use to it.

On Tue, Feb 27, 2018 at 12:21 AM, Richard R. Pope <

mechanic_2@...>
wrote:

Hello all,

. . . . I have a benefactor that was nice enough to send me
a
16700A

LA.
I don't like the Xwindows that is setup to look like Win95. UGH!
Going by Dave Partridge's web site allows be to get into HPUX but
from there it all comes a part for me. I am able to log into ISL
without any problems and

then I can log into hpux using the -is command. I get a
unknown:/>

prompt.
I am able to execute mkdir /cdrom with no problems. I don't know
enough

about Unix to find the sys.x11start.gz file. When I explore one
of the CDROM images that I have on my win machine there is no
such file. I

also
don't know how to access the cdrom drive that I have hooked up.
it does

show up in the path as sescsi.0.0 so I know that the system sees
it.
Unfortunately there is no sys.x11start.gz on the CDROM discs. I
also

don't
know how to setup the network under UNIX.

GOD Bless and Thanks,
rich!






--
Paul Amaranth, GCIH | Rochester MI, USA
Aurora Group, Inc. | Security, Systems & Software
paul@... | Unix & Windows















!DSPAM:5a961163155941124319302!









Re: A 16700 compatible CD-ROM Drive?

 

Pete,
I'm sorry. I have joined them but I am waiting for Admin approval. Please don't yell at me. It wasn't necessary. I just misunderstood and made a honest mistake. Again I am sorry. Everyone else please ignore this topic.
GOD Bless and Thanks,
rich!

On 2/27/2018 11:54 PM, Pete Lancashire wrote:
RICH !!!!

YOU ARE ASKING ON THE WRONG LIST, THIS IS TEK SCOPES NOT HP !!!!!! I GAVE
YOU THE LIST TO ASK ON


On Tue, Feb 27, 2018 at 9:51 PM, Richard R. Pope <mechanic_2@...>
wrote:

Hello all,
. . . . For those of you who having not been following my trials and
tribulations with a 16700A in another topic here is a partial update. I
received this LA from a benefactor who has stepped forward. A real big
thanks to him. I have run into that incompatibility problem with External
CD-ROM Drives.
. . . . I am disabled and partially housebound. I am living on SSD so
money is very tight for me. I am looking for a CD-ROM Drive for little or
nothing that is compatible with the 16700A I have an NEC 3x Drive that uses
the CD Carriers. Remember those. I have installed this and a Maxtor 245MB
SCSI drive in an External SCSI box. The Termination on the CD-ROM Drive is
turned off and I removed the Termination resistors on the HDD. I have a
Terminator installed on the end of the SCSI bus on the External Case. Could
someone please help me out? Any and all help is greatly appreciated.
GOD Bless and Thanks,
rich!