Just uploaded some '"quick and dirty" teardowns, mosty HP gear   - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: intabits
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 08, 2018, 10:06:15 am
content: I've just uploaded a few "quick and dirty" teardown videos of equipment from a recent hamfest haul.It's mostly HP gear, including a 3455A voltmeter, and a couple of more obscure items.These videos are simple: Brief description, Open it up, Poke about, Look for simple problems, and See what happens when power is applied.Hopefully, some will find them interesting...HP3455A voltmeter.Seller said it made a bang and lots of smoke when turned on earlier that dayHP3495A Scanner.Routes connections via reed relays under HPIB control.HP37201A HP-IB extender.Carries HPIB communication over RS232 for long range connections.Tait T348 15V/15A power supplies.Made in NZ in 1988.

author: intabits
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 08, 2018, 10:39:50 pm
content: OOPS/DOH: Forgot to add links to the videos - Now added after the images in the first post(My first thought when I awoke just now was that I'd forgotten to include the links. The value of sleep!)

author: rob.manderson
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 09, 2018, 12:19:33 am
content: You just had to show off that Astor Mickey didn't you!

author: bitseeker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 09, 2018, 05:01:41 am
content: Thanks for the teardowns. I look forward to seeing how that 3455A comes along.Regarding the 37201A, it sounded like the mains filter cap(s) have blown. RIFA caps and Schaffner line filters are notorious for becoming incendiary and should be replaced. In the case of the RIFA caps, they're usually encased in plastic and any sign of cracks means a catastrophic failure is just waiting to happen. There are threads on the forum about them.

author: intabits
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 09, 2018, 09:23:57 am
content: Quote from: rob.manderson on August 09, 2018, 12:19:33 amAstor Mickey's are status symbols now? Lol, I better get some more!No, it was pure coincidence. Mickey now lives at that end of the table. He was just an innocent bystander...Quote from: bitseeker on August 09, 2018, 05:01:41 amThanks. It should be fun. Just a quick study of the manual for cal failure #11 points to (among other things) possible dud fets.And these (5088-7028) seem to be used in no other HP gear, and not mentioned in any xrefs. A worry if they turn out to be the problem.QuoteThat fits the evidence. I know what you mean, I had a (I believe it was a RIFA) mains cap explode in a Tek2465 recently.

author: rob.manderson
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 09, 2018, 12:31:18 pm
content: Quote from: intabits on August 09, 2018, 09:23:57 amYou should check out the antique valve radio scene. A working Mickey in good condition is worth a few boat-anchor Test Instruments!

author: intabits
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 09, 2018, 02:01:18 pm
content: Quote from: rob.manderson on August 09, 2018, 12:31:18 pmThe "Mickey" nameplate covers a range of models and eras.The older, Art Deco types tend to fetch good prices:-https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/-/153105903705?nordt=true&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l10137But the "breadloaf" style like mine, usually only sell in the AU$50 to AU$150 range:-https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Vintage-Retro-Astor-Mickey-Valve-Radio-from-the-50s-60s/113037051373?hash=item1a518885ed:g:noEAAOSwdkZbFP~thttps://www.ebay.com.au/itm/-/113161726499?nordt=true&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l10137Unless they're blue:-https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Blue-Astor-Mickey-Bakelite-Valve-Radio/123248226967?hash=item1cb22ab297:g:LJ8AAOSwLmlbSHKYhttps://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Stunning-Early-1950s-Retro-Vintage-ASTOR-MICKEY-Blue-Bakelite-Valve-Radio/113111744107?hash=item1a55fc3e6b:g:ebMAAOSwRTtbNL-b(you might have to scroll down a page, or click "listing ended" notice to see original item)QuoteI have, and just recently joined The Historical Radio Society of Australia, and went to one of their auctions, where the belle of the ball was this beautifully restored item.It went for AU$2800.http://www.hrsa.asn.au/HRSA/auction/20180728VI/204-0.jpg

author: bitseeker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 10, 2018, 03:09:59 am
content: Quote from: intabits on August 09, 2018, 09:23:57 amYeah, the only thing I saw were 5081-7047 and 5090-0202 as possible equivalents, but doesn't help a lot being HP/Agilent part numbers also.

author: time27
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 09, 2019, 01:48:27 am
content: HiI am interested in the cards plugged into this unit. I already own a HP3495a scanner but would like to increase its capability.So I am after 2 part cards that operate relays, card that plugs in on a HP3495A bus and card that adds relays to the unit and connections to the outside signal. I have a HP3455A DVM and HPIB bus that works - just needs to extend its capability.Regards Nick

author: time27
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 09, 2019, 02:02:33 am
content: Cards - that are in that unit might be operational - since I have a HP3495A, HPIB-USB bus running and a HP3455A all in working condition it would be nice to test out if I can use relay cards. My HP3495A is fitted with thermal reference card No DAQ switch card. It would be nice to get hold of 3 parts that make up the relay switch send few commands down te HPIB bus for it to multiplex the HP3455A are read few voltages. Docs would be nice for selecting the bus card . You can tell I am retired., will pay for the postage and if it works will share the glory of working unit :)Regards Nick

author: intabits
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 09, 2019, 09:46:17 am
content: Hi Nick,I've just sent you a PM...

author: time27
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 09, 2019, 10:27:47 pm
content: this is my setup - all working. The HP3495A is shown but it has no switches and cards fitted only thermal reference card. Would like to increase its ability so I am looking for options 001 through 00x . Mainly relay switch card.Thank you //Nick