HP 1631D and 1663C Logic Analyser

[deanflyer]

I  picked up a HP 1631D and HP 1635D Logic Analyser from an auction. Im just getting started in electronics and purchased these to understand more about CPU logic, i'm an old CBM 64 8 bit enthusiast.

The 1631D comes with a set of 4 x 10271A and 2x 10272A pods and a single set of probes.

The 1663C came with 1 pod populated, with a couple of probe cables.

Both power up and work okay.

For low speed work (1MHz 6510 CPU) im assuming either would do the job. Ill try and sell one to pay for probes etc. for the other one.  Should I keep the 1663C as its newer and faster? Is there anything the 1663C has that the 1631D doesnt or vice-versa?

Should I try and make my own probes? Was reading about impedance etc, so should I just buy the official HP probes/grabbers. They dont seem to be cheap.

Sorry for all the questions, hopefully someone can help.

Dean

PS I also bought a Gould 4072 which powered on for 30 seconds and then the PSU expired in a puff of smelly smoke. Apparently a common fate! Ill try and fix it if I can.

[TAMHAN]

Hello,
went over it a little bit. I did not use these two units personally, but was in the mood for some datasheet googling. I would definitely keep the 1663C. It does not have the "oscilloscope" of the 1631C, but the deeper memory IMHO more than makes up for that.

Also, please keep this in mind:


AFAIK, these maintenance advices also apply to your two HP Logic analyzers. Also, this is likely what is bringing your Gould scope down...

[deanflyer]

Thanks for that. The Gould EMI RF capacitors look to be the initial culprit. WIll replace these and see what happens.

[joeqsmith]

I used to own a 1631D with the disk drive.  It was my first DSO.   I replaced it with the 1663C which I still have. 

[TAMHAN]

Hello,
I would simply gib all the caps on the PSU of the Gould. No sense fixing four, and then the others do you in a week later - new ones cost like, jackshit.

Also, given that we had smoke emission. Try to check which cap is shorted - it might have taken some other components with it.