WTT/FS [AU]: Datron Wavetek 4600 Autocal Transconductance Amplifier

[HairyWombat]

What a mouthful.
So I have me one of these flux capacitors 








 
Has the usual marks on the outside but is quite clean within, looks like it was last calibrated in 2000.
There is an error sheet with it that states error indictors are active so I am not plugging it in so as not to make it worse.
Love the fold out Startrek styled handles and the spring loaded binding posts are awesome, never seem them before.

Whilst I have developed an unhealthy obsession with meters over the last few months this isn't really my thing, I didn't know Metrology was a thing so I am good with it.
Wondered if there was any interest here and would prefer to trade for something more useful to me, meters or whatever, if not then the Bay of E it is.

Now this one is probably more for the Aussies as its around 11Kg (24lb) but if you want to pay shipping sure why not.
Wouldn't think there are to many people needing a Transconductance Amplifier in Australia but I may stand corrected.

Current offerings:
HP53181 with Snickers and Dimmog Mods
Prema 6047 7.5 Digit Meter

[HairyWombat]

Further observations while I had the cover off
All main board fuses are intact.
Every IC is socketed, unusual even for then.

These will no doubt be bone dry as well as the ones in the metal box/supply?
Hmm 83 vs 95 looks like 1 was replaced maybe.


This is strange, like a crystal structure on the DB15 housing.
Plastic decomposition or evidence a cap let go somewhere but nothing visible elsewhere?


Tagged components?


A bit dodge for final production.
I just noticed, on a bigger screen, the little sockets for these, calibration?

[KungFuJosh]

It looks like the board probably has a conformal coating on it, and that probably also got on the walls and the DB15 housing.

[HairyWombat]

It looks like the board probably has a conformal coating on it, and that probably also got on the walls and the DB15 housing.

Other than a fine layer of dust the rest of the unit is spotless.
I know I have seen this before on some early automotive 80s plastics, like a cellular delamination or something.
It just looks furry in the pic but it has a glittery reflection to it like a crystal structure or a salt deposit. Looks like leaky NiMh batts.
To me it looks carcinogenic so I am not touching it, cover is back on and unit stashed away.

[Zucca]

https://bama.edebris.com/download/datron/4600/Datron%204600%20brochure.pdf

https://bama.edebris.com/download/datron/4600/Datron%204600%20Specs.pdf

wondering if you can use it as the https://www.picotest.com/product/j2111b-current-injector/

[Kean]

There is even a 151 page service manual with schematics at https://bama.edebris.com/manuals/datron/4600/

Looks like a nice unit, but I'm not sure I would actually have a valid use for it.

[Zucca]

Looks like a nice unit, but I'm not sure I would actually have a valid use for it.

https://www.signaledgesolutions.com/post/unlocking-precision-versatile-power-integrity-testing-with-the-picotest-j2111b-current-injector

a Transconductance Amplifier can do wild stuff, also roughly determine a battery EIS.

Problem is this device is designed to calibrate.... and I do not have time to do the necessary homework/ further investigation....

[Kean]

Yeah, but this is a transconductance amp capable of 11A output and good AC performance to 20kHz.
The J2111B Current Injector is intended for quite different purposes with output under 100mA up to 40MHz.

I have a Chinese current injection transformer similar to a Picotest J2100A for doing loop stability measurements on DC/DC converters.  I haven't had a need for any of the other Picotest products yet.

I am somewhat familiar with transconductance amplifiers as one of my designs for a photodiode detector was recently bitten by the recent Texas Instruments opamp debacle (not the NE5532).  I have switched to OnSemi parts, but lots of PCBA rework to schedule.

I'd happily take it off HairyWombat's hands, but I don't have spare cash to throw at it.
Dave could be interested.  No idea what HairyWombat might be asking, and eBay really might be his best bet.

[HairyWombat]

Yeah, but this is a transconductance amp capable of 11A output and good AC performance to 20kHz.
The J2111B Current Injector is intended for quite different purposes with output under 100mA up to 40MHz.

I have a Chinese current injection transformer similar to a Picotest J2100A for doing loop stability measurements on DC/DC converters.  I haven't had a need for any of the other Picotest products yet.

I am somewhat familiar with transconductance amplifiers as one of my designs for a photodiode detector was recently bitten by the recent Texas Instruments opamp debacle (not the NE5532).  I have switched to OnSemi parts, but lots of PCBA rework to schedule.

I'd happily take it off HairyWombat's hands, but I don't have spare cash to throw at it.
Dave could be interested.  No idea what HairyWombat might be asking, and eBay really might be his best bet.

Thanks for the manual link I was looking for that, boat anchor manual archive LOL, hadnt stumbled on that yet.
There was an opertunity to score a Fluke calibrator and this would have complimented it well, the calibrator did not work out unfortunately.
I have no idea what calibrating a calibrator would even cost so I backed off big time and was left with the Datron.

The value of such an item is entirely based on how much someone needs it.
Whilst this can do quite cool stuff it is very niche for most people including me.
The bay revealed only this one completed listing
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/267448161707?_skw=datron+4600&itmmeta=01KZQFM9GKD6YGGZ88QBZY3C6R&hash=item3e452715ab:g:YR0AAeSwaLpo-P8s&itmprp=enc%3AAQALAAAA8GfYFPkwiKCW4ZNSs2u11xAZIC6m0pOqZPgAt22yQcinJ2btnKs%2BDqSKKJ0csPbsTNuUbuC4IWsxXuTuWctzidRGQnR%2BodZZ4tUbE04OXuwhqZbTBGpAuriKlbgZgoa%2FLNMhf2qhcPjmHHtddE31su0wCDTZ5op7QnHluoZaPoo7Om%2Fg4L6DnITAvW2GB7MNh6uTweXc28N0AOIwU0KeiFr3ixi5qtP74hhG%2Fa1C7QUVBp1Hh5zT%2B%2FGOB09QkLBh3ep5awc1t8wqieDgGKDE6TyX7jh%2FG8bO%2BIKmOgYDbDHZ1gkkmtLEkoIsa8Lnc1WUyg%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR7CY0e_9Zw
A very comparable unit with similar faults

It doesn't owe me a lot so the value range from my perspective is quite broad.
As I said I would prefer to trade for a nice piece of gear that you need to get rid of to make room for this.
Cash would just be turned into further gear anyway.

I am finally collecting all the gear I have always wanted but could not afford to create a proper lab.
To give you an idea here is most of what I have, a lot I have collected since I started long service leave in April (testing retirement):

Meters
Protek 505 (Modded to 506) Poor old thing did me well for years, very substandard but unique - Restored and modded heavily for laughs
Yokogawa TY720 Typical broken Common insulator
Agilent U1252A Like the rechargeable function
Hioki DT4282 Probably my favorite handheld meter so far
Fluke 8020A, 8060A x2 The 8060A's are so good
Fluke 83-5, 87-3 x2, 87-5 No scopemeter yet but want one
DER EE DE-5000 LCR meter - Way better than I expected and so worth it
Fluke 8010's, 8050A x2 One of the 8050As that I had for ages and finally got around to fixing started my newfound Metrology obsession addiction hobby
Keithley 175 Awesome Auotranging 4.5 bench meter and looks so 80s
Agilent 34401A - Has F/R switch and COTO relay issues
Agilent 34401A - Coming for parts but works? Turned out perfect, current beast.
Agilent 34401A - Coming for parts - condition unknown Turned out perfect again and still in calibration mostly?
Keithley 2001 - Current project, has data fault and locks after boot Fixed
Keithley 2001 - Coming for parts but works US$460 delivered Hope it happens again and nothing wrong with it. It did, it's perfect.

Every time I get a parts unit of anything it comes out schmick it seems.

I still want a Brymen 869s but keep missing out on one.

Supplies
Maynuo M8811 Source - Works great but needs calibrating.
Matrix MPS-3206 DC Power Supply - not sure why I got this, bundles?
GW GPS-3030D 30V 3A DC Power Supply - Poor old thing, had forever, but does have master slave mode
Sunshine P-3005A DC Power Supply x3 - These are great US$70 from LCSC if you can deal with baby blue.
HP6633A 50V 2A Power Supply - Such a tank, great clean supply.
Itech IT8511+ Electronic Load - This has turned out way more handy than expected.

F Gens & Scope
Rigol DG1022U Function Generator - Had a blown common mode choke on Ch1 works great.
Agilent 33120A Function Generator - Seems fine, waiting for caps and organizing Option01. Is 2 function gens enough?
Rigol DS1102Z-E 2Ch Scope - Bought new after stupidly thinking a Fnirsi would do, is a good start but yes I want better.

Randoms / New additions
Doric DS-350 Type K Thermometer with Nixies (1 is out) dry joint city but found a manual.
Hales & Rogers (Hales Instruments) DM-2 Micro-ohm Meter - rare as it seems but works sorta
I need info on this but cannot find anything, even resorting to messaging the only 2 ebay sellers that are trying to sell one.

Soldering
Micron T2438 Station has done the job but no longer meets my needs
ALIENTEK T300B-115+245 with 210SBX-1.2m extra handle, This is way better than expected.
Quick 861 Pro Rework Iron - Thing is insane and still working it out, can do so much damage.
Itech HP-200 200mm Hotplate - Awesome investment and a solder pot also for kicks.
Itech RF-A250 Reflow oven - It's awesome, was so cheap and works so well, so glad I bought it. I dealt with them directly in China and recommend them highly.
Andonstar 720Pro Scope - average at best but the LS6 Polarized illuminator I added makes it usable.
Testo 882 IR Imager - Old beast I have extended loan of, friend literally found the entire case on the side of the road wow

As you can see I am truly down the rabbit hole and gives you an idea of where I am going, what I have and need.
Looking at the list surprised me a bit, interesting to see your own obsession grow.
Not sure if I want to elevate to "Voltnut" with an 8.5 digit meter with the eye watering prices.

Suggestions?
Need a decent frequency counter, still using an old EA kit.
High voltage variable supply 100V+ NOT KV
Scope upgrade / spectrum analyzer?
Nice bench LCR?
Meters, I do like unusual meters

Current offerings:
HP53181 with Snickers and Dimmog Mods
Prema 6047 7.5 Digit Meter

 

[Kean]

As you can see I am truly down the rabbit hole and gives you an idea of where I am going, what I have and need.
Need a decent frequency counter, still using an old EA kit.
High voltage variable supply 100V+ NOT KV
Scope upgrade / spectrum analyzer?
Nice bench LCR?
Meters, I do like unusual meters

Nice collection you are gathering.

No chance you are getting my bench LCR, but I do have this Prema DMM from Dave sitting on a shelf unused.  Not sure if that would be a fair trade, or whether we are geographically close enough to meet.

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/blog/eevblog-613-prema-6047-multimeter-teardown/

[HairyWombat]

Nice collection you are gathering.

No chance you are getting my bench LCR, but I do have this Prema DMM from Dave sitting on a shelf unused.  Not sure if that would be a fair trade, or whether we are geographically close enough to meet.

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/blog/eevblog-613-prema-6047-multimeter-teardown/

Within reason almost anything is a fair trade.
That's quite interesting, first time I have watched Dave, PMSL Winner winner chicken dinner
Have you or Dave done anything with it yet? I can see that Dallas NVRAM being shot.

This is in the running, the other offeree is very gracious and allowing yokals to have a go first while he holidays.
Hmm this will get difficult to choose.

I am up in the northern realms of Melbourne, the urban fringe.
I just read in another post you are in Sydney, may be another reason to visit the TMG sale

[Kean]

That's quite interesting, first time I have watched Dave, PMSL Winner winner chicken dinner
Have you or Dave done anything with it yet? I can see that Dallas NVRAM being shot.

Just a bit of playing around with it, comparing it to a few 5.5 and 6.5 digit meters using some voltage references.
I think I bought a new NVRAM for it, but I would have to check if I installed it.  I now have some FRAM, which might be better.
The original calibration data was restored from the factory EEPROM, as the cal data was lost at some point.

I am up in the northern realms of Melbourne, the urban fringe.
I just read in another post you are in Sydney, may be another reason to visit the TMG sale

Yeah, I am in the northern realms of Sydney (Hornsby area).  I do try to visit Melbourne at least once a year for business, penguins, friends, and maybe family if in the mood.

[HairyWombat]

The time has come to make a decision.

Unless there are any further offers I have decided to accept the offer on the HP53181 as I need a good counter.

Sorry Kean

[Kean]

No worries.  Not something I actually need, was just thinking of the potential uses for it.  I much prefer it to go to someone more keen on it than me (pun intended).

I don't think there is much chance of me getting down to Melbourne in two week time for the warehouse sale either.  Oh well, probably for the best anyway as I also need to clear some stuff out.

[HairyWombat]

Well due to the excessively high cost of postage to Europe the HP51318 will not be happening, unfortunately.

As such the Datron is back up for grabs unless Kean is still keen. (Couldn't help myself)

[Wazza]

Hello,

If the datron-wavetek-4600 is back up for grabs and you're wanting a counter, may I offer up my HP5334B counter (2 x 100MHz inputs, 1 x 1.3GHz input and fitted with a high stability oscillator) in trade?

Regards,

Waz

[HairyWombat]

Thanks for the offer Wazza but it is a bit big.
I wanted a counter in the normal half width size to match the majority of my gear.

What else you got 

Kean is happy to wait till he makes it to Melbourne but not ship it.
If something comes up in the meantime so be it, so yeah still up for grabs.

[Wazza]

I've a HP5342A, 1 x 500MHz input and 1 x 18GHz? input. The front panel is a bit second hand, I've only ever used the 500MHz input which works well, so I can't vouch for the 18GHz input.

It's half rack width but fairly deep front to back and does have the rear standoffs so it can be used vertically without obstructing the fan, which I've found more useful than I thought.

Regards,

Waz

[HairyWombat]

Thanks Wazza but yeah still a bit big.
Doesn't have to be a counter, meters or anything else is fair game.
Even faulty units, spare parts machines for stuff I listed.

[HairyWombat]

Thanks Wazza but yeah still a bit big.
Doesn't have to be a counter, meters or anything else is fair game.
Even faulty units, spare parts machines for stuff I listed.

Wazza
Thought I would just DM you as eevBlog has been a mess lately.

As I thought I was getting a HP53181 I now want no less than that and want to put in a Dimmog display.
Sort of a buyers FOMO thing I think.

As I said I am open to anything really and it can be weird, old or faulty.
Meters are always interesting to me.
If anything comes to mind shoot me a DM.

[Wazza]

Hi Brendon,

DM sent (I hope).

Regards,

Waz