Hewlett Packard Instrument Dating using serial numbers ??

[oz2cpu]

please see the comments of this video

https://youtu.be/Z6Ge-2cr4rA

as you see in the comments Pat M, was so kind to point out the serial system of HP instruments
so of course I like to learn more about this,
the missing gab 1950 to 1960 ??
anyone with a relaiable dating info ?
i see so many different ideas online.
feel free share you wisdom on the video, or here, what ever you like.

Why I like to know more about this : I get more and more HP instruments , i like to date them too

[Decapitator]

I've found that most instruments regardless of manufacturer will have multiple clues scattered throughout in the form of date codes on individual components within the device. Pots, switches, power semiconductors, IC's, tubes, capacitors (especially multi section twist tab types), circuit breakers and transformers are often dated. Sometimes you'll find a date rubber stamped right on a circuit board, chassis or case.

[oz2cpu]

sure, they will most likely use brans new ic's and transistors with date codes,
CRT's are always marked, so that is easy
this post was only about HP serial numbers, it is fun to see how close you get by normal forensic methods
versus looking up the serial number

[Haenk]

(Note: I have not watched the video, so the following might have been stated in there)

As for the (early, LED) calculators, the serial number, even if it contains year/week, does *not* match the actual date of manufacture, consider it to be a "batch" or "revision" identifier. IC date codes are a much better clue in this case.