Datapulse Generator - bought one

[metrologist]

What do you use these for?

Model 101 pulse generator. 10 MHz PRF and I see 4.2 ns rise time.

[alsetalokin4017]

I have a DP101 too!

You use it for generating pulses.   

No, seriously. It is like a function generator, but only generates "square wave" (rectangular)  pulses with a wide range of timing, duty cycle, and triggering options.

The front-panel controls are pretty self-explanatory.

I haven't had to do any repairs on mine, and it gets very close to its specification rise time of 5 ns when connected properly (50 ohms output impedance).

Here's a little video showing the use of an Interstate F43 FG to gate the pulse signal from the DP101 in an electromagnetism "propulsion" experiment.

[metrologist]

I'll have to find some pulse applications.

How do you set the single pulse button? Should it fire when gate mode is set to sync or async?

[metrologist]

I found a manual for the 100a

http://bee.mif.pg.gda.pl/ciasteczkowypotwor/Systron%20Donner/Systron-Donner_100A_Pulse_Generator.pdf


The single pulse button still confuses me. The instructions say something about a "single pulse mode" that is somehow different than the SGL/DBL pulse setting.

In the single pulse mode, actuating the single pulse pushbutton provides one cycle of output (single or double pulse mode).



2.2.6 Gate Mode

The main outputs are continuous when the GATE
MODE switch is in the NON-GATED position but are interrupted
and occur in gated bursts, as controlled by an externally
applied gate signal, when the switch is in either the
SYNC or the ASYNC position.

In the below procedure, it would seem the pulse is already in free run...?

Edit: I just noticed the image in the manual has single pulse in the PRF vernier. I think mine does not have that or it's rubbed off. I recall it as a CAL setting.

2.3.5 Single Pulse Operation
a. Retain the test connections of paragraph 2.3.2 and set the oscilloscope sweep speed to 1.0 MS/CM.
b. Set the instrument controls as follows:

REPETITION RATE range   :   SINGLE PULSE
PULSE DELAY range   :   1.0 MS
PULSE DELAY vernier   :   fully clockwise
PULSE WIDTH range   :   1.0 MS
PULSE WIDTH vernier   :   midrange
POSITIVE AMPLITUDE   :   5 v
GATE MODE switch   :   NON-GATED
PULSE MODE switch   :   SGL
Remaining controls   :   any position


c. Press the SINGLE PULSE pushbutton and
verify that one pulse (only) appears on the
oscilloscope trace each time the button is
actuated. 

[alsetalokin4017]

Yes, on the leftmost knob (pulse repetition rate) the "Single Pulse" setting is for the Outer Knob at the lower right position. The "Cal" setting is for the Vernier (smaller) knob adjustment.

Yes, when the Outer knob is set to the "Single Pulse" setting, pushing the button should produce a single pulse (or double pulse) of the width selected with the pulse width control.

Your unit may have the Single Pulse label rubbed off. The knob can only be rotated to the Single Pulse position by turning it counterclockwise all the way, you can't get to that position by turning clockwise. The little white selection indicator on the outer knob is hard to see.

[G0HZU]

I've got one of these Datapulse 101 generators as well I bought mine for just £5 back in the 1990s at a radio rally and I also bought an HP8002A pulse gen the same day for the same price.

The little Datapulse 101 has been really useful over the years for so many things. Too many to mention.

If you google for images of Jim Williams' workbench you can often spot a Datapulse 101 on his bench somewhere.

[metrologist]

alright thanks. Found it all and works great.

[TimFox]

The single pulse button still confuses me. The instructions say something about a "single pulse mode" that is somehow different than the SGL/DBL pulse setting.

SGL/DBL pulse setting allows you to generate two pulses for each cycle, with the delay pot determining the time between two identical pulses and the period pot determining the time between the first of the pair and the first of the next pair of pulses.

[metrologist]

I was just not realizing the Single Mode setting on the PRF knob, it is all the way around to the left, past about 4 detents for setting the line, external, and gated inputs. I am going to fix the white mark on the knob so it can be seen, and clean off the rest of the schmoo on the front panel so I can read the silk screening.  I may crack it open and calibrate the frequency. It does not quite get to 10 MHz.