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Products => Test Equipment => Topic started by: xwarp on April 21, 2014, 02:07:35 am

Title: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xwarp on April 21, 2014, 02:07:35 am
(I don't recall seeing a thread in the past 156 pages of threads where "scores" were the topic of discussion, so on with the topic!)

We are all always looking for bargains, so what was your cheapest score?

Mine, and I have several:

Tek 2246A scope with 4 10x probes with manual in great shape for $80.
HP 8013B pulse generator missing fuse cap for $3.
HP 3311A Function Generator $5.

ETA:

Tek 485 scope for $50.
For the automotive types, a near mint Heath Kit CI-1080 Exhaust Analyzer for $5.
A Fluke 10 DVM for $5 that I later modded to use the hidden Capacitance and Min/Max features.

That is all I can think of at the moment.

How about you?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Vgkid on April 21, 2014, 02:10:48 am
Does free count...
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xwarp on April 21, 2014, 02:14:19 am
Does free count...

BRING IT!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: c4757p on April 21, 2014, 02:20:50 am
Power Designs 1570 - 3kV 120W linear power supply for $30

Hmm...
a Tektronix TDS-380 for $140, not quite a steal, but a decent bargain for 400 MHz, 2 GSa/s...

Numerous old Fluke bench DMMs in the $5-15 range needing small repairs

Can't think of anything else particularly good at the moment.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Vgkid on April 21, 2014, 02:37:27 am
Free- Inherited
Fluke 87-1, working, until I killed it somewhat
Weller Wcc101, works great
Simpson 260-6?, will use ocassionally
Free - Cant mention
Genrad 1658, works
Genrad 1689, dead as a doornail, when I got it it gave every error message. Still broken BTW.
Tek 2246, works
tek 2430, would have liked to kept it, except upon opening it up, I realized that it was dropped.
not free
Trygon power supply $20 tot
Hp5335A - $90 tot
Ballantine 323-07 - $35 tot, the manual cost almost as much as what I bought it for ($25) :(
Solartron 7065 - $80 tot, long story. It will have one in a few weeks.
Fluke 1952B $20 tot + 20 $manual, will fix someday.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: echen1024 on April 21, 2014, 02:59:19 am
Free:
Agilent 33120A

Paid, but good deals: HP 6114A. $60 (broken)
Agilent 3478A $20, can't mention how
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: georges80 on April 21, 2014, 03:13:52 am
All free, perfect condition, some with much less than 50 hours use:

Agilent 33250A
Tek 1103 + P6246 diff probe
Fluke 8845A
Agilent E3611A x 2
Tek TDS2014 + probes
Misc other lab equipment of lesser value.

Yes, I scored well :)

cheers,
george.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: echen1024 on April 21, 2014, 03:51:30 am
All free, perfect condition, some with much less than 50 hours use:

Agilent 33250A
Tek 1103 + P6246 diff probe
Fluke 8845A
Agilent E3611A x 2
Tek TDS2014 + probes
Misc other lab equipment of lesser value.

Yes, I scored well :)

cheers,
george.
From your "job"?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: skipjackrc4 on April 21, 2014, 04:02:11 am
My best deal to date is a set of 8 standard resistors and 5 standard capacitors for $50.  The caps are worth several times that individually.  There have been other good deals, but none as good as that one.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: ixfd64 on April 21, 2014, 04:03:17 am
How did you all get such good deals? Garage sales? Dumpster diving? Donations?

I don't have much test equipment to begin with, but I did receive a free >200 mW green laser from Wicked Lasers in exchange for a review several years ago. That particular model was sold for around $1,000 at the time. :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Vgkid on April 21, 2014, 04:11:13 am
I will go with donations...
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: georges80 on April 21, 2014, 04:16:53 am
All free, perfect condition, some with much less than 50 hours use:

Agilent 33250A
Tek 1103 + P6246 diff probe
Fluke 8845A
Agilent E3611A x 2
Tek TDS2014 + probes
Misc other lab equipment of lesser value.

Yes, I scored well :)

cheers,
george.
From your "job"?

Place I contracted for a couple of years. They closed down a year or more after I left, the local 'equipment companies' offered $0 and not to charge recycling fees - so I got 1st dibs on anything I wanted... The phrase kid at a candy store was close to how I felt that day.

cheers,
george.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: iloveelectronics on April 21, 2014, 11:22:27 am
Not sure if this counts as a "score" seeing all others incredible deals, but this one just arrived today:
(http://i.imgur.com/j4LOn6p.jpg) (http://imgur.com/j4LOn6p)

It's a Korean made 100kHz-220MHz signal generator. Got it for about $100 shipped to my door. Not in the best of cosmetic shapes but seems to function correctly. No idea about its accuracy but I'm not bothered. It's the only equipment I have now that can generate frequency higher than 25MHz. I hope it will help me run some basic tests to judge quality when I start doing sourcing of things like BNC cables, etc.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: VK5RC on April 21, 2014, 12:29:54 pm
Hi Frankie, there is something about the look of that Freq gen that reminds me of some older vintage HP gear I have esp the modulation type leds, its not an old HP rebadge is it?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: iloveelectronics on April 21, 2014, 12:55:32 pm
Hi Frankie, there is something about the look of that Freq gen that reminds me of some older vintage HP gear I have esp the modulation type leds, its not an old HP rebadge is it?

It says "Made in Korea" at the back so I doubt it's an HP rebadge. Older HP equipment were mostly (if not all) made in the USA, weren't they?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: peter.mitchell on April 21, 2014, 01:02:06 pm
I wonder how much power output it can do...
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: G0HZU on April 21, 2014, 01:06:43 pm
I've bought lots of bargains over the years but here's a few of the biggest bargains:

Freebies:

HP431C power meter with HP478A thermistor head
Thurlby PL320 triple PSU
Thurlby PL320 dual PSU

RF Test Gear

HP8714B 3GHz VNA fully loaded all internal options and external options (probes/test set etc etc)   £250
HP8568B 1500MHz Spectrum Analyser   £125
Advantest TR4172 1800MHz Spectrum analyser/VNA   £400
Advantest TR4172 1800MHz Spectrum analyser/VNA  faulty for £250 (bought for spares but was easy to repair)
Anritsu MF1603A 3GHz 11 digit counter with top options fitted for GPIB and HS oven £65
Anritsu 18GHz power meter with 18GHz thermocouple power head £210

Misc:
T-Tech 7000S PCB milling system with tools and software and extraction system £880
T-Tech 7000S PCB milling system with lots of tools plus software and extraction system £650

There's loads and loads of microwave band accessories (eg attenuators, couplers, cables) I've bought on ebay for peanuts where the seller doesn't know the correct description/value. Too many to list...




Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: iloveelectronics on April 21, 2014, 01:18:43 pm
I wonder how much power output it can do...

Here are the specs from the manufacturer's site: http://www.unisource21.com/tSG-8150.html (http://www.unisource21.com/tSG-8150.html)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: EEVblog on April 21, 2014, 01:23:06 pm
My best score was a practically as-new recently calibrated Audio Precision 2700 for $500
http://www.ap.com/products/2700 (http://www.ap.com/products/2700)
Sold on ebay for $14K  ;D
Wasn't supposed to get it, but was in the right place at the right time with cash.

From the same score I got other bargain like a portable TDR still in cal for $20, sold for $1500 or so I think on ebay.
An Agilent 54622D (not the one recently) for $100 and resold on ebay for $2200 or so.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: leppie on April 21, 2014, 01:37:34 pm
Not electronic test equipment, but I scored a Nikon S-Ke and Wild M40 microscope plus a bunch of accessories for around US$45 a week ago   :-+  (ebay indicates a value of at least US$1000)

Sadly, still trying to figure them out  :palm:

A few months back, I picked up a Philips PM3209 (with original probes and manual) plus a Escort EGC-2230 function gen (fixed it with $6 replacement chip from ebay), also around US$45.

Also, bought a Tek TDS340 (with a single original probe) for US$270 (oops brain fart, not 135), but it was a dud (faulty memory I think), but managed to resurrect it with a TDS360 mainboard I managed to get for US$90 from ebay (200MHz now!!)  :clap:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: GK on April 21, 2014, 01:58:19 pm
I've never tried to "score" with a piece of test equipment. That's taking the fetish a little too far, IMO.
 
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: deth502 on April 21, 2014, 02:16:12 pm
is a nib fluke 199 scope meter with all the accys and hard case for $175 considered a "score"??
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: SeanB on April 21, 2014, 02:27:02 pm
Latest is a Fluke 1900A I picked up recently for $20. Aside from being dusty, and having one cracked display hold down ball it is otherwise perfect.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xwarp on April 21, 2014, 02:29:34 pm
I've never tried to "score" with a piece of test equipment. That's taking the fetish a little too far, IMO.
 

I think I'd rather try "scoring" with a variac than that bird in your picture..... :-DD
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: GK on April 21, 2014, 02:44:33 pm
I've never tried to "score" with a piece of test equipment. That's taking the fetish a little too far, IMO.
 

I think I'd rather try "scoring" with a variac than that bird in your picture..... :-DD


Geez! Aren't you weird!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xwarp on April 21, 2014, 02:46:21 pm
I've never tried to "score" with a piece of test equipment. That's taking the fetish a little too far, IMO.
 

I think I'd rather try "scoring" with a variac than that bird in your picture..... :-DD


Geez! Aren't you weird!

Well, maybe, but then again, at the time of the post, you had a picture of a bird.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: GreyWoolfe on April 21, 2014, 04:28:12 pm
From the same hamfest-Tek 2235 for $40 and a Fluke 1952A for $10, both working,.  The price for the FLuke was $15 but there was 2 of them, myself and another ham were interested in both so the wife of the seller said $20 for both.  The husband didn't argue with his wife on the price and neither did we :-DD  You have to love SWMBO, even when she isn't yours.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: echen1024 on April 21, 2014, 04:36:46 pm
You have to love SWMBO, even when she isn't yours.
You'd be getting more of a "bargain" than you asked for in that case, eh?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: KJDS on April 21, 2014, 04:59:10 pm
Not test equipment, but was at my mates car lot years ago when another trader turned up looking to sell a Suburu WEX, except he didn't realize it was a WRX. I quickly paid him £2500 for a £6000 car and had just finished sorting the paperwork before anyone else realized what a bargain I'd bought.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nanofrog on April 21, 2014, 07:08:11 pm
Brymen BM857 for ~$78 shipped, new
Agilent U1252B for $300 (due to a rebate, new)
Power Designs TP343B ~$90 shipped

The rest of my T&M gear wasn't horribly priced, but not huge scores by any stretch of the imagination, such as a Tek2445B for $280 shipped.

Non T&M would be a Weller WD1001 ~$240 new for example, getting new Tronex cutters or other name brands for $20 per or less, barely used Ideal-Tek tweezers for ~$8 per types of things. Most recent would be a 2 layer rubber ESD mat on clearance from All-Spec (~$22 for a 30"x60" size before shipping and the rest of my order).

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: haoleboy on April 21, 2014, 08:08:01 pm
Refurbished Rigol 1052e from Rigol with 1 year warranty for $180.  Advantest R6441B free due to slight damage during shipping.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: retrolefty on April 21, 2014, 08:20:59 pm
About 10 years ago I scored a really cool HP 8601A sweep signal generator for about $80. Really cool unit dating from the I think late 60s. I did a tare down and the internal construction is very impressive. The output attenuator assembly is very accurate and the unit still functions great. It was designed for servicing of TV, FM and AM radios.

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: electronics man on April 21, 2014, 08:32:25 pm
I got a fluke 87v on eBay for £160 I bided on it with 3 seconds to go  :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Mandelbrot on April 21, 2014, 09:47:18 pm
I bought a Tektronix 2225 in perfect condition with a lab cart for $100. The cool thing is that the cart had a drawer that was full of cables, probes and adapters. I think there were about 10 Tektronix oscilloscope probes in that drawer as well as a logic probe, a temperature probe, and some other things I still haven't figured out.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Skimask on April 21, 2014, 09:57:44 pm
55" Samsung 1080p LCD TV with a bad power board for free.
Cost me $90 to get a new power supply board, but it's going on the wall as an output for the Owon o'scope and the microscope!

And the occasional EEVBlog video of course...
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nanofrog on April 21, 2014, 10:12:14 pm
I think there were about 10 Tektronix oscilloscope probes in that drawer as well as a logic probe, a temperature probe, and some other things I still haven't figured out.
Meh. That stuff is just junk.

I like junk though, so if you're willing, I can PayPal you for shipping to send it my way.  :o  ;D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Sbampato12 on April 22, 2014, 02:34:51 am
The best deal I did so far was a 87-V, about US$ 180~200 (but here a new one is about US$ 1200,00). Looking perfect, with the tests leads. It only likes a good deal here, but it is for me.
And a agilent E3649A power supply, new unit, by about US$ 300,00. Local prices for a new one is about US$ 2500,00. I still don't know why, but they told me by this value, and I bought. :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: mj21 on April 22, 2014, 10:48:20 am
best score.


tek 2445 (150Mhz)  for £100. needed re caping on the main filter caps.

tek 2467b (400mhz)  for £170. changing a stupid resistor made the scope work again.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: N2IXK on April 22, 2014, 03:01:18 pm
Tektronix 7904 mainframe full of plugins.  $15 at auction.

Tektronix 1720/1730 NTSC Waveform Monitor/Vectorscope.  Free from local Craigslist ad.

HP 3312A Function Generator.  Free from dumpster.

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: oldway on April 22, 2014, 03:28:44 pm
Fluke 87 V Ex for 200€ (used but in good shape)
Not a test equipment: MARANTZ receiver 2285B as good as new (only a few lamps to replace) for 35€
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PaulAm on April 22, 2014, 04:05:00 pm
I generally look for broken equipment and fix it, so most of my lab equipment cost less than $100.

Let's see
  HP 3456a $50 - working
  HP  4262a LCR meter $100 - needed a button cap
  HP 5004a Signature analyzer - $20 - needed a filter cap
  HP 3325a function generator - $50 for 2 nonworking units - still working on this one, it's about 90% working now
  HP 6236b triple output power supply - $50 - needed 2 filter caps
  HP 16534 2Ghz 2 channel DSO scope plugin $80 - needed a selfcal
  HP 16533 1GHz 2 channel DSO scope plugin $20 - new, in box
  Tek 465 with cart and probes - $50, needed filter caps
  3 Tek 7603 scopes with various plugins - free
  Tek 2432a DSO - $50, had a shorted tant and needed a couple diodes
  Tek 422 - $35; it's a cute antique, I keep it out in the shop with the CNC stuff.
 
I prefer free, but $50 is a good price point.

There's other stuff, but those were the best deals.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xwarp on April 23, 2014, 08:35:06 am
I generally look for broken equipment and fix it, so most of my lab equipment cost less than $100.

<snip>

 Tek 422 - $35; it's a cute antique, I keep it out in the shop with the CNC stuff.
 
I prefer free, but $50 is a good price point.

There's other stuff, but those were the best deals.

There is a local liquidator that I sometimes visit to see if they have "broken" equipment.

I've picked up some good stuff for cheap.

And of the scopes that I have:

2 ea. Type 422's, one ac p.s. and the other is an ac/dc - battery pack,
1 VU Data PS-935,
1 Tek 2246a

I use the 422 the most for what I mess with at home.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Dr. Frank on April 23, 2014, 08:58:21 am
From an US liquidator, including taxes and customs duties:

HP8082A, 250MHz fast pulse generator, 182€
needed repair of power switch, replacement of a burnt 2W resistor for the current source, and cleaning.

HP5335A, opt. 010, 030, 040: universal counter 200MHz / 1ns, OCXO, extended GPIB capabilities, C-input 1.3GHz , 330€
needed repair of power switch button, and cleaning.

Frank

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Mr. Coffee on April 25, 2014, 01:50:39 pm
HP400C for $12 plus $15 shipping.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Mark Hennessy on April 25, 2014, 04:00:51 pm
I got a fluke 87v on eBay for £160 I bided on it with 3 seconds to go  :-+

I got one of those for £123 with 3 seconds to go :-+

A nice mint one too. Auction ended in the middle of a weekday afternoon.

About a month after that one, an 87V E2 Combi kit appeared - brand new and complete (the kit comes with a nice C35 case, the Tpak hanger, and modular test leads). It was just £150 BIN! I sat on my hands for a good half-hour, hoping someone else would snap it up, but in the end I couldn't help myself  :-DMM

I was pretty pleased with a mint Fluke 45 for £78. Sometimes on eBay you get lucky. Other times, you walk away...

That said, most of my stuff has been free. Normally needs repairing, of course, but that's half the fun. It would be vulgar to list it all, but rest assured that it's all used and cared for here...


Title: Re: List your test equipment &quot;scores&quot; here!
Post by: madshaman on April 25, 2014, 04:04:11 pm
Aprox. $100 CAD for a "broken" Tek 7104 with a great CRT.  What was wrong with it?

The cooling fan was shorting out against the chassis ;-)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: macboy on April 25, 2014, 04:59:48 pm
I found a Keithley 199 in good looking condition listed on ebay as not working. The display showed only "------". I happened to have one 199 already, so I knew a thing or two about how they work, and I had a hunch that it might be user error. When it arrived, I tested it and sure enough it displayed "------", so I pushed the trigger button, and it started taking measurements perfectly. :-DMM I paid $20.

Almost exactly the same situation a year later with a Keithley 2001, 7.5 digit bench meter. Displayed only "------" and was listed as not working. I scored that for a really nice price with make-an-offer. Again, I "fixed" it by pressing the trigger button.  :-DMM It has a fault measuring ACI but all other measurements are spot on.

So, sometimes when they say "It doesn't seem to work and I don't know how to test it" they are telling the truth. But not always.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: w2aew on April 25, 2014, 06:56:09 pm
I once picked up an HP 1741 100MHz dual channel scope, including the accessory pouch, cover, manuals and probes for $25.  I was at an automotive swap meet (Raceway Park, Englishtown, NJ).  It was sitting under a guy's table.  I asked him about it, he said it was his son's and was taking up space in his garage, so he brought it to get rid of it.  He was asking $50, and I talked him down to $25.  When I got it home, I cleaned it up and checked it out.  All functions worked perfectly, and it had a nice clean trace.  I brought it into the cal lab at work, and everything was still in spec.  I later sold it for $300.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: true on April 25, 2014, 07:05:22 pm
Fluke 27 II, meter only but brand new / unused milsurp with fresh cal and plastic still on the screen, $90.
Tek 2465A, with probes, adapters, front cover, all the extra bits... had a bent handle... $105 shipped to my door. Fixed the handle, works like new.

I don't ever get test equipment for free... I get TVs, AVRs, speakers and other stuff like that though, old or new, good or bad...
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: N2IXK on April 25, 2014, 08:10:07 pm
So, sometimes when they say "It doesn't seem to work and I don't know how to test it" they are telling the truth. But not always.

I got an HP frequency counter cheap that way once.  Seller showed it powered up but said it was broken due to a displayed "No Osc" error message. And of course, the rear panel photo showed the switch set for an external timebase. :)

Deals like that help balance out the times you take a gamble on an "as-is, no return" item, and find it has been cannibalized for internal parts...
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: linux-works on April 25, 2014, 08:37:23 pm
mostly on ebay but some from local surplus stores.

notable good deals I got:

keithley 2015thd for $400
tek 2465b for $400
power designs 5020, 2020, 2005 psus: $50 to $100
metcal mx500 station: $150
pace mbt desoldering (with every spare part imaginable): $350
hakko hot air 850: $120
hakko hot tweezers 950: $50

agilent function generators, power supplies, fluke 45 (2 of them), misc other lab flukes all at 'motivated' prices over the last few years.

very few things just given to me, but frequent searching of the bay and local surplus stores have helped build my home lab to where its competitive with many small and even medium sized bay area companies.

I have so many duplicated boxes (function wise) I am running out of room and should sell the ones I don't use anymore.  I like buying on ebay but afraid to sell there: too many scary stories and I just cannot afford to be ripped off by buyers who are less than honest.  maybe I will try to craigslist my extras.  too bad ebay is just not worth selling on, anymore (for me, anyway).
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Thomas on April 25, 2014, 09:00:19 pm
Quote from: linux-works
I like buying on ebay but afraid to sell there: too many scary stories and I just cannot afford to be ripped off by buyers who are less than honest.  maybe I will try to craigslist my extras.  too bad ebay is just not worth selling on, anymore (for me, anyway).

What's the problem with ebay? You would accept PayPal only, right?
I thought that was safe, on both sides (although I only have experience as a buyer).

Please enlighten me :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: linux-works on April 25, 2014, 09:13:14 pm
sceanario: sell a piece of good gear on ebay.  buyer gets it, swaps it with a broken unit (or breaks it himself) and returns it.  even worse, he could return a box of rocks and as long as it has the right weight and was mailed to the 'right' address, paypal will not side with you.

just too much risk.  if there was a trustable escrow, that would be great, but I have not heard of that for years.  I did use an escrow once when I was buying a $1k used camera body, but that was nearly 10 yrs ago.

buyers have more rights than sellers and you have to hope you don't run into a bad buyer.  most buyers are probably fine and most sellers are, too; but the risk is just too high for several hundred dollars of gear, each.

also, paypal can freeze your account and hold your money for as long as they want (in the US).  they are NOT a bank and can get away with murder.  if I'm buying, I don't have funds in my paypal account, but if I'm selling, I would; and I simply do NOT trust paypal to 'watch over' my funds.

when ebay was a garage sale style site, that was great.  now its mostly about power sellers and cheap trinkets.  the nice multi hundred dollar test gear is not what ebay is about these days; they are about selling cheap junk from china and the small time seller gets no respect from paypal or ebay.

I can't average out my losses and so if even one of my meters or supplies gets stolen by a bad buyer, it would crush me.  I'd rather keep the gear and not make money from it than risk being an ebay seller, to be honest.
Title: Re: List your test equipment &quot;scores&quot; here!
Post by: copper dog on April 25, 2014, 09:39:47 pm
You guys are making me drool here. I found a Kinsten UV light box along with a large supply of etchant, drills, photosensitive board, transparent film and misc other stuff on Kijiji once for pretty cheap. Can't remember how much but I drove quite a few miles for it. I've had tons of use out of the light box and am still working on the chemicals. I never seem to come across used gear.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: echen1024 on April 25, 2014, 10:17:59 pm
sceanario: sell a piece of good gear on ebay.  buyer gets it, swaps it with a broken unit (or breaks it himself) and returns it.  even worse, he could return a box of rocks and as long as it has the right weight and was mailed to the 'right' address, paypal will not side with you.

just too much risk.  if there was a trustable escrow, that would be great, but I have not heard of that for years.  I did use an escrow once when I was buying a $1k used camera body, but that was nearly 10 yrs ago.

buyers have more rights than sellers and you have to hope you don't run into a bad buyer.  most buyers are probably fine and most sellers are, too; but the risk is just too high for several hundred dollars of gear, each.

also, paypal can freeze your account and hold your money for as long as they want (in the US).  they are NOT a bank and can get away with murder.  if I'm buying, I don't have funds in my paypal account, but if I'm selling, I would; and I simply do NOT trust paypal to 'watch over' my funds.

when ebay was a garage sale style site, that was great.  now its mostly about power sellers and cheap trinkets.  the nice multi hundred dollar test gear is not what ebay is about these days; they are about selling cheap junk from china and the small time seller gets no respect from paypal or ebay.

I can't average out my losses and so if even one of my meters or supplies gets stolen by a bad buyer, it would crush me.  I'd rather keep the gear and not make money from it than risk being an ebay seller, to be honest.
might try selling some items on the forum. Most people here are honest, right guys?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Thomas on April 25, 2014, 10:30:11 pm
Yes I agree with echen1024, most people are honest.
But I see linux-works's points too, and if he doesn't want to take the risks then that's ok.

All I can say is that I have bought a lot of stuff from ebay (from all kinds of sellers ;D) and have never been stinged. I would have expected it to happen a long time ago.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nanofrog on April 25, 2014, 10:42:02 pm
might try selling some items on the forum. Most people here are honest, right guys?
Good idea IMHO, and only use PayPal for payment.

Should reduce risk exposure, and still keep monetary aspects easy enough for both parties, as well as reduce the fees for linux-works.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: linux-works on April 25, 2014, 11:03:01 pm
before ebay, back when USENET was a good way to buy/sell gear, I used to use COD a lot.  you could check 'cash only' on the form and not have to worry about getting a bad check.  easier: have the receiver go to the PO, buy a money order right there and that is what gets sent back to the seller via return mail. COD also ensures the mailman can't just leave the box 'in the bushes' since he has to collect money from the buyer.  it also motivates the shipping company to treat the box a bit better, as the receiver won't even sign for a box that is beat up.  it helps everyone on both sides.

no one seems to do COD anymore, though.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: N2IXK on April 25, 2014, 11:07:08 pm
No, COD went away because neither private delivery companies nor the USPS want to go through the expense/hassle/accountability of having their employees bonded for handling cash.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: linux-works on April 25, 2014, 11:11:01 pm
you can still ship COD via USPS.  did they fully take that option away?  I know its not commonly used but I didn't think they removed the option.

not sure if ups/fedex ever took COD.

also, one good thing about using US mail (for those in the US) - is that if there is misrepresentation, its mail fraud and that's taken pretty seriously by the post office.  used to be, at any rate.

even if you only do the COD for a token $10, it ensures that the postman HAS to meet a real adult person and not some random person who will 'accept' the box or the postman just leaving it 'with a neighbor'.  the end-to-end reliability of COD was really a neat thing and worth the cost to me, for sure.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xwarp on April 25, 2014, 11:38:26 pm
Well today, I picked up a "box-o-meters".

Happened to see the ad at the right time to be the 1st caller on it.

Key pieces are:

Fluke 52 thermometer
Fluke 83 series 1 in good shape
Fluke 87 series 1 in good shape
Fluke AC current clamp
Fluke 27 in ok shape
Some probes and what not.

oh.......

A Fluke 189, works, but the battery terminals are damaged from leaking batteries.

All for 2 Benjamins
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: G0HZU on April 25, 2014, 11:49:27 pm
You can also get good deals buying ex rental RF test gear that has reached the end of its 'rental' life. eg stuff that is no longer supported by the manufacturer for spares or repairs. When this happens the rental company will often offload the equipment cheaply.

I've bought some seriously good test gear this way numerous times with some fantastic deals although you are usually looking at fairly expensive lab grade test gear. But you can sometimes get ex rental items at about a third of the price of the typical ebay 'buy it now' price from the various online test gear dealers. You can sometimes buy stuff that is still officially in calibration. eg I recently purchased an HP/Agilent sig gen that still has most of its 2 year calibration left on it. i.e. the Trescal calibration sticker expiry date is in 2016.

Note: there are obviously advantages and disadvantages to buying ex rental gear. But the biggest advantage is that you know (within reason) that the gear has been properly maintained/serviced and calibrated over all of its life. Also, rental companies tends to fit the top options to the test gear to improve the appeal of renting it. The sig gen I bought had two very expensive options fitted and a VNA I bought from the same company had every single internal and external option with it. So you kind of get these options for free.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: sdg on April 26, 2014, 04:00:18 pm
Tek 466, 30€
Fluke 8520A 50€, was sold for parts, blown fuse...  :palm:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Martin.M on April 26, 2014, 06:06:07 pm
my warm 8 Channels  :)  less then 150€ + Restoration

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: EOC on April 27, 2014, 03:32:40 am
Mint Simpson 262 w/ original case, probes, and manual - $1
Keithley 175a all working (incl backlight) - $1
Tek 475a - $15

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: iloveelectronics on April 27, 2014, 03:45:01 am
Mint Simpson 262 w/ original case, probes, and manual - $1
Keithley 175a all working (incl backlight) - $1
Tek 475a - $15

In case you didn't notice, the "0" key on your keyboard was broken  >:D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: GreyWoolfe on April 27, 2014, 07:18:11 pm
I picked up a perfectly functional MFJ-259 antenna analyzer at a ham radio yard sale for $10 with the case.  Both of the 9V battery connectors were bad so I replaced them though I haven't gotten around to buying the battery holders yet.  I use it with a wall wart that I had so the holders aren't a big deal.  It has more than paid for itself for my own antennas and for helping other hams with antenna projects.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: weirdal1968 on April 28, 2014, 10:21:36 pm
I had to replace the battery holders on an MFJ-259B and luckily MFJ sells replacements. Mine were melted through at the AA battery terminals so I wonder if the user tried to recharge normal batteries.

As for my best test equipment scores

Fluke 9000 microprocessor tester (working) $20
Fluke 9000 Z80 pod (working) $10
2x HP microwave attenuators (working) $20
Meguro THD analyzer $20
Fluke PM3082 digital scope with a broken power switch and missing knobs but working $20

Off lease gear sometimes gets dumped at hamfests especially if it has problems and isn't worth it for them to repair. I have a pile of Tek 24xx and TDS 7xx series scopes that I need to recap or fix random issues (GPIB errors, bad focus, etc). The caps on the TDS scopes are going to be fun.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: guido on April 28, 2014, 10:45:49 pm

Not counting anything i got very cheap/free from friends, the winner is:

Prema 5000 6.5 digit meter (which needed some work, but all is fine now):    5 euro    found on the internet  :)

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: willb on April 29, 2014, 12:23:21 am
I just piked up a Tektronix 184 time marker generator for 40$ at Apex Electronics in Sun Valley, California. It was hard to choose what to bring back with me back home (I'm here on vacation) but it was hard to pass up, and easily fits in my carry on bag. Not the deal of the century compared to some of you, but I'm happy.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Vgkid on April 29, 2014, 12:54:40 am
@ guido
That is a true steal.
Title: Re: List your test equipment &quot;scores&quot; here!
Post by: madshaman on April 29, 2014, 01:52:56 pm

My best score was a practically as-new recently calibrated Audio Precision 2700 for $500
http://www.ap.com/products/2700 (http://www.ap.com/products/2700)
Sold on ebay for $14K  ;D
Wasn't supposed to get it, but was in the right place at the right time with cash.

Lucky lucky lucky bastard.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xwarp on May 04, 2014, 07:15:04 am
$20 at the local swap meet last night. The meter appears, in comparison to my Fluke 189 is pretty darn close in readings.

The last calibration done by Fluke on it was Sep of '86.

(http://i761.photobucket.com/albums/xx254/xwarp/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140504_001056_zps0ad400e4.jpg)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: G0HZU on May 04, 2014, 10:58:06 am
I've just bought a HP85644A tracking generator source for my HP8566B spectrum analyser.

These cost about $20k when new in the 1990s and are quite rare. I got this one for about £175 +PP on ebay as a non runner  :)

It was advertised as 'won't power up' but all that was wrong was a blown fuse due to someone running it at the wrong input voltage selection.
It's now running fine. See below for it running in cw mode set to a frequency of 5GHz. In the other mode it runs as an external tracking generator for the analyser :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Fsck on May 07, 2014, 12:17:11 am
Just grabbed a fully working Fluke 54-II without the yellow rubber jacket for 75$ USD + shipping. cal sticker says 2009.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: tesla500 on May 07, 2014, 09:45:33 am
In order of "goodness of score"

TCPA300 current probe amp for free (broken, able to fix) - Given by former employer
4 Agilent 1131A 3.5GHz differential probes for $900 - eBay (worth $3k each new)
Agilent MSO6104A 1GHZ scope with warranty from Newark (element14) for $5k - ebay (their auctions had reserves after that!)
Tektronix TLA714 Logic Analyzer and (strangely) TCP312 current probe in one lot - $911 - ebay
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: aaronwhite30 on May 07, 2014, 11:46:32 pm
First post fellow eevbloggers!

I scored a combination of a HP 8180A and a HP 8182A for a measley $50. Opened up both and found the internal batteries had corroded. Cleaned the main boards and replaced the batteries. Voila, sold both on ebay for $500!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: gaijin on May 08, 2014, 01:12:25 am
100$ for two broken Agilent E3646A.

Replaced a TL074 in one, other had a IRF540 with a cracked gate pin.
They are working great after a needed calibration in both voltage and current.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: c4757p on May 08, 2014, 01:48:44 pm
Well, you've all done much better, but I'm going to go ahead and call this a score: Just got a Tek 7834 (400 MHz storage mainframe) in perfect, working condition with 7A26, 7A13, 7B85 and 7B80 and an immaculate tube for $90 + $20 shipping (label on the package says the dude ended up paying $54 to ship it :scared:). Just a bit dirty on the front :-+ :-DMM
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AintBigAintClever on May 11, 2014, 03:46:31 am
Rebadged LEM Analyst 3QC power quality analyser, appeared to have never even been used. Due to the woefully inadequate item description, plus the daft auction end time (very few eBay snipers around at 4am) I think it set me back £230 inc. postage. Add a zero on the end and you get the usual price for one  ;D

Datasheet here (http://www.farnell.com/datasheets/56128.pdf)

No longer available, the closest match being the Fluke 1735. Same case (but in Fluke Yellow instead of LEM Blue), same probes, same screen, less functions, £2,700.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: madshaman on May 11, 2014, 06:04:40 am
Well, you've all done much better, but I'm going to go ahead and call this a score: Just got a Tek 7834 (400 MHz storage mainframe) in perfect, working condition with 7A26, 7A13, 7B85 and 7B80 and an immaculate tube for $90 + $20 shipping (label on the package says the dude ended up paying $54 to ship it :scared:). Just a bit dirty on the front :-+ :-DMM

That's pretty sweet.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TerraHertz on May 11, 2014, 10:26:19 am
The HP 8640B in the pic was free. When found it had been out in the weather for some time, sitting front face up. It had been rained on, and I grabbed it assuming it was probably ruined, but still worth a look.
Amazingly, due to all the guts being in sealed modules, there was virtually no damage. Cleaned up some water drip lines and stains inside, and it ran. The painted numbers had peeled off the back of that clear dial on the AM modulation frequency, and it took years to find a replacement. The frequency meter module had a logic fault, which may have been why it was tossed originally. An easy fix.

But this kind of luck is pretty rare for me. Usually I see nice gear being sent to destruction by corporate pointy-headed boss types, and don't have any opportunity to save it. Or hit the PHB types with a flamethrower, which is what I'd like to do.
A whole warehouse full of such stuff once. Sob.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Vgkid on November 24, 2014, 12:17:23 am
Necro bump
Hp 34401A - free, agrees with a calibrated in 1011 34456a to the last digit
overpaid hp3456A, cal in 2011 $180 tot...
ESI DB-62 - $60, $10 a decade isnt bad. works great.
ESI - DB655 = $30 tot, may or may not be good, coming monday.
40, 10.0Mhz oscillators $88.00 ouch...
...
...
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: cncjerry on November 24, 2014, 06:25:01 am
HP 4815a Vector Impedance meter with probe, manual and a spare 4815a for 120$ total.  The first had a minor power issue that I fixed and works perfectly.  About a year ago I picked up the cardboard impedance calculator for free and didn't know what it was for until I saw the picture of a 4815 on it.  It is referenced in the manual as well.

Agilent u1252b with two sets of probes, the high end probes, calibration, charger, thermocouple, and the thermocouple calibrator, all brand new for $240.  That is one hell of a meter.

Tek tds3054b for $1200 as new.  I don't think the guy who sold it knew what he had.  He was selling it for his brother who was in China.  Would be interesting to know what his brother says when he gets back.

My personal fav, my TDS 744a with six probes, case, terminators, etc for $400.  I recently upgraded it to a 784a and it is near perfect as well.

Just call me bottom fisher...
Title: Re: List your test equipment &quot;scores&quot; here!
Post by: rhost on November 24, 2014, 06:32:41 am
Recently, a Keithley 2700 6.5 digit multimeter/data acquisition system for $300 US and a 7702 multiplex card for another $100.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using Tapatalk

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: firehopper on November 24, 2014, 09:24:46 am
I got a new hantek 5072p from china for $270 + $10 for express shipping,

and it was express. it was ordered friday and it arrived monday.. I was amazed.. and yes its been hacked to 200mhz
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: alex.forencich on November 25, 2014, 04:51:49 am
2x Agilent N5306A PCIe gen 2 protocol analyzer with x16 options and x16 interposer card, paid ~$3k, current list >$120k
Agilent 1169A 12 GHz diff probe with damaged insulation (cosmetic issue only), paid $400, current list $11k
HP 85645A 25.6 GHz tracking source, failed self test, bad LM317 + shorted cap, paid $1k
HP 83440D 30 GHz O/E converter, missing the label so seller thought it was an 83440C, paid $120
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Alex Eisenhut on November 25, 2014, 05:39:23 am
Not too much.

Hakko 707 desoldering gun - free. It was all broken up by the previous tech. I don't know why he couldn't fix it, it was a simple fix. I made a new valve plate for the pump and it works fine since almost 20 years now.
HP 6284A DC power supply - 1$. Burnt output stage, simple repair. Works fine, needs the occasional tweak and the meter is loose.
Wavetek HF sweep generator - 1$ '60s vintage function generator with triangle and pseudo-sine up to 10MHz and sweepable. Just needed some cleaning.

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Vgkid on November 25, 2014, 07:58:12 am
The ESI DB-655 came today, above 1K it works good, but all of the switches will need cleaning. Below 1 K, it appears that atleast 1 resistor in every range is burnt out. This will be fun.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Vgkid on November 26, 2014, 01:02:08 am
forgot to add my  around $100 EDC-MV106, listede  as not working, doe to the due to the chopper light never turning out/ not output.
When I got it it worked, except the overload light took 10 minutes to turn out when first powered on. Not sure why
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: ixfd64 on November 26, 2014, 01:54:36 am
2x Agilent N5306A PCIe gen 2 protocol analyzer with x16 options and x16 interposer card, paid ~$3k, current list >$120k
Agilent 1169A 12 GHz diff probe with damaged insulation (cosmetic issue only), paid $400, current list $11k
HP 85645A 25.6 GHz tracking source, failed self test, bad LM317 + shorted cap, paid $1k
HP 83440D 30 GHz O/E converter, missing the label so seller thought it was an 83440C, paid $120

How did you get such amazing deals?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: alex.forencich on November 26, 2014, 07:10:12 am
2x Agilent N5306A PCIe gen 2 protocol analyzer with x16 options and x16 interposer card, paid ~$3k, current list >$120k
Agilent 1169A 12 GHz diff probe with damaged insulation (cosmetic issue only), paid $400, current list $11k
HP 85645A 25.6 GHz tracking source, failed self test, bad LM317 + shorted cap, paid $1k
HP 83440D 30 GHz O/E converter, missing the label so seller thought it was an 83440C, paid $120

How did you get such amazing deals?

All of that stuff was just getting really lucky on ebay. 

The PCIe protocol analyzers are very specialized pieces of equipment.  It's not like a DSO or an SA that you can use for all sorts of stuff.  A PCIe analyzer connects to a device either with some sort of flying lead probe or with an interposer card.  It captures the data on all lanes of the bus in both directions and stores it, then decodes all of the transactions.  I have been doing some work with FPGAs and PCI express and I did a quick ebay search to see if there was anything available.  As luck would have it, there were actually two different systems available - one 8 lane, and one 16 lane, both with interposer cards.  I actually bought both of them, one for myself and one for the lab.  The analyzers are specialized equipment, so the list price is high and the resale value is low, and they depreciate like mad.  Agilent also makes gen 3 capable analyzers now so they're a generation older.  The 16 channel analyzer is two cards at $30k each, plus $20k each for the 16 lane licenses, plus the cabling and interposer card, IIRC.  Most people who need one are manufacturers doing PCIe compliance tests, and they would just buy it new from Agilent.  It's actually a rather significant PITA to use - the dang thing is network booted and requires a dedicated network card, and the software package installs about 5 or 6 services (FTP, DHCP, etc.).  So I have to run it in a VM and then use a USB network card, and everything has to be turned on in the right order.  And usually it doesn't come up on the first try and needs to be power cycled.  And then the software is rather unstable and has a propensity for crashing.  But I did manage to find two different bugs in the Altera PCIe reference design with it.  The actual capturing of the PCIe bus is performed with a Virtex 4 FPGA and several GB of DRAM.  The analyzer cards and interposer cards actually have a rather interesting stackup - the inner layers are all standard FR4, but the top and bottom layers are some sort of RF substrate - rogers, duroid, or teflon - so the boards are very bright green with white bands around the edges. 

The differential probe was just luck.  I have had a watch on infiniimax for months, and it popped up along with a differential SMA adapter.  The thing had a nasty gash in the outer insulation on the probe cable and it was sold as 'untested'.  I figured it would be a good deal if it worked, so I went ahead and placed a reasonable bid.  Turns out the gash only affected the outer insulation, the coax and low frequency wiring inside were all fine, so I just taped it up.  It works perfectly with my Infiniium 54854 4 GHz DSO.  I have not tested it with the DSA91304A that we have in the lab yet.  Oh, I also managed to score a set of 4 new in sealed original packaging Agilent custom "BNC" to APC 3.5 mm precision adapters and an infiniium calibration cable for like $150.  I paid $10 for the cable, which was mislabled so nobody found it.  I only found it because I was browsing the other items of the seller with the adapters. 

The tracking source is an interesting story; originally it sold as 'untested, as-is', but listed as 'used' for $3500.  And it was a suggested item for something else I was looking at - I didn't even know such a beast existed before I saw it.  However, the guy who bought it is a bit of an a$$hole who buys instruments listed as 'used', testes them and gets them calibrated, then sells them for 2x (or more) what he paid or returns them if they don't work, even if the original seller listed them 'as-is'.  (if you list anything on ebay that you don't want coming back to you because you didn't test it and it turns out that it does not work completely, 100%, you cannot list it as 'used' on ebay, otherwise some dude will buy it and return it and force you to eat the shipping cost due to the implicit ebay guarantee on used items)  So two or three months later, it turns up again, listed as 'parts or not working' for $2k.  I contact the seller and ask him to run the self test.  It comes back with an ADC vref error.  Hmm, sounds like a bad power supply.  I manage to talk him in to parting with it for $1k.  After I get it, sure enough, +32.5v is reading zip.  So I pop over to radioschmuck for an LM317 and replace it, and remove the shorted capacitor that caused the failure.  A few weeks later it stopped working again.  I traced that one to a failed 1 M ohm resistor in the power supply power good detect circuitry.  Again, a trip to radioschmuck for some 1 M ohm resistors later, and it's operational again. 

As for the OE converter...I bought a 83440C from a guy on ebay for around $200.  A few days later he lists an '83440C' with no label, but it has an adapter of some sort attached to the RF side.  Looks like an attenuator or something.  However, the actual connector on the device is a different color.  The 83440C has a 3.5 mm connector that's good to 26.5 GHz.  The 83440D has a 2.4 mm connector that is good to 50 GHz.  3.5mm and 2.4mm are not compatible with each other, they have different threads and different center pin sizes.  (FYI, SMA, 3.5mm, and 2.92mm (K) all work together, and 2.4mm and 1.85mm (V) also work together)  To highlight this, the 3.5mm connector is gold plated while the 2.4mm connector is silver plated (probably nickel, but I'm not entirely sure).  Anyway the connector on the '83440C' is silver, just like all of the 83440D.  So I made the guy an offer on it. 

I also picked up not one, not two, but THREE old ASIC emulators from ForteLink (now part of Synopsis, so no hope of getting any sort of documentation) that each have 11 large Virtex 4 FPGAs one one gigantic board. For around $2k for the lot. 

So, if you want screaming deals, you need to cast the widest net you can (general watches on ebay), be willing sit and wait for a long time, contact sellers and make offers (many of them don't know much about what they're selling), check out everything a seller has listed (you might find something really interesting), and be very observant.  Eventually, you will get lucky and get a really good deal on something. 
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Vgkid on November 26, 2014, 08:43:42 pm
pics of said oscillators I might have paid to much for.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Vgkid on November 26, 2014, 08:52:47 pm
Forgot specs, still waiing on Rakon for more info...
I have the A1 spec.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: extide on December 11, 2014, 11:44:10 pm
I just scored a Tek 2465 on ebay for $150 + $36 shipping, and is looks like it has the blue phosphor too, I will have to confirm that when it arrives. Under $200 seems like a pretty good price for a 2465!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: awallin on December 12, 2014, 07:35:37 am

Agilent DSO-X 3034A in mint condition (but no options enabled..)
+ a mix of 5pcs 500/600MHz 10x passive probes

$3200 including shipping / ebay. Not a huge 'score' but significantly cheaper than a refurbished one from  keysight ebay-store AFAIK.

should be enough of a scope for most hobby projects - luckily there is faster gear at work if needed ;)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nixxon on December 14, 2014, 11:01:32 pm
I just bought 5 Vision Original Mantis (with x2 and x4 lenses) and 2 Vision Mantis Compac (with x4 lens). It was sold as part of shutting down a local seismic acquisition company. It will start up again in the Far East, Malaysia or something, to save costs.

I haven't received the lot yet, so I just hope the instruments are in good working order. I will probably keep one of them and sell the rest on eBay.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: 128er on December 15, 2014, 12:13:08 am
Small list of my "scores":

- Metrix MX9030, Differential Probe, 30 MHz. Bought for ~45€ + 15€ for spare parts.

- 5x Tektronix P5205, Differential Probe, 100 MHz. ~50€ for all five probes. Only the attenuation switches had contact problems. Fixed that and build my own Tektronix 1103 power supply.

- IV-CAL, voltage/current calibrator. Bought for ~40€ + 20€ for spare parts

- Siemens calibrator 03, voltage current calibrator, for 15€. Still needs to be repaired.

And a couple of extraordinary test equipment, like a Wandel & Goltermann SDH/PDH transmission and jitter analyzer. No use for it. But it was cheap and fairly interesting to take a look inside  ;D

Of course, it was all so cheap, because it was defective. But in the end good deals.

Oh, and apart from all that test equipment, I bought a digital photo frame from Sony for 1€ (new: 200€). Fixed the dead diode right after the dc jack and gave it to my mother. She was very happy  ^-^
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Vgkid on December 15, 2014, 12:23:33 am
Nixxon: hopefully they are not being shipped like that.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nixxon on December 15, 2014, 04:02:55 pm
Nixxon: hopefully they are not being shipped like that.

That picture was causing some worries, but the seller assured me that everything was carefully placed in the bin. I made him individually bubble-wrap the instruments, before a friend of mine picked them up.

I wonder why anyone would present such delicate instruments in such a bad way.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: aroby on December 15, 2014, 10:20:03 pm
Fluke 8840a for $40.  Apparently it wouldn't power on - the shipping cured that!
Tek 2225 with a bunch of original probes.  Works great.  $125 inc. shipping.

Anthony
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: SharpEars on December 15, 2014, 10:24:45 pm
Fluke 8840a for $40.  Apparently it wouldn't power on - the shipping cured that!
...

lol, I've had that happen also. Item brokenfixed in shipping!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PTR_1275 on January 24, 2015, 06:22:04 am
I just got a HP 6050 Load mainframe for $575 US ($700 Aussie Dollars) Plus shipping. That price seems to be pretty standard, but this one had 5 x 150w load modules installed.

When I got my hands on the unit, everything is in great condition and working. Accurate to 15mA from what I can test and the last cal sticker was 1996.

Been doing some power supply tests on it since it arrived to see if there are any bugs or glitches, but nothing so far.

It wasn't as good a deal as some of the ones on here, but I am really happy with it.

-Chris
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: radiomog on January 24, 2015, 08:09:44 am
I just upgraded to a Tek 2465A (350M/4ch)by selling my Tek 434(20M/2ch) with cart.  cost me $65 to do so.

Got a HP 141T (0-110MHz modules) and a HP 8640B in a barter for assembling some radio gear
Got the HP 10855A preamp for it, for $12

about 15 years ago, when I was big into weak signal VHF, I scored a NIB (OEM hard case) Polarad sig gen (800M-2G(~))with matching modulator, for $200

I've got a bunch of other stuff.. been doing this for a while.. the 'scores' are few/far between.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: aaronwhite30 on January 27, 2015, 02:39:09 am
HP3561A ($75 Ebay), wouldn't stay powered on, simple fix. An error on the logic board where the system used the power line for clock sync. Removed the dependency and had it default to its own internal sync. Perfect!!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: radiomog on January 27, 2015, 03:07:11 am
May have just scored a nice Kikusui Electronic load for cheap.. It wouldn't power up.
15 min of labor (I didn't turn it on, I took it apart)  ;)
used 'divide and conquer' to trouble shoot. bad MOV

My next trick will be an HP 3455A that won't power up.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: The Doc on February 20, 2015, 02:46:57 pm
I just scored these two for €50  8)

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7449/15971302283_79ed1c19a4_c.jpg)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PaulAm on February 20, 2015, 03:15:55 pm
Fluke  332b $185.  Was marked for parts or not working.  Turned out it was 100% good, the voltage trip control was turned down.  OK, I did have to replace 2 incandescent indicators for the decimal points.  Extremely clean inside; even included the extender card.

Tek 7904 scope $25.  No plugins, I bought it for parts, was supposed to have a PS fault,, but turned out to be fine.

HP 5005b signature analyzer $12 in the buck a pound box at a hamfest.  100%

HP 54620a LA with cables, $55.  I got this because the cables work with my 54645D and the cables by themselves go for 150-200 when you can find them.  Turns out it's not a bad little LA.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: KJDS on February 20, 2015, 03:29:05 pm
I just scored these two for €50  8)

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7449/15971302283_79ed1c19a4_c.jpg)

That's a great result.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: RobHon on February 20, 2015, 03:29:31 pm
Four months ago I got a HP437B power meter for 27 USD, in an auction on ebay.
The seller use the wrong keywords on the description and title. At the end: just four bidders.
This meter is in an excellent condition, working well and accurate.
 :D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: necessaryevil on February 20, 2015, 04:26:50 pm
What I scored:
A Tektronix 465B for about €50
A Tektronix 2205 for free

:D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: krivx on February 20, 2015, 04:41:13 pm
I just scored these two for €50  8)

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7449/15971302283_79ed1c19a4_c.jpg)

Wow, where did these come from?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: vinicius.jlantunes on February 20, 2015, 04:58:55 pm
I feel so jealous when I see the kind of gear you guys can get... it just doesn't happen in Brazil. Everything is so expensive that on the rare occasion when you find some good deal on quality gear, they will still cost 3 or 4 times more than what you guys pay. And well, NOTHING goes for free.

 :(
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Smith on February 20, 2015, 07:28:42 pm
I got an old HP 54502A 2 ch 400MHz scope from work. I knew it was busted. 1 channel was broken, it failed most selftests and the psu was failing (I used the previous one to repair my work scope, an HP 54503 or 54501 4ch 500MHz scope). Luckely it came with all original printed manuals, service manuals and a brandnew sealed input module. After placing it, replacing ALL psu caps and placing a new nvram all is working fine again.

Got lucky with a free Keithley 199 too. It couldn't be used no more because the new pc had no ISA slot for the GPIB card, so the meter couldn't be read  no more. All it took was a calibration on all but the voltage settings because the cal settings where lost. I really love this thing.

Got some other free stuff too. Most is BER, outdated (not always for me), or It would just take too much time to repair. A HP8116A took me ages to fix. The low freq stopped sometimes. After weeks I found it was the freq sweep input connector which was a little crusty and created a voltage divider with the pull-up. Just around the 1-2volt range on a ttl input |O
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: necessaryevil on February 21, 2015, 09:41:39 am
I feel so jealous when I see the kind of gear you guys can get... it just doesn't happen in Brazil....

Despite my luck with two oscilloscopes, I think electronic gear is expensive and a little hard to find in the Netherlands too. A multimeter can easily be 50-100 euro's more expensive over here - compared to the prices on test equipment depot and testequipment.net.

This can only partly be explained by the high VAT (21%). Maybe they do a very 'safe' dollar/euro conversion, or maybe the market here is too small for good competition.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Smith on February 21, 2015, 02:10:01 pm
Yes, most gear is verry expensive in the Netherlands. I guess its because of the dollar. So obviously second hand prices are higher too. But every once in a while someone doesn't know what he or she is selling. Those are the good days  :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: necessaryevil on February 21, 2015, 04:25:52 pm
Yes, most gear is verry expensive in the Netherlands. I guess its because of the dollar. So obviously second hand prices are higher too. But every once in a while someone doesn't know what he or she is selling. Those are the good days  :-+
That's how I got my Tektronix 465B: I bought it from an university, they decided to get rid off old equipment, but they let the students do the actuall selling... The original price was 35 euro, but before I got it they were told by a professor to rise the price. It was still under 50 euro if I remember correct.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: The Doc on February 21, 2015, 04:53:07 pm
I just scored these two for €50  8)

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7449/15971302283_79ed1c19a4_c.jpg)

Wow, where did these come from?

A friend put me in contact with a lad who he said had a load of old gear. Turns out he has a house full of decommissioned gear, and he can't be arsed putting it on ebay and dealing with the messers.

I have a few more bits on their way.

A Tektronix gigaBERT 700

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7362/16576432056_260e09c1d2_o.jpg)

A Data Precision 6100

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7403/16601236321_9f5e810820_o.jpg)


... and he's throwing in a Tektronix 2465A with a noisy fan, and an MGE Pulsar M 3000 UPS that needs a new set of batteries... all for €200!  :wtf:


He said he'll get a list together of everything he has, but it will take him a week or three, so it looks like I have a new best friend! 
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: necessaryevil on February 22, 2015, 11:50:19 am
Quote
... and he's throwing in a Tektronix 2465A with a noisy fan, and an MGE Pulsar M 3000 UPS that needs a new set of batteries... all for €200!  :wtf:
That's a really great score, especially the Tektronix 2465A! UPS devices with dead batteries are easy to score for cheap, which doesn't mean they aren't usefull!

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: krivx on February 22, 2015, 12:14:16 pm
I just scored these two for €50  8)

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7449/15971302283_79ed1c19a4_c.jpg)

Wow, where did these come from?

A friend put me in contact with a lad who he said had a load of old gear. Turns out he has a house full of decommissioned gear, and he can't be arsed putting it on ebay and dealing with the messers.

I have a few more bits on their way.

A Tektronix gigaBERT 700

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7362/16576432056_260e09c1d2_o.jpg)

A Data Precision 6100

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7403/16601236321_9f5e810820_o.jpg)


... and he's throwing in a Tektronix 2465A with a noisy fan, and an MGE Pulsar M 3000 UPS that needs a new set of batteries... all for €200!  :wtf:


He said he'll get a list together of everything he has, but it will take him a week or three, so it looks like I have a new best friend!

Wow, could you pass on any info once you've had a look?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: rdl on February 22, 2015, 07:00:13 pm
A couple of years ago on another forum, a guy decided he was getting out of the microcontroller and electronics hobby. He wanted to sell his entire collection of stuff for $250. After a few days, I offered $225 shipped and he accepted.

I ended up selling most of the stuff on eBay. I stopped once I had recovered my $225 investment. What I had left (among other minor items) was a Parallax Optascope 81M USB oscilloscope, which still works to this day, and a brand new, never used and still in the original box, Hakko FX-888 (the analog version).

Since I already had two soldering irons, including a Hakko 937, the FX-888 is still unused, just sitting on a shelf in its box.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: The Doc on February 23, 2015, 01:55:48 pm

Wow, could you pass on any info once you've had a look?

Will do...  :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xwarp on March 02, 2015, 08:39:28 am
Picked up a nice Fluke 85v, without holster, with new set of Barnett leads for $50.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: radiomog on March 07, 2015, 04:25:08 am
does this count? my fellow RF types might appreciate it.  I found one one ebay, it was 1966 vintage, but there were no data markings on this particular one

I found this today at a 2nd hand store for ~$1 usd

now, if I could only figure out how to turn it on............ ;)

(http://i59.tinypic.com/b7aplv.jpg)  (http://i60.tinypic.com/bi1iye.jpg)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TerraHertz on March 07, 2015, 10:20:02 am
does this count? my fellow RF types might appreciate it.  I found one one ebay, it was 1966 vintage, but there were no data markings on this particular one

I found this today at a 2nd hand store for ~$1 usd

now, if I could only figure out how to turn it on............ ;)

(http://i59.tinypic.com/b7aplv.jpg)  (http://i60.tinypic.com/bi1iye.jpg)

Wow, nice score. There's one on ebay, asking US$350. Though it has the instruction folder.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/RARE-1966-Amphenol-Radio-Transmission-Line-Calculator-Circular-Slide-Rule-/171699915500?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27fa1ccaec (http://www.ebay.com/itm/RARE-1966-Amphenol-Radio-Transmission-Line-Calculator-Circular-Slide-Rule-/171699915500?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27fa1ccaec)

Thanks for posting the pics. I kind-of collect such things, and hadn't heard of that one before.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: N2IXK on March 08, 2015, 03:55:29 pm
LeCroy 9310C DSO--Free from dumpster.  Has an issue with  Ch1 input attenuator, but doesn't appear too serious.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Tom45 on March 08, 2015, 11:49:56 pm
Back in the early days of eBay I won an auction for a Tek 7704 for a good but not great price.

When I received it I found that the auction listing wasn't accurate. They hadn't bothered to mention the box of 2 dozen probes that came with it.

Just those probes were worth my winning bid for the 7704.

Tom
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xrunner on March 08, 2015, 11:53:10 pm
LeCroy 9310C DSO--Free from dumpster.  Has an issue with  Ch1 input attenuator, but doesn't appear too serious.

Wow! Was there an electronics shop that used the dumpster?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: N2IXK on March 09, 2015, 12:43:02 am
Wow! Was there an electronics shop that used the dumpster?

University dumpster.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Sbampato12 on March 11, 2015, 04:36:00 pm
Just got one yesterday, a N2863A oscilloscope probe (300MHz), used, but in nice conditions, by US$ 21,00 (today rates).
Since it is not so easy to find on used market here, and the value, I'm very happy with this 'score'.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: miguelvp on March 16, 2015, 05:58:44 am
Not sure how much of a score yet, but I got an HP E3615A DC 0-20 V, 0-3 A, 60 W Power Supply for $75 including shipping.

Unit powers on but no further tests was done and sold as is, it does have the back connector to link to other supplies but I only went for one.

Negative binding post is red??? and ground binding post is black???

At least the positive one is red :)
I'll swap the negative and ground and search for a green binding post to replace the red one or just paint it or something.

Look in pretty good condition (other than the binding posts with the wrong colors)

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=142008;image)

Now to wait if it gets delivered in the same condition as pictured.

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Rog520 on March 16, 2015, 06:09:35 am
Not sure how much of a score yet, but I got an HP E3615A DC 0-20 V, 0-3 A, 60 W Power Supply for $75 including shipping.

I think HP had a problem with the binding posts breaking on some of the E-series supplies. I got a 0-120v model for a song a few years ago and found that the negative post had cracked behind the panel. A little epoxy and it works like new. Maybe the former owner of your supply had some spare off-color posts laying around?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: rdl on March 16, 2015, 06:21:38 am
Negative binding post is red??? and ground binding post is black???

At least the positive one is red :)
I'll swap the negative and ground and search for a green binding post to replace the red one or just paint it or something.

Look in pretty good condition (other than the binding posts with the wrong colors)

That's the way HP made them at first. Around the time they turned into Agilent there was a minor cosmetic refresh and one of the changes was switching to the red/black/green binding posts.

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/chat/just-to-show-that-you-can-sell-anything-on-ebay/?action=dlattach;attach=139547;image)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: amc184 on March 16, 2015, 07:58:24 am
Quote
Not sure how much of a score yet, but I got an HP E3615A DC 0-20 V, 0-3 A, 60 W Power Supply for $75 including shipping.

Classic, I bought one of the others (there were three for sale).  I'll be interested to see if it works, but I'm not really worried, looking at the description they should be at least an easy repair.

I've got a couple of other HP supplies (6205C, 6237A), and they've got the same scheme, all red except for earth.  They seem to have changed to red / green / black only a little before becoming Agilent.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: miguelvp on March 16, 2015, 08:21:55 am
Quote
Not sure how much of a score yet, but I got an HP E3615A DC 0-20 V, 0-3 A, 60 W Power Supply for $75 including shipping.

Classic, I bought one of the others (there were three for sale).  I'll be interested to see if it works, but I'm not really worried, looking at the description they should be at least an easy repair.

I've got a couple of other HP supplies (6205C, 6237A), and they've got the same scheme, all red except for earth.  They seem to have changed to red / green / black only a little before becoming Agilent.
And that's why I didn't post anything about the auctions in here or I wouldn't have a chance in hell.

I did let go the first one, I could have outbid it easily but decided to get the first bidder out of the way plus one of the standoffs had the ring broken and they got it for $4 less of what I got for mine.
I got the 2nd one for $0.25 over the 2nd bidder :)
and the 2nd bidder on mine tried for the third one but someone (you probably) got it for just $1.00 over.

Unless you are the one that got the first one, but even with the post ring missing it shouldn't be a problem on that 1st one.

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: deadlylover on March 16, 2015, 08:34:00 am
Snapped up an Advantest R6581 for $500 a while back, it's an 8.5digit multimeter. Think of it like a baby 3458A, 2-3 times worse on linearity (0.1ppm) and noise(0.025ppm RMS), but it does have artefact calibration and hey, I can't really complain because of the price. I dig the dual line display, it's very easy to use. 5ppm per year accuracy on DC volts, and a tempco of 0.15ppm with autocal.  :-+

The seller described it as broken, because on power-up there was no reading shown, and the relays were clicking non-stop rapidly, hence listing it for so cheap. This meter always self tests on power on, and the seller's photo did not show any error annunciators.

Upon arrival, yep, it's as the seller described. I ran the internal calibration (which is like the AutoCal on HP), and hey, it all seems to work just fine until I power cycled the meter. It then showed error -315 "configuration memory lost".

10 bucks and 2 solder joints later, she works a treat. It's a standard 1/2AA 3.6V battery, axial lead with 1.25inch spacing. Access to the battery is easy, just remove a couple of cables in the way, there's no need to take off any shielding.

The local cal lab said it was 9ppm off on 10V DC, and was adjusted to be 0.3ppm off. There weren't any stickers on the unit I have so who knows when it was last calibrated. I don't have the cash for a proper calibration with a Josephson-Junction ($1.8k+), so I'll have to live with their stated 2.4ppm uncertainty. They did have their 10V reference freshly calibrated, hopefully it's a bit better than that in practice.

My unit was made in Feb 1998 according to the battery, and there must be other units running out of batteries, so I hope by posting this you guys can snag a good deal too!  ^-^
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Dr. Frank on March 16, 2015, 10:50:10 am
Snapped up an Advantest R6581 for $500 a while back, it's an 8.5digit multimeter. Think of it like a baby 3458A, 2-3 times worse on linearity (0.1ppm) and noise(0.025ppm RMS), but it does have artefact calibration and hey, I can't really complain because of the price. I dig the dual line display, it's very easy to use. 5ppm per year accuracy on DC volts, and a tempco of 0.15ppm with autocal.  :-+

The seller described it as broken, because on power-up there was no reading shown, and the relays were clicking non-stop rapidly, hence listing it for so cheap. This meter always self tests on power on, and the seller's photo did not show any error annunciators.

Upon arrival, yep, it's as the seller described. I ran the internal calibration (which is like the AutoCal on HP), and hey, it all seems to work just fine until I power cycled the meter. It then showed error -315 "configuration memory lost".

10 bucks and 2 solder joints later, she works a treat. It's a standard 1/2AA 3.6V battery, axial lead with 1.25inch spacing. Access to the battery is easy, just remove a couple of cables in the way, there's no need to take off any shielding.

The local cal lab said it was 9ppm off on 10V DC, and was adjusted to be 0.3ppm off. There weren't any stickers on the unit I have so who knows when it was last calibrated. I don't have the cash for a proper calibration with a Josephson-Junction ($1.8k+), so I'll have to live with their stated 2.4ppm uncertainty. They did have their 10V reference freshly calibrated, hopefully it's a bit better than that in practice.

My unit was made in Feb 1998 according to the battery, and there must be other units running out of batteries, so I hope by posting this you guys can snag a good deal too!  ^-^

Hi Deadly Lover,

as a 3458A / AUTOCAL owner, I'm greatly interested in a teardown of the mysterious R6581, and maybe you have any manuals to share. (these are not available on the net)
Especially I'm interested, how the autocal and in conjunction the basic calibration of the R6581 works,  i.e. if also 2 artefacts  (10V, 10kOhm) are necessary only.

Frank
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: deadlylover on March 16, 2015, 02:27:24 pm
Hi Deadly Lover,

as a 3458A / AUTOCAL owner, I'm greatly interested in a teardown of the mysterious R6581, and maybe you have any manuals to share. (these are not available on the net)
Especially I'm interested, how the autocal and in conjunction the basic calibration of the R6581 works,  i.e. if also 2 artefacts  (10V, 10kOhm) are necessary only.

Frank

Yup, it is also 2 source 10V and 10kOhm artefact calibration, same as 3458A.

It has something called "Internal Calibration", I suspect that it is just their version of AutoCal as the spec sheets indicate that it's for the tempco compensation. You can perform the INT CAL separately for DCV, Ohms and AC, just like AutoCal.

I'm also curious how it can calibrate ACV, ACI and frequency ranges, maybe you simply cannot? I couldn't find anything about it in the manual. I guess because it doesn't have the fancy synchronous AC mode like the 3458A, there is no need for adjustment for the R6581 AC ranges. It's ACV specs are nothing to write home about, pretty similar to the 3458A in analog AC mode. It is quite a mystery...it lacks an equivalent of SCAL on the 3458A...

There are no English manuals unfortunately, the only one I can find is in Japanese on the ADCMT site and is a pain to translate because Adobe Reader has a hard time recognising the Japanese characters. The pages were scanned as images.  :-\ I uploaded it here, it's a biggie at 35MB. https://www.dropbox.com/s/67vd6qj0ob7mh5h/R6581%20manual.pdf?dl=0 (https://www.dropbox.com/s/67vd6qj0ob7mh5h/R6581%20manual.pdf?dl=0)

You can find some good teardown photos of the R6581T here at 38hot, it may be slow to load because it only loads pictures as you scroll down. http://bbs.38hot.net/thread-212-1-1.html (http://bbs.38hot.net/thread-212-1-1.html)

The difference between the R6581 and the R6581T/D is that the latter only has DC and Ohms functionality, and with limited range on DC, like 100V DC range maximum.

I really don't want risk messing with the R6581 calibration until I acquire a stable voltage and resistance reference, so I don't think I can teardown the unit just yet, sorry! It will happen eventually though, I'm sure!  :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Vgkid on March 16, 2015, 03:09:16 pm
That is definetly a cool meter. If/when you do tear it down, what are the jfets that it uses.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Muxr on March 16, 2015, 03:10:03 pm
Not as good as some but I gotta working Hameg 605 for $100 delivered. And a Fluke 8842A for $130.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Dr. Frank on March 16, 2015, 06:36:37 pm

Yup, it is also 2 source 10V and 10kOhm artefact calibration, same as 3458A.

It has something called "Internal Calibration", I suspect that it is just their version of AutoCal as the spec sheets indicate that it's for the tempco compensation. You can perform the INT CAL separately for DCV, Ohms and AC, just like AutoCal.

I'm also curious how it can calibrate ACV, ACI and frequency ranges, maybe you simply cannot? I couldn't find anything about it in the manual. I guess because it doesn't have the fancy synchronous AC mode like the 3458A, there is no need for adjustment for the R6581 AC ranges. It's ACV specs are nothing to write home about, pretty similar to the 3458A in analog AC mode. It is quite a mystery...it lacks an equivalent of SCAL on the 3458A...

There are no English manuals unfortunately, the only one I can find is in Japanese on the ADCMT site and is a pain to translate because Adobe Reader has a hard time recognising the Japanese characters. The pages were scanned as images.  :-\ I uploaded it here, it's a biggie at 35MB. https://www.dropbox.com/s/67vd6qj0ob7mh5h/R6581%20manual.pdf?dl=0 (https://www.dropbox.com/s/67vd6qj0ob7mh5h/R6581%20manual.pdf?dl=0)

You can find some good teardown photos of the R6581T here at 38hot, it may be slow to load because it only loads pictures as you scroll down. http://bbs.38hot.net/thread-212-1-1.html (http://bbs.38hot.net/thread-212-1-1.html)

The difference between the R6581 and the R6581T/D is that the latter only has DC and Ohms functionality, and with limited range on DC, like 100V DC range maximum.

I really don't want risk messing with the R6581 calibration until I acquire a stable voltage and resistance reference, so I don't think I can teardown the unit just yet, sorry! It will happen eventually though, I'm sure!  :-+

I was very impolite.. sorry..

"Congratulations on that great instrument!!"

The bbs38hot site, lyemx himself, answered many of my questions, and even the Japanese manual (Geez, 680 pages w/o schematics) also revealed enough information about the specs.
No need to make a further teardown.

Well, they also made a much better use of the LTZ1000 (non A) reference, at 65°C only, compared to the 3458A.. and intensive use of bulk metal foil resistors, like in the Fluke 8508A.
 These BMF resistors are from Alpha Electronics, which I already used in my  reference divider (752A clone) .. Good stuff...

If it even turns out, that the AUTOCAL feature works nearly as good as in the 3458A (doubt that a bit, 'cause of the worse linearity), then this could be the Swiss Army Knife of DMMs


Thanks again for sharing

Frank

P.S.: the strange A/D converter hybrid in the R6581 directly reminded me of the PREMA 26bit converter:
http://www.ohh.de/5610.htm (http://www.ohh.de/5610.htm)

PREMA also made an 8 1/2 digit DMM, based on their A/D technology, but I dunno which A/D they used inside.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TimFox on March 17, 2015, 02:04:28 pm
One of my best scores, from about ten years ago.
The Wayne-Kerr B221 admittance bridge measures capacitance in parallel with conductance at 1591 Hz (10,000 rad/sec).
The bridge is based on ratio transformers.  So long as the number of turns does not change (integers are the only exact things in life), the accuracy depends on the internal standards, which are hermetically sealed.  Front-panel switching allows measurement of negative capacitance (inductance) as well as negative conductance, using the transformers.
Checking against lab standard capacitors, no tweaking of the calibration was required (roughly 50 years after manufacture).  The only repair required was replacing the line cord, which had been somewhat butchered by the previous owner when switching from UK-style to NEMA plug.  I have purchased replacement vacuum tubes, but have not needed to replace any yet.
The best thing about this unit is the bridge null indicator:  two cascaded dual magic-eye tubes.  They "close" in sequence as the signal approaches zero, with no meter lag.

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xrunner on March 17, 2015, 07:32:02 pm
Just received from an Ebay auction - not one but two Tektronix CDM250 DMMs for the low low price of $10.75 total. Listed as "For parts or not working". As far as I can tell they work perfectly.  8)

Score!!!

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B14-IuQLJT8/VQiAU46U4XI/AAAAAAAACDg/asU1_RrlLC4/w1024-h768-no/IMG_0731.png)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: gfiber on March 18, 2015, 04:05:24 pm
A few weeks ago a TTi TSX 1820P 18V x 20A programmable power supply with GPIB for $145.00, Fluke 8842A with 09 AC board for $100.00,  AMREL PPS-1322 30V x 2A programmable supply for $50.00  In late January early February a Keithley 175A multimeter for $100.00, Tek 2235 scope for $120.00, Philips PM 6676 1.5 GHz counter for $199.00, Leader LDC 823A 225 MHz counter for under $100.00. All items working, the TTi supply looks to be almost new so do the counters. All working just fine so far as I can tell.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: tautech on March 18, 2015, 08:06:40 pm
Given a nice pair of tiny Japanese Aaron CRO's:
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/aaron-bs-310s-cro-mini-teardowm/ (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/aaron-bs-310s-cro-mini-teardowm/)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: miguelvp on March 20, 2015, 07:47:04 am
So my HP E3615A DC 0-20 V, 0-3 A, 60 W Power Supply arrived today and I powered it up since the auction showed that it powers on.

Constant current works from 0 A to what I want to say Pi (3.14 A)
Voltage goes up to 21.6 V and I did set the OV to 24.5V

Tested the over voltage by setting it to just 12V and it works.
Tested the CC and it works fine as well.

Grounded the negative post so I could hook the PS to my scope.

It does has a 5 Vpp short pulse at power up, then it has another shorter one when the power supply finally engages 60 ms later (a bit longer for the upper voltage range) these transients are very short lived, and the supply reaches the voltage around 50 ms later.

Here is the power up with the supply set to 20 V, the first arrow is when I throw in the switch, the 2nd is when the supply starts supplying.
(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=142670;image)

The problem is that at lower voltages they are still there, here is the power up at 10 V, on power on it still has the 5 Vpp
(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=142672;image)

At 3 V, it's almost overshooting when it actually starts, but the power on goes up to 5 V for a 8 Vpp short burst that goes into the negative as well.
(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=142674;image)

Last, when set to 0.5 V, the overshoot is very pronounced, but very short lived.
(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=142676;image)

Voltage is a bit high in the higher end (20.2V when set at 20.0V, 5.054 V when set to 5.0 V), but it's better in the lower end. (1.0065V when wet to 1.00V)
But it's just a bit under 1%.

I'm happy with it, I hope amc184 had a good deal as well with his.

Should I worry about the powerup spikes?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: VK5RC on March 20, 2015, 09:17:27 am
@miguelvp Interesting re the power-on spike, I had one that was tripping the OV on a used 6644, the spike was only 8uS long but was 80V! The real problem with the 66xx etc series is they almost all use the SAME board FFS!!!!!! So half the component slots are not populated !!!!! and to make matters worse HP (God bless them) also skimped on the schematics, the schematics would cross two or three models, so the only way to know what was supposed to be there was the parts list, this was also clearly wrong as I had MOSFETs and the parts list had BPT!!!!
Long story short, someone had taken out a final filter cap and covered there tracks well!!! Aaaaarrrrgggghhh.
I wonder if you may be picking up other spikes via ground or radiative interference, but check the output caps for me please!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: dom0 on March 20, 2015, 11:04:17 am
The mains turn on spike can also be caused by the in-rush current of the supply if your measurement method is inappropriate (where did you "ground" the negative post?)

A bit hard to judge at 10 ms/div...
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: macboy on March 20, 2015, 05:15:57 pm
The mains turn on spike can also be caused by the in-rush current of the supply if your measurement method is inappropriate (where did you "ground" the negative post?)

A bit hard to judge at 10 ms/div...
I tend to agree. Leave the output completely floating, and use coax directly to the scope.  Don't create that ground loop by grounding the supply output.

Also to the OP, the meters are easy to adjust with multi turn pots on the display board. Yours seem pretty consistently 1% or so high.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: miguelvp on March 20, 2015, 07:44:00 pm
The mains turn on spike can also be caused by the in-rush current of the supply if your measurement method is inappropriate (where did you "ground" the negative post?)

A bit hard to judge at 10 ms/div...
I tend to agree. Leave the output completely floating, and use coax directly to the scope.  Don't create that ground loop by grounding the supply output.

Also to the OP, the meters are easy to adjust with multi turn pots on the display board. Yours seem pretty consistently 1% or so high.

I grounded the negative post to the earth ground post, the manual states that either the positive or the negative can be grounded. If I measure the voltage from the earthed negative with the scope ground (earthed as well) I get no voltage as expected.

I didn't want to ground the negative post with the scope ground to avoid transients.

Yes, the multi turn pots are nice and yeah I know I can adjust them, I was showing the voltages displayed vs output just for information, i'm not concerned about that at all.

I'll try to capture the transients at a lower time scale when I get back home.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: rdl on March 21, 2015, 09:49:53 pm
Seeing the Tektronix CDM250 motivated me to take a photo of the CPS250 I got a few weeks ago. These are pretty decent power supplies, well suited for someone just getting started. I don't know who actually built these, but I read somewhere that maybe they were sourced from Topward.

Apparently BK Precision also sold this unit as the 1651. BK rated theirs as 24 volts at 500 mA from the variable supplies vs. the 20 volts of the CPS250, and 3 amps from the 5 volt supply vs the 2 amps of the CPS250. They seem to be identical to me, maybe Tek was just being more conservative with their ratings. BK still sells a 1651A.

These are definitely worth considering if you don't mind taking chances on used equipment and can find one in good shape for $100 or less. There are always people trying to sell these for $300-400 just because of the Tektronix name I guess. Don't fall for that. Also be aware that there are several different front panel color schemes. This is one of the better ones. The BK olive green and mustard brown is pretty bad.

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=142887;image)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nanofrog on March 21, 2015, 10:00:57 pm
Nice score. :-+

Doesn't look abused, and an excellent job on the cleaning & restoration (new output terminals?)! Looks like it came off the assembly line maybe a month ago.  :clap:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: dkozel on March 21, 2015, 10:19:13 pm
I was in the right place at the right time.

Anritsu S332D cable, antenna, and spectrum analyzer with power meter option - $0
Metcal MX-5211 full set with a stack of tips - $25

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: drakke on March 21, 2015, 11:39:14 pm
Seeing the Tektronix CDM250 motivated me to take a photo of the CPS250 I got a few weeks ago. These are pretty decent power supplies, well suited for someone just getting started.


Are there any irreplaceable parts inside?
Are they difficult to repair?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: rdl on March 22, 2015, 10:24:13 am
Believe it or not, that's pretty much the way I received it. All I did was add a pot inside so I could dim down the entirely too bright power LED, and I switched the voltage and current control knobs with those on my BK 1651. The Tek's knobs had turned kind of brown and the ones on the BK were a better color match.

Nice score. :-+

Doesn't look abused, and an excellent job on the cleaning & restoration (new output terminals?)! Looks like it came off the assembly line maybe a month ago.  :clap:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: drakke on March 22, 2015, 01:35:06 pm
Believe it or not, that's pretty much the way I received it. All I did was add a pot inside so I could dim down the entirely too bright power LED, and I switched the voltage and current control knobs with those on my BK 1651.



They have glass fuses inside, correct?

Is it ok to replace them with comparable ceramic ones?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: dom0 on March 22, 2015, 02:04:18 pm
Believe it or not, that's pretty much the way I received it. All I did was add a pot inside so I could dim down the entirely too bright power LED, and I switched the voltage and current control knobs with those on my BK 1651.



They have glass fuses inside, correct?

Is it ok to replace them with comparable ceramic ones?
If the specs match...
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: rdl on March 22, 2015, 07:10:20 pm
They have glass fuses inside, correct?

Is it ok to replace them with comparable ceramic ones?

Same as most things which plug into mains power, they are fused. The fuse holder is on the back panel. For 120 volt service Tektronix calls for 2A 250V, BK Precision specifies 1.6A 250V. They are glass.

Are there any irreplaceable parts inside?
Are they difficult to repair?

The service manual is available. It's too big to post here but a google search should find it. Some things, such as the transformer and meters would be a problem to replace, but it's mostly jellybean parts. I think the only ICs are 741 and LM358 op amps, and 723 regulators.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: JackP on March 23, 2015, 05:46:12 pm
May I ask how much you fine gentlemen think a Tektronix 1503TDR Cable Tester is worth (with error: screen does not power up, no further information). Thanks a bunch.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xwarp on March 24, 2015, 08:50:45 am
I picked up a really nice condition Panasonic Toughbook CF-30 with just over 2000 hours on it. Came with DVD drive, hard drive caddy, battery and power plug.

It falls under test equipment because I will be using it with OBD1 and OBD2 software.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nanofrog on March 24, 2015, 11:40:00 am
Quote from: xwarp link=topic=30053.msg636091#msg636091 date=1427187045[Panasonic Toughbook CF-30
... falls under test equipment because I will be using it with OBD1 and OBD2 software.
Too many uses not to be in general IMHO (data analysis, research, T&M automation, code development, CAD, ...).  :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: The Doc on March 26, 2015, 06:40:57 pm
Some more old toys arrived today...  8)


(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7629/16937428891_6dfd525220_b.jpg)

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7282/16750960260_349360b5cb_o.jpg)

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7281/16750722688_ff60b15767_b.jpg)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: meeder on March 26, 2015, 10:44:38 pm
My best scores were free :)

Fluke 97 scopemeter (which is actually a Philips design with Fluke badges)
Philips PM3050 50MHz scope

Both units were destined for the dumpster if I did not rescue them :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: blackbird on March 27, 2015, 08:15:36 am
Both units were destined for the dumpster if I did not rescue them :)

I wish I had such a dumpster nearby. :-//
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Thomas on March 27, 2015, 09:07:23 am
Some more old toys arrived today...  8)


(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7629/16937428891_6dfd525220_b.jpg)

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7282/16750960260_349360b5cb_o.jpg)

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7281/16750722688_ff60b15767_b.jpg)

Really nice toys!
The top one looks like a modular thingie, with changeable modules?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: sdg on March 27, 2015, 09:27:04 am
Really nice toys!
The top one looks like a modular thingie, with changeable modules?

Some info here : http://www.barrytech.com/tektronix/tektm500/tektm500.html (http://www.barrytech.com/tektronix/tektm500/tektm500.html)
It's a Tektronix TM5000 series, the younger brother of the TM500 :
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: dom0 on March 27, 2015, 09:40:37 am
http://w140.com/tekwiki/wiki/Main_Page#TM500-series_and_TM5000-series (http://w140.com/tekwiki/wiki/Main_Page#TM500-series_and_TM5000-series)

TM500: only manual control, can have connections on the rear (option)
TM5000: adds GPIB
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: plazma on March 27, 2015, 09:44:22 am
Scored some PSUs from the Broadcom auction. I'll collect them next week. These cost about 73€ each (including the 16% buyers premium)
(http://plazma.kapsi.fi/pictures/temp/TTi_PSU/201522318171_437662_1.JPG)
(http://plazma.kapsi.fi/pictures/temp/TTi_PSU/201522416544_438007_1.JPG)
(http://plazma.kapsi.fi/pictures/temp/TTi_PSU/201522710254_438951_2.JPG)
(http://plazma.kapsi.fi/pictures/temp/TTi_PSU/2015223162218_437606_1.JPG)

Here is some equipment I got for free some years ago.
(http://plazma.kapsi.fi/pictures/temp/equipment/img01.jpg)
(http://plazma.kapsi.fi/pictures/temp/equipment/img02.jpg)

Other good scores are an Askania brand stereo microscope for cheap and a free Filtronic brand fume extractor.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: The Doc on March 27, 2015, 09:07:03 pm


(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7629/16937428891_6dfd525220_b.jpg)
Really nice toys!
The top one looks like a modular thingie, with changeable modules?

It is, it's a 6 slot mainframe (I think that's what they call it). There are 2 doubles and 2 singles in it.

It needs a fan, but I have one ordered, and the programmable power supply will want calibrating, but for what I'm using it for, the 3456A will do for calibrating it.

I also got a precision bench source. It looks like it's controlled from a PC, as there are no settings on it, but it has a USB connection and an ethernet connection. I've plugged it into the PC, and it enumerates as a 'TTG-001 DC source', but no drivers are found. I can't find anything on the internet about it, and there is no manufacturer's name on or in the box, so I'm guessing it's a proprietary bit of kit for something.
I used Wireshark to try to determine its IP address but it's not being broadcast, so unless I can find how to control it, it looks like I'll end up robbing it for the power supply board and binning the sexy looking control board.

(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8703/16761404540_969660fb36_c.jpg)

(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8737/16326481944_50a099ba7a_c.jpg)

(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8753/16326482464_32928c2713_c.jpg)

If anyone knows anything about it...?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: dom0 on March 27, 2015, 09:14:53 pm
Chances are it speaks VXI-11 on the Ethernet side of things. Maybe USBTMC on the USB side of things. You can use something like arp-scan(1) to discover the IP. Probably in one of the private address ranges. imho looks too good / capable to just trash and take apart.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: mtdoc on March 27, 2015, 09:29:44 pm
Scored some PSUs from the Broadcom auction. I'll collect them next week. These cost about 73€ each (including the 16% buyers premium)


Very nice! I bought one of those TTi TSX1820 on Ebay a while back. It was broken but cost only about half that price.

I still haven't fixed it. ::)

I do have the service manual which took some effort to get from TT. Happy to send you a copy if needed.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: The Doc on March 27, 2015, 10:23:25 pm
Chances are it speaks VXI-11 on the Ethernet side of things. Maybe USBTMC on the USB side of things. You can use something like arp-scan(1) to discover the IP. Probably in one of the private address ranges. imho looks too good / capable to just trash and take apart.
Thanks... I'll have a look into it and see what I can find. I'm surprised there's no manufacturers name anywhere on it though.

I agree with you on it looking too good to trash. It would be a shame. I'll keep stabbing at it and see can I find anything.
It has a 16 pin header on the board that's probably a serial or UART interface of some sort. I'll see can I find what chip it's going to and pin it out, and hopefully access it from a terminal or something.

Cheers

Edit... I tried the ARP scanner and I'm getting no helpful results, so I'm guessing the ethernet port isn't configured. 
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: harrimansat on March 28, 2015, 12:00:40 pm
My Little Toys

(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1024x768q90/912/XRYPiI.png) (https://imageshack.com/i/pcXRYPiIp)

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: dom0 on March 28, 2015, 12:52:49 pm
16 pin header could also be JTAG, although it's not very common.

--

Maybe we want an "eBay Madness" thread, too:

150 € / 170 USD for a HP 209A (http://www.ebay.de/itm/251885941037)  :-DD
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: firehopper on March 28, 2015, 09:40:55 pm
just won a auction for a fluke 289 for $335 used. I'll post pictures when it arrives
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: joeqsmith on March 29, 2015, 03:16:16 pm
my warm 8 Channels  :)  less then 150€ + Restoration

Imagine trying to solve a digital problem on the ENIAC with this thing.   
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: miguelvp on March 29, 2015, 10:44:46 pm
I got two old analog scopes for just $50 for both.
They've seen better days:
(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=144290;image)

The top one is a Tek 7613 with 2 80 MHz amplifiers and a 100 MHz dual time base. One of the amplifiers has a broken voltage divider knob but luckily the broken off cal knob is in the cal position, so I won't be able to exit the cal value on that channel to make it fit on the screen but that's ok.

The bottom one is a Tek 5110 with two 2MHz amplifiers without a time base.

The only thing I've done so far is clean the screen and trim the gain and sweep on the 7613

Here is a picture of a 26MHz clock (OCXO) 5 Vpp using a x10 probe (so 1 V per division) at the maximum x1 time divider (50ns per division) if you notice I get 13 full cycles in 500 ns.
(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=144292;image)

Here is the same signal but using the x10 magnification in the time base module, so it's 5ns per division.
A 26MHz clock has a period of ~38.46154 ns divided by 5ns that will give me ~7.7 divisions.
(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=144294;image)

Goes to show you that back then you had to do the math to figure out the frequencies and you only could use the grid, DSOs are so much easier.

This one has storage and persistence but I rather don't use it, it's a pain.

My plan is to clean them up, maybe pickup some modules (for example 100MHz amplifiers)  for them and donate them to a local hackerspace.

The 7613 has a sawtooth generator in the back, that is controlled by the time division knob up to 560 KHz at the 50ns setting down to 18.73mHz at the 5s setting (takes over 50 seconds to do one period) and I can trim it to any frequency using the cal knob.

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=144296;image)

This probably can used that to make a curve tracer using a different scope or maybe even the same one. Will have to revise alan's video (W2AEW) if I could use the timebase that affects the frequency of the sawtooth.

The crud on the screen was hard to dissolve (I used water and a bit of soap followed by my fingernail so I won't scratch anything), Also I'm not sure why both of them had some tape residue in the screen, it felt like hard glue, but believe it or not, it was harder to remove the splatter of who knows what.

Not sure what to use to clean the splatter on the rest of the scope without affecting the legends. Also not sure what to use to clean the BNCs they are crusty beyond believe.


The 2MHz scope is a 5000 series, not sure if I can get better plugins for it, but one of the knobs in one of the amplifiers broke, but it can take up to 60 volts AC or DC, I need a horizontal base for it or just use it to draw vector graphics :)

The 5110 calibration hook is 400 mV 4 mA 2x mains frequency (120Hz) :)

Not really a score since they are old and I already have a 7603 but has a bad dual trace amplifier.

Other than the sawtooth thing they are not that great compared to my Rigol DS2072, but for the price I couldn't pass it up and will try to bring them back to their former luster.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: firehopper on April 01, 2015, 03:48:21 pm
just won a auction for a fluke 289 for $335 used. I'll post pictures when it arrives

its here :) and as promised pictures

only parts missing were the black alligator clip thingy, and the fluke view forms cd

anyone have a spare black alligator clip for fluke? or the fluke view forms they could make a iso for me? basic version is fine. wouldnt say no to the designer version though
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: blackbird on April 01, 2015, 04:39:25 pm
Scored some PSUs from the Broadcom auction. I'll collect them next week. These cost about 73€ each (including the 16% buyers premium)
(http://plazma.kapsi.fi/pictures/temp/TTi_PSU/201522416544_438007_1.JPG)

The PL330QMD (or QMT) is at the top of my shopping list. To bad most of the affordable ones are at the other side of the pond. With shipping and import taxes they are rapidly becoming unaffordable to me  :'(

Does anyone have one for sale, preferably in The Netherlands or Germany? I'm not sure what the shipping cost of a power supply like this is within the EU so I like to keep it 'local'.


Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: SaabFAN on April 01, 2015, 08:51:00 pm
Not really "scores", but they should suffice until the DS1054Z arrives:

DSO203 aka DSO Quad (Hardware-Version: 2.72 and already flashed with a custom App^^) for about 100€, including 2 Probes.

AND:

Philips PM3350 for 150€, without probes and a few quirks I have to solve (see this thread: https://www.eevblog.com/forum/repair/beginner-trying-his-luck-at-fixing-a-philips-pm3350/ (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/repair/beginner-trying-his-luck-at-fixing-a-philips-pm3350/)). But my first own real Scope! Yay! :)


I was first bidding on a PM3320, fully digital scope made by Philips with basically the same specs as the Rigol in 4-Channel Mode (200Mhz Bandwith on the Inputs, 250MSample/s), but someone beat me to it at the last second.
I then settled for this one, because I need Single-Shot capability, as well as reasonably high sampling rate to capture the reaction of a switching regulator (SEPIC-type) to load-dumps and sudden turn-on currents.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: kaz911 on April 03, 2015, 03:59:31 am
a few broken Fluke 287/289's for < $200 - then sent to Fluke and got repaired free of charge

A couple of newly CALIBRATED HP 1141A Differential probes for $220-250 incl power supply - great for bench work but absolutely not portable

Agilent N2792A 200MHz differential probe in perfect condition in original box etc  - looks almost unused for $350 (SRP about $1900) Great for my portable CAN work - Same price as the 25Mhz version usually goes for on eBay.

And the latest - an Tek MDO3012 with MDO3PWR and MDO3SA for $1900,- while that is not a great scoop - I sure look forward to it for my BLE stuff :) and the MDO3012/MDO3SA bundle is no longer available cheap as before. And came with a nice Pelican case and quite a few BNC adaptors. On route with DHL to me as we speak. Now looking for some 500 MHz probes and some Logic Probes (I wonder why.... :-/O )
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: The Doc on April 03, 2015, 05:36:59 am
I scored another HP 3456A today, and an Ando LCR meter...  €50 for both!


(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8686/17015115282_85da394b56_c.jpg)



Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: tec5c on April 04, 2015, 05:55:48 am
These were given to my workplace from another department. Our department had never used them once. About 2 years ago the section I work in had to move to a different workshop and there was a mass clean out of unused gear. I grabbed a whole car load of old equipment.
In the attached photos are a HP 89440a vector signal analyser with the RF section, sitting on top of a HP 8753a network analyser. I have maybe turned these on ~ 5 times since I have owned them (once I zapped a cockroach who had found a new home in the VSA, thought it was the equipment itself so I opened it up to find charred remainders of the little guy)

I am currently considering selling the pictured equipment, along with some other gear I have acquired over time seeing as I don't use them (someone convince me not to!?)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: tec5c on April 04, 2015, 05:57:04 am
The network analyser. Sorry for the average quality of the photos.

Edit: The "Calibration Not Required" sticker is because our department never used this bit of equipment so it was given that sticker to not confuse it with all of the equipment that did have to go for annual cal.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: miguelvp on April 05, 2015, 11:58:22 pm
I had time over the long weekend to turn the two scopes that I got for $50 combined with local pickup.

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=144290;image)

And turned them to this:

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=145609;image)

Also I got 3 modules for $36 including shipping:

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/my-first-oscilloscope/?action=dlattach;attach=145278;image)
7A11 (was missing the pull tab so I used one from a 7A15A) , 7A13, 7B53A

Also I got another 3 modules coming for another $36 including shipping.
7A18, 7A26 and 7A22 (last one missing the pull tab)

Plus the last one three times more expensive is a 7D15 225MHz Universal Counter/Timer for $36.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: SoundTech-LG on April 10, 2015, 03:39:20 pm
maybe more scores tomorrow... ???

http://www.electronicsfleamarket.com/ (http://www.electronicsfleamarket.com/)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Wytnucls on April 20, 2015, 10:27:59 am
Not sure if it is that much of a score, but I acquired a mint Keithley 2000 for 290$, local pickup.
Last calibrated 2013, one calibration only. Inside case stamp dated 2010.
Is it possible to derive any date from the serial number?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xrunner on April 20, 2015, 12:23:54 pm
Tektronix CMC251 off Ebay. Listed for parts or not working, but works perfectly. $70 -

(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-DhHYSfHqcrc/VS69f2I_92I/AAAAAAAACVA/K8-xSljjyU4/w1024-h768-no/IMG_0812.png)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: alterbaron on April 20, 2015, 11:24:12 pm
Fully working HP 8566B for $425 shipped.  ;D

(http://i.imgur.com/N8JVlRP.jpg)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: affe on April 21, 2015, 08:44:40 am
Got a Tektronix TLA5204B 136-channel logic analyzer in like new condition with largest possible memory (32M) for a bit over 500€.
I already have a MSO so pondering now whether I should sell her or keep her.  :scared: :scared: :scared:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xrunner on April 21, 2015, 12:18:21 pm
Fully working HP 8566B for $425 shipped.  ;D

We had some of those in our lab at work, man those things are monster-sized. Work good though. :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xwarp on April 23, 2015, 08:22:28 am
Fully working HP 8566B for $425 shipped.  ;D

We had some of those in our lab at work, man those things are monster-sized. Work good though. :)

There is a local surplus dealer that sells those on occasion. One day I will get one......maybe......
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: deadlylover on April 23, 2015, 02:25:26 pm
I have a few goodies to share, first up is an Advantest R6161 voltage/current source.

A bit of a sick puppy though, only the 1V,10V,100V ranges work, I'll do a teardown when I repair the thing. I have a feeling the relays are shot. Thank goodness the voltage/current limits work just fine, because if I dial in anything on the 1000V range it instantly shoots into the set voltage limiter (not so fun when I set the limit to 1050V and dialled in said 5V to test the range).  :-\

(http://i.imgur.com/AfHaTF8h.jpg) (http://imgur.com/AfHaTF8)

Next up is a Panasonic VP-7722A audio analyzer. I'm kinda sorta into audiophoolery and I had no idea Panasonic used to make these things until recently! It's actually quite a respectable performer too, 0.00025% THD+N 2.5V @ 1kHz, 30kHz BW. It weighs a bloody ton at 17kg, might need to start a new thread for a proper teardown if anyone is interested.

I'm super impressed by the unit, because while it won't spit out pretty FFT's which are all the rage these days, I think it will be very handy for quick and dirty production line testing since you don't need a computer to operate it. It will happily dance with 'entry level' Audio-Precision analysers, I think you need an AP 2722 ($10k+ used) to better it in terms of THD+N anyway.

(http://i.imgur.com/6whitHuh.jpg) (http://imgur.com/6whitHu)

(http://i.imgur.com/iafSmuVh.jpg) (http://imgur.com/iafSmuV)

It's insides are so colourful, having modules and right angle pots make it easy to service/calibrate.  ^-^

Man I've got the hots for a HP 8566B, but I think shipping would cost as much as the unit...  |O
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Vgkid on April 23, 2015, 02:30:37 pm
That audio analyzer looks quite nice.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: dom0 on April 23, 2015, 02:50:18 pm
Yep, those are digitally controlled analog analyzers much like the venerable HP 8903. Interesting thing about the Pana analyzers is that their source sections are truly floating ; although for 99.99 % of all usage scenarios a proper differential output would be just as well usable. They are available under at least three brands (Panasonic, National and Matsushita). There are some other models in that line up, namely VP-7721A (no GPIB iirc), VP-7722A, VP-7723A, VP-7724A, VP-7725A and VP-7726A. There are also *B variants. The higher the number the newer. 
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: deadlylover on April 23, 2015, 04:10:43 pm
Yep, those are digitally controlled analog analyzers much like the venerable HP 8903. Interesting thing about the Pana analyzers is that their source sections are truly floating ; although for 99.99 % of all usage scenarios a proper differential output would be just as well usable. They are available under at least three brands (Panasonic, National and Matsushita). There are some other models in that line up, namely VP-7721A (no GPIB iirc), VP-7722A, VP-7723A, VP-7724A, VP-7725A and VP-7726A. There are also *B variants. The higher the number the newer.

Wow that's neat, thanks for the info.  ^-^

The 7722 and 7725 has the lowest THD+N from the research I've done. I'm on the lookout for the 7725 to see if it performs any better than the -22. It's specs are about the same, it just has an LCD screen. Maybe I'll complete the happy family one day. XD
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Vgkid on April 23, 2015, 04:24:59 pm
Are those red capacitors socketed?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: dom0 on April 23, 2015, 04:42:57 pm
Those things at the caps look like THT distance rings to me.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: deadlylover on April 23, 2015, 04:52:24 pm
Mhm.  :-+

(http://i.imgur.com/8kamvMfh.jpg) (http://imgur.com/8kamvMf)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: firehopper on April 23, 2015, 09:18:55 pm
interesting glass beads on those leads.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: new299 on April 23, 2015, 10:58:37 pm
TDS5052, 2 channel 500Mhz 5GSa/s scope. ~150USD. Faulty needed a new display repair: http://41j.com/blog/2014/08/tektronix-tds5052-repair/ (http://41j.com/blog/2014/08/tektronix-tds5052-repair/)

TDS7054, 4 channel 500Mhz 5GSa/s scope. ~150USD. Faulty NVRAM repair: http://41j.com/blog/2014/08/tektronix-tds7054-repair/ (http://41j.com/blog/2014/08/tektronix-tds7054-repair/)

Lecroy Waverunner 6050, 4 channel 500Mhz Quad 5GSa/s scope. ~400USD. One faulty channel. The BNC connection was bad, 5min fix.

HP 34401A 6.5 digit multimeter, ~50USD AC measurements fault. Bad regulator repair: http://41j.com/blog/2014/08/hp-34401a-repair/ (http://41j.com/blog/2014/08/hp-34401a-repair/)

Ahhh how I miss the junk bins of Akihabara.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: eas on April 30, 2015, 08:28:10 pm
Not exactly a huge score, but after some uncertainty, I'm pleased with the Keithley 2000 I got on ebay for ~$250.

First impressions was that it was packed quite well. The VFD was bright, and the voltage readings off my Chinese AD584KH based voltage reference were quite close to the numbers on the references "calibration certificate." It was also a sickly beige  :-\

At first I thought it was from aging of the plastics, but when I opened it up, I was met with the smell of stale tobacco smoke. Fortunately, it hadn't accumulated enough to leave a visible film as it had on the outside. I also noticed that at some point the motherboard had been removed and then reassembled by a meathead. Cables to the front panel and power supply didn't take advantage of a clip intended for them on the side of the chassis. More concerning, the main PCB was flexed because they'd forced the front right corner in over the guide/support tabs on the chassis. In the process, they managed to scrape the solder mask off a grounding trace.

Once I'd reassembled the device properly, I ran the self-tests and was disappointed to see the failures cascading off the very first test, 100.1, which checks to see if the A/D converter's 0v reading is in range of the design specs. The repair manual wasn't very helpful (it doesn't identify the signals on the various test points, and doesn't even bother explaining how to get the device to display the measured value for each test (When you run the tests manually, in step mode, pausing after each test, you can hold down the shift key to see the measured value). I finally got fed up, found the reverse engineered schematic online, and started orienting myself to the signals on the A/D converter IC by probing each lead with my scope. As I shifting the device on my desk to get a better view of the leads on the side of chip closest to the right side of the chassis I noticed a bit of white. At first I thought it was silkscreen priting, but it seemed misoriented and out of place. I looked closer and it seemed to be a small fiber of some sort. I flicked it away with my gloved hand and then blew the area clear with some canned air.

All the tests passed!  I'd like to blame the contamination on the meathead who did such a bad job reassembling the thing but there is a good chance that it was a stray piece of pet fluff from our dog. (Once again, I've managed to fix a piece of equipment simply by taking it apart, looking at it, and putting it back together).

From the date codes on some of the components and the date on the one and only calibration, it appears that my multimeter was manufactured in the latter half of 1995. Probably a good idea to replace the electrolytic caps at this point? I'm also going to try and clean up the outside more. Any tips on dealing with the tobacco stains on the rubber/silicone buttons?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: ManateeMafia on April 30, 2015, 09:19:20 pm
@eas

I have already recapped three Keithley meters and I would say you should change the caps. TiN has some good pics of the hidden damage that can happen with no external signs of damage. I have two of three with some damage to the pcb and traces. The third was showing some leakage with no damage. I have a fourth that is waiting for me to finish the epoxy repairs. I have also been replacing the Schurter input power modules. It is easy once the board is out for cap replacement. There have been no reported issues yet, but there have been failures with the Schaffner modules of similar age.

I clean all keypads with ipa once I have the front panel removed. I also clean the pcb contacts. You never know what has been spilled into the front until it is taken apart. It is also a good time to clean the VFD display and the back of the lens. Simple Green is good for any stains that are hard to remove.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: eas on April 30, 2015, 10:04:35 pm
@eas

I have already recapped three Keithley meters and I would say you should change the caps. TiN has some good pics of the hidden damage that can happen with no external signs of damage. I have two of three with some damage to the pcb and traces. The third was showing some leakage with no damage. I have a fourth that is waiting for me to finish the epoxy repairs. I have also been replacing the Schurter input power modules. It is easy once the board is out for cap replacement. There have been no reported issues yet, but there have been failures with the Schaffner modules of similar age.

I clean all keypads with ipa once I have the front panel removed. I also clean the pcb contacts. You never know what has been spilled into the front until it is taken apart. It is also a good time to clean the VFD display and the back of the lens. Simple Green is good for any stains that are hard to remove.

Thanks. I'll probably re-cap and replace the input power modules after I get through recapping my Power Designs power supplies.

I've cleaned the front panel inside and out with IPA. I've tried cleaning the buttons by soaking in both IPA and dish soap and water. Unfortunately, the tobacco stains seem impregnated the rubber keys. I'll probably try giving them a longer soak when I have it apart for recapping. In the meantime, I'll keep my eye out for anyone selling front panel parts for the right price.

I'm really glad this thing didn't have any ventilation holes, or I'm sure the inside would be coated with a thick layer of tobacco varnish
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: mzzj on April 30, 2015, 10:22:10 pm
Latest "score"
2pcs of rohde & schwarz crtu-ru cellphone testers approx 100usd/piece.
Now whatta hell to do with cellphone tester?
Well it comes with 2.7Ghz spectrum analyzer and 0.1-2700Mhz RF-gen.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Muxr on May 01, 2015, 01:49:25 am
Been debating getting a Brymen BM869 as I really wanted a higher quality DMM in my toolbox. Been mainly using my UNI T 61 for low voltage electronics and besides a few annoyances it's actually been pretty good.

I've been also looking at a Fluke 87-V but at $360 I feel like it's a bit too pricey. So I just randomly stumbled on Ebay and found someone selling 5 87-V brand new for $275. I had to have it.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/191569718741?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT (http://www.ebay.com/itm/191569718741?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT)

So I guess that's my score a $275 brand new 87-V Fluke for the price of a (Fluke 179).
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PaulAm on May 01, 2015, 09:06:37 pm
I picked up a "used" HP3450b a while back for $50.  This is still fairly impressive (0.003% + 0.001% of range for 1v - 1KV 24hr spec) and the nixies are just kind of cool.  However, somebody had pulled the display board, so I got a $25 credit and put it aside.

The other day, I saw an ebay ad for "8 nixies on an hp board for retro clock".  Hey, that's a 3450 display board!  So I sniped it for $30 and got it the other day.  Plugged it in and it came to life ;D  Shorted the input and it settled down to a couple of microvolts after a few minutes.  Still need to run it against my Fluke 332b and compare with the 3456a, but it looks like the basic functionality is there.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Johndi on May 03, 2015, 06:59:15 am
Some stuff I picked up this weekend for $100:

Fluke 8600A:  Seller stated that following doesn't work: No AC functions/ranges, all DC voltage/resistance functions/ranges, and the 200mA and 2000mA DC voltage options. 

Going to find a manual, borrow my buddy's better DMM, and then get to work on it. 

HP 3311A Function Generator:  Said the waveforms are distorted.  I downloaded a copy of the manual from Agilent but its a piss poor scan :\  Looks like I'll be getting one from Artekmedia.

Tektronix 2225: Was told it has a vertical amp failure.  Downloaded a scan of the manual so will print it out.  I goofed around with it today and channel one can display various waveforms from the function generator I purchased, although channel two has something wrong with it, it displays but adjusting the volt/div doesn't provide usable results on screen.  Hopefully repairing it won't be too large of an undertaking, and then I'll have a older Tek scope, and I've always wanted one.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: picitup on May 04, 2015, 04:46:36 pm
Not really test equipment, but I was looking for a sheet of toughened glass to top my bench and guard against scratches.  I was going to buy one, and went to the dentist in town and noticed their neighbour they had a dirty rusty TV stand in their front garden.  It was the type which has 3 glass shelves so.....  I knocked the door and asked for it.  They were well pleased to get rid of it.  A little washing up liquid and the glass came up pristine.  So now I have 3 sheets.  And the cost?  Nuppence.

My wife says I should have been a tat man.

Keep Smilin'

Steve
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: rastro on May 04, 2015, 11:28:26 pm
Keithley 197 $33.00 delivered; sold for parts - will not power up.

After verifying problem I opened the unit and saw it had the battery pack option. 
Removed the option and everything worked great.  Fixed in under 5 minutes.

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Johndi on May 09, 2015, 05:21:38 pm
I just lucked into one of these, an NLS MS-230:

(http://www.stevenjohnson.com/nls/pics/nls-ms-230sm.jpg)

It needs some repair but I'm pretty excited!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: retrolefty on May 09, 2015, 08:16:10 pm
I just lucked into one of these, an NLS MS-230:

(http://www.stevenjohnson.com/nls/pics/nls-ms-230sm.jpg)

It needs some repair but I'm pretty excited!

 Cool. NLS morphed into becoming Kaypro computers in the 80s, made it pretty big for a couple of years and then went tits up like most once IBM brought out their PC. Southern California as I recall.

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Vgkid on May 09, 2015, 08:31:00 pm
I believe nls made one of the first dvm's. I remember bidding on a bunch of precision  resistors that were used in their multimeters,and lost :( .
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Johndi on May 09, 2015, 08:54:47 pm
NLS is still around, but I believe today they make panel meters and such.  I was able to email them for a pdf manual for this scope and they responded with a great quality scan.  :-+

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: eas on May 14, 2015, 04:20:15 am
I bought an HP 6632b off of eBay a little over a week ago. It was listed as "for parts/repair" because the seller was unable to test beyond powering it up. I got it for $99 + shipping from TX. They had 9 more. I thought about posting about it here, and I was tempted to buy a second, but I decided to wait for both until I had a chance to check out the first unit.

I kept checking the listing to see if the remaining units were selling, and someone else picked up a unit, but as of beginning of last weekend, there were still 8 left. And then, suddenly, they were all gone. Someone bought all of them, for a best-offer price. Doh!!

Too bad, because, while mine was a bit banged up, the insides looked good, and the output works and is fairly accurate, so far as I've tested it.

Actually, when I say the insides looked good, I'm leaving out and important detail. What I should have said is the insides looked good, for a 15 year old unit that seems to have spent its best years in a LINT FACTORY.

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=151864;image)

Its a little hard to make out in the photo, but there are huge tufts of lint stuck around all the ics, snarled in leads, and heatsinks, even the area between the case and the front panel.

No connections at the front of the PCB for front panel binding posts, unlike some of the examples people have.

UPDATE: Ok, so apparently there is a 6632b option with an order of magnitude more lint (http://blog.narrat1ve.com/2010/07/02/care-and-feeding-of-the-hp-6632b/) than I got in mine. Now I feel cheated.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Smith on May 24, 2015, 09:11:36 am
Needed a 50ohm terminator a while ago. When visiting a local thrift store I stumbled upon a BNC splitter, 50ohm terminator and an BNC to chinch connector in mint condition. Cost me 15 euro cents all together.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on June 05, 2015, 08:56:36 pm
I bought an HP4274A LCR meter but I have not received it yet. The reason for buying this old clunker is because it can deal with high (external) DC bias voltages and has a 100milli-Ohm range which makes it ideal for measuring Li-ion batteries and testing ceramic capacitors. A more modern LCR meter with similar specs costs several thousand euro/dollars which is more than I want to spend right now. I got a bit inspired by the recent 'LCR choice' thread.
The Ebay auction said it has errors but according to the manual they are caused by a dead battery and nothing being connected to the test inputs so fingers crossed!
(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=155319;image)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: davorin on June 05, 2015, 09:12:17 pm
Well definitively a high score what I required since I got back into electronics after working years in the internet business...

- R & S CRTU....used for testing mobile equipment...but has a nice RF spectrum analyzer built-in ranging 10MHz to 2.7GHz...just looks nice in the shelf (o;
- R & S SMT03....this one just replace my good old Fluke 6060A/AN....for doing radio/tv repairs...
- HP 3456A...I just love this one....oddly my model has rubber keys...never saw same one on Ebay....
- HP 8904A...in combination with the HP 3456A makes a nice system for plotting frequency response in the audio range...my python script is to be found here...

Last but not least....my lovely LeCroy 9354AL...of course built in my home country Switzerland....have it now over 10 years now...no way I would give it up for a chinese DSO with rubber keys (o;


And getting a F82357 USB GPIB adapter was a must...as well as a S8257, since both have the same hardware...just the firmware which makes a S82357 to a F82357 (o;


And since all my equipment is in an Ikea bookshelf and I don't like to stand up to power them on...I got a few Netio-230 LAN power switches....to power up my devices directly from the keyboard :-)

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: davorin on June 05, 2015, 09:27:01 pm
Ah yes...almost forgot...

Got 3 of those nice HP 6632B power supplies....couldn't live without them....not only that I hardly use anything above 20V and 5A...but also the fact that I can control it via a Python script and plot a diagram how much current a device draws between a certain voltage range....and you can turn it around...measure another power supply how the voltage drops between different current consumptions....just great...
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bson on June 05, 2015, 10:03:21 pm
Bought a nice looking 34401A for $350 shipped...  I'm creating an LXI-to-GPIB bridge around STM32F32 and wanted a reasonable reference GPIB device, but one can't possibly have too many 6.5 digit DMMs, right? :)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/161717897067 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/161717897067)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: davorin on June 05, 2015, 10:05:46 pm
Would love to have a 6.5 digit DVM....but preferring a 3457A from the form factor...like to have all equipment same wide (o;


Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: cncjerry on June 05, 2015, 10:19:08 pm

- HP 3456A...I just love this one....oddly my model has rubber keys...never saw same one on Ebay....

You have what was called the 'soft keys' option.  I have two 3456a meters and love them because of the red LEDs.  I like them more than my pair of 3457a meters, one of which I have listed on the local craig's list for just that reason, hard to see with my limited vision.

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: davorin on June 05, 2015, 10:32:08 pm
Yeah...I'm a retro guy as well....in my apprenticeship we had in school vacuum tubes....and we were the last class to learn it (o;

So that's why I fancy nixies, LED and so on...even VFD of my 6632Bs....

And I'm impressed by the built quality of the 3456A...and that you get all service manuals....same with other HP models from this area...


Ah and yes....my desktop calculator is??? Right..HP-97 :-)) (I just sold my ugly HP-48S)

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: echen1024 on June 15, 2015, 05:18:50 pm
I was in Guangzhou ~2 months ago and scored a HP 66332A Dynamic Measurement DC Source (very similar to the 6632B PSU) for ~1000 RMB ($160). I was also offered a nice Tek 2467 scope for 120USD but couldn't carry it back without risk of breakage, and didn't want to go through the hassle of shipping.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheAmmoniacal on June 15, 2015, 05:38:20 pm
When I first got started with electronics (not that many years ago), I was roaming eBay for my first oscilloscope -- ended up with a Tektronix 1751A waveform/vector monitor. You won't believe my disappointment when I found out it wasn't an oscilloscope  :-DD

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PaulAm on June 15, 2015, 09:22:17 pm
I was wandering around my local Univ surplus store the other day and picked up a Tektronix 7s12 TDR/sampling plugin with S4 sampling head and S53 trigger recognizer for $10.  So it's setup for a 14 GHz sampler.  I was hoping for the TDR setup, but I can't really complain.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: gadgetjunkie on June 15, 2015, 09:25:28 pm
My most recent score was an Hp 34401a 6 1/2 digit meter.  It was part of a "for parts" lot with a power meter, listed as doesn't turn on.  I paid $70 for the lot.

After spending a few bucks on parts, it is now a perfectly functional meter.

The reason it wouldn't power on?  It was missing the fuse.  Along with a fuse cap for the amps fuse, and a new display lens (total parts cost approx $50), she's as good as new  -- I didn't even have to open the meter. 
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: blackbird on June 19, 2015, 08:01:05 pm
After seeing a lot of scores here, some of which made me a bit jealous  ;) , I have scored some nice equipement yesterday.

At my uni they had some RF related test en measurement gear they want to get rid off. I've made them an offer and to my surprise they said 'Oke'  :-DD

Here is my score:

- HP 8590A Spectrum analyzer - 10kHz-1.5GHz
- HP 5315B Universal counter - up to 100MHz
- R&S AFG Function generator - 10mHz-20MHz
- R&S SMP02 Signal generator - 2GHz-20GHz

I've tested them all and as far as I can see they are all working as advertised and are within specs.

To make the story almost to good to believe...... I only paid €345,- for the lot.  :-DD

For all equipement I've found manuals except for the R&S AFG so if anyone has this as pdf, would you be so kind to share?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: tautech on June 19, 2015, 08:54:47 pm
For all equipement I've found manuals except for the R&S AFG so if anyone has this as pdf, would you be so kind to share?
Nice score.  :-+
You'll need to tell us the model.  :-//
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: blackbird on June 19, 2015, 09:04:01 pm
Ah, I see AFG is not enough.  :palm: Is 377.2100.02 the correct model number?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: tautech on June 19, 2015, 09:38:55 pm
Ah, I see AFG is not enough.  :palm: Is 377.2100.02 the correct model number?
Yep. seems that is the model number.  :-+

I've found R&S manuals tricky to find, their coding can be cryptic.
But this is one of the better sources of their manuals, see how you get on with this:
http://www.ko4bb.com/manuals/index.php?dir=Rohde_Schwarz (http://www.ko4bb.com/manuals/index.php?dir=Rohde_Schwarz)
You'll have to check a few, like I've said the model numbers aren't always apparent.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: corax on June 20, 2015, 07:34:24 am
Not as great of a score as some of these, but I'm pretty happy with my latest acquisition so far.
It's an Advantest R3162 spectrum analyzer with the tracking generator option for $850 USD.
The only repair needed was a new battery on the CPU board; once the battery was replaced, the analyzer passes all self-tests and self-calibration. 

While I had the thing apart, I noticed that it uses a compact flash card for firmware storage, so I figured it'd be a good idea to make a backup of the card.  I was glad to see a CF card rather than a mechanical hard drive.

I had been planning to pick up a Rigol DSA815-TG, but this Advantest is an 8GHz analyzer (TG goes to 3GHz).
Next will be to see if one of the USB stick floppy drive emulators will work in it; not strictly needed, since I can probably do screen grabs over GPIB.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PTR_1275 on June 23, 2015, 11:16:13 pm
I saw a HP 3456a come up on e-bay, ended up winning it for $63USD + $27USD shipping to Australia (I think someone stuffed up the figures there. I don't know the weight of these things, but I know they are huge). Listed as for parts or not working. Every listing on their account is for parts or not working, so they buy, don't even plug in, and then sell. It is a bit of a gamble, but at that price I am willing to risk it. Now to find a home for it on the bench with the 2 3478's, 3457 and keithley 2015.

Edit
I just checked the paperwork and it is being sent out via e-bays global shipping program. I know that program is quite expensive so I am going to guess that the seller hasn't put in the correct dimensions or weights. I wonder who has to pay the difference once they realise.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PaulAm on June 24, 2015, 12:24:10 am
If that was the one with free US shipping, you beat me  :D

As to who pays the difference?  guess  :D  Within the US they would have cleared maybe $30 after shipping costs if they didn't have a shipper's discount.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PTR_1275 on June 24, 2015, 01:19:04 am
Not sure as it doesn't mention anything about free shipping. Maybe because I'm in Australia it doesn't mention it. I've attached a pic of the listing so you can see if it is the same one.

I do often wonder how far and wide the eevblog community goes and how many of these people I'm bidding on are fellow eevblog members.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Muxr on June 24, 2015, 07:34:41 am
Been chasing an analog scope with some decent bandwidth for awhile now. And really wanting a Tek 2465B but haven't been able to find one that looks in a good enough condition and also isn't too expensive. All the ones that look clean are overpriced imo. I mean it makes sense, it's considered one of the best analog scopes ever made. It's just some people want exuberant prices for them.

I looked at some LeCroys, and I found some that I liked but they just seem too big. So I bit a bullet and got a HP 54610B. Really like its form factor, since it's not going to be my main scope, just something to measure fast rise times on repetitive signals. Also I am a sucker for retro looking green CRTs. It will serve as a channel expander to my rigol dso2000 and it can still capture some single shot stuff at a measly 20Ms/s in a pinch, if I need to monitor a slow non repetitive signal (things like chip selects on SPI come to mind).

Also there is very little posted about them so I might do a tear down post.

It was an as-is deal so hopefully fingers crossed it won't require repair. Cosmetically at least it looked to be in great condition. One thing that worries me though is the front end. While I hear it's excellent. It can only take 5V in 50ohm mode, so the channels are fragile enough to be fried. However in reading the manual they mention that they have auto protection from over voltage, so maybe not, we shall see.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PaulAm on June 24, 2015, 11:56:59 am
Yup, that was the one I was bidding on, you beat me by $6  :-DD  It was a really good deal with free shipping.  Hope it works out for you (I'm not really disappointed, I already have a 3456a in my stack)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Muxr on June 24, 2015, 01:55:18 pm
Yup, that was the one I was bidding on, you beat me by $6  :-DD  It was a really good deal with free shipping.  Hope it works out for you (I'm not really disappointed, I already have a 3456a in my stack)
sorry man :) yeah will post an update when I get it.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Muxr on June 26, 2015, 03:16:21 pm
Picked up a little 140Mhz Phillips PM 6671 frequency counter for $50.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: VintageNut on June 26, 2015, 09:29:14 pm
Bought a General Resistance DV-4107 Kelvin Varley Divider. A look of the inside shows that the resistors are matched, coded with batch numbers and serial numbers.

It appears to be linear down to 1ppm which is as good as I have a use for. If it is actually 0.1ppm good, I need better equipment to need it.

(http://i467.photobucket.com/albums/rr35/woofertester/General%20Resistance%20DV4107/DV4107%20Inside_zpslj0cnrbe.jpg) (http://s467.photobucket.com/user/woofertester/media/General%20Resistance%20DV4107/DV4107%20Inside_zpslj0cnrbe.jpg.html)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Vgkid on June 26, 2015, 09:47:58 pm
Thanks for finally tearing it down. :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Muxr on June 26, 2015, 09:59:46 pm
VintageNut, that's beautiful!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: cncjerry on June 26, 2015, 10:41:11 pm
Don't know why I bought it, maybe boredom, but I picked up a really clean HP 3852a with 5x FET scanners and a high speed volt meter for $50.  Works perfectly.  I then bought the ARB waveform DAC for it on eBay for $13, a relay accessory as well as the integrating volt meter, all for under $20per.

This thing is amazing.  I could wire my entire house, actually the entire hood, if I wanted to use it as an alarm.  Each FET mux of which there are five, has 24, two wire ports.   The high speed volt meter will do 100k measurements per second and can be used to load the arbitrary DAC.  I found code for the DAC that will do all kinds of waveforms out to about 200k square wave. 

If I ever figure out an application for it, at least I'll have one...  :-//
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: VintageNut on June 26, 2015, 11:00:46 pm
Thanks for finally tearing it down. :-+

Happy to share. I believe that the resistors are ridiculously labor intensive and expensive to match into groups for each decade. When I had the 2002 DMM it showed me that each resistor in a decade is just about exactly the same ppm above its nominal value. The string for the decade measures 10X the bottom resistor including ppm deviation from nominal. Research says that it was probably built in the 1960s. I bet they used a very good bridge to match the resistors.

I am very happy to have acquired it. I think that if I can get another one and place the inputs in series, I can use the pair to measure 1000V. The individual unit is rated at 700V max.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Vgkid on June 26, 2015, 11:10:26 pm
Do you happen to have a spec sheet on it, also how much did you pay?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: VintageNut on June 26, 2015, 11:12:43 pm
This is a Fluke 731B that arrived this week. The 10V output was low 18 ppm so I adjusted that up. The 000 to 999 delta-E was jammed. I removed the dial pot and found that it was just pushed in too far and that jammed it. I followed the instruction manual to re-seat it and it works perfectly. The rear panel is badly dented, not a big deal. Battery is missing, I shall build a new pack.

10V
(http://i467.photobucket.com/albums/rr35/woofertester/Fluke%20731B/10V_zpsggp9gkcu.jpg) (http://s467.photobucket.com/user/woofertester/media/Fluke%20731B/10V_zpsggp9gkcu.jpg.html)

1V
(http://i467.photobucket.com/albums/rr35/woofertester/Fluke%20731B/1V_zpsrrhszj1o.jpg) (http://s467.photobucket.com/user/woofertester/media/Fluke%20731B/1V_zpsrrhszj1o.jpg.html)

Delta-E, mostly on 00.00012, bounces to 00.00011 occasionally.
(http://i467.photobucket.com/albums/rr35/woofertester/Fluke%20731B/120uV_zpsaetzykvx.jpg) (http://s467.photobucket.com/user/woofertester/media/Fluke%20731B/120uV_zpsaetzykvx.jpg.html)

1.018 plus Delta-E
(http://i467.photobucket.com/albums/rr35/woofertester/Fluke%20731B/01_01812V_zpsve1p9xi1.jpg) (http://s467.photobucket.com/user/woofertester/media/Fluke%20731B/01_01812V_zpsve1p9xi1.jpg.html)

1.019 plus Delta-E
(http://i467.photobucket.com/albums/rr35/woofertester/Fluke%20731B/01_01812V_zpsve1p9xi1.jpg) (http://s467.photobucket.com/user/woofertester/media/Fluke%20731B/01_01812V_zpsve1p9xi1.jpg.html)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: VintageNut on June 26, 2015, 11:18:49 pm
Do you happen to have a spec sheet on it, also how much did you pay?

Attached is the D-version manual with specs. That is all the presently owning company has. I was glad to get this.

I paid $50 shipped. It was a bargain to say the least.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Fsck on June 27, 2015, 12:17:30 am
Got an HP 6624a power supply for 240$ shipped.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: N2IXK on June 27, 2015, 01:45:54 am
Pragmatic Instruments (now Tegam) 2414A Arbitrary Waveform Generator.   Free from dumpster.   Appears to be working fine.

Bit of cleaning up and this one is headed to eBay, as I haven't any need for it....
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TerraHertz on June 27, 2015, 12:45:56 pm
This is more of a 'kids these days' sigh than a score. A friend who works in the education dept gave me three soldering irons. They'd been tagged Unsafe by the electrical tester guy. Because... the kids had applied the soldering irons to the soldering irons. The plastic cords and stands.
There seems to have been a contest to see how close to the iron the iron could burn its own cord. See 2nd pic.

He also had a nicer model from the same source, disposed of for the same reason. I fixed that for him with a bit of plastic welding using some scrap plastic of about the same color as filler, then filing the surfaces flat. Looked much better without all the tip-melt-holes through the case. Didn't think to take pics of that one.

These three, I'll do minimal repairs and keep as spares.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Muxr on June 27, 2015, 03:12:05 pm
Safe to say he's got some Darwin award candidates in his class  |O
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: KJDS on June 27, 2015, 03:53:32 pm
I've accidently put a hot mains powered soldering iron through the lead. It's quite a shocking experience. Big bang, a bright flash and lots of bosses leaning over your desk wondering how expensive the mistake was.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: dom0 on June 27, 2015, 04:05:04 pm
Safe to say he's got some Darwin award candidates in his class  |O

Is that so?

It just happens and this is in fact one of the reasons why here (at least in my fed. state, but I assume the others handle this the same) only low-voltage irons are bought for schools.

Btw. are these really irons with 230 V heaters, or did the manufacturer just use normal power cable to connect the iron to the base?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: krivx on June 27, 2015, 04:20:43 pm
Safe to say he's got some Darwin award candidates in his class  |O

Is that so?

It just happens and this is in fact one of the reasons why here (at least in my fed. state, but I assume the others handle this the same) only low-voltage irons are bought for schools.

Btw. are these really irons with 230 V heaters, or did the manufacturer just use normal power cable to connect the iron to the base?

I believe they are 230V and a triac in the base station switches the heater to change temperature. There is no feedback from a temperature sensor, just open-loop heating.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Muxr on June 27, 2015, 04:48:15 pm
HP 54610B has arrived. The seller packaged it really well I must say. This thing was really well protected. Ran a few quick tests, and on the surface it seems to be functioning well. I really like the form factor. And the usability/UI is much better than I expected. Feels very intuitive.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: eas on June 27, 2015, 06:16:14 pm
Safe to say he's got some Darwin award candidates in his class  |O

It is a school. You know, a place where (some) kids learn about stuff, sometimes by doing stupid shit. You may have come out of the womb fully formed, in which case, its probably futile of me to get you to realize that most people take a little longer, but most people take a little longer. In fact, for most males, it takes about 20-25 years before good judgement really settles in. Most women are a little quicker, but by the time they are 20, they've had plenty of chances for poor judgement with respect to men and contraception. And so, a new generation is born...
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Muxr on June 27, 2015, 06:24:48 pm
Safe to say he's got some Darwin award candidates in his class  |O

It is a school. You know, a place where (some) kids learn about stuff, sometimes by doing stupid shit. You may have come out of the womb fully formed, in which case, its probably futile of me to get you to realize that most people take a little longer, but most people take a little longer. In fact, for most males, it takes about 20-25 years before good judgement really settles in. Most women are a little quicker, but by the time they are 20, they've had plenty of chances for poor judgement with respect to men and contraception. And so, a new generation is born...
What does that have to do with me making fun of them? Did you really take offense to my comment? Grow some thicker skin please.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: SeanB on June 27, 2015, 07:11:02 pm
At least the kids can be thankful for the modern electrical protective devices, which reduce the risk from them doing this to a lower level. Think of the first electrical circuits, where there was no such thing as the fuse, which was only invented later, and where there was no such thing as RCD breakers either. The protection was there for the wiring, so as not to have a fire caused by overheated wall wiring. Did very little to protect against electric shock, and did little against faulty equipment causing a fire or killing you.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on June 28, 2015, 07:33:24 am
Picked up a Fluke 87V with 3 sets of probes, an 80i-600A AC current probe and a VoltAlert 1AC-A II for $160.00 USD. All of it pretty much as new.

Now I will probably sell my 87 series I which is # 186 to roll off the production line.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: gman4925 on June 28, 2015, 04:03:33 pm
Just scored a Tektronix 1735HD Waveform Monitor at a garage sale for less than $10.
Originally I thought it was a scope, which I need and this would have been a great deal but it's for measuring/monitoring video signals.

Plugged it in and thought the CRT was not working but after a bit of fiddling I found the trace off the screen.
Passes all internal tests so I'll probably sell it and I'll have to keep looking for a scope.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: commie on June 30, 2015, 02:37:41 pm
Just ordered a Keysight 34465A 6.5 digit multimeter from RS, should have it tomorrow. I already have 2 x 34461A's, I originally was going to buy the 7.5 digit but I just couldn't justify the extra cost.

My main reason for purchase was the 1uA range yielding 1pA resolution. :popcorn:

Sub 1uA current sources here I come... :phew:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Rupunzell on July 01, 2015, 07:25:30 am
Gigatronics 1018, 50 Mhz to 18.5 Ghz sweeping or CW synthesizer / Frequency counter / Power meter in one box.

Other than switches needing exercising, it all appears to be good. Gigatronics was started by a groups of folks from Systron Donner after SD went bye bye..

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Y2mxR2CfyLeAEyPxGzuHOA00PKerSYUDqzO5ii1NkvU=w1224-h429-no)


Quick look at 18.5Ghz on the SA.

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Nhw5WfevvCLq39EZigxKx8d42EhyYZ5dN9RwWv-h3eg=w1584-h1234-no)


Gigatronics RF connector care video:

http://www.gigatronics.com/videogallery/videoCategory/RF-Connector-Care-Tips (http://www.gigatronics.com/videogallery/videoCategory/RF-Connector-Care-Tips)

Bernice
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: commie on July 07, 2015, 08:15:44 pm
Hi Folks,

Just unpacked my Keysight 34465A meter and had a play on it, notably faster update than the '61A but totally awesome 1uA current range. Also, I purchased a new Tenma 72-7245 twin 30V 3Amp power supply, what a joy to use. Regulation is around 0.01% that's voltage source spec.,eh?, this psu is a rebadge GW-Instek (made in Taiwan)  :-+, two notches up on standard Chinese quality.

Cheers
Commie
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: free_electron on July 07, 2015, 08:47:35 pm
3457A 7 1/2 digit multimeters : 3 pieces
U8001A power supplies. : 7 of em. paid the price of 1  :) for all of it
66302D dual channel communication source with built in DMM  : 3 pieces.

and some various other bits and pieces ...
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Muxr on July 08, 2015, 08:38:04 pm
Gotta really nice deal on an HP E3611A. Someone spilled black ink into the case though. Wasn't much but it spilled on the heatsink around one of the big bipolars. Cleaned it up, put it together and works like a charm. It's running a little high (100mV) so will have to calibrate it at some point.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xwarp on July 11, 2015, 12:41:09 am
Picked up an Agilent 1660ES logic analyzer today for 50 bucks.

Has everything with it including a demo board.

Excellent shape, passes all startup tests and what appealed to me also is the 500mhz 2Gsa/s DSO part of it.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: BravoV on July 11, 2015, 01:18:45 pm
Now I have twins U1242Bs, just couldn't help it, too tempting, a complete sealed nos Agilent U1242B @ $80.

Yeah, I know ... I'm an addict ... :palm:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nidlaX on July 13, 2015, 09:42:00 am
U8001A power supplies. : 7 of em. paid the price of 1  :) for all of it

How you liking those? Nice sale eh? :-+

I grabbed two as well, nice condition!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Muxr on July 13, 2015, 03:51:28 pm
Well it was time to upgrade my soldering situation. Shopped around and assembled a Metcal mx500 soldering system. Got a brand new handpiece and tips, everything else 2nd hand.

edit: ok so I got my Metcal mx500. And wow. The hype is justified. I literally just touched some pads with the sharpest/thinnest tip and they were soldered. Instant heat transfer! I had no flux on the pad, and I wasn't applying solder, just applied some solder to the tip ahead of time, which usually doesn't always work the best (flux is long gone from the solder this way), so I did it as a test. The wire I was soldering to the PCB pad, instantly made a bond. Like I just touched it, didn't even press to make a contact.

My Hakko is pretty good, but this is like magic. Very impressed, should have done this long time ago.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: robert_ on August 14, 2015, 04:07:16 pm
Tek P5205 100Mhz High Voltage Differential Probe plus P6243 1Ghz 10x FET probe for 160Eur :)

5205 had broken contacts inside both 4mm connectors, apart from this it works perfectly! Replaced the (very stiff and hard to use) input wires with nice double-insulated silicone ones, and soldered on new MC insulated 4mm connectors. Thats it, the best diff probe ive used so far.

6243 wasnt even mentioned in the auction (the picture did show some other cable with Tekprobe connector not belonging to the 5205), had the cable broken off at the probe end.Ths was NOT easy to fix, as the probe itself is very compact and contains a ceramic PCB with completely un-protected wirebonded die and gold metallised traces.Tekprobe Connector box is empty except for an EEPROM identifying the probe. VERY easy to damage a wirebond or dissolve a trace by soldering! Luckily i could reattatch the cable and it also works fine now. Gonna sell it though, as i dont need it.

HP 34970A 6.5dig DMM/Scanner/Data Logger, with 1 20channel Mux card for about 100$
Didnt do anything, totally dead.PSU seems fine, but the 3V Lithium battery was at zero volts, after applying 3V it did boot fine! Replaced the battery (14250 size), works fine. Nice instrument! integrated DMM is based on the 34401.
Still strange a faulty battery would cause the unit to fail to boot up at all...
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nfmax on August 14, 2015, 04:26:35 pm
HP 34970A 6.5dig DMM/Scanner/Data Logger, with 1 20channel Mux card for about 100$
Didnt do anything, totally dead.PSU seems fine, but the 3V Lithium battery was at zero volts, after applying 3V it did boot fine! Replaced the battery (14250 size), works fine. Nice instrument! integrated DMM is based on the 34401.
Still strange a faulty battery would cause the unit to fail to boot up at all...

Strange indeed, unless the battery had actually failed short circuit. Two weeks ago I bagged one of those, sold as working, for £185 with a 16 channel high-speed mux card. The battery in mine was pretty much dead (about 0.6V) but the unit booted fine, it just gave 'memory lost' and 'time lost' errors. Maybe you had a loose connector somewhere that got 'mended' when you took the DVM module out to get at the battery?

These are great instruments - one of HP's lesser-known gems. On the 10V range, mine agrees with my 34401A to within better than 10 microvolts on the 1V range. Neither has been calibrated in years. We use dozens of them at work, generally wired to large numbers of thermocouples and monitoring DC voltages during temperature sweep testing.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: VK5RC on August 14, 2015, 08:54:17 pm
A friend who works in the Telecoms gave me some Heliax, about 20m each of 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 Heliax. Also some assorted connectors!!
Thanks Stu!!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: dave_k on August 14, 2015, 10:28:38 pm
Nice! I have a piece of 4-1/2" Heliax on my desk :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: robert_ on August 18, 2015, 11:49:13 pm
Metrahit 29s Multimeter for 200Eur
Predecessor of Metrahit Energy, 300k count DMM (0,02% basic accuracy) with power measurement (and everything else too).

Good timing, as i threw my last cheap DMM right out of the window yesterday after i found out i wasted several hours thanks to this useless thing.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Howardlong on August 19, 2015, 01:41:00 pm
Picked up four Agilent 1.5GHz passive resistive probes the other day for £40 (~$60) each; 2 x N2874A (2pF/500 ohm, 10:1) and 2 x N2876A (2.6pF/5000 ohm, 100:1) including all standard accessories from a TE hire/leasing outfit.

Also a 1.5GHz probe amp (Agilent 1130A) for £40 (~$60) from the same place.

Gritted my teeth at £150 (~$230) for a 3.5GHz probe amp (Agilent 1131A) including E2676A (0.67pF) SE and E2675A (0.32pF) differential browsers with resistive tips.

Possible pricing error here, £7.48 for Pamona 5510, but on back order until 5 September.
http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/rf-connectors-kits/1685157 (http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/rf-connectors-kits/1685157)

(http://media.digikey.com/photos/Pomona%20Photos/MFG_5510.jpg)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: commie on August 19, 2015, 03:55:59 pm
Possible pricing error here, £7.48 for Pamona 5510, but on back order until 5 September.
http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/rf-connectors-kits/1685157 (http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/rf-connectors-kits/1685157)

Yummie, nice find, I think I'll order a set of those, good quality make aswell. :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: VK5RC on August 19, 2015, 08:57:21 pm
In RS Australia the Pomona kit is going for AUD$116!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Vgkid on August 19, 2015, 09:23:50 pm
That is a good deal, 6x.00 here.
just won a hp 5335a for $44.44 plus about 30 i. S&h,  not sure if it works only has opt 40. :(
I only needed the display out of it.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: eas on August 21, 2015, 04:37:36 am
Last Friday I checked eBay and noticed that two different sellers had done big temporary price cuts on HP 6114a precision PSUs, and one was asking $75 + 19 shipping. I already have too many repair projects, but I was also intrigued at the chance to get one of these for a good price. So, I offered $55, and they accepted it.  It arrived yesterday.

(http://d112tss1dzpest.cloudfront.net/wp-content/blogs.dir/22/files/2015/08/IMG_8576-e1440105636838-1024x768.jpg?323d81) (http://techobsessed.net/2015/08/hp-6114a-precision-power-supply-first-look/)

The HP 6114A is in decent shape after some clean-up and body work (http://techobsessed.net/2015/08/hp-6114a-precision-power-supply-first-look/). Now to put it back together and see how it works.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nanofrog on August 21, 2015, 05:55:07 am
HP 6114a precision PSU
Hmm... upper hemisphere of it's skull & face are gone... Looks like you walked away in the middle of brain surgery.  :o  :-DD

Seriously though, nice work.  :) Hope it goes well when you reassemble & give it ye olde power test.  :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: eas on August 21, 2015, 06:14:09 am
Yeah, its a bit creepy, isn't it. I'm still mulling over whether to disassemble and clean the decade switches, though at this point, I'm leaning towards putting it together and power testing.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Rupunzell on August 22, 2015, 10:46:35 pm
Suggest taking the wheel switches apart and give them a good cleaning. When these switches are noisy, problems with the output can occur.
That entire area must be really clean as leakage paths can also result in problems.

Bernice


I'm still mulling over whether to disassemble and clean the decade switches, though at this point, I'm leaning towards putting it together and power testing.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Rupunzell on August 22, 2015, 10:49:01 pm
hewlett packard 3577B

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yoigmULNHz0/Vdj6y0h4b9I/AAAAAAAACJQ/HiduqPWXS3c/s912-Ic42/hp%2525203577B%252520%252526%25252020Mhz%252520xtl.JPG)

20 Mhz Crystal on channel R.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7ixgu8JjbHs/Vdj64QpUx_I/AAAAAAAACJY/ZPKfnnHXN_4/s640-Ic42/hp%2525203577B%25252C%25252020%252520Mhz%252520xtl%252520M%252526P.JPG)


Bernice
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: unitedatoms on August 22, 2015, 10:54:23 pm
From few years ago from ebay for $300. HP 3586A Selective Level Meter. Seller said that it is new never used, all its life spent in some storage of Canadian Navy.

On bad note: I saw it arriving in UPS truck (tall truck!) and 2 guys were unloading the box and it fell on the ground! Hate this guys
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Rupunzell on August 22, 2015, 11:11:41 pm
 :scared:

Did the 3586A survive the shipping abuse?


Bernice


From few years ago from ebay for $300. HP 3586A Selective Level Meter. Seller said that it is new never used, all its life spent in some storage of Canadian Navy.

On bad note: I saw it arriving in UPS truck (tall truck!) and 2 guys were unloading the box and it fell on the ground! Hate this guys
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: unitedatoms on August 22, 2015, 11:21:39 pm
:scared:

Did the 3586A survive the shipping abuse?


Bernice


From few years ago from ebay for $300. HP 3586A Selective Level Meter. Seller said that it is new never used, all its life spent in some storage of Canadian Navy.

On bad note: I saw it arriving in UPS truck (tall truck!) and 2 guys were unloading the box and it fell on the ground! Hate this guys

Yes it did survive. All functions work. The energy of hitting the ground was absorbed by one back corner zinc leg. It fell off with destroyed threading. So I am confident that rest of device is OK.

This overweight devices is part of the reason I want to use smaller lightweight benchtops. They are is just too heavy. Nice, accurate, but so heavy
Title: Re: List your test equipment &quot;scores&quot; here!
Post by: timb on August 22, 2015, 11:50:02 pm
Keithley 2000 - $100 - eBay (Some woman who had no history of test equipment purchases or sales, no idea where she got it, but aside from a yellowed front panel works perfectly.)

Tek TMO503 Three Slot Power Module with PG506 Cal Generator, TG501 Time Mark Generator and SG503 Leveled Sinewave Generator - $80 - eBay

The whole thing turned out to be in rough shape; the modules were all erratic, which turned out to be an issue with the power supply. I replaced a diode bridge and all the caps, added BNC connectors on the back and scrubbed the chassis clean. Works perfectly now.

I also disassembled all three modules and scrubbed them clean, reseated all the ICs and lubed all the pots and switches. The SG503 turned out to have two broken contacts on the cam switch, switch I found replacements for. I broke a BNC connector off the PG506's fast rise board, which I'm trying to find a replacement for; I also replaced all the 74-series ICs with new LS versions. As for the TG501, everything works perfect expect for the 2ns and 1ns modes. I'm currently trying to fix that.

Cosmetic wise, the modules look really beaten up; broken levers, chipped corners on the faceplates, etc. But considering these were all made in the mid-70's, still work and are all in-cal, I can live with it. :D


Sent from my Tablet
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: eas on August 22, 2015, 11:54:40 pm
I'm still mulling over whether to disassemble and clean the decade switches, though at this point, I'm leaning towards putting it together and power testing.
Suggest taking the wheel switches apart and give them a good cleaning. When these switches are noisy, problems with the output can occur.
That entire area must be really clean as leakage paths can also result in problems.

Bernice

Thanks.

It seems to be working Ok at first blush. I'm going to calibrate it and then check more closely. I'd rather not take the switches apart if I don't have to. They aren't made for disassembly, and even if they were, it brings a new risk of breaking something. I already have enough things to fix that don't work at all. :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment &quot;scores&quot; here!
Post by: Christe4nM on August 23, 2015, 12:05:04 am
After seeing a lot of scores here, some of which made me a bit jealous  ;) , I have scored some nice equipement yesterday.

At my uni they had some RF related test en measurement gear they want to get rid off. I've made them an offer and to my surprise they said 'Oke'  :-DD

Here is my score:

- HP 8590A Spectrum analyzer - 10kHz-1.5GHz
- HP 5315B Universal counter - up to 100MHz
- R&S AFG Function generator - 10mHz-20MHz
- R&S SMP02 Signal generator - 2GHz-20GHz

I've tested them all and as far as I can see they are all working as advertised and are within specs.

To make the story almost to good to believe...... I only paid €345,- for the lot.  :-DD

For all equipement I've found manuals except for the R&S AFG so if anyone has this as pdf, would you be so kind to share?
Those pictures are familiar. Does it happen to be HAN university of applied sciences in Arnhem, Netherlands?

If so: you lucky man. I thought of making an offer but they also said they already had a company buying the lot. That SA alone goes for more than twice on eBay than what you paid for the lot... <insert green face here> ;)

Still: congrats!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: MadTux on August 23, 2015, 02:19:24 am
The R&S SMP02 is probably the most expensive unit in the score. Easily more than 2000$,if you find someone who needs it. US ebay has them listed between 5-17k$ and you get it for 350€, holy shit

I'm still looking for something comparable to realign the YIG input filters of some HP 8566s that I'm rebuilding. Wish I could get one for 350€
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: eas on August 23, 2015, 07:05:01 am
I'm still mulling over whether to disassemble and clean the decade switches, though at this point, I'm leaning towards putting it together and power testing.
Suggest taking the wheel switches apart and give them a good cleaning. When these switches are noisy, problems with the output can occur.
That entire area must be really clean as leakage paths can also result in problems.

Bernice

Thanks.

It seems to be working Ok at first blush. I'm going to calibrate it and then check more closely. I'd rather not take the switches apart if I don't have to. They aren't made for disassembly, and even if they were, it brings a new risk of breaking something. I already have enough things to fix that don't work at all. :)

A few small adjustments and the 6114a is appropriately accurate on most settings. 10mv decade is a bit inconsistent and noisy though. Next step will be cleaning the board of any flux residue from when I removed and then reattached it. I'd really like a 10-turn pot for the low adjustment too, but that seems a tall order.

In other news, this weekends OMG buy is a EDC 521 programmable DC calibrator for $150 "from a working environment." The seller has some other EDC gear listed (http://www.ebay.com/sch/m.html?_odkw=&_ssn=seaviewtech&hash=item3f52339cf8&item=271962053880&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2046732.m570.l1313.TR12.TRC2.A0.H0.XEDC.TRS0&_nkw=EDC&_sacat=0), though not at as low a price. It's all listed in the wrong category, and its kind of chance that I saw any of it.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Rupunzell on August 23, 2015, 07:18:57 am
Do check for possible residual paths that can be causing the observed noise. Use high purity (electronics grade or similar) Isopropyl alcohol. Lower purity solvents can leave residuals causing problems.

Been there done this, when those switches get noisy, the set low range accuracy suffers and the output can be noisy too. That 10 turn pot works when all is well. These are good precision power supplies.


Bernice

[/quote]


[/quote]

A few small adjustments and the 6114a is appropriately accurate on most settings. 10mv decade is a bit inconsistent and noisy though. Next step will be cleaning the board of any flux residue from when I removed and then reattached it. I'd really like a 10-turn pot for the low adjustment too, but that seems a tall order.

In other news, this weekends OMG buy is a EDC 521 programmable DC calibrator for $150 "from a working environment." The seller has some other EDC gear listed (http://www.ebay.com/sch/m.html?_odkw=&_ssn=seaviewtech&hash=item3f52339cf8&item=271962053880&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2046732.m570.l1313.TR12.TRC2.A0.H0.XEDC.TRS0&_nkw=EDC&_sacat=0), though not at as low a price. It's all listed in the wrong category, and its kind of chance that I saw any of it.
[/quote]
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: eas on August 23, 2015, 05:38:07 pm
Quote
A few small adjustments and the 6114a is appropriately accurate on most settings. 10mv decade is a bit inconsistent and noisy though. Next step will be cleaning the board of any flux residue from when I removed and then reattached it. I'd really like a 10-turn pot for the low adjustment too, but that seems a tall order.

Do check for possible residual paths that can be causing the observed noise. Use high purity (electronics grade or similar) Isopropyl alcohol. Lower purity solvents can leave residuals causing problems.

Been there done this, when those switches get noisy, the set low range accuracy suffers and the output can be noisy too. That 10 turn pot works when all is well. These are good precision power supplies.

Bernice
I'll try cleaning it up. I know there was a drip of RMA flux that ran further than I'd like, but I forgot about it in my drive to actually get the thing powered up. Thanks for the benefit of your experience, without it, I'd probably put this supply in the good enough for now category.

As for the pot, I meant finding a small 10-turn 20 ohm precision pot to replace the small pot on the >=mv adjustment was probably too much to hope for. If you have a source though...

I plan to replace the current pot with a 10 turn, but I don't anticipate that will be a problem, and I've already ordered a black kilo turn counting knob for the upgrade.

In other news, this weekends OMG buy is a EDC 521 programmable DC calibrator for $150 "from a working environment." The seller has some other EDC gear listed (http://www.ebay.com/sch/m.html?_odkw=&_ssn=seaviewtech&hash=item3f52339cf8&item=271962053880&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2046732.m570.l1313.TR12.TRC2.A0.H0.XEDC.TRS0&_nkw=EDC&_sacat=0), though not at as low a price. It's all listed in the wrong category, and its kind of chance that I saw any of it.

Looks like someone gobbled up the EDC 1030 the seller had listed for $400. I guess I'm not surprised that one went next. I considered it, briefly, but an AC and/or higher DC standard is worth more to me than covering the 1000v DC range.
Title: Re: List your test equipment &quot;scores&quot; here!
Post by: blackbird on August 23, 2015, 06:31:47 pm
Those pictures are familiar. Does it happen to be HAN university of applied sciences in Arnhem, Netherlands?

If so: you lucky man. I thought of making an offer but they also said they already had a company buying the lot. That SA alone goes for more than twice on eBay than what you paid for the lot... <insert green face here> ;)

Still: congrats!

 :-+

Yes, I bought it from the HAN ;) Funny how they refered to one of their students as 'a company'  :-DD


Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: blackbird on August 23, 2015, 06:35:45 pm
The R&S SMP02 is probably the most expensive unit in the score. Easily more than 2000$,if you find someone who needs it. US ebay has them listed between 5-17k$ and you get it for 350€, holy shit

I'm still looking for something comparable to realign the YIG input filters of some HP 8566s that I'm rebuilding. Wish I could get one for 350€

I offered just €100 for the SMP02 which they accepted.  :-DD The whole lot was just €350 in total.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on August 23, 2015, 07:03:31 pm
Dunno if it is a score yet: A Yokogawa DL1740 4 channel 500MHz scope with some problems. Didn't received it yet but it could become my second worst equipment buy if I can't fix it. I also think I paid too much for it ($300) but I couldn't help myself.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Muxr on August 23, 2015, 07:41:47 pm
That's an interesting looking scope.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Vgkid on August 23, 2015, 08:21:31 pm
That could be very useable, as it is compact. Just to tall for my bench.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: ketil b on August 23, 2015, 10:07:34 pm
Hi

Just got a Advantest R6243 SMU for $240. It looks like it has an over heating problem. Just have to wait for it to get on a container from Japan.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: BFX on August 23, 2015, 11:19:37 pm
I got this HP8116A function/pulse generator for a 230$ , yesterday cleaned up and seems to be work fine.


Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xrunner on August 24, 2015, 12:05:18 am
I got this HP8116A function/pulse generator for a 230$ , yesterday cleaned up and seems to be work fine.

Cool - I've seen a lot of those on Ebay, may get one myself.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: BFX on August 24, 2015, 05:16:13 am
I got this HP8116A function/pulse generator for a 230$ , yesterday cleaned up and seems to be work fine.

Cool - I've seen a lot of those on Ebay, may get one myself.
It's no super quality there is lot of distortion over 10MHz. Let's see square wave at 30MHz.
But up to 10Mhz it's usable. And up to 50MHz as signal generator.
 
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on August 24, 2015, 05:18:47 am
Agilent N1996A .1 to 3000 MHz Spectrum Analyzer like new for less then the price of a Rigol DSA815-TG. I then used info on the forum to enable all of the extra features such as Histogram, Response Stimulus(the tracking gen), the modulation analyzer and AM/FM demod. Once that was done I couldn't help but experiment with the band "limits". Agilent makes a .1 to 3000 MHz unit and a 0.1 to 6000 MHz unit. I made a few tweaks and mine now magically works to 6 GHz. By default the tracking gen/stimulus package starts at 10 MHz but I changed that to 1 MHz and it seems to work fine there as well. A little advertised feature in the unit is a fully internal/automatic full bandwidth return loss bridge. No additional hardware needed to do return loss/SWR from 1 to 6000 MHz - total score for a ham radio guy.
Here are a few fun shots, one of my HF antenna, the other of a dual band wifi antenna.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: rx8pilot on August 24, 2015, 06:05:14 am
I have purchased quite a few bits from eBay over the past two years as I have entered the EE arena.

I got a an Agilent 6653A 500W power supply 0-35V 0-15A for about $400 which I thought was decent. The 6653A is a fantastic power supply. The real score was a month or so later when a found one for "Parts or not working" and got it just under $200. When I received it, there was indeed no voltage at the outputs, but cosmetically in good shape. I took off the cover and started hunting for obvious problems. I used my known good 6653A as a reference and everything was checking out ok. There were no self-check errors and all voltages on the PCB were just fine.

Eventually, I noticed the screw that attaches the output terminal to the Main PCB was loose. I tightened the screw and all was just fine. It has been in continuous use ever since. The user interface on these are not all that great, but I have them being controlled over GPIB now so it does not matter. They are super clean and have a good dynamic response. Sense lines are very handy. I would not trade these for any other supply in the same range. New cost is well over $3,000 US

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Joule Thief on August 25, 2015, 11:00:34 am
I snagged two Fluke 8800A's 5 1/2 digit multimeters and a Velleman PCS500 2 Ch 50MHz parallel port connected PC Scope going to the dumpster at a local college.

The two Flukes were noisy on all functions and ranges. Both meters had identical failures of the 50uF 50V caps in the 35 volt power supply. Replacing all the caps in power supplies brought both meters back to life.

The Velleman PC scope had classic 120Hz ripple and would not auto calibrate. You guessed it!
A dry 1000uF cap in the wall wart power supply repaired all the faults.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PaulAm on August 25, 2015, 12:04:32 pm
I have to stop reading this forum.  After being impressed by some recent threads, I put a low ball offer on an HP 6441a (less than 50% of the asking price) and it was accepted.   Should show up in a few days.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: MadTux on August 27, 2015, 05:27:20 pm
Slightly damaged HP 8566AB for 350€ delivered, probably a dumpster dive rescue some time ago. Dude who sold it to me bought it for parts, but never used any of it, so I got a complete unit.

Since it#s a 8566AB, it has MC68000 retrofit instead of HP9845 CPU, so there will be no problems with unobtanium CPU.

Front panel is  quite smashed up, but that (polystyrene if I'm correct) plastic can be epoxied quite well and I can salvage a new front frame from a 85662A that probably took a bath in the dead sea. (bought unknowingly from that stupid israel guy loooong ago, before those pics of those bulldozed handheld DMMs were online)

Apart from smashed front panel, it's complete, hopefully there is no toasted input mixer or damage to the YIG oscillator. Will find out soon...... Else I have parts unit for my other 8566s.

BTW I need to stop collecting old spectrum analysers, since that one is 8566 #4   :-DD
And I need to get a microwave sweeper/synthesizer with power meter to recalibrate YIG filters
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: rvalente on August 27, 2015, 06:32:12 pm
Got this Fluke 87-V in great condition (no holster) for R$500,00 or 140USD in todays prices.

A new unit costs 5 times more in Farnell Brazil.

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: free_electron on August 27, 2015, 07:54:50 pm
I got this HP8116A function/pulse generator for a 230$ , yesterday cleaned up and seems to be work fine.

- check the nicad battery on the computer board. no risk in desoldering it you don't lose calibration
- check the heatsinks on the hybrids ( bottom board )
- check top board for rubber bumper feet that tend to 'dissolve' themselves.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: eas on August 27, 2015, 10:28:54 pm
I don't need it, I don't even "need" it, but for ~$20 with shipping, it was impossible to resist:

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=168051)

I'll see how much work it needs when it arrives (if it arrives -- the seller's account goes back a couple years, but only sold their first items a couple days ago).

The seller (http://www.ebay.com/usr/mousemr2?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2754) has some older HP/Harrison supplies available for similarly low prices. 
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xrunner on August 27, 2015, 10:32:42 pm
Received a Tek CFG253 signal generator from an Ebay seller. Nothing really special about it, the stamp on the inside of the case is dated Oct 1997. The thing is, this unit has got to be new old stock. I mean there isn't a trace or indication it's ever been used, barely a speck of dust on it, not the slightest scratch in the case, no signs of any human hands ever adjusted any knob. On the inside it could pass for coming straight off the assembly line. It even came with a line cord still sealed in the bag - it has to be the original. I don't know where these things come from, but they're out there still.

What I'm doing with it is keeping it with the other Tek models that stack up together, so I can possibly give them to my nephew, if I can get him interested in electronics.  Hahaha :-//

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/F85QWbBLPDNLD707i-1mBKQGZXxqO0dMYdG8NO1N3Qw=w1024-h768-no)

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/sQ_Le-T9yXkqF6HvPkNpu-g7RnQEaLSX7rNR5VkS48Y=w1024-h768-no)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: mzacharias on August 27, 2015, 10:56:24 pm
Pristine Fluke 87III with new Fluke probes in a C80Y case / tilt stand for 100.00 U.S. with free freight. Happened to catch it on eBay BIN just as it listed. It wouldn't have lasted long. Fuses were even good.  :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: BFX on August 28, 2015, 03:10:31 pm
I got this HP8116A function/pulse generator for a 230$ , yesterday cleaned up and seems to be work fine.

- check the nicad battery on the computer board. no risk in desoldering it you don't lose calibration
- check the heatsinks on the hybrids ( bottom board )
- check top board for rubber bumper feet that tend to 'dissolve' themselves.

Thank you for hints, should this guy generate good square wave up to 50MHz?
Here is also few photos from inside.
(http://www.eternal.sk/hamphoto/aIMG_7401.jpg)
(http://www.eternal.sk/hamphoto/aIMG_7402.jpg)
(http://www.eternal.sk/hamphoto/aIMG_7403.jpg)
(http://www.eternal.sk/hamphoto/aIMG_7403a.jpg)



 
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on August 28, 2015, 03:13:39 pm
It looks like a product from my first employer: riddled with adjustment pots and an adjustment scheme nobody understands  ^-^
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: katzohki on August 28, 2015, 03:33:22 pm
I got this HP8116A function/pulse generator for a 230$ , yesterday cleaned up and seems to be work fine.

Cool - I've seen a lot of those on Ebay, may get one myself.
It's no super quality there is lot of distortion over 10MHz. Let's see square wave at 30MHz.
But up to 10Mhz it's usable. And up to 50MHz as signal generator.

I have one of those. I got what I would call a useable square wave up to about 25MHz, but it probably depends on signal level. (left the multiplier on 1000X so it's probably 4Vp-p). Besides square wave, which I think is pretty good, the signal generation is really nice. You can modulate AM, FM, sweep generator and all sorts of cool stuff all the way up to 50MHz!

:)

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xrunner on August 28, 2015, 06:03:11 pm
It's no super quality there is lot of distortion over 10MHz. Let's see square wave at 30MHz.
But up to 10Mhz it's usable. And up to 50MHz as signal generator.

Yea as I said it's for a beginner - if I can get him to ... begin.  :-//

Oh but wait till you see what I got just today! A "NOS" HP 5334B with new manuals and the OCXO option! Oh Ahh. Pics coming later today.  :popcorn:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: BFX on August 28, 2015, 07:38:21 pm
I got this HP8116A function/pulse generator for a 230$ , yesterday cleaned up and seems to be work fine.

Cool - I've seen a lot of those on Ebay, may get one myself.
It's no super quality there is lot of distortion over 10MHz. Let's see square wave at 30MHz.
But up to 10Mhz it's usable. And up to 50MHz as signal generator.

I have one of those. I got what I would call a useable square wave up to about 25MHz, but it probably depends on signal level. (left the multiplier on 1000X so it's probably 4Vp-p). Besides square wave, which I think is pretty good, the signal generation is really nice. You can modulate AM, FM, sweep generator and all sorts of cool stuff all the way up to 50MHz!

:)

Here is my output at 25Mhz/5V using direct hf cable ended by around 50ohm resistor. (I haven't right bnc terminator yet)
(http://www.eternal.sk/hamphoto/sqw25MhzA.png)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xrunner on August 28, 2015, 10:24:51 pm
Here it is - just arrived. Very nice!

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/RhVWMu7E9aGo3LoNfnsruraXnbgle_YxcOhnk-Vijto=w1024-h768-no)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: MadTux on August 29, 2015, 02:49:55 am
My new 8566AB now works nearly flawlessly, only a few PLL unlocks, but that's probably all fixable.

Removed damaged front panel and installed replacement front frame from old 85662A. Since the metallisation beneath the paint of the damaged front panel was flaking off, I decided to strip all that stuff and dumped the panel (plastic only, all metal except the brass screw nuts) into a bucket full of dilute sodium hydroxide solution (prolly about 5-10g/L).

I thought that the metallisation to be aluminium, but it isn't (probably nickel, but not sure). Thereby the process is very slow (aluminium foil is quickly eaten by that solution). But it still gets dissolved somewhat and the metallisation layer can easily be stripped with high pressure water jet cleaner after the panel spent a night in hydroxide solution. No harm to the plastic whatsoever (solvents will probably harm the plastic).

Since I couldn't wait, I borrowed a front panel from other 8566 and installed it. But new 8566 was dead, both red LED were on. So I checked voltage rails (only with Keithley 2015, dumb idea), +5.2V rail was at 4.3V, so there's must be a tantalum cap short somewhere, I thought and started to remove cards. But with all cards removed, both red LEDs were still on and 8566 was still completely dead. So I swapped CPU cards from good unit, but still dead unit.

Then I decided to check voltages again but used trusty Tek 7904A with 7A13 this time. And big surprise, the 4.3V on 5V rail turned out to be more or less 100Hz AC from rectifier, with 4.3V DC content. Which means that this biga** blue 30000uF cap on the 5V rail is completely dried out. Don't let size foul you 8).
(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=168215)

Put everything back together and borrowed that cap from other 8566 et voila, working 8566. ;D ;D ;D
(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=168217)
(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=168219)
(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=168221)

Now only need to fix that front panel and find out, why those 2 PLLs refuse to lock.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Electro Fan on August 29, 2015, 03:03:58 am
My new 8566AB now works nearly flawlessly, only a few PLL unlocks, but that's probably all fixable.

Removed damaged front panel and installed replacement front frame from old 85662A. Since the metallisation beneath the paint of the damaged front panel was flaking off, I decided to strip all that stuff and dumped the panel (plastic only, all metal except the brass screw nuts) into a bucket full of dilute sodium hydroxide solution (prolly about 5-10g/L).

I thought that the metallisation to be aluminium, but it isn't (probably nickel, but not sure). Thereby the process is very slow (aluminium foil is quickly eaten by that solution). But it still gets dissolved somewhat and the metallisation layer can easily be stripped with high pressure water jet cleaner after the panel spent a night in hydroxide solution. No harm to the plastic whatsoever (solvents will probably harm the plastic).

Since I couldn't wait, I borrowed a front panel from other 8566 and installed it. But new 8566 was dead, both red LED were on. So I checked voltage rails (only with Keithley 2015, dumb idea), +5.2V rail was at 4.3V, so there's must be a tantalum cap short somewhere, I thought and started to remove cards. But with all cards removed, both red LEDs were still on and 8566 was still completely dead. So I swapped CPU cards from good unit, but still dead unit.

Then I decided to check voltages again but used trusty Tek 7904A with 7A13 this time. And big surprise, the 4.3V on 5V rail turned out to be more or less 100Hz AC from rectifier, with 4.3V DC content. Which means that this biga** blue 30000uF cap on the 5V rail is completely dried out. Don't let size foul you 8).
(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=168215)

Put everything back together and borrowed that cap from other 8566 et voila, working 8566. ;D ;D ;D
(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=168217)
(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=168219)
(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=168221)

Now only need to fix that front panel and find out, why those 2 PLLs refuse to lock.

Man, it looks snug as a bug with it's friends in the background.  Nice fix and nice collection.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: MadTux on August 29, 2015, 03:26:09 am
Man, it looks snug as a bug with it's friends in the background.  Nice fix and nice collection.

Thanks,I'm too quite happy with my collection. Mostly/nearly all bought cheaply broken or untested and repaired. If I'd live back in the 80's with all that gear, I'd probably be a test gear millionaire, considering the catalogue price of that stuff back then.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: tautech on August 29, 2015, 05:34:56 am
My new 8566AB .......

Then I decided to check voltages again but used trusty Tek 7904A with 7A13 this time. And big surprise, the 4.3V on 5V rail turned out to be more or less 100Hz AC from rectifier, with 4.3V DC content. Which means that this biga** blue 30000uF cap on the 5V rail is completely dried out. Don't let size foul you 8).
Wow, that you would not expect.  :o
Is it situated close to a heat source?

Thanks for sharing.  :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Rupunzell on August 29, 2015, 05:45:03 am
That computer grade screw terminal cap has a date code of 1982, week of 01 or that cap lasted about 30 years. Not too bad for service life.

The PLL un-locks should be quite fixable, problem can be dead tantalum caps to out of value resistors related to the YIGs or dirty connectors. Suggest try cleaning the connectors first, then moving on the caps and ...

After a good going over and cal, it should be good for a few more decades of service.

Great to see another hp 8566 put back into service. ;)


Bernice


My new 8566AB now works nearly flawlessly, only a few PLL unlocks, but that's probably all fixable.

Then I decided to check voltages again but used trusty Tek 7904A with 7A13 this time. And big surprise, the 4.3V on 5V rail turned out to be more or less 100Hz AC from rectifier, with 4.3V DC content. Which means that this biga** blue 30000uF cap on the 5V rail is completely dried out. Don't let size foul you 8).

Now only need to fix that front panel and find out, why those 2 PLLs refuse to lock.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PaulAm on September 01, 2015, 08:14:52 pm
My HP 6114a showed up today.  Other than some sticker residue and missing front feet, it's in perfect condition and even works.  :-DD

Pretty good for $60.  Now I can throw away one of those crappy PSs I have.  I'll still replace some of the caps though.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Smith on September 01, 2015, 08:34:35 pm
Bought a defective Philips PM6661 automatic counter for 10 euro. Looks to be in a nice condition. It's probably the most cute gear in my collection.  :-DMM May not be a great catch to some of you, but in Europe measurement gear seems to be so much more expensive than in America. Too bad shipping costs from America to Europe are expensive.

Will start troubleshooting tommorow.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on September 01, 2015, 08:54:06 pm
Man, it looks snug as a bug with it's friends in the background.  Nice fix and nice collection.

Thanks,I'm too quite happy with my collection. Mostly/nearly all bought cheaply broken or untested and repaired. If I'd live back in the 80's with all that gear, I'd probably be a test gear millionaire, considering the catalogue price of that stuff back then.

Nice collection I see I have some catching up to do . :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: dom0 on September 01, 2015, 09:21:11 pm
Bought a defective Philips PM6661 automatic counter for 10 euro. Looks to be in a nice condition. It's probably the most cute gear in my collection.  :-DMM May not be a great catch to some of you, but in Europe measurement gear seems to be so much more expensive than in America. Too bad shipping costs from America to Europe are expensive.

Will start troubleshooting tommorow.

The cutieness of the 6661 is probably the only reason why it usually sells for 60-90 €... :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: eas on September 02, 2015, 03:43:56 am
My HP 6114a showed up today.  Other than some sticker residue and missing front feet, it's in perfect condition and even works.  :-DD

Pretty good for $60.  Now I can throw away one of those crappy PSs I have.  I'll still replace some of the caps though.
Pix, or it didn't happen!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TSL on September 02, 2015, 05:24:50 am
Very happy with my latest score.

An HP54701A 2.5GHz FET probe for my scope - only $75  :-+

Its in pristine condition, with a tube of spare tips too which are expensive little hens teeth.

Works like a treat too - it was a punt on eBay for a "Parts, not Working" listing.


Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PaulAm on September 02, 2015, 02:59:16 pm
My HP 6114a showed up today.  Other than some sticker residue and missing front feet, it's in perfect condition and even works.  :-DD

Pretty good for $60.  Now I can throw away one of those crappy PSs I have.  I'll still replace some of the caps though.
Pix, or it didn't happen!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Smith on September 02, 2015, 06:41:07 pm
Bought a defective Philips PM6661 automatic counter for 10 euro. Looks to be in a nice condition. It's probably the most cute gear in my collection.  :-DMM May not be a great catch to some of you, but in Europe measurement gear seems to be so much more expensive than in America. Too bad shipping costs from America to Europe are expensive.

Will start troubleshooting tommorow.

The cutieness of the 6661 is probably the only reason why it usually sells for 60-90 €... :)

Almost fixed it. One bad hcf4556pc with a shot output messed up the LCD. Quite an easy to fix device, everything is accesible once the case has been removed. Leaves me with one bad input fet wich needs to be replaced, it makes lot of noise above the 10MHz range. You won't believe how stable and fast this little thing is. Its just as precise as my HP5316A, just 1ppm off to our calibrated waveform generator (PM6661 is uncalibrated). It was made halfway 1976.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: eas on September 02, 2015, 10:51:49 pm
Nice. Was that the one the seller was asking ~$260 for?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bson on September 03, 2015, 01:47:35 am
hewlett packard 3577B
Nice and congrats!  I just got a 3577A with the 35677A test set for a good price.   Love it!   :-+  I've been trolling the bay for one of these for quite a while now...

Once I receive a 2m GPIB cable for it I'm going to see if I can put together some python-vxi based software to grab trace data (D1,D2) off of it.  Will post when I have something working!

It's a sweet little machine!  Not too many VNAs that go down to near DC these days, which seems to have become the domain of impedance analyzers.

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: eas on September 03, 2015, 03:52:06 am
My $150 Krohn-Hite/EDC 521 DC Voltage/Current Standard (http://techobsessed.net/category/repair/edc-521/) arrived yesterday.

It is huge (20" deep), but not heavy. It has a tear in the red filter over the LED display that wasn't obvious in the eBay listing, and the bottom panel had a big-ass dent. Inside was covered with a layer of persistent dust.

I hammered out the dent using some hardwood blocks, cleaned the insides out with IPA, and checked for damaged components. I didn't find any, so I powered it up and it works!

(http://d112tss1dzpest.cloudfront.net/wp-content/blogs.dir/22/files/2015/09/IMG_8647-e1441234996930-1024x515.jpg?323d81) (http://techobsessed.net/category/repair/edc-521/)

The manual gives a 2 hour warm-up time. The photo was taken a few minutes after I powered it up this morning. At that time, my Keithley 2700 (powered on for ~20 min, not calibrated in years), read the output as +9.99973v, for +10.00000v after a few hours, the reading settled in at +9.99990.

A quick check of the 100v and 100mv ranges looks pretty good too, as did a quick check of the current settings. I'm logging ~24 hours of readings right now. I haven't tried the GPIB programing yet. Assuming it works, I think I write a little script to cycle it through every output setting in every range and log the measurements.

While doing the initial inspection, I noticed that there is a revision to the circuit, with some added resistors and caps, a cut trace and a bodge wire. It also looks like some power transistors were replaced at some point. The device seems to have been built in early 1997, and most of the parts are from 1996. I couldn't find/see date codes on the added parts. There are codes on the transistors, but I couldn't find the right google invocation to decode them. They are Motorola parts, marked, with a Moto logo followed by "616,” the next line is “JE350,” which is the variant/part number. If 616 means the 16th week of 1996 then it would make the transistors the same vintage as the rest. If it means something else though, it would be nice to know.

Given what Dave has reported from his teardowns of EDC gear, it wouldn't surprise me if the bodges are factory original, but I'd be curious if they were fitted later.

More photos and info in my blog (http://techobsessed.net/category/repair/edc-521/).
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Vgkid on September 03, 2015, 06:20:58 am
^^^ Nice score
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xrunner on September 09, 2015, 05:39:34 pm
Marconi 2022D RF signal generator. As far as I can tell it's working as advertised. Did a little clean-up and it will now be a valuable piece of test equipment here.  :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PTR_1275 on September 09, 2015, 11:17:14 pm
I've been keeping a eye out for a hp 34970 data aquisition unit for a while now. I've been getting cards when I see them come up cheap but still waiting for a unit to go for the right price. Yesterday I saw one appear as buy it now for AU$150 in working condition with the dmm module and it was in Australia already. I've seen parts units go for more than this so I jumped on it. I'll update here when I get it on my bench.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: prot_brot on September 10, 2015, 08:06:52 pm
Sanwa PC5000 - free
Tektronix TDS3054B+TCP202 probe & Fluke 45 - $500
Fluke 287 brand new in box - $200

I am currently looking at this stuff: Meguro MSG-2560B signal gen. fully working - $70
and Tek 7603 mainframe with 7D02 logic analyzer add on - powers on, but horizontal line on screen (dead CRT vertical drive) for $90
Is it any good?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on September 10, 2015, 08:21:59 pm
Tektronix TDS3054B+TCP202 probe & Fluke 45 - $500
Now that is a score. Just the TCP202 probe is worth more! Where did you get it? Manga dua  ;)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: prot_brot on September 10, 2015, 08:56:51 pm
Now that is a score. Just the TCP202 probe is worth more! Where did you get it? Manga dua  ;)

LOL! at Mangga dua's price, I'd better go buy a car instead... A woman was 'cleaning up' her house, she said it was her (ex?) husband's belonging and she wanted to get rid of them quick.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on September 11, 2015, 12:44:54 am
My HP 6114a showed up today.  Other than some sticker residue and missing front feet, it's in perfect condition and even works.  :-DD

Pretty good for $60.  Now I can throw away one of those crappy PSs I have.  I'll still replace some of the caps though.

Wow, great score Paul. I like those older 6114A with the metal on/off toggle and square power indicator.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TorqueRanger on September 11, 2015, 01:17:17 am
I got a Brand New  Rigol DS1054Z for the Price of FREE...
Will post pics if necessary
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xrunner on September 11, 2015, 01:24:13 am
I got a Brand New  Rigol DS1054Z for the Price of FREE...
Will post pics if necessary

 :wtf:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nanofrog on September 11, 2015, 02:27:13 am
I got a Brand New  Rigol DS1054Z for the Price of FREE...
How did you manage that?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: eas on September 11, 2015, 04:05:37 am
After fighting off the urge the urge to step up from a DMMCheck+, I succumbed when I found a deal on an EDC 521 (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/edc-521-dc-voltagecurrent-source/).

The anticipation of the 521 unlocked a new urge, the urge to have a way to check multiple points on multiple AC voltage ranges. And now, for just $29.90 + more than twice that in shipping, I will soon have 65 pounds of vintage AC calibration equipment.

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=170586;image)

If I'm lucky, this compulsion ends with this 44-year-old HP 745a, and without dropping it on my foot and taking a detour to the hospital along the way.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PTR_1275 on September 11, 2015, 05:49:45 am
Is it sad that I know which eBay seller you bought the Hp745a from just by the table and bushes in the back ground?

I've bought a EDC MV105G and a arbiter systems panel meter calibrator from him. Good seller, packs things extremely well and shops quickly. It's all from an estate sale, he said he has enough stock to last several months putting up new bits every week.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: eas on September 11, 2015, 06:50:41 am
Is it sad that I know which eBay seller you bought the Hp745a from just by the table and bushes in the back ground?

I've bought a EDC MV105G and a arbiter systems panel meter calibrator from him. Good seller, packs things extremely well and shops quickly. It's all from an estate sale, he said he has enough stock to last several months putting up new bits every week.
I figured people would recognize the seller. I know a few other members have picked things up from him.

I was surprised to realize that he's sold four HP 745a's in the last few months. I thought it was the same unit being relisted, but the serial numbers are all different. I'm a little worried I'm getting a unit the deceased used for parts. Either that, or he really liked HP AC Calibrators.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PTR_1275 on September 11, 2015, 07:01:38 am
The edc unit worked although it didn't appear to have been calibrated since it was made in the 70's.

The panel meter calibrator works on most voltage ranges but the current module doesn't work.

I'm not sure what someone would do with 4 x HP 745's, but I do appreciate the collection of gear. Hopefully it works well for you.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Vgkid on September 11, 2015, 02:55:33 pm
I will end up selling my cs-152 current falibrator+ ancient manual. It is just way to big, 4U takes up my whole shelf.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: IanJ on September 11, 2015, 05:41:18 pm
Used Voltech PM100 Single Phase Power Analyser (the single phase version of Dave's 3-phase PM300).
As new condition, not a scratch. Received today, just got her hooked up and and it works great. I wired up a custom DUT AC outlet to the banana's on the back so it's easy to connect to.

Got it for 300 UKP via Ebay (free delivery)........there are 2 others listed, 583 UKP & 722 UKP, and new they are a helluva lot more.......so I reckon I got a bargain.

A nice addition to the w/shop.

Ian.

(http://www.ianjohnston.com/eevblog/pm100.JPG)

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: mzacharias on September 11, 2015, 05:48:04 pm
NEW Fluke 28II on eBay - $200.00 US with free freight.  :-+

Like an 87V with gigantic balls!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TorqueRanger on September 11, 2015, 06:57:14 pm
I got a Brand New  Rigol DS1054Z for the Price of FREE...
Will post pics if necessary

 :wtf:
I got a Brand New  Rigol DS1054Z for the Price of FREE...
How did you manage that?

I entered a Giveway a while back and got a E-mail stating I won and a couple days later I got my scope .. Yay me lol
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: eas on September 11, 2015, 09:05:36 pm
I will end up selling my cs-152 current falibrator+ ancient manual. It is just way to big, 4U takes up my whole shelf.
Bummer :(.

I'm already having trouble making space for my three rack-mount instruments (HP 6332b PSU/Load, Phillips PM5192 Func Gen, and EDC 521). The HP745 is going to put me over the top. I'm sure I'll end up selling most of them, but that was kind of the plan in the first place. I'll use the EDC 521 and HP745a to help calibrate and demonstrate the Keithley 197a's I'm refurbishing and then sell the DMMs and AC calibrator off.

The EDC 521 I'll probably hold on to, at least until I stumble across a deal on something smaller with equal or better specs.  Either that, or I may try and implement a similar design using more modern components. If I do, I'll use the EDC to validate it, then find another good home for it.

I'm not sure what someone would do with 4 x HP 745's, but I do appreciate the collection of gear. Hopefully it works well for you.
If all are in working shape, I suppose its possible he used them as stable precision AC power supplies for other projects. Someone selling a Fluke 5200 recently indicated that's how they used it. With my own limited experience, I can't guess what those projects would be though.

NEW Fluke 28II on eBay - $200.00 US with free freight.  :-+

Like an 87V with gigantic balls!

I really don't get why people desire to own trucks and tools with any genitalia, much less genitalia of unusual size...
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: eas on September 11, 2015, 09:31:04 pm
After fighting off the urge the urge to step up from a DMMCheck+, I succumbed when I found a deal on an EDC 521 (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/edc-521-dc-voltagecurrent-source/).

The anticipation of the 521 unlocked a new urge, the urge to have a way to check multiple points on multiple AC voltage ranges. And now, for just $29.90 + more than twice that in shipping, I will soon have 65 pounds of vintage AC calibration equipment.

If I'm lucky, this compulsion ends with this 44-year-old HP 745a, and without dropping it on my foot and taking a detour to the hospital along the way.

FFS, the seller just cancelled my order for vague reasons.

Quote
We're sorry to let you know that [the seller] canceled your order and mentioned the reason as I'm out of stock or can't fulfill the order for another reason.

Update: I wrote the seller to see what happened. He replied that once he had it packed well, the parcel weighed 77lbs and that neither FedEx nor USPS would deliver it. I'm going to see if delivering it to a business address (my rented mailbox) will work.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on September 12, 2015, 03:10:15 pm
Lets hope so..
Keep us posted.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TorqueRanger on September 12, 2015, 07:36:18 pm
After fighting off the urge the urge to step up from a DMMCheck+, I succumbed when I found a deal on an EDC 521 (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/edc-521-dc-voltagecurrent-source/).

The anticipation of the 521 unlocked a new urge, the urge to have a way to check multiple points on multiple AC voltage ranges. And now, for just $29.90 + more than twice that in shipping, I will soon have 65 pounds of vintage AC calibration equipment.

If I'm lucky, this compulsion ends with this 44-year-old HP 745a, and without dropping it on my foot and taking a detour to the hospital along the way.

FFS, the seller just cancelled my order for vague reasons.

Quote
We're sorry to let you know that [the seller] canceled your order and mentioned the reason as I'm out of stock or can't fulfill the order for another reason.

Update: I wrote the seller to see what happened. He replied that once he had it packed well, the parcel weighed 77lbs and that neither FedEx nor USPS would deliver it. I'm going to see if delivering it to a business address (my rented mailbox) will work.
Good luck cause he is lying to you straight up.. I know cause I build offroad trucks and I have no problems sending giant offroad tires threw the mail or an offroad parts and they weight alot more than 77lbs ..
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: eas on September 12, 2015, 09:12:18 pm
Quote
FFS, the seller just cancelled my order for vague reasons.

Quote
We're sorry to let you know that [the seller] canceled your order and mentioned the reason as I'm out of stock or can't fulfill the order for another reason.

Update: I wrote the seller to see what happened. He replied that once he had it packed well, the parcel weighed 77lbs and that neither FedEx nor USPS would deliver it. I'm going to see if delivering it to a business address (my rented mailbox) will work.
Good luck cause he is lying to you straight up.. I know cause I build offroad trucks and I have no problems sending giant offroad tires threw the mail or an offroad parts and they weight alot more than 77lbs ..

Perhaps, but there are other possible explanations. I'm inclined to cut the seller some slack, particularly since others in this thread have had good experiences dealing with him. Did you consider any of that before calling someone who isn't around to defend themselves a straight-up liar?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on September 13, 2015, 08:00:13 am


Update: I wrote the seller to see what happened. He replied that once he had it packed well, the parcel weighed 77lbs and that neither FedEx nor USPS would deliver it. I'm going to see if delivering it to a business address (my rented mailbox) will work.

Sounds a bit fishy to me.  I just shipped an old HP spec an, a DMM and an attenuator home from CA (I really need to stay away from the TRW swap meet!); by the time it was all boxed up it was 27 x 27 x 17" and weighed 107 lbs.  FedEx ground was quite happy to ship it, and whacked me about $90 to do so.  They arrived unscathed in about five days.

Edit to add: dropped off at a FedEx location in CA and shipped to my home (residential) address.

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on September 13, 2015, 12:59:29 pm


Update: I wrote the seller to see what happened. He replied that once he had it packed well, the parcel weighed 77lbs and that neither FedEx nor USPS would deliver it. I'm going to see if delivering it to a business address (my rented mailbox) will work.

Sounds a bit fishy to me.  I just shipped an old HP spec an, a DMM and an attenuator home from CA (I really need to stay away from the TRW swap meet!); by the time it was all boxed up it was 27 x 27 x 17" and weighed 107 lbs.  FedEx ground was quite happy to ship it, and whacked me about $90 to do so.  They arrived unscathed in about five days.

Edit to add: dropped off at a FedEx location in CA and shipped to my home (residential) address.

-Pat
TRW can become an expensive habit.
Haven't been in decades.........
I need to go again.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TorqueRanger on September 13, 2015, 01:11:08 pm
Quote
FFS, the seller just cancelled my order for vague reasons.

Quote
We're sorry to let you know that [the seller] canceled your order and mentioned the reason as I'm out of stock or can't fulfill the order for another reason.

Update: I wrote the seller to see what happened. He replied that once he had it packed well, the parcel weighed 77lbs and that neither FedEx nor USPS would deliver it. I'm going to see if delivering it to a business address (my rented mailbox) will work.
Good luck cause he is lying to you straight up.. I know cause I build offroad trucks and I have no problems sending giant offroad tires threw the mail or an offroad parts and they weight alot more than 77lbs ..

Perhaps, but there are other possible explanations. I'm inclined to cut the seller some slack, particularly since others in this thread have had good experiences dealing with him. Did you consider any of that before calling someone who isn't around to defend themselves a straight-up liar?
I mean no disrespect but if I get motors,trans ,and 4 44" Boggers that there weight and size make the test equipment look small and they deliver it right to my house no problems then something is wrong and is not being translated to you ... Oh how do you think TireRack.Com  get the tires tor you ???? Crap my buddy order a Ford 9" with a third member to his house for his CJ-5 Rock Crawler ..

Here is his truck at Paragon before it closed
(http://www.njfourwheelers.com/pictures/paragon2006/images/DSCN7566.jpg)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Howardlong on September 17, 2015, 03:28:40 pm
Possible pricing error here, £7.48 for Pamona 5510, but on back order until 5 September.
http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/rf-connectors-kits/1685157 (http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/rf-connectors-kits/1685157)

(http://media.digikey.com/photos/Pomona%20Photos/MFG_5510.jpg)

Delighted to report that the three of these that I ordered finally arrived today, and that I was charged the quoted price. Indeed, the price remains the same online, but they're now backordered to 20 Nov 2015.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TorqueRanger on September 17, 2015, 04:58:09 pm
After fighting off the urge the urge to step up from a DMMCheck+, I succumbed when I found a deal on an EDC 521 (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/edc-521-dc-voltagecurrent-source/).

The anticipation of the 521 unlocked a new urge, the urge to have a way to check multiple points on multiple AC voltage ranges. And now, for just $29.90 + more than twice that in shipping, I will soon have 65 pounds of vintage AC calibration equipment.

If I'm lucky, this compulsion ends with this 44-year-old HP 745a, and without dropping it on my foot and taking a detour to the hospital along the way.

FFS, the seller just cancelled my order for vague reasons.

Quote
We're sorry to let you know that [the seller] canceled your order and mentioned the reason as I'm out of stock or can't fulfill the order for another reason.

Update: I wrote the seller to see what happened. He replied that once he had it packed well, the parcel weighed 77lbs and that neither FedEx nor USPS would deliver it. I'm going to see if delivering it to a business address (my rented mailbox) will work.
Oh I am not sure if this helps you out at all.. But Fastenal does store to store shipping for big and heavy items . So you might want to check them out .. Hope it helps
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: IDEngineer on September 17, 2015, 05:17:35 pm
We had an RF equipment division of HP locally for many years. Many of my fellow Engineers worked there. When they closed it down and consolidated its operations to the Bay Area, they "let go" a bunch of test equipment including products they had manufactured there. One of my friends snagged a few things, and gave me and my techie son an HP 8921A Cell Site Test Set. Here's a photo I found:

(http://www.hs97.com/up/product/201071642143809.jpg)

1 GHz all-in-one integrated instrument: Scope, spectrum analyzer, signal generator w/ sweep, the works. Refurb'd today they cost $5K, new I think they were in the $30K range.

For free.

And it works.

We've used it a lot, especially for building and tuning amateur radio antenna traps made from coax and PVC pipe.

Value vs. cost ratio will be hard to beat!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xrunner on September 17, 2015, 07:07:51 pm
We had an RF equipment division of HP locally for many years. Many of my fellow Engineers worked there. When they closed it down and consolidated its operations to the Bay Area, they "let go" a bunch of test equipment including products they had manufactured there. One of my friends snagged a few things, and gave me and my techie son an HP 8921A Cell Site Test Set. Here's a photo I found:
For free.

And it works. We've used it a lot, especially for building and tuning amateur radio antenna traps made from coax and PVC pipe. Value vs. cost ratio will be hard to beat!

Wow! I wish I had one.  :(

But for today, I just got this delivered - an HP 3457A DMM. Works very well, but needs the usual TLC cleanup, and removal of old gooey cal sticker goop.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TorqueRanger on September 17, 2015, 07:14:52 pm
We had an RF equipment division of HP locally for many years. Many of my fellow Engineers worked there. When they closed it down and consolidated its operations to the Bay Area, they "let go" a bunch of test equipment including products they had manufactured there. One of my friends snagged a few things, and gave me and my techie son an HP 8921A Cell Site Test Set. Here's a photo I found:
For free.

And it works. We've used it a lot, especially for building and tuning amateur radio antenna traps made from coax and PVC pipe. Value vs. cost ratio will be hard to beat!

Wow! I wish I had one.  :(

But for today, I just got this delivered - an HP 3457A DMM. Works very well, but needs the usual TLC cleanup, and removal of old gooey cal sticker goop.
Pretty cool and how much did that cost you??
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on September 17, 2015, 07:15:02 pm
We had an RF equipment division of HP locally for many years. Many of my fellow Engineers worked there. When they closed it down and consolidated its operations to the Bay Area, they "let go" a bunch of test equipment including products they had manufactured there. One of my friends snagged a few things, and gave me and my techie son an HP 8921A Cell Site Test Set. Here's a photo I found:

(http://www.hs97.com/up/product/201071642143809.jpg)

1 GHz all-in-one integrated instrument: Scope, spectrum analyzer, signal generator w/ sweep, the works. Refurb'd today they cost $5K, new I think they were in the $30K range.

For free.

And it works.

We've used it a lot, especially for building and tuning amateur radio antenna traps made from coax and PVC pipe.

Value vs. cost ratio will be hard to beat!

Those are nice, and you got a better deal than I got on my IFR FM/AM 1000S.
I paid a hundred dollars for the IFR not working and fixed it for an additional $280.00 Lots of parts on E-Bay but they are noit cheap.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: deadlylover on September 17, 2015, 10:38:57 pm
But for today, I just got this delivered - an HP 3457A DMM. Works very well, but needs the usual TLC cleanup, and removal of old gooey cal sticker goop.

Nice score, looks to be in pretty good condition! Just make sure you change the AC inlet filter ASAP, the ones in the 3457A's are known to blow up in flames, expelling really smelly gas.

Mine shot flames 6 inches onto a freshly painted wall...and I swear I can still smell a hint of it a few months on.  :-DD
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xrunner on September 17, 2015, 10:39:22 pm
Pretty cool and how much did that cost you??

I gave $182 for that. It's a pretty nice DMM and available most of the time on Ebay.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xrunner on September 17, 2015, 10:40:23 pm
Nice score, looks to be in pretty good condition! Just make sure you change the AC inlet filter ASAP, the ones in the 3457A's are known to blow up in flames, expelling really smelly gas.

Mine shot flames 6 inches onto a freshly painted wall...and I swear I can still smell a hint of it a few months on.  :-DD

Oh wow - is there a replacement aftermarket one that you can recommend?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: deadlylover on September 17, 2015, 10:50:14 pm
Oh wow - is there a replacement aftermarket one that you can recommend?

Any standard filtered one will do, just make sure you get the ones with the fast-on connectors IIRC. You can find some more details in this thread (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/just-got-3457a-and-then-boom/).

I think most of the failures was because they lived cosy lives on 100V AC, before being subject to the full wrath of 230V mains. Ah well, it's only a <$10 replacement so you might as well do it just to be on the safe side, and perhaps it's also a chance for you to replace the backup battery inside.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: R_G_B_ on September 18, 2015, 02:23:27 pm
Don't you guys think that by listing your test equipment scores you are unintentionally driving up the cost of used test equipment?

My apologies if I'm sounding sinicle I have notice the price of test equipment go quite a bit. This is a very popular forum the clue is in this part.

R_G_B
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: retrolefty on September 18, 2015, 02:28:49 pm
Don't you guys think that by listing your test equipment scores you are unintentionally driving up the cost of used test equipment?

My apologies if I'm sounding sinicle I have notice the price of test equipment go quite a bit. This is a very popular forum the clue is in this part.

R_G_B

 I've seen that happen with hi-end vintage hi-fi stereo equipment, mostly from the 70s. One could often fine these at good prices on E-bay but as the 'hobby' got more and more exposure (they made some great equipment in that era, and not much other electronics toys to buy with discretionary money) the prices just exploded over time.

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on September 18, 2015, 02:35:36 pm
Don't you guys think that by listing your test equipment scores you are unintentionally driving up the cost of used test equipment?

My apologies if I'm sounding sinicle I have notice the price of test equipment go quite a bit. This is a very popular forum the clue is in this part.

R_G_B

it happens with amateur radio gear all the time.
I have done several Rehab threads over on a popular amateur radio forum and you could see the price of the gear go up by as much as 20% on E-Bay.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: rastro on September 19, 2015, 08:23:17 pm
Don't you guys think that by listing your test equipment scores you are unintentionally driving up the cost of used test equipment?

My apologies if I'm sounding sinicle I have notice the price of test equipment go quite a bit. This is a very popular forum the clue is in this part.

R_G_B

it happens with amateur radio gear all the time.
I have done several Rehab threads over on a popular amateur radio forum and you could see the price of the gear go up by as much as 20% on E-Bay.
I'll have to remember that next time I get ready to sell something... ;D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on September 19, 2015, 09:07:25 pm
Don't you guys think that by listing your test equipment scores you are unintentionally driving up the cost of used test equipment?

My apologies if I'm sounding sinicle I have notice the price of test equipment go quite a bit. This is a very popular forum the clue is in this part.

R_G_B

it happens with amateur radio gear all the time.
I have done several Rehab threads over on a popular amateur radio forum and you could see the price of the gear go up by as much as 20% on E-Bay.
I'll have to remember that next time I get ready to sell something... ;D
Do a teardown of it before you sell it.  :D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: deadlylover on September 20, 2015, 07:37:25 am
I've finally joined the Fluke 87V club, brand new for $300! Not a bad deal at all in Australia.

I also picked up a Hakko FX-100 for the same price, but it doesn't include a tip so I can't play around with it for a while. It will be interesting to see how it stacks up against the JBC, gotta see if the RF heating system is all that it's cracked up to be. :)

I took a quick peek inside the FX-100, the transformer has 220/230/240 taps, so unfortunately we won't be able to use an imported 100/110V model without a step down. Hakko are usually pretty expensive for 230V models, so that's a shame. Suncon and Nichicon caps inside, didn't have the macro lens on me so no teardown photos just yet, I will post some when I do a mini-review.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on September 20, 2015, 07:52:42 am
Kind of boring in some ways, but a very nice to an RF guy. Got a killer deal off the 'bay.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: VK5RC on September 20, 2015, 09:51:37 am
@TheSteve Nice stuff,  :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on September 20, 2015, 12:28:15 pm
Kind of boring in some ways, but a very nice to an RF guy. Got a killer deal off the 'bay.
Nice What RF Gal doesn't appreciate that. :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: eas on September 20, 2015, 10:02:16 pm
Don't you guys think that by listing your test equipment scores you are unintentionally driving up the cost of used test equipment?

My apologies if I'm sounding sinicle I have notice the price of test equipment go quite a bit. This is a very popular forum the clue is in this part.

R_G_B

Yes, I think that awareness can increase demand, and that when demand increases and supply stays constant, average selling prices rise. This is basic market economics.

If people didn't share, it would remove a source of upward price pressure, but it would also reduce the utility of used test equipment.

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on September 21, 2015, 01:48:08 am
My apologies if I'm sounding sinicle I have notice the price of test equipment go quite a bit. This is a very popular forum the clue is in this part.

No need to feel cynical. This is what's known as a seller's market. So, if you don't need stuff, now may be the time to sell while the prices are still high!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TSL on September 21, 2015, 02:10:51 am
Kind of boring in some ways, but a very nice to an RF guy. Got a killer deal off the 'bay.

ooo...h cal loads .. nice :)

How much $ did you pay ?

These are usually stinking great piles of $$ to get !

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on September 21, 2015, 02:31:09 am
Kind of boring in some ways, but a very nice to an RF guy. Got a killer deal off the 'bay.

ooo...h cal loads .. nice :)

How much $ did you pay ?

These are usually stinking great piles of $$ to get !

$150.00 USD shipped - no pretty wood box though. If they aren't new they are very very close to it, they are mint. I have some other Agilent and Narda loads rated to 18 GHz, it's pretty easy to see the difference as I get past 3 GHz with the new load. I found some protective caps and a box with foam to keep them cozy.

Steve VE7FM
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Radio Tech on September 22, 2015, 04:07:09 pm
Picked this up last week.
tenma 72-5000 frequency counter.
One of my customers  buys and resells stuff.
Gave it to me for free  :-+

maybe do a tear down on it.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: HighVoltage on September 22, 2015, 04:56:26 pm
This was a good score: Broken Agilent N2893A, 100 MHz, 15A current probe for a Agilent 7000 series scope.
List price in Germany: Euro 4413 including VAT
Ebay score Euro 300 + 49 Euro shipping by DHL Express
= Euro 349 all together.
Time for fixing: 2 hours

See repair here:
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/agilentkeysight-n2893a-current-probe-%28teardown-and-repair%29/ (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/agilentkeysight-n2893a-current-probe-%28teardown-and-repair%29/)

Works now in like new condition
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on September 23, 2015, 05:37:56 pm
Just arrived from EvilBay - HP 3561A Dynamic Signal Analyzer.  Got it for a song, listed as for parts/not working - won't power up, fuse good.  The unit appears to be in good physical shape with a near pristine front panel (the white mark near the left edge of the display in the image that appears to be a scuff is in fact a reflection from the window nearby).  Fingers crossed that it's something simple like a shorted cap somewhere loading down the power supply.  I'll hopefully get a chance to poke at it tonight.  It was built in 1985, based on the s/n.

(https://pmanning.smugmug.com/Electronics/HP-3561A-Dynamic-Signal/i-vvcCxsd/0/L/IMG_8562-L.jpg)

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on September 23, 2015, 07:22:57 pm
Just arrived from EvilBay - HP 3561A Dynamic Signal Analyzer.  Got it for a song, listed as for parts/not working - won't power up, fuse good.  The unit appears to be in good physical shape with a near pristine front panel (the white mark near the left edge of the display in the image that appears to be a scuff is in fact a reflection from the window nearby).  Fingers crossed that it's something simple like a shorted cap somewhere loading down the power supply.  I'll hopefully get a chance to poke at it tonight.  It was built in 1985, based on the s/n.

(https://pmanning.smugmug.com/Electronics/HP-3561A-Dynamic-Signal/i-vvcCxsd/0/L/IMG_8562-L.jpg)

-Pat
Very nice Pat; my money is on an easy and timely fix.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: rastro on September 23, 2015, 07:28:13 pm
Just arrived from EvilBay - HP 3561A Dynamic Signal Analyzer. 

-Pat

It looks like it's new.  Very nice!
-rastro
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on September 23, 2015, 08:43:36 pm
It does look almost new.  I'll be sure to take pics when I open it up to try to figure out what ails it.

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on September 23, 2015, 08:58:16 pm
It does look almost new.  I'll be sure to take pics when I open it up to try to figure out what ails it.

-Pat

Cool can't wait to see it's innards.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on September 24, 2015, 05:42:38 am
Likewise! :-/O
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on September 24, 2015, 06:46:55 am
I started a new thread on it here in the test gear section titled 'HP 3561A Dynamic Signal Analyzer Repair'.  Pics of some of the innards are there.

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nfmax on September 24, 2015, 10:14:32 am
HP E3615A bench power supply 20V/3A, in very good condition. A bit pricey at £170, but fully working. This series (E3614A-E3617A 60W range) are very nice quiet, stable PSU's with adjustable current limiting and OVP.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: pelule on September 24, 2015, 11:27:56 am
Got the "tank", the HP 6624A Quad Bench Power Supply (with relais option), sold "as is" for $150.
Received it (excellent saae packed, tested it (incl. GPIB) and it worked perfect. Just a minor bend connector at the rear.
An excellent hunt.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Smith on September 24, 2015, 04:32:51 pm
Unused lightning arrestor N-type male female connector and some HF cabling (also seems unused). Don't really need it, but is was only 50 cent together
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on September 24, 2015, 08:01:11 pm
Got the "tank", the HP 6624A Quad Bench Power Supply (with relais option), sold "as is" for $150.
Received it (excellent saae packed, tested it (incl. GPIB) and it worked perfect. Just a minor bend connector at the rear.
An excellent hunt.

Nice. I saw some locally for $250. That's a good deal at $150.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on September 27, 2015, 05:17:03 am
Just picked up an Agilent 33120A AWG with the external ref in/out option for a great deal off the 'bay. Yes it is older but it has wonderful specs in the audio region and I just couldn't pull the trigger on a lower end Rigol/Siglent.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: HighVoltage on September 27, 2015, 08:29:01 am
Just picked up an Agilent 33120A AWG with the external ref in/out option for a great deal off the 'bay. Yes it is older but it has wonderful specs in the audio region and I just couldn't pull the trigger on a lower end Rigol/Siglent.
Very nice score, especially with the  external ref in/out option
The only thing this one falls short on is a missing pulse setting but you probably do not need that for audio testing.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nfmax on September 27, 2015, 10:20:40 am
Just picked up an Agilent 33120A AWG with the external ref in/out option for a great deal off the 'bay. Yes it is older but it has wonderful specs in the audio region and I just couldn't pull the trigger on a lower end Rigol/Siglent.
Nice! I have one the same, and it is a great little generator. IMHO the only real drawback for audio use is in level settability - you will probably need an external switched attenuator such as a 355C. On the other hand, the output low is not connected to mains earth, which can be a curse in low-level audio.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on September 28, 2015, 04:26:24 am
Picked up some more goodies this evening locally. They were off the 'bay again but were local pickup only.

Got an Anritsu 69017B 10 Mhz to 8.4 GHz CW generator - it has a few faults but was only 250 bucks
Got 4 Metcal SP200 soldering stations for 30 bucks each
Mini Circuits 10/20/30 db 0-6 GHz SMA and N attenuators for 10 bucks each
And a Fluke 8012A bench meter for 12.50 for a friend.

Fingers crossed the Anritsu can be repaired!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: MadTux on September 29, 2015, 02:45:13 pm
My 8566AB from page 22 is now finally fixed.

Front panel got epoxied (sometimes added cotton fibers to expoxy for more strength) back into shape after removing original paint and metal coating. Added some plywood to make it more stable. Don't know why HP originally didn't do it that way.
(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=173563)
(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=173565)
(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=173567)

Then I painted it with red steel primer paint and finally paint brushed it in black.
(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=173569)

The PLL unlock faults were somewhat funny, because they appeared mostly at the start of a sweep. If the analyzer was set to long sweep times with narrow span, the PLL would lock and the errors mostly disappear. So I started probing around and found voltage spikes on most power rails at the beginning of each sweep. The A10A1-8 15-30MHz LF PLL would unlock or lock on a wrong frequency after each such spike. Since the YIG coils are tuned before each sweep and draw a lot of current doing so, I guessed that some of those silvery tantalum caps on PLL boards and/or YIG tuning boards were killed by ripple caused by the failed big blue 5V electrolytic cap, which I replaced previously.

Thereby I replaced most of those tantals on the YIG driver boards, A16 sweep generator board and some of those on the A10A1-8 15-30MHz LF PLL boards. As replacement I mostly used Wima PET foil caps (they last forever, but are only available up to 10-15uF and are quite large) and electrolytics (on places with less space or larger capacitance). After that, I adjusted the sweep generator pots on A16 board and the PLL unlock faults were gone.
(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=173571)

Finally tested it with my HP 8684B cavity tuned oscillator. Frequency wise is not very stable (no PLL lock), so I couln't test the narrower spans, because the signal would drift away.
11GHz @ -45dBm indicated on 8684B:
(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=173573)
(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=173575)

Guess that the -52dBm on 8566AB is partly due to cable losses. Maybe the YIG preselector/filter in harmonic mixer assembly is also slightly misaligned. I also don't know how accurate the 8684B amplitude really is.

Second harmonic of 10GHz/+15dBm signal from  8684B (cavity oscillators produce quite clean signal, since high Q, so you only get very small harmonics):
(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=173577)

Now I need to get a Gigatronics 1026 or something similar (HP 8340/8341 is usually much too expensive for me) along with power meter to verify the amplitude on all ranges.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Alex Nikitin on September 29, 2015, 08:55:23 pm
OK, that unit is only ten years younger than me, and somebody has removed the mains lead (possibly even for a good reason). However for £30 I still think it is a nice score  8) . I am planning to restore it and use it in my lab.

Cheers

Alex

(http://www.ant-audio.co.uk/Data/EDC/EDC_001.jpg)

(http://www.ant-audio.co.uk/Data/EDC/EDC_002.jpg)

(http://www.ant-audio.co.uk/Data/EDC/EDC_003.jpg)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Halvmand on September 29, 2015, 09:13:24 pm
Yay. My time to score some test gear plus some other stuff.

The test gear is chinese but was practically free, so i couldn’t say no. And it is all new.

The test gear is from a friends dad, and to makea long story short they are now mine to sell, and the clamp meter and multimeter are mine to keep.

I took the clamp meter and the multimeter apart.
The clamp meter has solid input jacks, and a really good continuity buzzer, good range of funktions, and metal threaded insert for the battery door.. I’m impressed.
The multimeter is just a cheap multimeter with an unfused 10 A range. Nothing to write home about.

Other than the clamp and multimeter there was a  Victor 824 sound level meter, Victor 816B anemometer, VC60B megger, Victor 1010A lux meter, and a CVS borescope. All the finest test gear chinese yen can buy.

Wait. There’s more than test gear.
I scored 6 racks mostly full of components, some test leads, and some random stuff for 3 cases of beer.
This lot came from a colleague, whoose former profession was EE related.

I've included pictures of the above mentioned gear.

I also scored some power tools incredibly cheap.
New Dewalt dcd734 14,4V drill set. comes with two li-ion batteries and charger.
Used Bosch phg500-2 hot air gun
Used Bosch pbh16re  sts hammer drill
Used Bosch gst500pe jigsaw
Used No name drill
All in great shape.
If you want i will take some pictures of those too.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Halvmand on September 29, 2015, 09:15:41 pm
More pictures.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: eas on October 03, 2015, 03:06:36 am
Did one of your manage to snag the HP 3458a that sold on Thursday for $2K less than an hour after it was listed, because I didn't (thank god, I think, maybe).

Much more mundane, but I did manage to scoop up a 34401a for just about $200, shipped. It arrived today. The most obvious defect in the listing is that the front/rear terminal switch wasn't quite right. Turned out the button/extender it had just pulled free of the locking notch on the switch. I fixed it by mistake while putting the meter face down to open it. It's also missing a handle, as expected. Display may be a little dim, but quite readable.

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=174154;image)

Passes the self-test. Looks like it was made in the early 90s. There is a cal sticker dated from ~5 years ago. Checks against my DMMCheck+ are consistent with a properly functioning meter within it's tolerances on everything I can check, except the 100Ohm, which is range is a bit further out. Now to decide whether to keep it as one of my working meters, replacing a Keithley 2000, or sell it. Diversity of manufacturers is appealing, but one of the reasons I bought Keithleys in the first place were the slots for a MUX/switch card.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TSL on October 03, 2015, 03:25:31 am
but I did manage to scoop up a 34401a for just about $200, shipped.

Nice! - I've been watching out for one of those too. Shipping to Oz can be a killer though :(

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on October 03, 2015, 03:31:23 am
but I did manage to scoop up a 34401a for just about $200, shipped

Good "score" eas! They've been going for quite a pretty penny recently.

Quote
Display may be a little dim, but quite readable.

Looks OK to me, especially considering its age. I've seen worse.

Quote
Passes the self-test. Looks like it was made in the early 90s.

Looks similar vintage as mine. Does the serial number start with 61?

Quote
Now to decide whether to keep it as one of my working meters, replacing a Keithley 2000, or sell it. Diversity of manufacturers is appealing, but one of the reasons I bought Keithleys in the first place were the slots for a MUX/switch card.

Well, given the prices they're going for right now, selling it is a rather tempting proposition.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: longview on October 03, 2015, 01:10:10 pm
Earlier this year they were cleaning at work and I scored a HP5335A counter, a 30V/10A Oltronix PSU and three HP 3456A digital voltmeters for free. Later I built my own RF prescaler board for the counter, it works ok but a lot of room for improvement wrt. sensitivity.

Last week I found a Fluke 6060B RF signal generator for $210, cheapest one I can find right now is $650. Downside was rear mounted connectors and no guarantee it was working (though "pulled from a working environment").

Got it yesterday, works perfectly, despite having a fan there was hardly a trace of dust inside. The Cal sticker on the outer panel was broken, presumably when the original owner pulled the GPIB module, but the inner electronics can still had an unbroken sticker.

The connectors were trivial to move back to the front, just had to shorten the modulation cable, remove the original semi-rigid SMA-SMA assembly and N-SMA connector and replace it with a new SMA-N adapter (original wouldn't fit with the screws on the front) and a small SMA-SMA patch cable.

The up-arrow button is slightly less sensitive than the others, and the membrane is partly ripped on the RF on/off button, display works, RF output is perfect. Original timebase is the standard type, pretty close to spot on all things considered.
Already ordered parts to mount an OCXO with a separate always on PSU just for kicks, but for now it's connected to my GPSDO along with the rest of the gear.
When I install the OCXO I'll try to fix the membrane and clean the arrow key.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on October 04, 2015, 03:16:33 am
Scored some goodies today at the SanDiego Ham Fest Pictures on Wednesday.

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xwarp on October 06, 2015, 08:33:30 am
Just recently, another Fluke 87V for $25. (no leads, rubber boot or case, and for that price, don't care).

This weekend at the local swap meet, a Fluke i410 AC/DC 400 amp current clamp for $10.

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Alex Nikitin on October 06, 2015, 10:32:54 am
It is not a recent score, but still a nice one! I am considering an LCD display replacement from simmconlabs.com, perhaps if I will use the 3563A more often such an investment would make sense.

Cheers

Alex

(http://www.ant-audio.co.uk/Test_Gear/HP3563A.jpg)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PaulAm on October 06, 2015, 02:35:07 pm
Not really test equipment, but I just picked up a 90's paper tape reader/punch for $30.   These still go for several hundred bucks on ebay when they show up (there's limited application for old CNC equipment).  A roll of paper tape costs more than that these days.  Only problem was 4 rotted grommets holding a drive motor.  It reads at a blazingly fast 400 chars/sec ; that's a high-speed reader :-DD
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: MadTux on October 06, 2015, 03:48:27 pm
One paper tape char = 6bits = 0.75bytes? Which would make an amazing 300bytes/s or 1.08MB/h.

BTW, what is the capacity of paper tape in kB/tape? Just wondering, since that is the last human readable form of digital data storage.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: retrolefty on October 06, 2015, 06:22:20 pm
Not really test equipment, but I just picked up a 90's paper tape reader/punch for $30.   These still go for several hundred bucks on ebay when they show up (there's limited application for old CNC equipment).  A roll of paper tape costs more than that these days.  Only problem was 4 rotted grommets holding a drive motor.  It reads at a blazingly fast 400 chars/sec ; that's a high-speed reader :-DD

I recall having to fly to Renton WA in the 70s. to service/commission a mini-computer system for Boeing aircraft. The system generated  mylar punched tapes used for all the CNC equipment for the aircraft being built in that factory, 747s I think. It was a hugh building that had building inside of the building!

I also serviced teletype equipment in the US Air Force, they used the old 5-level paper tape. So lots of tape chad passed over and around this old fart.   :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Howardlong on October 06, 2015, 07:26:00 pm
The electro-mechanical Creed teleprinter/reader combos I used to use when I first programmed computers where five hole 50bps on an 80V 20mA loop. The optical readers on the computer itself were much faster, 500cps, or 2,500bps with 5 hole. For me they were a marvel at the time, but the teleprinter mechanicals were well beyond me, I'm definitely an electronics dude.

Edit: for really trivial typos, you could fix the tape manually by punching holes yourself or filling them in, and hoping the hacked tape didn't get stuck in the high speed reader, because if it did you had a splicing job on your hands too.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: med6753 on October 09, 2015, 05:40:28 am
Here's my score and it was free! A fully optioned Tek 2465 DMS Scope. My brother works for a device placement company that was going to write it off and scrap it. He asked if he could have it and they agreed and he in turn gave it to me. It's mostly functional with a few issues that I've been working thru with the help of the Tek Yahoo group. I plan on joining the 2465B teardown thread where I'll go into detail as to what's been done so far and what is left to do.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on October 09, 2015, 07:13:05 am
Here's my score and it was free! A fully optioned Tek 2465 DMS Scope. My brother works for a device placement company that was going to write it off and scrap it. He asked if he could have it and they agreed and he in turn gave it to me. It's mostly functional with a few issues that I've been working thru with the help of the Tek Yahoo group. I plan on joining the 2465B teardown thread where I'll go into detail as to what's been done so far and what is left to do.

Very nice looking scope, and you'd be hard pressed to beat 'free' for the price!  Congrats!

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: stiffman on October 09, 2015, 12:07:14 pm
my work is clearing our pile of dead and obsolete junk from our "graveyard",
Generally nothing interesting, but I've saved a handful of cherrys from the lot.
I've got a tektronics scope ( i think its a 465 from memory)
A huntron tracker
(http://i.imgur.com/rw3tGqpl.jpg)

a couple of tektronics TM500 ( i think) racks.
(http://i.imgur.com/hyeAM3ul.jpg)
in the smaller rack there are:
dm502 Digital Multimeter
DC 501 110Mhz counter
SG502 Oscillator

and the larger rack:
DC504 Counter/timer
FG504 40mhz Function generator
FG502 Function generator

most units seem to power up, the only unit that doesn't seem to work is the FG502 function generator. there is no on light, so i can only assume for now that it doesn't work



a dynascan 520Mhz frequency counter
(http://i.imgur.com/1HUXg6Il.jpg)

and some other bits and pieces, mostly probes and leads.

There is only a couple of other bits of any vague interest left to go when the garbage people come back, but I figure they are of little use, to me anyway, like colour TV pattern generators, a tektronix 305 data analyser, and a beefy looking Trio AC volt meter, so the tip will get those i guess.

Now I think i have got some neat old gear. Overkill for my experience, but hopefully they will come in handy some time!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PaulAm on October 09, 2015, 11:24:52 pm
You sure about that tek 305?  A Sony/Tek 305 was a 5 Mhz scope with a builtin dmm.  If that's a 308, grab it.  The 308 is an 8 bit LA that also does signature analysis and rs232 decode.  It's not a great LA, but it's nice for small projects.  The signature analysis is good for Tek and HP equipment up to the early 90s if the service manual has signatures.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: aargee on October 10, 2015, 12:40:22 am
It's a shame Stiffman, "dumpster dive" type stuff in Aus is hard to come by. It's not possible to share the unwanted stuff with the group?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: stiffman on October 10, 2015, 01:08:42 am
You're right, I miss typed, Its a 308 data analyser.
Crappy pic:
(http://i.imgur.com/FWoaGmMm.jpg?1) (http://imgur.com/FWoaGmM)

I didn't bother with it because when i previously investigated it, it sounded like it had a fairly specific purpose.
I figured it would be more a waste of space in my shed as much as anything, but if it can do things like RS232 decoding, that might make it handy to have all by itself, heck, that might make it useful for me at work.

Aargee:
unfortunately its not really possible to offer the majority what is there.
If someone had a use for the video signal generators or something, I could probably manage that, but that's about it i'm afraid.

Crappy pics:
Video generators
(http://i.imgur.com/1mlELJXm.jpg) (http://imgur.com/1mlELJX)
(http://i.imgur.com/7i6CrEMm.jpg) (http://imgur.com/7i6CrEM)

AC meter:
(http://i.imgur.com/XkcSeKTm.jpg) (http://imgur.com/XkcSeKT)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: aargee on October 10, 2015, 01:19:01 am
Yes, I can relate to that. Workplace restrictions and/or logistics with this sort of stuff is quite common. Our dumpsters are locked!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on October 10, 2015, 05:52:08 am
Just picked up an Agilent 33120A AWG with the external ref in/out option for a great deal off the 'bay. Yes it is older but it has wonderful specs in the audio region and I just couldn't pull the trigger on a lower end Rigol/Siglent.

33120A arrived the other day - turned it on and ran the full self test which is promptly failed. So while it was a good deal perhaps there was a reason! Contacted the seller and he refunded part of the sale price after some negotiation. So now it is a repair project. The unit itself it actually in very good condition and still had the Agilent factory seals in place. It fails with error 603 and 608. 603 is a ram test failure - the ram is in stock @ Digikey though, will get it next week. Fingers crossed error 608 will go away once 603 is fixed.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PTR_1275 on October 10, 2015, 06:14:54 am
How much did you score the 33120a for? I've been keeping an eye out for one of them or even the 33220a for my bench.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on October 10, 2015, 06:21:22 am
How much did you score the 33120a for? I've been keeping an eye out for one of them or even the 33220a for my bench.

Well after the refund it was $155.00 USD shipped, and it has the external ref in/out option. So it will be a great deal if new ram fixes it, if it doesn't then not so much...
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PTR_1275 on October 10, 2015, 06:39:41 am
Wow, nice deal if you can get it working.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Melt-O-Tronic on October 12, 2015, 03:10:00 am
Scored a pair of Fluke 789's with probes and one hangar for $150 total.  I had a choice between one brand new meter or two grungy ones for the same price.  I went with the grungy ones figuring it'd be nice to have a pair for coordinated tests.  It took a lot of elbow grease and Goo Gone, but they cleaned up nicely.

I had a chance to compare them against the new one with several voltages and resistances and they were dead on.  They're also dead on relative to my HP 3478A.  I'm very happy!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on October 12, 2015, 05:45:06 am
Scored a pair of Fluke 789's with probes and one hangar for $150 total.  I had a choice between one brand new meter or two grungy ones for the same price.  I went with the grungy ones figuring it'd be nice to have a pair for coordinated tests.  It took a lot of elbow grease and Goo Gone, but they cleaned up nicely.

I had a chance to compare them against the new one with several voltages and resistances and they were dead on.  They're also dead on relative to my HP 3478A.  I'm very happy!

Nice job with both the price and the cleanup. Maybe get some plastic polish on those screens and you'll be golden.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: VK5RC on October 12, 2015, 07:46:15 am
Some RF 'porn' arrived today, in a brown envelope as well!!! HiHi. Used but the surfaces look ok.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: felixd on October 12, 2015, 03:49:09 pm
Brand new Sanwa PC5000a for around 20$ USD - there was promotion in Poland - Rigol 1052e (which i sold) + DMM.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TSL on October 12, 2015, 10:19:14 pm
Some RF 'porn' arrived today, in a brown envelope as well!!! HiHi. Used but the surfaces look ok.

Mmmmm noice ! - The SHF stuff always looks good :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TSL on October 12, 2015, 10:22:45 pm
My lates eBay find arrive today :)

Got myself a pristine HP 436A power meter with HP8481H power sensor for $150AU !!

The sensor is worth more than that - bargain   :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on October 12, 2015, 10:51:01 pm
My lates eBay find arrive today :)

Got myself a pristine HP 436A power meter with HP8481H power sensor for $150AU !!

The sensor is worth more than that - bargain   :-+
Very nice price.
We use to have one of those on the production floor at Loral.
Everyone had analogue meters, whenever we had a transmitter that was margional on power it was time to go grab the GOD BOX (HP 436 with the high poiwer sensor) and see how marginal said transmitter really was in terms of power out.
 
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: VK5RC on October 13, 2015, 11:07:21 am
@TSN, hot price for the sensor alone. Jealous here, well done, look after that puppy. :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: rastro on October 13, 2015, 08:27:43 pm
My lates eBay find arrive today :)

Got myself a pristine HP 436A power meter with HP8481H power sensor for $150AU !!

The sensor is worth more than that - bargain   :-+

Unbelievable !!! - It looks like you just took it out of the box new. 

-rastro
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TSL on October 13, 2015, 08:49:43 pm

Unbelievable !!! - It looks like you just took it out of the box new. 

-rastro

Yes, its in astonishingly good condition, the sensor doesn't have a mark on it, neither does the meter. Its as if it was bought for some project and never used.

Usually 2nd hand sensors are scuffed from all the use, but not this one. And the meter has no use marks from having its buttons pushed. You usually get a shiny halo around a button after years of use, but not this one.

I haven't opened the meter yet to check inside, but I will soon :)

I've tested it up to 3Ghz so far and its spot on too.  :-+

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on October 14, 2015, 12:37:46 am
@TSN, hot price for the sensor alone. Jealous here, well done, look after that puppy. :-+
You are not the only one, I am green eyed with jealousy, but I am always glad to see someone get a really good deal.  :-+ :-+ :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: rx8pilot on October 14, 2015, 02:01:14 am
eBay has served as a critical springboard for my businesses transition into electronics. "Scores" are not just fun, but they give someone like me access to capabilities that would otherwise be out of my reach financially.

I design power electronics. Multi-channel, multi-voltage, in/out monitoring, etc. What was needed was a way to test the rather complicated PCB's after they are built. I found an awesome Keithley 2700 which is a typical high-performance 6.5 digit DMM but with to option ports in the back. I added a 20 channel multplexer to it so that I can automate 20 measurements with LabView controlling it. Amazing little box. I can even add another card for a total of 42 input channels. Each channel can be R, I, or V.

(https://solidcamera.box.com/shared/static/hlbl3d1hxqnd2mtny8fxo2di2aejy6ng.jpg)


Next up is the Chroma 8 channel DC electronic load. This is a beauty for me. My power designs are setup to supply many loads that have very different characteristics. Connecting this to LabView, I can simulate all kinds of terrible scenarios as part of the design validation. For production, it allows me to connect every output of my system and do automated load tests. These units can be rather high-speed and simulate inrush currents. Not quite as fancy as the newest models, but FAR less money - like 95% less than new.

(https://solidcamera.box.com/shared/static/5vynsancoza7gzz642ukt1ixtnzn2r6j.jpg)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on October 14, 2015, 04:18:20 am
How much did you score the 33120a for? I've been keeping an eye out for one of them or even the 33220a for my bench.

Well after the refund it was $155.00 USD shipped, and it has the external ref in/out option. So it will be a great deal if new ram fixes it, if it doesn't then not so much...

Sweet success!
Swapped out U404 and U405 and the 33120A is working perfectly. It was another 15 dollars for the new ram including shipping, not too bad at all. The 33120A is in great shape with the ref in/out, bumpers and handle.

For anyone who happens to use the search in the future I had failure 603 and 608, replacement ram was easy to get from Digikey - part # CY7C199CNL-15VXI
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xwarp on October 15, 2015, 11:38:27 pm
Picked up a really nice HP 436a locally for 25 bucks.

Now just need a power sensor.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: ketil b on October 16, 2015, 12:00:19 am
Got an Advantest R6243 SMU for just over $200 delivered.

It is throwing a over temp error

and I may have gotten a bit cared away

ketil
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TSL on October 16, 2015, 12:18:19 am
Got an Advantest R6243 SMU for just over $200 delivered.

It is throwing a over temp error

and I may have gotten a bit cared away

ketil

Nice! - those things are worth a bundle !

Carried away ? - no sometime ya just gota pull it apart :)

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: deadlylover on October 16, 2015, 12:29:50 am
Got an Advantest R6243 SMU for just over $200 delivered.

It is throwing a over temp error

and I may have gotten a bit cared away

ketil

Very nice, let us know how the repair goes!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Joule Thief on October 16, 2015, 03:07:37 am
The seller accepted an $18 lowball bid on this Keithley 175. I'm looking forward to my first Keithly (been all Fluke to this point) and first meter with an LCD readout.

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: HighVoltage on October 16, 2015, 08:43:37 am
I scored a Keysight branded 33210A function generator for a little over Euro 300.
This one is brand new, was listed as probably defect, showed only a bad picture in the listing.

Just unpacked it and it works perfectly and looks as if it is brand new.
List price in Germany is almost Euro 1400 incl. VAT


Only one problem: It does not have a serial number sticker at the back, so I can probably not send it out for calibration. Hmmm.
So, once in a while there are good deals around.


Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: VK5RC on October 16, 2015, 09:23:45 am
@HighVoltage does the Utility menu give you the serial number?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: sorenkir on October 16, 2015, 11:56:20 am
Stolen equipment ?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: HighVoltage on October 16, 2015, 12:35:40 pm
@HighVoltage does the Utility menu give you the serial number?

No, the utility menu was not helpful. But the I/O library was...

Just hooking it up to Keysight Connection Expert, reveals the serial number without any effort
It is listed as Serial Number SG48000515
It was originally calibrated on 2/11/2015
And warranty was activated on 7/20/2015 and is good to 2/4/2018
The calibration certificate can be downloaded from the keysight website

So, why would someone list this as "defect' and is willing to let it go for such a low price.
And why is the serial number sticker missing?

Stolen equipment ?
Hmm, that thought has crossed my mind.
Not a good thought.
But how to find out, if I even want to find out?




Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Sbampato12 on October 16, 2015, 08:57:52 pm
Hmm, that thought has crossed my mind.
Not a good thought.
But how to find out, if I even want to find out?

Just give it to the cops when, if they will, knock at your door. ;) ;) ;)

If not, why worry?

It is a good thing to worry, yes.
Because, if you bought a stolen equipment, you are helping the criminals, helping this kind of thing happening.
Imagine a scenario, if no one would bought a stolen piece, for what I will stolen (only If I could make some use)...

But on other hand, it is really hard to know if the deal is right or not.

Here in my country it is very common get your stuff stolen. And if the cops knock your door, you may (MAY) go to the jail, if the price is so incompatible to the market, that you could imagine that is illegal.
In some cases like that, I like to ask to the seller some questions about the item and technical things too. Something like:
'Why are you selling this', or in this particular case, 'This genereator can make a sweep on senoidal waveform'.... somethings like that.

But now, as you already bought, let this tought alone... ;)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: HighVoltage on October 16, 2015, 09:21:39 pm
It is a good thing to worry, yes.

I am not worried that the police will knock on my door and that a good score turns in to a nightmare.
And I don't think there is a way that I could get punished in Germany for buying something that could have been stolen.
But there is still a bad feeling attached to the deal.

May be I can get a replacement serial sticker from Keysight, LOL!



Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on October 16, 2015, 11:33:14 pm
I don't know if they still track such things now, but back in the day HP used to publish the serial numbers of stolen equipment (theirs and other manufacturer's as well) in their "Bench Briefs" newsletter.

http://hparchive.com/Bench_Briefs/HP-Bench-Briefs-1968-05-07.pdf (http://hparchive.com/Bench_Briefs/HP-Bench-Briefs-1968-05-07.pdf)

(See the second page for an example)  It's possible that high value stuff like this might still get reported and tracked; I have no idea.

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Sbampato12 on October 16, 2015, 11:49:08 pm
I don't know if they still track such things now, but back in the day HP used to publish the serial numbers of stolen equipment (theirs and other manufacturer's as well) in their "Bench Briefs" newsletter.

http://hparchive.com/Bench_Briefs/HP-Bench-Briefs-1968-05-07.pdf (http://hparchive.com/Bench_Briefs/HP-Bench-Briefs-1968-05-07.pdf)

(See the second page for an example)  It's possible that high value stuff like this might still get reported and tracked; I have no idea.

-Pat

That was great idea.

@HighVoltage
If the only thing that you suspect is the price, don't worry. Could just be some great deal, it happen regularly.... :D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: sotos on October 17, 2015, 07:38:10 am
It is a good thing to worry, yes.

I am not worried that the police will knock on my door and that a good score turns in to a nightmare.
And I don't think there is a way that I could get punished in Germany for buying something that could have been stolen.
But there is still a bad feeling attached to the deal.

May be I can get a replacement serial sticker from Keysight, LOL!

The police must have proof that it’s stolen before they knock at your door. They also have more serious things to do.

Nice buy.  :-+  If you are worried, sell it to me.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: HighVoltage on October 17, 2015, 02:54:39 pm
Nice buy.  :-+  If you are worried, sell it to me.

No, I am not worried, I am happy to have it.
To the contrary, if they come and knock it will be something new.
I will be using this generator mainly for pulse applications and it works very well, down do 40 ns
Not comparable to the newer 33522A models but more than good enough for most pulse applications in the us range.

 
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TerraHertz on October 19, 2015, 05:55:21 am
Thanks to stiffman (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here)!/msg774280/#msg774280 ) for $15 postage, these:
* Philips PM 5519 Colour TV (PAL) pattern generator
* Black star 1410 video monitor tester

The PM 5519 works fine, see pics.
The 1410 I don't know yet, may need a manual. It seems to be outputting standard PAL video freq signals on PC VGA style connectors. So the LCD monitor I tried just says 'out of range'. But there are setups on the back panel, that change things.

Many people would consider PAL video gear obsolete. But I have some PAL composite cameras and monitors and other stuff, that serve perfectly in a long term project. Nice to have a good test pattern generator. I have one already but it isn't so good.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: tmbinc on October 19, 2015, 02:32:59 pm
I am not worried that the police will knock on my door and that a good score turns in to a nightmare.
And I don't think there is a way that I could get punished in Germany for buying something that could have been stolen.
Not trying to de-rail this thread, but in Germany, buying stolen goods ("Hehlerei") will be roughly be punished as hard as stealing the good. (It sounds excessive, but that's the historical goal). However, there needs to be proof that you knew about the fact that it was stolen; a price that's off by an order of magnitude is considered to be a strong indicator.

That said, while you got a very good deal, it's not not totally uncommon on eBay. I wouldn't be too concerned in this case, especially since you posted the serial number (so if the device should end up stolen, the owner can talk to you and resolve the issue), but it's a good thing to keep in mind.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: stiffman on October 19, 2015, 10:15:06 pm
Thanks to stiffman (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here)!/msg774280/#msg774280 ) for $15 postage, these:
* Philips PM 5519 Colour TV (PAL) pattern generator
* Black star 1410 video monitor tester

The PM 5519 works fine, see pics.
The 1410 I don't know yet, may need a manual. It seems to be outputting standard PAL video freq signals on PC VGA style connectors. So the LCD monitor I tried just says 'out of range'. But there are setups on the back panel, that change things.

Many people would consider PAL video gear obsolete. But I have some PAL composite cameras and monitors and other stuff, that serve perfectly in a long term project. Nice to have a good test pattern generator. I have one already but it isn't so good.

I'm glad they went to someone who could find a use for them, I suspect they would have ended up in E-waste otherwise.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on October 20, 2015, 12:09:12 am
Good for you guys;
There is no reason those should end up in E-Waste...
 :-+ :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on October 22, 2015, 02:52:23 am
HP 8714C .3 MHz - 3 GHz network analyzer advertised as not powering on and sold for parts. Received it today, it didn't turn on as expected. Checked the power supply diag LEDs on the back, the HP troubleshooting guide suggested to check the 115/230 volt selector switch based on the lights. I flipped it back and forth a few times and tried again - it now boots fine. Fingers crossed that is all it was and that it keeps working. It needs a good cleaning and I plan to try "enabling" a few options. The green screen is still plenty bright and isn't burnt in, and unlike the higher end units from the same time period this unit has VGA out - color even. What a fantastic toy to have on the bench. Connected is an HP 3db attenuator and a length of coax cable - it all looks good.

edit - best $500.00 I have spent in a long time.

Added a pic checking out a "home made" precision 50 ohm SMA load I've been using with my spectrum analyzer - looks not too bad at all.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on October 22, 2015, 02:56:24 am
What A Deal  :-+ :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on October 22, 2015, 03:41:52 am
Yeah, what a great deal. I have yet to get one of those "twiddle it a bit and it works" kinds of "scores".
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on October 22, 2015, 03:46:53 am
Congrats!!  You got a heck of a deal there!   :-+  Nice when it's something simple.

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: HighVoltage on October 22, 2015, 08:35:37 am
HP 8714C .3 MHz - 3 GHz network analyzer

edit - best $500.00 I have spent in a long time.
What a great deal you got.
They are usually very expensive!
Congratulations.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: dkozel on October 28, 2015, 04:04:21 pm
Big thanks (or was it bitter bitter remonstrations?) to Dave for sharing the UK NVIDIA auction. I now have an R&S SMIQ 03B with OCXO, data generator, modulation coder, and arbitrary waveform generator. Also pinched a "Kewithley" 427 Current Amplifier and Perkens Elmer (now Signal Recovery) 5184 voltage preamplifier.

With pickup, tax, and auction cut I should probably be remorseful, but it's my birthday tomorrow...  ::) So that's a pretty good excuse!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on October 28, 2015, 05:11:26 pm
Wow, quite a haul. Happy birthday!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AlxDroidDev on October 28, 2015, 05:22:05 pm
DMM Mastech MS8260 - Free from DealExtreme, using some points and gift card.

A Keysight DSO1072B (2 ch, 70Mhz oscilloscope): US$ 260, from Farnel Newark. Not exactly a steal, but they are often sold for over US$ 800. Since Farnel Newark is closing its operations in Brazil, they're having a huge clearance sale. That's also how I got a Fluke 17B+ and a 117.

OTOH, I've given away computers, printers, monitors (CRT and LCD), Arduino boards...
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AmbientSix on October 28, 2015, 05:41:13 pm
A co-worker of mine just scored a Matsusada RK series benchtop supply from the scrap bin.  Another subsidiary of our parent company in our building tossed it.  Turns out the only thing wrong was that some idiot set the config on it to limit to below 1V...  A quick parameter reset using a PC and he now has an awesome bench supply.  I managed to score 3 Agilent turbomolecular vac pumps that still spin freely so who knows what is "wrong" with those!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nidlaX on October 28, 2015, 09:52:48 pm
I managed to score 3 Agilent turbomolecular vac pumps that still spin freely so who knows what is "wrong" with those!
Interesting! Do you plan to use them in a project?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TerraHertz on October 29, 2015, 07:32:47 am
I managed to score 3 Agilent turbomolecular vac pumps that still spin freely so who knows what is "wrong" with those!

With or without controller units?
I've been looking for a turbomolecular pump (that works, ie with controller, that I can afford) for sooooo long. You lucky bastard.

Invariably the turbo pumps on ebay are without controller. The same seller may or may not also be selling some controllers, that may or may not be compatible or broken. All at stupid prices, How many of these things ever sell?
It seems incredibly stupid for sellers to separate the two parts, which are completely useless independently.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: crispy_tofu on October 29, 2015, 10:16:35 am
Wow, quite a haul. Happy birthday!

+1  :-+ Have a good one!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TSL on October 29, 2015, 09:07:31 pm
I managed to score 3 Agilent turbomolecular vac pumps that still spin freely so who knows what is "wrong" with those!

With or without controller units?
I've been looking for a turbomolecular pump (that works, ie with controller, that I can afford) for sooooo long. You lucky bastard.

Invariably the turbo pumps on ebay are without controller. The same seller may or may not also be selling some controllers, that may or may not be compatible or broken. All at stupid prices, How many of these things ever sell?
It seems incredibly stupid for sellers to separate the two parts, which are completely useless independently.

So... what are you guys using those for ?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AmbientSix on October 30, 2015, 01:23:33 am
I managed to score 3 Agilent turbomolecular vac pumps that still spin freely so who knows what is "wrong" with those!

With or without controller units?
I've been looking for a turbomolecular pump (that works, ie with controller, that I can afford) for sooooo long. You lucky bastard.

Invariably the turbo pumps on ebay are without controller. The same seller may or may not also be selling some controllers, that may or may not be compatible or broken. All at stupid prices, How many of these things ever sell?
It seems incredibly stupid for sellers to separate the two parts, which are completely useless independently.

They were in the "scrap" bin but they are perfectly clean (class 2 ISO clean room IIRC) with freely spinning rotors.  ONE has the controller.  I don't have any way to test them, really, since spinning them up (if the controller even works) in atmosphere would end badly :)  I have no use for them and grabbed them because A) cool as hell and B) I have a "problem" lol.  I have a lot of industrial parts in boxes and getting rid of stuff will make the wife happy :)  I will have to post what I have in the classifieds.  Intrinsically safe barrier modules (ATEX),ATEX 3-phase stainless food grade pumps (used for PURE IPA pumping), Turck parts, WAGO parts, Omron PLCs, VFDs, Galil motion controllers, sensors, etc.  When the company moved they scrapped all kinds of equipment.  I missed my chance to grab some pure copper "targets" from our PVD tools, unfortunately...they were 80lbs each.  But I do have some Gold test wafers which are cool:)  Every now and again I see a 2 or 10KV power supply in there so if anyone wanted one I would gladly grab it and ask postage.  I never grabbed one since I have to draw the line somewhere before I end up on Hoarders...
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: MadTux on October 30, 2015, 03:25:54 am
They were in the "scrap" bin but they are perfectly clean (class 2 ISO clean room IIRC) with freely spinning rotors.  ONE has the controller.  I don't have any way to test them, really, since spinning them up (if the controller even works) in atmosphere would end badly :)  I have no use for them and grabbed them because A) cool as hell and B) I have a "problem" lol.  I have a lot of industrial parts in boxes and getting rid of stuff will make the wife happy :)  I will have to post what I have in the classifieds.  Intrinsically safe barrier modules (ATEX),ATEX 3-phase stainless food grade pumps (used for PURE IPA pumping), Turck parts, WAGO parts, Omron PLCs, VFDs, Galil motion controllers, sensors, etc.  When the company moved they scrapped all kinds of equipment.  I missed my chance to grab some pure copper "targets" from our PVD tools, unfortunately...they were 80lbs each.  But I do have some Gold test wafers which are cool:)  Every now and again I see a 2 or 10KV power supply in there so if anyone wanted one I would gladly grab it and ask postage.  I never grabbed one since I have to draw the line somewhere before I end up on Hoarders...

Hey, post some of that stuff in market place here. Doesn't cost you anything and I guess quite a few guys here would be happy to get cheap/free HV-PSU. Including me, if it's a nice one and shipping isn't too much.

Would have also grabbed those turbo pumps. If you want to test them, you have to close the big end and attach a rotary vane pump on the bottom flange of the pump. Since you probably don't have big flanges to shut the big end, you can also bolt two pumps together and seal the small port of second pump with small flange. Then evacuate the pump and start the controller and see whether the pump runs smoothly.

If it does so, you can list it on ebay as working replacement. Since those pumps occasionally crash, and OEM replacements cost $$$$, you can sometimes get quite good money from them, especially if someone needs replacement quickly.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TerraHertz on October 30, 2015, 09:26:02 pm
They were in the "scrap" bin but they are perfectly clean (class 2 ISO clean room IIRC) with freely spinning rotors.  ONE has the controller.  I don't have any way to test them, really, since spinning them up (if the controller even works) in atmosphere would end badly :)  I have no use for them and grabbed them because A) cool as hell and B) I have a "problem" lol.  I have a lot of industrial parts in boxes and getting rid of stuff will make the wife happy :)  I will have to post what I have in the classifieds.  Intrinsically safe barrier modules (ATEX),ATEX 3-phase stainless food grade pumps (used for PURE IPA pumping), Turck parts, WAGO parts, Omron PLCs, VFDs, Galil motion controllers, sensors, etc.  When the company moved they scrapped all kinds of equipment.  I missed my chance to grab some pure copper "targets" from our PVD tools, unfortunately...they were 80lbs each.  But I do have some Gold test wafers which are cool:)  Every now and again I see a 2 or 10KV power supply in there so if anyone wanted one I would gladly grab it and ask postage.  I never grabbed one since I have to draw the line somewhere before I end up on Hoarders...

Hmm... should I take that as saying you're prepared to sell them to me cheaply? I have a US re-shipper account, so you'd only have to post them to CA USA. But pack for international shipping. I can advise if needed.
Are the three pumps all the same? And the controller has the cable to the pump, and the plug fits?
What are the model numbers? If you're interested in selling, can you show pictures?
If they are all the same, or different but the controller is compatible with more than one, I'd like to get them all. Better chance of getting one working, and also having spares is good.


I have a project I've been working towards for years, part of which is a large vacuum chamber. I'm at the stage where I have to decide whether I'm going to give up on ever finding an affordable turbo pump, and just go with the big oil diffusion pump I have. I'd rather not, since oil diffusion pumps seem like they are a major pain in the butt. Backstreaming, oil everywhere, potential for oil mist explosion, cleaning, nasty oils, power hungry, lots of heat in the room, water cooling needs, slow cycle time, etc.

There are some peripheral bits of the project online:
  http://everist.org/NobLog/20121017_the_last_rack_bender.htm (http://everist.org/NobLog/20121017_the_last_rack_bender.htm)
  http://everist.org/NobLog/20141212_racked_serendipity.htm (http://everist.org/NobLog/20141212_racked_serendipity.htm)
But overall I don't talk about the intended purpose, so sorry, no point asking. It's a very worthy cause though.

The chief problem is, I'm very poor. Retired, extremely tiny income. So if you want market rates for them, I probably can't afford.

You don't happen to also have any vacuum sensors and their controllers? Especially of the cold cathode type (not so easily destroyed by vacuum mishaps.)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: DavidDLC on October 30, 2015, 09:42:44 pm
Is a refurbished Keithley 2110 at $250.00 a good deal ?

Recently I bought one, but don't know if it was a good deal.

David.d
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: felixd on November 01, 2015, 12:03:14 pm
RACAL-DANA 9514 (9500 series) Universal Time/100MHz Frequency Counter with options:

Option 22A
Quote
Aging Rate: < 3x10-9/day*
Temperature Stability: < 3x10-9/oC 0oC to +50oC
Voltage stability: < 2x10-8 with 10% line V variation

*After 3 months continous operation

Option 70 - Analog Trigger Output
Quote
1.4.7.1 This option provides a DC voltage available at the rear panel which corresponds to the triggering level of the input. It has a range of - 3.2 V to + 3.2 V. It will mirror either the analog setting, or DAC setting (on 9512,9514, or 9515 only) depending on which type of trigger level selection is in control. The output trigger level is independent of the input attenuators, for example, if the trigger level output reads 1.5 V and the X100 attenuator is in use, the internal trigger level is (1.5 x 100) V or 150 V.

Last calibrated: 11/10/2012 (EDIT: Last calibrated: 30th January 2022  >:D It was only 40 ppb (0,4 Hz) away from 10MHz , 40 ppb !!! :))

Price: 75 USD

The only problem I have with it is laud fan. Looking for nice replacement. (EDIT: Fan has been sucessfuly replaced year after I bought it)

Photos:
https://goo.gl/photos/yzzR7qbjXwqGe76q7
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: eas on November 01, 2015, 08:57:12 pm
At ~$300 shipped, the physically damaged Datron 1081 7.5 Digit DMM (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/datron-1081-manuals/msg780705/#msg780705) I received about a week ago probably is less a score to be admired than an object lesson in the dangers of volt-nuttery, but its still pretty cool. I'm still puzzling over why I felt pretty good passing up a few chances to get a working Keithley 2001 for ~$500 while diving headlong into buying this thing.

(http://d112tss1dzpest.cloudfront.net/wp-content/blogs.dir/22/files/2015/11/IMG_9164-e1446410672551-1024x768.jpg?323d81)

Maybe it's the 2cm high digits on the neon VFD display? Or the repair-friendly through-hole construction?

(http://d112tss1dzpest.cloudfront.net/wp-content/blogs.dir/22/files/2015/10/IMG_7777-e1446240275122-300x280.jpg?323d81) (http://techobsessed.net/2015/11/new-to-me-datron-1081-autocal-standards-multimeter/img_7777/)(http://d112tss1dzpest.cloudfront.net/wp-content/blogs.dir/22/files/2015/10/IMG_7820-e1446240163229-300x284.jpg?323d81) (http://techobsessed.net/2015/11/new-to-me-datron-1081-autocal-standards-multimeter/img_7820/)

In any case, it seems to be working pretty well on DCV, within the limits of the meters and references I have for comparison. I need to make up some new kelvin leads to check the resistance function. Not sure what to do about ACV. There have been a few issues which may be user error, software bugs, or as yet undiagnosed hardware issues.

More details and lots of Datron 1081 teardown photos (http://techobsessed.net/2015/11/new-to-me-datron-1081-autocal-standards-multimeter/) on my blog.



Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Vgkid on November 01, 2015, 09:36:08 pm
So you bought it...
 :phew:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: eas on November 02, 2015, 07:28:19 am
Did I end up taking a bullet that was headed your way, Vgkid?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Vgkid on November 02, 2015, 08:13:53 am
yep, I was going to put in a bid for 200 as well.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on November 02, 2015, 06:09:07 pm

Maybe it's the 2cm high digits on the neon VFD display? Or the repair-friendly through-hole construction?


Yup, definitely the digits. Big, sharp, and a warm amber. What more could you ask for in a numeric readout?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: guido on November 02, 2015, 06:16:07 pm
Reliability..? These Panaplex displays do fail and are very hard to find (at least on this side of the pond).
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on November 02, 2015, 06:23:06 pm
Good point, guido. There's always a tradeoff of some sort.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PTR_1275 on November 03, 2015, 02:49:03 pm
I bought a tti TGA1230 arbitrary waveform generator the other week and it arrived the other day. It has found it's place on my bench already. It's in really good condition, I'll get some photos up in the next few days.

It had been on eBay for about 6 months for $200 usd, I offered them $100usd and they countered me to $125usd. It ended up costing me less than $300 australian shipped.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on November 04, 2015, 05:48:59 pm
Bought a broken Agilent 34450A multimeter off of ebay for 150 dollars. It had something loose inside according to the listing. Turned out there is a service note regarding this meter - the metal shields have been known to fall off or come loose on some units. The unit was still under warranty so I sent it in and received a brand new Keysight branded 34450A this morning. It was calibrated yesterday. Another great additional to the bench and the reason why I will continue to purchase mainly HP/Agilent/Keysight products - they are so well supported and generally have been for the history of the company.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on November 04, 2015, 06:08:42 pm
That's amazing! Congrats!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: HighVoltage on November 04, 2015, 06:31:13 pm
Bought a broken Agilent 34450A multimeter off of ebay for 150 dollars. It had something loose inside according to the listing. Turned out there is a service note regarding this meter - the metal shields have been known to fall off or come loose on some units. The unit was still under warranty so I sent it in and received a brand new Keysight branded 34450A this morning. It was calibrated yesterday. Another great additional to the bench and the reason why I will continue to purchase mainly HP/Agilent/Keysight products - they are so well supported and generally have been for the history of the company.
What a great deal.
I totally agree with you on HP/Agilent/Keysight products.
I have the same experience.
Even if you are not the original owner, if your instrument is under warranty, they will take care of you.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: guido on November 05, 2015, 09:43:39 pm
Don't get me wrong, i love those displays. Got these two just because of the looks.

(http://members.home.nl/baltusg/DP3500.jpg)

The displays have much better looks than this photo. LED, nixie or VFD don't even get close.  8)

As meters they are ok. Replaced leaking caps and did a quick "calibration" agains my reference. But i'm not using them much for measurements. The auto ranging is sloooooow. And i had to replace a display on one of them. Took me two tries to buy a piece of second hand equipement to get a good one. Think very old industry panel meters (e.g. analog devices).
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on November 05, 2015, 09:50:04 pm
The displays do look nice. I think OLED is even better for contrast and such but I fear for the overall lifetime of the display. I don't think the display on my 34450A will last 20 or 30 years, never mind 40 or 50.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: crispy_tofu on November 06, 2015, 12:19:14 am
The displays do look nice.
+1, I could look at that all day  :popcorn:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: JoeB83 on November 06, 2015, 05:28:46 am
Bought a broken Agilent 34450A multimeter off of ebay for 150 dollars. It had something loose inside according to the listing. Turned out there is a service note regarding this meter - the metal shields have been known to fall off or come loose on some units. The unit was still under warranty so I sent it in and received a brand new Keysight branded 34450A this morning. It was calibrated yesterday. Another great additional to the bench and the reason why I will continue to purchase mainly HP/Agilent/Keysight products - they are so well supported and generally have been for the history of the company.

WOW. That's a really good deal.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on November 06, 2015, 08:53:23 am
I've been hitting ebay hard lately, wife is about to kill me. This should be the last goodie for a while.

Made a low ball offer on an HP 53132A universal counter with option 010. The ad had the first picture of the counter upside down and it wasn't powered on in any of the pictures. The seller did state it was power on tested only - so it was a bit of a gamble. The listed price was $814.99. I offered $400 - they countered rather quickly at $600. So I countered at $425 shipped and said I didn't know if it really worked or how bright/dim the display was as it is an older HP branded unit and that was the most I could offer - 5 minutes later the seller accepted!
Received it today and it was actually very clean overall. The display is also very bright, it can't have been powered on too many hours. I verified it worked perfect and was super pleased at this point. Then I figured I would update the firmware. Well this is a rather dumb move if you don't save the calibration values before hand, and of course I didn't. The firmware is held in 4 29F010 PLCC 32 flash chips and is probably not really intended to be user upgraded. I had found newer firmware for download on the internet. I am a sucker for newer firmware, always have been, bricked a few devices because of it over the years. It seems I still haven't learned my lesson. It powered up with an EEPROM error, then the next power up it seemed fine. However every power up after that it now said it was "UNCALIBRATED" - opps!   Now thankfully the story has a happy ending as I have happen to have the gear needed for a basic calibration(it doesn't need much) and it is working great again. Whew - so lesson learned I suppose.

I troll ebay quite often throughout the work day and most evenings, mainly for HP/Agilent/Keysight gear. I've seen tons of buy it now items that are smoking great deals. Often it isn't gear I need though or already have etc. I think maybe another thread should be started with hot deals, when someone sees a great deal and they aren't buying it themselves a link could be posted. I know I'd rather see someone from the EEVBLOG get a great deal vs a random person.
One last thought - I really feel for anyone not in the US trying to get the insanely good deals. I am in Canada but have a US shipping address and it is only a few minutes to cross the border to pickup packages. I can bid on most US based auctions but not all so I still feel pretty lucky.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: HighVoltage on November 06, 2015, 10:41:22 am
Congratulations to a great counter!

One last thought - I really feel for anyone not in the US trying to get the insanely good deals.
Well, that is not entirely true.
Although, I must say that the quantity of Agilent / Keysight items on ebay USA is much larger than anywhere else, but the prices are lower in Europe and sometimes I have gotten deals on ebay Germany or ebay France or ebay Italy that I can not even believe myself.

I just got an Agilent 34901A 20-Channel-Multiplexer Modul for less than 5 Euros.
And it is in perfect - like new - condition.

The great deals are out there, we just have to keep looking.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Joule Thief on November 06, 2015, 11:20:08 am
this Keithley 192 cleaned up nicely

I have also been having good success with lowball eBay bids.

The 192 and the 175 above it were purchased for $38 + $18 USD.

After removing sticker residue and case cleaning, the 192 required retigthening of the mains transformer mounting studs and the 175 needed the REL pushbutton switch cleaned.

Both have spot on calibrations with cal stickers from 2008 and 2012.

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on November 06, 2015, 05:51:11 pm
Congratulations to a great counter!

One last thought - I really feel for anyone not in the US trying to get the insanely good deals.
Well, that is not entirely true.
Although, I must say that the quantity of Agilent / Keysight items on ebay USA is much larger than anywhere else, but the prices are lower in Europe and sometimes I have gotten deals on ebay Germany or ebay France or ebay Italy that I can not even believe myself.

I just got an Agilent 34901A 20-Channel-Multiplexer Modul for less than 5 Euros.
And it is in perfect - like new - condition.

The great deals are out there, we just have to keep looking.

That is true. I found a seller on ebay.ca that never seems to sell anything and at times he heavily discounts items. Turns out all items are only able to be seen from ebay.ca, so his viewing audience is quite small.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: mzacharias on November 17, 2015, 01:35:38 pm
Recent score: Brand new in box Fluke 28 series II for $200.00 freight included.

 :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: tmbinc on November 18, 2015, 09:49:39 pm
I need to clean up my equipment and make better photos. Sorry. Most of the stuff is from the broadcom auctions, but the HP 34401A was from ebay.

But nevertheless:


Got a bunch of other stuff as well from the auctions, but this is the most useful stuff. I'm particularly happy about the PCIe tools; they were pretty awesome bargains, and hard to obtain used. They are also very new (2013/2014). The Z3-16 is still the top-of-the-line exerciser, and the T24 is their lowcost analyzer (which does everything I need - 4x Gen2). I need to build a iPass PCIe probe, either passive or active. For the Z3-16 I also need to build a host emulator setup - I hope I can just wire together two PCIe slots.

The MD8480C is nice because it allows me to connect any GSM/WCDMA equipment to a local network. For GSM compliance testing (which I was trying to do with OsmocomBB), the CRTU-RU is much better (since it comes with the 3GPP test case implementations), but for a simple "let's see how this wireless device talks to the network", the Anritsu is nice. Unfortunately I only have the very basic software for it (i.e. no test cases, no network-in-a-box), but since it's all delivered in source form, it's "just a matter of writing some code".
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on November 19, 2015, 01:03:56 am
Nice. :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on November 19, 2015, 04:25:31 am
Scored a Uni-T UT210E mini clamp meter for about $28 shipped during AliExpress 11.11 sale (kind of like a Black Friday sale). The seller drop shipped from a US warehouse, so it arrived in just a few days. Bonus!

It's a nice little meter for use around the house.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on November 19, 2015, 04:28:48 am
The 192 and the 175 above it were purchased for $38 + $18 USD.

Wow! Really nice scores there.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: ketil b on November 25, 2015, 10:30:49 pm
Just got these two beauties for just under AU$ 150 each delivered, not that much of a score but it's less than I thought I would have to pay to get one.

thanks

ketil
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: eas on November 25, 2015, 11:11:22 pm
With the front panel binding post option!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on November 26, 2015, 02:56:33 am
Sweet!!  Nice power supplies.

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: basinstreetdesign on November 26, 2015, 05:34:26 am
About 47 years ago when I was in grade 12 electronics class at Ottawa Tech HS, we had some 3 broken Heathkit OS-12 scopes and the teacher asked for volunteers to fix them if possible.  I said I would get one working provided I get the carcasses from the other two used for parts.  I did it and when I got them home I found that one needed only a new fuse.  I've been sworn to secrecy from then on since I was told that heads would roll if the deal was found out.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: basinstreetdesign on November 26, 2015, 05:40:33 am
From last employer they were retiring:
HP 141 spectrum an. with plug ins 8552B and 8554B,
Tek 465 scope,
2 x Tek Prism 3001 logic an. with probes, manual,
all in good working (if not calibrated) order.
all for free.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xwarp on November 26, 2015, 08:07:40 am
Finally got me a nice BK 501A curve tracer.

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: gearhead on November 26, 2015, 10:47:10 pm
Scored a few pieces for free. Had to drive to Houston to pick up a car load! Also had to do some minor repair on 2 of the scopes.
HP1740A,HP1725,HP1743,HP 6202B P/S, HP400GL, HP 400F, Plus some HP sig-gens and freq. counters.
Picked up a Tektronix 2337 Scope for $40 from CL, had to replace a bad capacitor and burned resistor.
Works like a new one!
Tek 475- $75
Tek Scope Cart.....FREE!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on November 27, 2015, 07:42:40 pm
Scored a few pieces for free. Had to drive to Houston to pick up a car load! Also had to do some minor repair on 2 of the scopes.
HP1740A,HP1725,HP1743,HP 6202B P/S, HP400GL, HP 400F, Plus some HP sig-gens and freq. counters.
Picked up a Tektronix 2337 Scope for $40 from CL, had to replace a bad capacitor and burned resistor.
Works like a new one!
Tek 475- $75
Tek Scope Cart.....FREE!


Nice score and thanks for saving this gear from the landfill.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on November 27, 2015, 09:33:33 pm
Scored a few pieces for free. Had to drive to Houston to pick up a car load! Also had to do some minor repair on 2 of the scopes.
HP1740A,HP1725,HP1743,HP 6202B P/S, HP400GL, HP 400F, Plus some HP sig-gens and freq. counters.
Picked up a Tektronix 2337 Scope for $40 from CL, had to replace a bad capacitor and burned resistor.
Works like a new one!
Tek 475- $75
Tek Scope Cart.....FREE!

Very nice!!  Sounds like it was a worthwhile trip.

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: robert_ on November 27, 2015, 11:18:36 pm
Dont know if it was too good an idea to buy it, but i dont regret it yet...
Lecroy WaveSurfer 24MXs-B described as "New, w/3 yrs Warranty" for less than 2,5kEur.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: JoeB83 on November 29, 2015, 06:12:55 am
Scored a few pieces for free. Had to drive to Houston to pick up a car load! Also had to do some minor repair on 2 of the scopes.
HP1740A,HP1725,HP1743,HP 6202B P/S, HP400GL, HP 400F, Plus some HP sig-gens and freq. counters.
Picked up a Tektronix 2337 Scope for $40 from CL, had to replace a bad capacitor and burned resistor.
Works like a new one!
Tek 475- $75
Tek Scope Cart.....FREE!

I have the HP 6202B as well as an HP6205......great power supplies and amazing you got them for free. If I were looking to buy them today I'd be willing to spend a couple hundred $$.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PTR_1275 on December 07, 2015, 11:42:37 pm
Not as good of a score as a lot of you guys / gals pick up, but I just got a Chroma 6512 AC power source, 0-300VRMS 0-20A 15-2000Hz(Max power 1200w) for less than $1000 AU delivered (Shipping was a fair chunk of that).

The unit arrived yesterday with a fairly nasty rattle, I popped the covers and found the main output stage had shifted. They go to a lot of effort to isolate the heatsink from everything else electrically, and this was hitting the next heatsink. I removed all the screws (There were a lot missing and they were rattling around in the case), took it out, refitted the brackets, re-mounted it before checking as much of the visible boards as I could. The input fuses were in tact, there were no blow marks or anything visible. This is the reason why you shouldn't turn it on, but take it apart. If I turned it on first, there would have been a heck of a lot of damage done, possibly rendering the unit useless.

Anyway, turned it on and after a few clunks of the relay and a very neat POST beep tune, it sprung into life. A few checks with meters and the scope and it is a few hundred mV out at 240V (Or my meter is, who knows). I have done some load testing this morning and it is working. Just need to get used to where stuff is in the menus and find out where I am going to fit this monstrosity on the bench (Seriously, it is 425mm x 225 x 575mm and weighs a lot). The only issues I see so far are the missing encoder knob and the display has horrible viewing angles (More of a display issue than the unit being faulty)

I'll try to get some photos and post them up.

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Chris Jones on December 08, 2015, 11:30:23 am
I managed to score 3 Agilent turbomolecular vac pumps that still spin freely so who knows what is "wrong" with those!

With or without controller units?
I've been looking for a turbomolecular pump (that works, ie with controller, that I can afford) for sooooo long. You lucky bastard.

Invariably the turbo pumps on ebay are without controller. The same seller may or may not also be selling some controllers, that may or may not be compatible or broken. All at stupid prices, How many of these things ever sell?
It seems incredibly stupid for sellers to separate the two parts, which are completely useless independently.

If one accepts the task of building a driver for the motor (probably a BLDC driver in most cases), then you would be able to bid on a lot of pumps that the majority of potential buyers will ignore because of the missing controller. There are a couple of people on youtube who have done it.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: rickselectricalprojects on December 08, 2015, 12:07:11 pm
a friends dad finished a project (i think he was working on a static frequency converter with another company) and they were going to throw out a fluke 179 and a fluke 322 so he took them and gave them to me 8)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TerraHertz on December 08, 2015, 12:45:41 pm
Invariably the turbo pumps on ebay are without controller. The same seller may or may not also be selling some controllers, that may or may not be compatible or broken. All at stupid prices, How many of these things ever sell?
It seems incredibly stupid for sellers to separate the two parts, which are completely useless independently.

If one accepts the task of building a driver for the motor (probably a BLDC driver in most cases), then you would be able to bid on a lot of pumps that the majority of potential buyers will ignore because of the missing controller. There are a couple of people on youtube who have done it.

Maybe. It's the kind of 'one off, open-ended, unknown unknowns' guaranteed lengthy design challenge that I prefer to avoid though. Other problems are that many turbo pumps have magnetic suspension, and involve a lot more than just spinning up a rotor via 3-phase AC drive. Besides, even lacking their controllers, virtually all the turbo pumps I see on ebay *still* cost more than I can afford. Especially for something that is in unknown condition, and probably there will be no identical unit available as replacement if something goes wrong with it. I have no idea why the prices for potential junk are so high. Is there really a market for used turbos, or do sellers all just assume there must be because new ones are so astronomically priced? Any time I watch a turbomolecular pump on ebay out of curiosity, they never sell. Has anyone here ever seen one sell?

This hunt is a never-ending frustration and torment. Now the guy with those 3 turbo pumps casually mentions that "He'd like to try spinning the one with a controller up, to see how it goes." He means, in room air. Oh God. I feel like screaming "NNNnnnnooooo!" but must stay calm and polite. He's not familiar at all with vacuum technology, has no idea about contamination, realistic pumping volumes, avoiding fingerprints on HVac surfaces, etc. Keeps taking the end caps off. Makes me want to cry.

Edit: Even complete wrecks of turbo pumps still list at stupid prices.  Have a look at ebay 141680021356
An Agilent TV 301 that's had a severe blade crash. Spectacularly mangled, but still listed at $150. Oh wait I'm sorry, $149.99.

Ha ha.. or a similarly wrecked one for $650! ebay 361266861150
Well, I suppose I've seen more insanely priced items on ebay before.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on December 08, 2015, 01:48:02 pm
Well lets see...
Turbo pump spins at tens of thousands RPM Said pump gets jarred and suffers an impeller crash....
and the guy wants what??? :-DD :-DD

As far as the guy who has the good one who keeps taking off the end caps and contaminating it......
Shame there is no place you can send him to read about the Care and Feeding of High Vacuum Systems.   :palm: :palm:

/Sue who is looking for a way to grow a third arm and hand.
Besides being generally useful this is a triple face palm moment.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nfmax on December 08, 2015, 01:58:29 pm
They describe them as hard vacuum systems for a good reason. It's been many years since I had to deal with one, fortunately
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on December 08, 2015, 02:03:29 pm
They describe them as hard vacuum systems for a good reason. It's been many years since I had to deal with one, fortunately
Back in the day.. I maintained a pair of helium leak detectors.
(Veeco MS-90 MS-17) They didn't have turbo pumps..
I still keep an interest in the technology...
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PaulAm on December 08, 2015, 03:39:13 pm
Long ago I worked in a particle accelerator lab and we used a TM pump on the main beam line.  Whenever we had to pump down the line from atmosphere I'd grit my teeth until it came up to speed.  Can't imagine what it would look like inside if it crashed.

Beats the heck out of a diffusion pump; be kind of fun to have one in a small setup.  I rescued the vac system out of an EM at my local scrap yard, so I've had a 6 inch diffusion pump sitting on the shelf along with a backing pump.  I go back and forth about putting it back together and getting rid of it.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on December 09, 2015, 04:53:37 am
Turbo pumps might be more robust than a lot of you seem to give them them credit for being. Way back when I worked for National Semiconductor, we had one sputterer (a Perkin Elmer unit, IIRC) that had a turbo pump.  The sputterers that I worked on had cryo pumps, and most of the other hivac equipment had diff pumps.  I never worked on the P&E sputterer, so the extent of my knowledge of the turbo pump at the time was that it was a mysterious thing that spun insanely fast, and that like the cryo and diff pumps, once it was up to speed and vacuum you gated it off and left it running unless absolutely necessary.

A year later, after that National plant closed, I started working for a small company that made electron microscopy sample prep equipment - small table top coaters, and freeze fracture/freeze etch machines among others, all of which were high vacuum.  Many used turbo pumps.  Few if any had gate valves for them - they were bolted directly to the chamber and started/stopped as the unit was pumped down or vented.  I nearly had a heart attack the first time I vented up the small tabletop coater when I heard the hiss and the shriek of the turbo as it was powered down and immediately vented to atmosphere!

It soon became routine, and nothing to even be concerned about.  The systems roughed through the turbo as it spooled up, and vented it as they shut down.  Granted these were not HUGE turbo pumps (330 and 510 l/s ones being the largest I recall), but they seemed unfazed by this treatment and seemed to live fairly long lives before needing rebuilds, and those were typically for bearings and certainly not crashes.  I can't recall seeing a crashed one in the 4-5 years I was there.

They certainly proved to be tougher than I had initially thought, given the tight clearances and 30-50,000+ RPM speeds they operated at.  (The smallest, a TPH 060, spun at something like 90k RPM!)

For what it's worth.

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Alex Nikitin on December 09, 2015, 11:06:59 am
As I have to deal with high vacuum systems on a daily basis and these things contain turbomolecular pumps, I've asked one of our engineers about the details of how fragile these are. And the answer is: not that fragile if you know what to avoid, like tilting the pump at full speed of venting it hard to the atmosphere. Apparently it is a good idea to mount the pump with not just a working condition in mind but a catastrophic failure condition too, as a pump rotating at full speed can do quite a bit of collateral damage if not secured well (I've been told a story how a large turbo went through a brick wall when the bearings failed). You can even start the pump in open air just to see if it rotates well, just not to let it speed up (and as these things take minutes to reach full speed even in vacuum you have plenty of time to switch it off).

Cheers

Alex
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: VK5RC on December 10, 2015, 10:43:35 am
Don't the turbines in dental drill handpiece get to well over 200,000 RPM, and they get tossed around +++?
The tolerances don't need to be anywhere as good but quite a bit of energy.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: rx8pilot on December 11, 2015, 07:46:21 am
Don't the turbines in dental drill handpiece get to well over 200,000 RPM, and they get tossed around +++?
The tolerances don't need to be anywhere as good but quite a bit of energy.

I just saw one that can run 370,000 RPM. I believe these are ultra low mass which makes it a little easier but that is rather high on my WOW scale. 370k RPM.  :-+

http://www.kavousa.com/US/Air/Master-Series-High-Speed/MASTERtorque-M8900-L.aspx (http://www.kavousa.com/US/Air/Master-Series-High-Speed/MASTERtorque-M8900-L.aspx)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: highlux on December 11, 2015, 02:52:09 pm
I met a gentleman last weekend, come to find out he was a retired amplifier tech, my main area of interest.

We made a trade for a Guitar I had about $600 into.


Here is what I came home with...and everything works and it in excellent condition.

How did I do?     My mentors told me to ease up on gear purchases until I learned more...but this was a temptation I could not refuse.

1. Wavetek Data Multimeter   Model 52
2. Wavetek Multifunction System 680
3. Sorenson DCR60-13a DC Power supply
4. HP 5300a measuring system
5. HP 3311a function generator
6. HP 5314A Universal counter
7. Keithley Instruments 417 High Speed Picoammeter
8. Staco 10l10l variac
9. Monsanto Preset/Variable Time-Base Counter model 104b
10. The 1700B distortion Measurement system
11. Simpson model 229 Leakage current tester
12. Accu test 2.   Plugs into outlet. 
13. BK 501a semiconducter curve tracer
14. Tempo sidekick 7b
15. Systron Donner 6150 Electronic Counter
16. chronetics pulse generator pg-33
17. Acopian rack mounted power supply.
18. HP 3330B automatic synthesizer
19. HP 8640b signal generator
20. Alford slotted line
21. PRD ELECTRONICS INC TYPE 3302-H, 219-H, 3378 AND 1531
22. HP Agilent 809B Waveguide Universal Probe Carriage
23. Fluke 8020b multimeter
24. f-200x illuminometer
25. Genrad 2220 Bug Hound
26. HP 59308a timing generator
27. Datapulse 101 pulse generator
28. HP Agilent Keysight 59307A VHF Switch
29. MICRONETICS NOD 5101 NOISE GENERATOR
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: macboy on December 11, 2015, 04:27:12 pm
Nice haul, highlux. Lots of older gear there, but there are some useful pieces especially for a audio/amplifier guy. The distortion analyzer sticks out. The variac will be useful, and you must have at least one or two good signal generators. The curve tracer may be good for matching transistors for amps, either to get a good matched long-tailed pair for input stages, or for matching other transistors between channels. A pulse generator with fast rise time is a good thing to have to calibrate an oscilloscope's mid and high frequency response, and is good to check that an amplifier is stable and does not exhibit ringing with a step input. The Genrad 2220 Bug Hound may prove useful if you can familiarize yourself with how it works and how to use it to trace faults.

Yesterday I stopped by a surplus store and scored a nice working Tek 2465A 350 MHz 4-channel analog scope for CAD$150 (~USD$110 ), and a Xantrex 6030D (XT 30-2) dual 30V/2A power supply with GPIB for CAD$75 (~USD$55).  I also picked up a 1/2 lb spool of 0.010" 63/37 solder for $5. It's a little thin, I wanted 0.015 or 0.020 but you can't argue with the price.

I certainly didn't need another power supply, as I have far too many already, but I did really want one with GPIB so I could do some automation of battery charging and other tasks. Both work great but need some cleanup. The power supply front panel is horribly yellowed; I will break out my homemade retrobright mixture and UV lamp and see what I can do. I haven't yet tested the GPIB. The GPIB connectors look shiny new and the address dip switches are both set to zero, which indicates to me that the GPIB has never been used.

The Tek 2465A is an example of one of the last and best pure analog CRO scopes. The front panel controls are push buttons and rotary encoders instead of old school clunky switches that the signals actually travel through. It has on-screen readout of parameters (vertical and horizontal settings, cursor measurements, etc). Two strikes against this particular one: no GPIB option, and it's not a 2465B (400 MHz). It quite good aesthetically, but it has some very stubborn permanent marker on the plastics  >:( and one missing control (horizontal vernier), but it is otherwise in very good shape - no dents or cracks. The CRT is OK but not razor sharp, and it could use a contrast filter. I don't know if I will bother with trying to sharpen it. I know some here turn up their noses at analog CROs but I am thrilled to add this one to my bench at a bargain price.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: tautech on December 11, 2015, 05:52:50 pm
I met a gentleman last weekend,.......


Here is what I came home with...and everything works and it in excellent condition.

How did I do?     My mentors told me to ease up on gear purchases until I learned more...but this was a temptation I could not refuse.
:-+
Best score ever, well done.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: highlux on December 11, 2015, 08:57:50 pm
Im so gad I did good!   lol. 

I have a bunch of cool stuff to play with now.   The learning curve....jeez.   But I'm on the right site now.

Thanks guys!


Dave
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TerraHertz on December 12, 2015, 04:49:57 am
How did I do?

Made out like a bandit. There are multiple units there that each one was good value for $600.
One thing you didn't mention - did he have manuals for any of that, and did you get them? Hopefully.

I've just had a nice score. Not test equipment, but still...

On Thursday I spent the day cleaning and polishing furniture, at my mum's place. She's too old to manage such things now.
On the way there I'd seen a kerbside toss 'office machine'. I've been trying to resist picking up junk since I really don't need any more stepper motors and metal rods, etc. But this was a big, quite new looking thing. I didn't even pay attention to what it was due to being in a hurry. I've been hoping to start finding digital copiers containing hard disks and thought this might be one. So far none (too recent I guess.)
When I got it home and looked, it turned out to be a color laser printer. A Fuji-Xerox Docuprint C3300 DX. It had been out in overnight rain, so had water through some areas inside. Thinking it would be interesting to tear down a color laser printer (never had one before) I left the covers open for a while to dry it out. (Hot here in Sydney atm.)

What started to get my attention was that it became clear the unit had been owned by someone either very heavy handed, or bad tempered. A few physical breakages, all obviously from user slamming body doors open and closed violently, wrenching paper guides, etc. The obvious ones:
 - One hinge on the main front lid. Pin popped out of position, so there is no actual hinge. Halts the machine since the door doesn't position properly and it carries the main paper feed path. Pin easily popped back into place.
 - Restraining arm and damper on left of main door, snapped right off. Also prevents the door closing unless you carefully steer the broken end while closing the door. I think the other half is inside the case. If so I can repair it. But not critical.
 - Plastic gear that equalizes the manual paper feed guides. Had popped off it's pivot and rattling around loose inside. Just popped it back on.
 - A thin plastic guide that's part of the manual feed path. Obviously broken by violently opening the front cover. Fixable.

I thought hmmm... angry idiot owner broke the machine. I wonder if that's all that's wrong with it, or was he angry due to some prior fault? Looked at toner cartridge prices - no way I can afford to buy new cartridges if they are low.

The plan had been to immediately dismantle it, not even bother powering on. But what the heck... it looks in good condition otherwise. Just in case those are the only things wrong... I waited a couple of days till it was well dried out  then after fixing the critical hinge pin, powered it up.

Ha ha... it works. At least it prints a clean B&W page of status and settings.
So funny to see the page counters:
(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=186799;image)
Meaning, the color cartridges are full. I wonder who bought a very expensive color laser printer, then only used it for bulk B&W printing?
Now to get the manual and drivers and try color printing.
I don't really care if it works; it's not like I greatly need a color printer. But amusing to get a good one for free, and with full color cartridges.

Ha ha ha! I just realized. In restoring an electric motor for a vacuum pump, I'd made a note to print off a little replacement label for the wiring details inside a cover. The original had to be scraped off prior to repainting.
See http://everist.org/NobLog/20151112_planning_vacuum.htm (http://everist.org/NobLog/20151112_planning_vacuum.htm)   "20151202 Wednesday"
So I do have a very slight need for a printer atm. Was going to do it at someone else's place who does have a printer.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: highlux on December 12, 2015, 02:23:15 pm
Didn't get any manuals...but I found most of them online.

I also got several solder stations...and this bad boy I forgot to mention...

A Fluke 3330B Calibrator!!!

I just discovered I had misses it last night.   

And an Eico 150 signal tracer.


I have some machinist bits and such I acquired over the years I have no use for...and am bringing them out to the man...as its his other hobby.  I have a feeling I will come home with more goodies next weekend.

Dave
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: tautech on December 12, 2015, 07:02:53 pm
Didn't get any manuals...but I found most of them online.

I also got several solder stations...and this bad boy I forgot to mention...

A Fluke 3330B Calibrator!!!

I just discovered I had misses it last night.   

And an Eico 150 signal tracer.


I have some machinist bits and such I acquired over the years I have no use for...and am bringing them out to the man...as its his other hobby.  I have a feeling I will come home with more goodies next weekend.

Dave
Great to have manuals.  :-+

Do add those 2 to your list....impressive that it already is plus any more from your kind benefactor if you get lucky with more stuff.  :scared:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Tim F on December 13, 2015, 01:06:50 pm
Fluke 233 advertised as faulty, only displays "----". Problem turned out to be the IR LED in the display had lifted off the PCB taking the pads with it. Glued it back down, added some bodge wires and it works flawlessly  :-+
(http://i.imgur.com/i5WSWRx.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/yghjT0p.jpg)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nanofrog on December 13, 2015, 06:29:17 pm
Fluke 233 advertised as faulty, only displays "----". Problem turned out to be the IR LED in the display had lifted off the PCB taking the pads with it. Glued it back down, added some bodge wires and it works flawlessly  :-+
Nice fix Tim.  :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: BFX on December 14, 2015, 07:38:33 pm
Here is my Fluke 196B , after replacing battery it works more than one week  :-+
Photo is from my hotel room in Germany:)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: dundee on December 14, 2015, 09:46:46 pm
Photo is from my hotel room in Germany:)

Looks great, what kind of service are you doing there?

I scored this one before a few days. It's a Höcherl & Hackl DC Load, 400V/8A 300W / 600Peak.
Input is shorted. Fingers crossed, i'll get it repaired.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: BFX on December 15, 2015, 12:58:56 am
Photo is from my hotel room in Germany:)

Looks great, what kind of service are you doing there?

I scored this one before a few days. It's a Höcherl & Hackl DC Load, 400V/8A 300W / 600Peak.
Input is shorted. Fingers crossed, i'll get it repaired.

Happy repairing. Nice unit :-DMM

I there only programming, testing and debugging such X-Ray devices :)
And drinking keller beer :D   :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: mojoe on December 16, 2015, 08:27:40 pm
This was several years ago. I was given several boxes of Sams Photofacts for free. Traded them for an HP 5061B cesium frequency reference. Used it for about a year and then sold it for $1600.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: mojoe on December 16, 2015, 08:45:42 pm
I thought I posted this one before, but I can't find it. So...

Was given a Fluke 123 Scopemeter that wouldn't power on. Did some Googling and found that the keypad membrane was a common fault. Disassembled, cleaned with IPA and applied DeOxit. It worked for one week then wouldn't power on again. Paid about $70 for a new keypad "foil" from the Scopemeter guy. Still working just fine after six months or so.

The battery pack was also dead. Did not want to pay the price that Fluke wanted. Even the Scopemeter guy gets a bit of money for a lousy NiCad pack. Took the old pack to the local Batteries Plus store and paid $12 to have them rebuild the pack. Rebuilt battery pack also still working great.
Title: Re: List your test equipment &quot;scores&quot; here!
Post by: awde on December 16, 2015, 08:52:07 pm
Fluke 8020A from university's dumpster. Seems to be working.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: leppie on December 21, 2015, 09:04:02 am
2 x Tektronix 465 (faulty, no sweep apparently, but otherwise almost perfect cosmetic condition).
Both have doc pouches.
One has front cover.
One has original user manual.
One has original service manual.

All for the sweet price of less than US$25   :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: gearhead on December 24, 2015, 05:01:29 am
I have the HP 6202B as well as an HP6205......great power supplies and amazing you got them for free. If I were looking to buy them today I'd be willing to spend a couple hundred $$.

Those old HP p/s are built like tanks. Work great! I have an old Lambda LH125FM and an Electronics Research Associates Model 110MC 0-100VDC p/s that I paid $25 for from Tucker Electronics in Dallas. Tough units and work like new. AND you can repair them if something happens.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on December 25, 2015, 09:51:44 am
Agilent 82357B USB to GPIB adapter, used off of ebay for $31 USD shipped - and it isn't a fake, yay. The locking screws do have the ends snapped off - not a problem here though.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xwarp on December 29, 2015, 08:24:19 am
Picked up a Racal Dana 5002 Wideband level meter.

Plugged it in, turned it on, and saw deadness......from hell.....

Turns out the lithium battery in the unit was removed.

Subbed in 3.5 vdc from a power supply, lo and behold, it works.

Pretty neat unit for 10 bucks.

Good thing I don't have to part it out.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: purfield on January 02, 2016, 04:56:47 pm
This probably doesn't fall under the category of "test equipment", but I got a good deal on a pretty cool robot arm (Staubli TX40) on top of a big Newport optical table.  I bought the whole thing for $1600 at an asset liquidation auction for a pharmaceutical company.  I've fired it up to make sure it works, now I just need to think of something fun to do with it.   :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: free_electron on January 02, 2016, 07:43:16 pm
fully tricked out 1682a . sold for scrap : 100$ ...
did not boot
- battery empty
- firmware nuked
- corrupt drivers

restored to fully working :)  now upgrading the blade to make it a 1680A ( 136 channel 800 MHz )
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: MadTux on January 03, 2016, 04:49:58 pm
Updating the blade? The older ones I have seen (HP 16600 with low channel count) usually had the HP BGA ASICs missing. New ones are fully populated  with only connector missing?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TerraHertz on January 03, 2016, 09:59:19 pm
This probably doesn't fall under the category of "test equipment", but I got a good deal on a pretty cool robot arm (Staubli TX40) on top of a big Newport optical table.  I bought the whole thing for $1600 at an asset liquidation auction for a pharmaceutical company.  I've fired it up to make sure it works, now I just need to think of something fun to do with it.   :)

I just saw a coherent box. Hummm, maybe a laser cutting robot?

There's something about the idea of a cutting laser on the end of a multi-axis robot arm, that seems a little risky.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: gadget73 on January 04, 2016, 03:30:22 am
Free stuff:
Simpson 260-7 with a case.  Found at the dump, needed only a battery cover
Simpson 260-7P, sent to me for the shipping as a parts donor for the meter above.  Case was cracked, battery cover OK,  worked fine.
Sound Technologies ST1700A - cost some time to adjust it to spec.  Semi-permanant loan from a friend.

cheap stuff:

Simpson 260-2, $5, bad meter movement but a perfect case.  Case went on the 260-7, case from the 260-7 onto the 260-7P.  This was then given to someone else who needed a Series 2 parts meter.
BK 1540 scope, traded a used laptop hard drive for this.
Eico 667 tube tester - $25 at the flea market
Eico 378 audio generator - $10.  High THD, but good enough for signal tracing
RCA WV77E VTVM - $20, awesome for doing alignments on old radios
Triplett 2a AC ammeter, Weston 0-130 VAC meter in cool little cabinets - $5 each, perfect accessory for an autotransformer / variac
Superior Powerstat $10, because everyone needs an autotransformer
BK 1692 40 amp DC bench supply - $50

Not "cheap", but happy with it anyway

HP 3456A - $100, in nice shape
HP 8640B - $150, works perfectly, no problems with the tuning gears

Cheap, but not actually working

Singer spectrum analyzer - $5.  No horizontal sweep, but once I figure out the sawtooth generator the rest seems to work.  If its stable enough, this should be awesome for IF strip alignments.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xwarp on February 08, 2016, 08:24:21 am

HP 3456A - $100, in nice shape

I would not mind having one of those.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AlxDroidDev on February 13, 2016, 12:17:16 am
After watching EEVBlog #542, I took the plunge and got myself a desoldering station, a clone of the ZD-915 (https://www.eletropecas.com/_uploads/ProdutoDestaque/ProdutoDestaque_11994_orig.jpg), made in China as well, but branded by a Brazilian company (Hikari).
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: rdl on February 13, 2016, 10:56:35 pm
After watching EEVBlog #542, I took the plunge and got myself a desoldering station, a clone of the ZD-915 (https://www.eletropecas.com/_uploads/ProdutoDestaque/ProdutoDestaque_11994_orig.jpg), made in China as well, but branded by a Brazilian company (Hikari).

I've considered getting ZD-985 version but I'm not sure I'd use it that much. I really wish I'd bought a Hakko 808 before they were gone. The 808 kit was selling for just over $200 right before the FR300 was announced. There's also a baseless unit (gun and stand only) on eBay that looks a lot like it for about half the cost.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AlxDroidDev on February 14, 2016, 05:29:37 pm
I didn't know Brazilians speak Japanese :D.

We have the largest Japanese community outside of Japan (USA comes in 2nd), so there is definitely a huge influence of Japanese culture in Brazil, specially in Sao Paolo, where most electronic industried are located, including Hikari.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on February 15, 2016, 05:16:05 am
I don't know if its a score or not but I bought an Agilent 81104A dual output 80 MHz pulse/pattern generator with the output modules not passing the self test for $199.00. I am looking forward to receiving it and opening it up to see what mystery awaits me inside.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AlxDroidDev on February 15, 2016, 12:24:26 pm
(...) but I speak Japanese fluently.

That's remarkable. My knowledge in the Japanese language is limited to what I've read in "The Book of Five Rings" and the terminology used in Judo, which I practiced for 12 years (got up to brown belt).

I seriously admire how the Chinese are seeking world domination through knowledge.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Mark on February 15, 2016, 02:00:31 pm
A few bits and bobs for nothing...   tried the calibrator and it is spot-on.  The surge generator works too.  I'm going to have fun playing with the rest this afternoon. 







Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xwarp on February 22, 2016, 07:22:08 am
Got a really nice Simpson 260 series 4 in fantastic shape with a manufacturing date of 1964 for a whopping 4 dollars from a local thrift store.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: mtdoc on February 22, 2016, 07:48:30 am
Got a really nice Simpson 260 series 4 in fantastic shape with a manufacturing date of 1964 for a whopping 4 dollars from a local thrift store.

Score!   :-+

I love my Simpson 260 - at least the way it looks sitting on my shelf...  They are beautiful meters and actually still useful in ways that digital meters aren't.  Forum member w2aew has some excellent youtube videos where he demonstrates this. Truth is, I keep forgetting to use mine in those situations. But I do love the way it looks.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xwarp on February 22, 2016, 09:29:03 am
Score!   :-+

I love my Simpson 260 - at least the way it looks sitting on my shelf...  They are beautiful meters and actually still useful in ways that digital meters aren't.  Forum member w2aew has some excellent youtube videos where he demonstrates this. Truth is, I keep forgetting to use mine in those situations. But I do love the way it looks.

I've also got a Simpson 260 either series 1 or 2, I don't remember which at the moment. That one was a swap meet pickup for 5 dollars. I've not messed with that one due to it having a kind of sticky movement, but it's in good shape too.

And for the 3rd analog meter, I have a Triplett 630. That one needs a new 72 meg wire wound for the high voltage range.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: deepskyridge on February 22, 2016, 09:42:39 pm
I got the following equipment off the boneyard pile on eBay.

HP 8112 pulse generator - $50
HP 6205 Dual DC Supply - $30
HP 5386 3Ghz Frequency Counter - $50
BK 4040A Function Gen - 40
HP 3478A 5.5 Digit Multimeter. $75

All the equipment works fine, 5386 had the 115/230 switch set to 230. Checked it against my GPSDO, spot on.

Gary

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TSL on February 22, 2016, 10:01:57 pm
I got the following equipment off the boneyard pile on eBay.

HP 8112 pulse generator - $50
HP 6205 Dual DC Supply - $30
HP 5386 3Ghz Frequency Counter - $50
BK 4040A Function Gen - 40
HP 3478A 5.5 Digit Multimeter. $75

All the equipment works fine, 5386 had the 115/230 switch set to 230. Checked it against my GPSDO, spot on.

Gary

Well done, nice collection - Its always nice to get such bargains!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: SKPang on February 24, 2016, 11:31:10 am
Got a 10MHz Rubidium standard on eBay for $40.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on February 28, 2016, 12:40:42 am
Agilent branded U1273A meter new in the box for 200 USD off of craigslist, whee. So far it seems like it might be nice enough the trusted Fluke 87V gets sold...

edit - felt like living dangerously and updated the firmware on the meter with a home brew USB to IR cable while holding it against the meter - worked just fine.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: VK5RC on February 28, 2016, 11:18:15 am
@The Steve; I have the older U1253b, i really like OLED, the contrast and viewing angle is what does it for me. I have had no fading issues with my U1253B or the OLED in my car.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nanofrog on February 28, 2016, 04:30:25 pm
@The Steve; I have the older U1253b, i really like OLED, the contrast and viewing angle is what does it for me. I have had no fading issues with my U1253B or the OLED in my car.
Seems you've been lucky thus far then.   :phew:  ;D

I chose the U1252B specifically for the LCD display to avoid the OLED deterioration & death issue.  >:D  :-DD
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PaulAm on February 29, 2016, 09:06:26 pm
Not much of a score, but I picked up a Tek A6302 current probe with a TM501 and AM503 for a couple hundred.  I wasn't too happy when the TM501 was bashed in shipping and the AM503 was nonfunctional until another auction for just the probe went for $300.  The probe works fine (I had a couple of other AM503s kicking around and was able to verify that) so I think I'll call it good, bash the 501 back into shape and use the 503 for parts.

Got a Tek 321a for $35.  I always liked the Tek ceramic strip construction, but wasn't fond of vacuum tubes.  This is an all transistor (except for a  nuvistor input stage) 6MHz scope.  You can even run it off of D batteries (for 1/2 hour).  I needed another scope like a hole in the head, but this is a work of art.  It's semifunctional (there's a trace), but needs work.  A nice project for a day off if I ever get one.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Luke on March 02, 2016, 03:53:31 am
I scored this old scope for about $10 at a garage sale a few years ago.
Only really got it because it looked cool and i really could not leave it there $10.
It even has Australian Made vacuum tubes and capacitors in it.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Roller Steve on March 02, 2016, 04:27:50 am
For $50 from work, since it was deemed old and not worth the effort to use/troubleshoot, I scored:

I'm making room on my bench to play with these new toys!
Might sell the extras/damaged on eBay to try to get my $50 back, or more!!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TiN on March 02, 2016, 04:37:52 am
Going to pickup my second ever piece of Fluke gear, 845AB tonight. Not exactly a score, still paid $250 for it.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on March 02, 2016, 05:06:51 am
I scored this old scope for about $10 at a garage sale a few years ago.
Only really got it because it looked cool and i really could not leave it there $10.
It even has Australian Made vacuum tubes and capacitors in it.
Nice little scope.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xwarp on March 05, 2016, 03:19:19 pm
Got some more crap.....lol....

A HP 8690B Sweep Oscillator with a 8698B plug in. Seems to work pretty well.

A Motorola branded Systron Donner 500mhz freq counter with nixie tubes. It works also, but I can't seem to find anything on it.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AlxDroidDev on March 09, 2016, 04:54:09 pm
Got these 2 HTs from my uncle:

- Yaesu VX-8DR  + several original Yaesu accessories: recharging base, speaker/mike, USB cable, extra battery, car charger, extra antenna, and a few more items. Everything NIB, never opened!  ;D

- Yaesu FT-11R. Used. Works, but I suspect the batteries are dead and aren't holding charge for more than 5 minutes. One of the batteries isn't original (generic 3rd party) and doesn't even charge when inserted in the FT-11R.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: SeanB on March 09, 2016, 05:52:08 pm
An Icom IC215, with a full set of crystals, and of course a dead audio power amplifier stage. Going to pick up a few UPC 575 audio amplifiers at a local store if they still have them this weekend. as the old one has a hole in it. Will pick up a set of capacitors as well, Icom used 10V capacitors on it in the output stage, and I want to replace them ( along with the other power capacitors) with 16V ones, along with putting a new output socket on it, and a decent power input protection, using a power ( old PC PSU one so free) diode. Plus replace the magic missing screws, and tidy it up a little.

Might even try to see if I will put the battery pack in it, but might use the space for other uses and make it a desktop unit. Icom made this thing with a power input centre negative.......
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on March 10, 2016, 05:38:57 am
Agilent 6632B power supply sold for parts and not working. The ad stated the unit displayed "BAD INT" and then turned off. I noticed in one of the pics that the input voltage was listed as 220V with a black sharpie marker. I figured I had at least 50/50 odds the supply was tested on 120 VAC but wired for 220 VAC. I threw in a best offer of 25 bucks and it was accepted. Received the supply today, powered it on and sure enough I got the "BAD INT". I then opened it up and verified it was wired for 220 VAC. I moved the jumpers to 120VAC and it now powers up and works perfect. Did a quick cleaning to it. I now have a nice 0-20 volt 5 amp power supply that will also sink up to 100 watts.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bson on March 13, 2016, 12:20:56 am
A pile of RF interconnects of various length with SMA/N connectors.  All 50ohm!  Rosenberger, Florida RF Labs, Megaphase... $25!

(http://www.rockgarden.net/download/eevblog/IMG_0167.JPG)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PaulAm on March 13, 2016, 02:26:37 am
Just got a hp 16702a with 16717a timing module AND cables/pods for $200.  For some reason, the cables and pods always disappear on these.

Curiously, it was cheaper to get the 16702a with a screen than a 16700a that wasn't a stripped chassis without.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: vasi_ro on March 13, 2016, 03:21:10 pm
I got a Tektronix 7603 mainframe with two 7A26 and 7B92 plugins for 55 EURO + shipping ( total 70 euro). It is working ... but need cleaning and calibration.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on March 14, 2016, 10:30:57 pm
HP8711B .3 through 1300 MHz network analyzer for $300.00 plus shipping - however it doesn't turn on. So it will either be a great score, or a big paperweight.
Seller had it listed for $650 or best offer, thought I'd throw out a cheeky $300.00 and it was instantly accepted. It is always good to have a stack of projects waiting.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on March 15, 2016, 12:44:28 am
That is a good price, Steve. Hopefully, you can get it working without too much trouble.

As for stacks of projects, I think I'm doing too well in that department. Oy! :-/O
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xwarp on March 15, 2016, 02:04:26 am
One day, I hope to get a spectrum analyzer and a network analyzer.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on March 15, 2016, 06:16:40 am
One day, I hope to get a spectrum analyzer and a network analyzer.

If you think you can fix one keep your eye on ebay. It helps if you happen to have a friend in the area who might already have test equipment. And I'd try to find one where the problem is likely power supply related. Then you have a pretty good chance of the RF portion being good once you fix the power supply problem. Troubleshooting RF problems generally requires lots of other RF goodies.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: cncjerry on March 17, 2016, 10:22:04 pm
I got a really, really nice HP 8648C signal generator with the high stability timebase for $600.  The guy told me they bought it new years ago and was never used.  It is scratched on the trim ring from storage but otherwise perfect.  I know $600 is a lot for a 'score' but these things are still pretty pricey. The guy said he's had 5 calls for it after mine and true to his word, he held if for me while I was out of town.  Picked it up yesterday and tested it and it seems to be perfectly calibrated.

Jerry
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xwarp on March 20, 2016, 02:32:19 am
Swap meet find:

Simpson 260 series 6XLPM for 2 dollars. Needle was bent slightly towards the scale so it would not move. Gave the needle a light pull away from the scale to straighten it and all is good.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on March 21, 2016, 05:01:18 am
$2 for a 260 XLPM! Good score.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: mos6502 on March 22, 2016, 06:43:19 pm
Shnagged it:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/361511912370 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/361511912370)

By the way, spot the difference:

(http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/8/4/8/8/5/3/webimg/886965993_o.jpg)
(http://www.have-digitap.nl/file/product-afbeelding/fl_i30-jpg/FID2091)

Specs are identical, too. Test/Review:

https://gruending.net/2010/01/meterman-ct238-current-probe/ (https://gruending.net/2010/01/meterman-ct238-current-probe/)

Anyone know the OEM?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: tautech on March 22, 2016, 07:23:34 pm
Shnagged it:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/361511912370 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/361511912370)

By the way, spot the difference:


Specs are identical, too. Test/Review:

https://gruending.net/2010/01/meterman-ct238-current-probe/ (https://gruending.net/2010/01/meterman-ct238-current-probe/)

Anyone know the OEM?
Teardown time?  >:D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: mos6502 on March 22, 2016, 07:39:12 pm
Shnagged it:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/361511912370 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/361511912370)

By the way, spot the difference:


Specs are identical, too. Test/Review:

https://gruending.net/2010/01/meterman-ct238-current-probe/ (https://gruending.net/2010/01/meterman-ct238-current-probe/)

Anyone know the OEM?
Teardown time?  >:D

Sure, once it arrives. Could take a few days to Germany. :scared:

Anyway, I did some googling and it turns out Fluke simply bought Wavetek. Mystery solved. Interestingly, the same clamp is also sold under the Amprobe brand (another Danaher subsidiary) with identical specs as the CT238A, for $60 less than the Fluke i30.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xwarp on March 22, 2016, 10:30:55 pm
Shnagged it: ......


That reminds me of the i410 AC/DC current clamp I got for a whopping $25.

Battery terminals were broken!

Fixed and works really well too.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: mos6502 on March 22, 2016, 10:57:46 pm
Shnagged it: ......


That reminds me of the i410 AC/DC current clamp I got for a whopping $25.

Battery terminals were broken!

Fixed and works really well too.

Pretty cool. :-+ A clamp in that range is next on my list. Although the i410 has the worst specs of all the Fluke ones and is the only one that doesn't have a Wavetek equivalent. I think it's part of Fluke's strategy to come up with their own designs and have them produced in China. Like how the old probes and leads were made by Pomona and the new ones are made in China. Here's a teardown:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZhKQCmzUKY (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZhKQCmzUKY)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TerraHertz on March 31, 2016, 02:19:28 am
My score today is not test equipment, but it's related. Maybe these will end up powering my test gear?

20160331 Thur

Being given 8 big solar panels

I walked the few houses up to the shops to get milk for my breakfast this morning. On the way back, there was a van parked almost directly opposite my house. A guy was loading what were obviously old solar panels into the van, with a couple still leaning against the front street fence still to go in the van.
Ladder against a house there, shiny new panels on the roof.

On the principle 'grasp potential opportunities in the moment', and that he was obviously finishing up and about to leave, I quickly walked over and said hi, are you disposing of those panels, and could I possibly have them?
I then went into detail, about being a retired electronics engineer, and wanting to examine a bunch of old panels to see how they degraded, what kinds of faults, etc.

He had to phone his office to ask, and while waiting for them to call back he explained they were a warranty replacement, since the house had been struck by lightning, and they were probably dead. I said I didn't care, in fact that made them more interesting. (I was thinking it unlikely they were ALL dead, plus I would actually like to see the result of lightning-struck solar panels.) I asked how often that happened, and he mentioned only ever having had to do this about 6 times, in several years.
We talked about the idea of mini-inverters per panel with 240VAC outputs in parallel, vs panels in series and one bulk inverter. I mentioned the idea of a system with sense wires to each panel, logging stats of individual panels. He says there is such a thing, google "Tigo".  Got his business card.

We stacked the panels against my front fence. He asked if I had a multimeter and I laughed and offered to show him my electronics workshop. But he was in a rush to another job and had to leave. He gave me the box of mounting hardware, and a couple of rails. he'd installed only 6 new panels, presumably higher efficiency equivalent to the 8 old ones.
I moved the panels to the side of the house, then had breakfast. Afterwards moved them to the back yard, laid out in the sun. Cloudless sunny day atm. By 11:30am I'd tested each one and recorded values. Open circuit V, and short circuit Amps only. Wrote values on panel frames in marker pen, then copied to paper, numbered them on paper in rough order of functionality, then wrote the unit numbers on the panels too.

The sorted data:
   Voc    Isc(A)
1  30.0   8.2
2  29.7   7.2
3  29.9   6.2
4  20.2   8.0
5  20.6   7.3
6  20.3   7.2
7  19.9   7.4
8  10.3   6.5

Number 8 is pretty dead, the others all seem not bad, and quite worth using.
Figures taken with the panels manually tilted up to approximately point at the sun. But a few minor shadings - long grass, clothes hoist, etc.

They all have some dirt on the glass, and small lichen growths. Cleaning them may improve the figures a bit.

Panel model info (from label)
-----------------------------
Ningbo Qixin Solar Electrical Appliance Co Ltd
Type:  SL190CE-27P
Peak Power (Pmax)           190W
Production tolerance:       +-5%
Max power current (Imp)     7.15A
Max power voltage (Vmp)     26.56V
Short circuit current (Isc)  7.65A
Open circuit voltage  (Voc) 32.56V
Weight                      17.0Kg
Dimensions    1485 x 990 x 40mm
Wind resistance   2400 Pa

Just for the thrill of free everything, I used that multimeter I was given recently, and had fixed the internal water-corrosion it had.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on March 31, 2016, 04:00:04 am
Great score!   :-+ :-+

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: tautech on March 31, 2016, 07:28:32 am
Nice score TeraHertz, good things happen to good guys. After quite some work optimizing a 6V Jaycar PV panel's parameters I know you'll have some fun with these.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on March 31, 2016, 09:58:25 am
@Terrahertz: your next score must be a lawn mower  >:D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AlfBaz on March 31, 2016, 10:08:49 am
@Terrahertz: your next score must be a lawn mower  >:D
LOL

To be fair though, it's probably only 2 or 3 weeks of not mowing the lawn at this time of the year >:(
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PedroDaGr8 on March 31, 2016, 12:13:23 pm
Shnagged it:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/361511912370 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/361511912370)

By the way, spot the difference:


Specs are identical, too. Test/Review:

https://gruending.net/2010/01/meterman-ct238-current-probe/ (https://gruending.net/2010/01/meterman-ct238-current-probe/)

Anyone know the OEM?
Teardown time?  >:D

Sure, once it arrives. Could take a few days to Germany. :scared:

Anyway, I did some googling and it turns out Fluke simply bought Wavetek. Mystery solved. Interestingly, the same clamp is also sold under the Amprobe brand (another Danaher subsidiary) with identical specs as the CT238A, for $60 less than the Fluke i30.

Not at all surprising, as Amprobe sells a bunch of the old Wavetek Meterman multimeters. Meters like the 37xr were originally Wavetek Meterman designs.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: SeanB on March 31, 2016, 05:33:07 pm
My score today is not test equipment, but it's related. Maybe these will end up powering my test gear?

The sorted data:
   Voc    Isc(A)
1  30.0   8.2
2  29.7   7.2
3  29.9   6.2
4  20.2   8.0
5  20.6   7.3
6  20.3   7.2
7  19.9   7.4
8  10.3   6.5

One good, 2 with a single dead cell, 4 with around one third dead and the last one with almost all dead. Must have been the one that took the hit. Still, with the price you paid you can always use it as a 2s liopo charge system, providing a nice convenient source of power. 

Rest will need either micro inverters or a boost converter to go partly off grid, and either offset your bill or just have a solar section in the house, or power your shed equipment. 600VA of power will do a nice little offset of the electric bill, especially if you now can grab a free grid tie inverter that will work off a 120V panel string.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: kaz911 on March 31, 2016, 07:41:04 pm
hmm for most of you it is not test equipment but for me it is :)

I got a few Garmin Marine items sold for Parts on eBay. So a Garmin 8012 Marine GPS (current 12" model - cost around $6000 new) and a Garmin Radar 18xHD - latest model. Both was listed "for parts" - and right enough Garmin 8012 died after 5 min power on. But it was still under warranty and a replacement arrived within 2 weeks... :) And Radar worked perfectly. Total price for both - about US$650 all inclusive vs about US$7500 retail)

Most people do not know Garmin has a pretty good out of warranty service - so worst case the 8012 would have cost me USD$1000 to get replaced with a refurbished model.

So not really a big gamble but a big win as I do now have a complete Garmin test setup for my "things" i'm working on
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TerraHertz on April 04, 2016, 01:35:22 am
@Terrahertz: your next score must be a lawn mower  >:D

Ha ha. Yes, it's very long. In the back yard, both I and the cats like long grass. But out the front it's a bit of an embarrassment. I have three lawnmowers, all with various faults I can't be bothered fixing. (And actually, some are a bit mystifying; I'm not a good 2-stroke mechanic.)

Here's the joke: Among that house-clearout pile of stuff recently, there is another lawnmower. However my friend said "It was working fine, then last time I tried it wouldn't start. Don't know why." So now I have FOUR broken lawnmowers. At least this one is probably just a dirty plug or something simple.

The 'fix a mower and mow the damned lawn' job is working up to close to the top of the list.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: robert_ on April 04, 2016, 12:53:40 pm
Anyone know the OEM?

LEM HEME.

Got a similar (w/ identical case and all), slower one (LEM PR20) which well, works. Not too accurate or fast but useful.
LEM made/makes current clamps for fluke, including their high freq. (50Mhz) one.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: mos6502 on April 04, 2016, 01:21:05 pm
Anyone know the OEM?

LEM HEME.

Got a similar (w/ identical case and all), slower one (LEM PR20) which well, works. Not too accurate or fast but useful.
LEM made/makes current clamps for fluke, including their high freq. (50Mhz) one.

Thanks, specs look identical to the Fluke i30, so I'm not sure what you mean by slower?

http://www.farnell.com/datasheets/317094.pdf (http://www.farnell.com/datasheets/317094.pdf)

And how is it inaccurate? E.g., a multimeter like the Fluke 17B+ has an accuracy of +/- 1.5% +/- 3mA on the 4A range, the Fluke/Wavetek/LEM current clamp has +/- 1% +/- 2mA, so that is actually better. Does yours not meet that spec?

By the way, Fluke bought Wavetek in 2000 and LEM in 2005, so they could've been selling the Wavetek under the LEM name. Do you know the manufacture date of your model?

Mine should arrive this week, I'll definitely have a look at the PCB.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: robert_ on April 04, 2016, 02:19:38 pm
Anyone know the OEM?

LEM HEME.

Got a similar (w/ identical case and all), slower one (LEM PR20) which well, works. Not too accurate or fast but useful.
LEM made/makes current clamps for fluke, including their high freq. (50Mhz) one.

Thanks, specs look identical to the Fluke i30, so I'm not sure what you mean by slower?

http://www.farnell.com/datasheets/317094.pdf (http://www.farnell.com/datasheets/317094.pdf)

And how is it inaccurate? E.g., a multimeter like the Fluke 17B+ has an accuracy of +/- 1.5% +/- 3mA on the 4A range, the Fluke/Wavetek/LEM current clamp has +/- 1% +/- 2mA, so that is actually better. Does yours not meet that spec?

By the way, Fluke bought Wavetek in 2000 and LEM in 2005, so they could've been selling the Wavetek under the LEM name. Do you know the manufacture date of your model?

Mine should arrive this week, I'll definitely have a look at the PCB.

There is a similar one around with around 100Khz BW, i thought fluke would have this one.
Yes, it does meet its spec, it is a bit drifty (within spec) and well, its not a precision current transducer like LEM IT series for example. But it certainly works for most purposes, except those where high precision is needed, where one would use a high grade shunt or transducer.

Oh, btw, it does like to eat batteries. That slide switch comes on sometimes upon putting it into a drawer, and it doesnt have any kind of auto-off. Sucks the battery down to 0,1V.

Board says PR 20 Issue G, Date codes are around 2001-2002.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: mos6502 on April 04, 2016, 02:35:21 pm
There is a similar one around with around 100Khz BW, i thought fluke would have this one.

Ah, I see what you mean. There are two versions of these clamps: with 4mm plugs and with a BNC plug. The 4mm plug version is specced at 20kHz, the BNC plug version is specced at 100kHz, but apparently, they're identical internally except for the cable:

https://gruending.net/2010/01/meterman-ct238-current-probe/

[/quote]

Yes, it does meet its spec, it is a bit drifty (within spec) and well, its not a precision current transducer like LEM IT series for example. But it certainly works for most purposes, except those where high precision is needed, where one would use a high grade shunt or transducer.

Oh, btw, it does like to eat batteries. That slide switch comes on sometimes upon putting it into a drawer, and it doesnt have any kind of auto-off. Sucks the battery down to 0,1V.

Does it drift by itself or only when you move it? Yes, you can tell they never changed the circuit, the specs for all versions/manufacturers claim a 30 hour battery life ...
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: robert_ on April 04, 2016, 02:59:32 pm
Does it drift by itself or only when you move it? Yes, you can tell they never changed the circuit, the specs for all versions/manufacturers claim a 30 hour battery life ...
Most drift was from opening/closing the clamp. I did just clean the mating surfaces which did improve that quite significantly.
There is a bit of LF noise remaining, but thats what to expect from anyhing hall based.

Also note my edit above, almost certainly its designed as a PR20 as the board says just that. Fluke also did stick their label on many other LEM designed probes, most of which are pretty good. Also, LEM bought up a lot of other companies back then (like NORMA, who made excellent power analyzers, which was closed down soon after), so the probes origins probably are around whatever HEME was.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: robert_ on April 05, 2016, 12:05:08 pm
Just did a quick+dirty BW measurement on the PR20: -3db is around 180Khz on mine, pretty flat out to 100Khz with a bit of peaking beyond that.
So there is no difference between the i30 and i30s except for the cable.
Gonna install a BNC cable on mine to make it more useful and possibly couple less noise than with the unshielded one+adaptor.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PaulAm on April 06, 2016, 09:32:08 pm
Picked up a nice Tek 485 350MHz scope for $35 the other day at my local university surplus outlet.  Doesn't work, the power supply is a switcher in tick mode, so that should be a fun project.  Probably a bad tantalum somewhere.

Sometimes the deals are great, sometimes they just have junk.  I was looking at a 4 channel LeCroy, but there was a list of issues taped to it and the screen burn was awful. The guy behind me picked that one up  :-DD
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: ChunkyPastaSauce on April 06, 2016, 09:36:32 pm
Picked up a nice Tek 485 350MHz scope for $35 the other day at my local university surplus outlet.  Doesn't work, the power supply is a switcher in tick mode, so that should be a fun project.  Probably a bad tantalum somewhere.

Sometimes the deals are great, sometimes they just have junk.  I was looking at a 4 channel LeCroy, but there was a list of issues taped to it and the screen burn was awful. The guy behind me picked that one up  :-DD

... let me guess... the LeCroy was a 500MHz 2gs/s scope right?  That place is freaking awesome.... but keep it quiet   ;)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PaulAm on April 06, 2016, 10:17:26 pm
Were you the guy behind me ?  :)

Timing is everything; it would be fun to work at that place.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: ChunkyPastaSauce on April 06, 2016, 10:35:32 pm
Were you the guy behind me ?  :)

Timing is everything; it would be fun to work at that place.

Lol I turned it down for similar reasons, so probably not same person.

Working there would be pretty awesome... and good music to go with

I think I might be there tomorrow for a lathe :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment &quot;scores&quot; here!
Post by: PedroDaGr8 on April 07, 2016, 07:10:04 pm
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160407/90b3be191146848d06b69c2078ef9599.jpg)

Picked these up on Craigslist this weekend for $10. Supposedly brand new, were still in the stapled package and the cables still had the twist tie
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: ChunkyPastaSauce on April 07, 2016, 10:39:43 pm
Were you the guy behind me ?  :)

Timing is everything; it would be fun to work at that place.

Lol I turned it down for similar reasons, so probably not same person.

Working there would be pretty awesome... and good music to go with

I think I might be there tomorrow for a lathe :)

Outbid by like grand.

I missed a full good quality scanning electron microscope setup.... sold for $1,200  :palm:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: JPortici on April 08, 2016, 06:33:19 am
Got both of 'em for 60 euros + shipping

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=215535;image)

BEEEAUTY
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on April 08, 2016, 06:29:30 pm
Spam removed by moderator


As you mentioned there are already multiple threads regarding this. I don't want to be negative at all but for me it is all a bit excessive, especially when there is at least one other forum member who produced a video and is competing. That said I still hope someone from the eevblog wins.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PA0PBZ on April 08, 2016, 06:42:18 pm
As you mentioned there are already multiple threads regarding this. I don't want to be negative at all but for me it is all a bit excessive, especially when there is at least one other forum member who produced a video and is competing. That said I still hope someone from the eevblog wins.

+1
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on April 08, 2016, 06:53:59 pm
Got both of 'em for 60 euros + shipping

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=215535;image)

BEEEAUTY

That is enough to make a gal all warm and fuzzy inside.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Luke on April 09, 2016, 04:55:21 am

The sorted data:
   Voc    Isc(A)
1  30.0   8.2
2  29.7   7.2
3  29.9   6.2
4  20.2   8.0
5  20.6   7.3
6  20.3   7.2
7  19.9   7.4
8  10.3   6.5

Number 8 is pretty dead, the others all seem not bad, and quite worth using.
Figures taken with the panels manually tilted up to approximately point at the sun. But a few minor shadings - long grass, clothes hoist, etc.


I just scored 6 panels like yours today for $100 and one panel was faulty. I have been able to resurrect it by replacing the failed diode in it. The panel was only giving out about 2/3 it's normal voltage because the diode had gone short.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: razberik on April 10, 2016, 12:13:20 am
Is it OK to write it here ?

I was going to bid on eBay.de today for HP 8591A with tracking generator. I said to myself 820€ is adequate. 3 seconds before end I clicked BID and then
Dieser Artikel kann leider nicht nach Tschechische Republik verschickt werden.

I couldn't believe it to be true. :( I re-set my slovak registration address to german address 2-3 years ago exactly for this case. My address was re-re-set to slovak without noticing me.
SA ended for 505€. :scared:

Todays lesson: Always place some test bid, something like 1€ higher long before auction end.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: tmbinc on April 11, 2016, 12:12:11 pm
I was going to bid on eBay.de today for HP 8591A with tracking generator. I said to myself 820€ is adequate. 3 seconds before end I clicked BID and then
Dieser Artikel kann leider nicht nach Tschechische Republik verschickt werden.
[...]
Todays lesson: Always place some test bid, something like 1€ higher long before auction end.

Had something similar with a Tek DPO5034; ended up doing a test-bid, and figured out the seller wouldn't ship to Germany. Created an US account, and shipped to a friend. Ended up paying $5133 (~4.5k EUR back then), which was a pretty good deal - at least if you like Tektronix scopes.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: JPortici on April 11, 2016, 12:30:15 pm
That is enough to make a gal all warm and fuzzy inside.
Quite. I had Dave moments for all saturday morning while checking out the insides
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: cncjerry on April 11, 2016, 04:47:41 pm
HP 4262A LCR meter.  Don't know why they are typically so expensive ($500USD) on eBay, but I bid on one and got it for around $150.  It was sold as 'parts or not working'.  I powered it up, fixed the first problem with missing segments in the display by reseating the cards.  The next problem took 16hrs of debugging but it turned out to be a shorting strap on the terminals (for 4w) that wasn't shorting.  Nice meter, pretty consistent down to the 10th of a picofarad repeatability.  Been looking for an LCR for a while.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on April 11, 2016, 05:36:10 pm
Nice find on the LCR meter.  That's a handy beast to have on the bench.  Glad to hear you got it for so little and were able to repair it!

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on April 11, 2016, 07:49:03 pm
That is enough to make a gal all warm and fuzzy inside.
Quite. I had Dave moments for all saturday morning while checking out the insides
I keep saying I am going to get one of those Tek 7000 series scopes and a few plug-ins.
Really nice gear.  :-+ :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PTR_1275 on April 12, 2016, 06:57:58 am
Just picked up a quadtech (formerly genrad, now iet) decade box, 10 ohm to 11 Meg ohm. $90 delivered.

Should be a nice compliment to my genrad 0.1 ohm to 1 Meg ohm box.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TAMHAN on April 12, 2016, 07:02:15 am
Another Unigor 6e, this time hopefuly unmodified but with some battery acid corrosion  |O |O |O

Hope to be able to end up with two working ones in the end. If I ever have the time...
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TerraHertz on April 12, 2016, 08:47:34 am

The sorted data:
   Voc    Isc(A)
1  30.0   8.2
2  29.7   7.2
3  29.9   6.2
4  20.2   8.0
5  20.6   7.3
6  20.3   7.2
7  19.9   7.4
8  10.3   6.5

Number 8 is pretty dead, the others all seem not bad, and quite worth using.
Figures taken with the panels manually tilted up to approximately point at the sun. But a few minor shadings - long grass, clothes hoist, etc.


I just scored 6 panels like yours today for $100 and one panel was faulty. I have been able to resurrect it by replacing the failed diode in it. The panel was only giving out about 2/3 it's normal voltage because the diode had gone short.

Thanks for the tip! At the time I didn't open the terminal boxes, and had forgotten there were diodes in there. (To take the current past cell strings that are shaded, so they don't get reverse biased and damaged.)
I had noticed that the voltages were all close to 30V, 20V or 10V, so wondered if there was some 'rule of thirds' happening.  In my defense I would have figured this out once I got around to opening the junction boxes up. Was just in a hurry that day, and stacked the panels away under cover.

I PM'd you. Said I'd check my panels next week when current urgent chores done. But then, I couldn't wait. Just now opened up panel #8 (the worst one.)

Could tell by eye there's a diode problem - one of the three has leads discoloured slightly by heat, and has an 'extrusion'.
They are only clipped in. Pulled them out and measured them:
 Diode 1 (discoloured) 364 ohms both ways.
 Diode 2  dead short
 Diode 3  dead short

So the output from this panel was the result of two shorted strings, and one string driving a resistive load of 364 ohms. (Heating it up quite a bit.)

Also cleaned the lichen off the glass. Mold-killer spray, scourer pad, then hosed off. Easy.
Too bad it's evening now. In room fluro lighting without the diodes, the three cell strings (each 18 cells in series) produce 5.87V, 5.99V, 6.4V.
Pretty close. Differences likely mostly due to uneven lighting across the panel.

The diodes are 12SQ045   ( Schottky, 12A 45V, Vf=0.55V@10A )  Commonly available.
Ordered 50 for US$15 via aliexpress

With luck, maybe I'll have 8 perfectly good panels.  Woo hoo!

20160420  Edit to add: Had some free time and it's a sunny day, so I took panel #8 outside in the sun and measured output without the dead diodes. Voc=31.9V, Isc=8.03A  Excellent!

I can't wait till the 50 new diodes arrive. I'll leave retesting all the panels till then, since I don't want to open the junction boxes twice. They use plastic lid retaining clips; I'm afraid of breakages if I keep playing with them.
Once they are all fixed I'll measure them under load at max power operating point.

Edit on 20160510 to add: Started a thread over here: https://www.eevblog.com/forum/renewable-energy/solar-electric-panels-vs-lightning-emp/ (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/renewable-energy/solar-electric-panels-vs-lightning-emp/) to update on those panels. Some nice pics of EMP arc-tracking on the cells. But the panels all work!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on April 12, 2016, 02:27:30 pm
<big snip for brevity>

With luck, maybe I'll have 8 perfectly good panels.  Woo hoo!

Now THAT would be REALLY sweet!!   :-+  Fingers crossed for you!

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: cncjerry on April 16, 2016, 07:32:23 pm
Just picked up a quadtech (formerly genrad, now iet) decade box, 10 ohm to 11 Meg ohm. $90 delivered.

Should be a nice compliment to my genrad 0.1 ohm to 1 Meg ohm box.

I find a decade box to one of the most useful pieces of gear.  I've plotted mine so I have a good idea of its calibration and I can check my meters regularly.  I have an ESI that is incredibly accurate and stable.  I don't know why they combine resistances though, there is an economy in the box that I haven't taken the time to understand, but even so, the wire wound resistors are very stable.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Jay_Diddy_B on April 17, 2016, 07:20:11 pm
Hi,

I am just back from a trip to Silicon Valley. I made some special arrangements so I could attend the Electronics Fleamarket at D'Anza College in Cupertino, CA.
Details of the market can be found here:

http://www.electronicsfleamarket.com/ (http://www.electronicsfleamarket.com/)

I managed to find one of the items on my want list, a set of cables for an HP4155B Semiconductor Parameter analyzer. These use Triaxial cables and connectors. The connectors look like BNCs, from a distance but are quite different. They are used on HP Semiconductor Parameter analyzers and some Keithley SMUs.

This is what I found:

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=217864;image)

The diecast box, has Triaxial connectors on one side and BNCs on the other. There were four cables attached.


The box had a price tag from Weirdstuff. (www.weirdstuff.com (http://www.weirdstuff.com)) a Sunnyvale surplus store, indicating the box had been priced at $5.00 in 2006. I don't know when  it was bought or if the price was for the box or the complete assembly.

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=217866;image)

Here is a close up showing the Triaxial connector.

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=217868;image)


I knew I had the right thing when I found the labels on the box 'SMU1', 'SMU2'....

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=217870;image)


I bought the whole thing for $5.00. I was really pleased to get this. ;D I can make proper use of my HP4155b shown in this thread:

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/hp-4155b-semiconductor-parameter-analyzer-smu-need-master-disk/msg713021/#msg713021 (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/hp-4155b-semiconductor-parameter-analyzer-smu-need-master-disk/msg713021/#msg713021)


Regards,

Jay_Diddy_B

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on April 17, 2016, 08:24:50 pm
Wow, Jay, that was DEFINITELY a score!  Rare and doubtless insanely expensive if purchased new.   :-+

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on April 17, 2016, 09:10:50 pm
Great score, don't you just love it when you find a deal like that on something obscure?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Meth on April 17, 2016, 10:00:27 pm
Mine was a Tektronix TDS3054 in the works auction for about £70 a couple of years back. It was in cosmetically good condition but the display was dimming.
It didn't take me long to work out how to reprogram the EEPROM in the module slot to unlock all options :)
It still works great now.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: holko on April 28, 2016, 09:17:23 pm
Poor attempt on taking a panorama of a few things I acquired today and a picture of some stuff I got a few weeks ago.

I think there is about 50 scopes here..

(http://s32.postimg.org/5z0623psh/image.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/5z0623psh/) (http://s32.postimg.org/kjh8wxkr5/IMG_20160428_205238_vr.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/kjh8wxkr5/)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: tautech on April 28, 2016, 09:38:25 pm
Poor attempt on taking a panorama of a few things I acquired today and a picture of some stuff I got a few weeks ago.

I think there is about 50 scopes here..

(http://s32.postimg.org/5z0623psh/image.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/5z0623psh/) (http://s32.postimg.org/kjh8wxkr5/IMG_20160428_205238_vr.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/kjh8wxkr5/)
Holy hell, you did score.  :-+
That lot will keep you busy for a while.  :scared:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nanofrog on April 28, 2016, 09:42:31 pm
Poor attempt on taking a panorama of a few things I acquired today and a picture of some stuff I got a few weeks ago.
Do I spy the rt. hand tail light of a Subaru Outback backed up to the garage?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on April 28, 2016, 09:59:13 pm
 :o  :o  :o

 8)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on April 28, 2016, 11:23:14 pm
Poor attempt on taking a panorama of a few things I acquired today and a picture of some stuff I got a few weeks ago.

I think there is about 50 scopes here..

(http://s32.postimg.org/5z0623psh/image.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/5z0623psh/) (http://s32.postimg.org/kjh8wxkr5/IMG_20160428_205238_vr.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/kjh8wxkr5/)

Nice haul....
 :-+ :-+ :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: med6753 on April 29, 2016, 12:37:59 am
Poor attempt on taking a panorama of a few things I acquired today and a picture of some stuff I got a few weeks ago.

I think there is about 50 scopes here..

(http://s32.postimg.org/5z0623psh/image.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/5z0623psh/) (http://s32.postimg.org/kjh8wxkr5/IMG_20160428_205238_vr.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/kjh8wxkr5/)


Holy shit!  :clap:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Vgkid on April 29, 2016, 05:05:27 am
Nice score  :-+ , even looks like a Fluke calibrator is in the mix.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on May 01, 2016, 02:26:19 am
Adding to my lgrowing collection of retro test equipment.
I just pick up these.
(http://i558.photobucket.com/albums/ss21/AF6LJ/Test%20Gear/IMG_1274_zpsmavlkpyx.jpg) (http://s558.photobucket.com/user/AF6LJ/media/Test%20Gear/IMG_1274_zpsmavlkpyx.jpg.html)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on May 01, 2016, 04:55:34 am
Those look to be in great condition, Sue. That pulse generator certainly has a clean user interface.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: VK5RC on May 01, 2016, 07:28:38 am
Sue; Nice find  :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on May 01, 2016, 03:31:47 pm
The pulse generator was built here in SanDiego I love the case and knobs. All aluminum anodized and V-honed to give the flat look.
The scope is going to have to be re-capped, there is quite a bit of jitter in the triggering circuit. I think the pulse generator also needs a bit of work.

I have tow Tek 475s in the garage both not working, one was a parts mule to get a third 475 working The other one in the garage is in fairly good shape and has a DM-44 attached to it.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xwarp on May 01, 2016, 04:02:17 pm
Not sure why I had been wanting a Simpson 360, but I finally got one for pretty cheap off that auction site. Silk screen lettering is falling off and the bakalite case has "oxidation".

Just so happened that there was also an auction for a NOS front panel that I got for a great price.

The meter works, but needs new battery terminals as they were destroyed by the leaked acid from the cells.

The case will clean up pretty quickly and easily with some Mother's Aluminum Polish.

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TerraHertz on May 02, 2016, 12:12:41 pm
Poor attempt on taking a panorama of a few things I acquired today and a picture of some stuff I got a few weeks ago.
I think there is about 50 scopes here..

My God... How did that happen? Are you starting a surplus store?

You sure know how to make people jealously hate you, right from the start.
Btw, welcome to the forum.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: dxl on May 02, 2016, 12:45:36 pm
Bought a Lecroy DDA-3000 (aka WavePro 7300a?) on ebay for 900US$ + Shipping. Seems to be a pretty nice scope, but makes much more noise than the TDS754D/TDS7104 i had before...
Title: Re: List your test equipment &quot;scores&quot; here!
Post by: Alley_Cat_Jack on May 04, 2016, 09:36:50 pm
Tektronix 465B
Tektronix 5000 series of unknown model
B&K 2120A

$75 for the lot of 3

Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on May 07, 2016, 06:12:21 pm
At the local Ham Radio Swap Meet I picked up this jewel, for a reasonable price.
(http://i558.photobucket.com/albums/ss21/AF6LJ/Test%20Gear/IMG_1294_zpsmwfbeu4z.jpg) (http://s558.photobucket.com/user/AF6LJ/media/Test%20Gear/IMG_1294_zpsmwfbeu4z.jpg.html)
Needs a bit of cleaning up.. We shall see how it goes.
When I get back from the store, I'll have to go locate the manual....
Like Dave says....
Why Turn it on, when you can take it apart. :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on May 07, 2016, 06:27:42 pm
Nice find, Sue.   :-+

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Vgkid on May 07, 2016, 06:51:40 pm
Nice find, Sue. Usually those hp probes permanently disappear, unless they cannot be removed.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xrunner on May 07, 2016, 07:32:43 pm
At the local Ham Radio Swap Meet I picked up this jewel, for a reasonable price.

Great, and I'll ad to that what I got for $5 each at the local 1st Saturday sidewalk sale.

An HP 427A Voltmeter and an HP 209A Oscillator. They both seem to work, but need a lot of cleaning up. The 427A has a broken knob.  :(
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on May 07, 2016, 09:20:34 pm
Nice Score.
I had a chance several years back to get one of those oscillators for next to nothing due to the fact it needed a power transformer. The unit still worked fine, the owner ran it off a split 15 Volt supply.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on May 07, 2016, 09:30:35 pm
At $5 a pop, you definitely scored on those!

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xrunner on May 08, 2016, 10:08:28 pm
Calibrating the 209A!  :-/O
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PTR_1275 on May 13, 2016, 10:17:25 am
Just picked up a pendulum CNT-85 Frequency counter from a local auction. Has the GPIB, 3GHz input and ovenized oscillator (It is the same as a fluke PM6685). Paid $135 after fees.

I picked it up, got back to the workshop, opened it up and checked for anything nasty. Plugged it in and..... Nothing :(

Checked the fuse, fuse was OK. No 240VAC coming into the test points, no 240VAC coming onto the board. Schaffner power filter had gone open circuit. Replaced it with a new one and it powered up straight away. Theres a few scratches and marks on the case, but all in all I got a bargain.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xrunner on May 13, 2016, 12:09:43 pm
HP 54501A off Ebay for $99. Needs a little TLC and a new NVRAM but mostly OK.  :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Vgkid on May 14, 2016, 05:23:52 am
Just picked up a pendulum CNT-85 Frequency counter from a local auction. Has the GPIB, 3GHz input and ovenized oscillator
Great score, and a simple repair as well.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: wraper on May 15, 2016, 08:13:37 pm
30kg of parts for GBP 62 + 19.50 UK shipping,  :scared:
Hopefully not too many different items. haven't yet completely sorted 15kg of semiconductors from Toploser which I got almost a year ago.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/361552997797 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/361552997797)
My sister in UK will be "amazed" when this arrives to her. Will need to reship to me somehow.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: razberik on May 16, 2016, 07:48:30 am
Congratz !
However, I found myself drowning in huge amounts of useless components looted in few years. I bought so many elytes and boxes of variety of components on flea markets and local auctions/local ebay last years. Useful is only a fraction of them, like standard elyte and resistor values so when I am building something I always have to buy majority of components.
Anyway, I am always happy when some of my friends bring me full seals of SMD components swept off the floor in assembly factory (assembly machine errors/rejects).  ;D Resistors and capacitor I dont sort, easily identified semiconductors like BAV199 or 1GHz MMIC are OK.

Cheers.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xrunner on May 18, 2016, 03:56:32 pm
Agilent 8648A. Got a good deal on Ebay. Plus I've sold my Marconi 2022D there today so it all worked out.  :clap:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: sotos on May 18, 2016, 06:34:37 pm
Agilent 8648A. Got a good deal on Ebay. Plus I've sold my Marconi 2022D there today so it all worked out.  :clap:

How much did it cost?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on May 18, 2016, 06:44:20 pm
Agilent 8648A. Got a good deal on Ebay. Plus I've sold my Marconi 2022D there today so it all worked out.  :clap:
Nice Score. :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xrunner on May 18, 2016, 06:45:33 pm
How much did it cost?

$655
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Nuno_pt on May 18, 2016, 07:56:33 pm
Nice score xrunner.

One thing that I miss on my bench.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Commodore8888 on May 18, 2016, 09:33:52 pm
Not quite test equipment, but found a choice piece of Hakko gear.

Apparently unused Hakko FM-203 setup with the FM-2030 140W iron and a bag of tips, for 220$ shipped.

Sadly, the included tips are all T15 series. So off to buy an FM-2027 iron (and a T22 tip or two for the overkill iron).

Powers up and tested with a friend's FM-2027 iron. All is well and I'm set for the next decade or more  8) (or until I decide to really go stupid and look for an FM-206)

(http://puu.sh/oWQWp/10f7194dfd.jpg)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on May 18, 2016, 09:41:51 pm
 :-+ :-+
Nice
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Robaroni on May 19, 2016, 12:46:50 am

HP5385A,  1000Mhz counter

$85 US, needed a 10 cent electrolytic. Bough it off ebay about ten or twelve years ago and fixed it, still works.

Rob
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PaulAm on May 22, 2016, 12:35:49 am
Just got back from the Dayton Hamvention.  Didn't find what I was actually looking for, but came away with a Tek 1502 TDR cable tester for $14.35 (buck a pound, I love those guys) and an HP5245L 8 digit nixie freq counter with the 500MHz plugin.  Got that for $40.  Didn't really need it, but I have a small collection of Nixie gear that sits in my stack and that's a nice addition. 

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on May 22, 2016, 04:10:42 am
$40, nice nixies! Be sure to post pics in the nixie thread.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on May 22, 2016, 06:44:29 am
 :-DD  The 5245L was the beginning of my nixie addiction.   :-+  I'd say you got a good deal at $40.

Congrats.  What else resides in the stack it will be joining?

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on May 22, 2016, 07:17:38 am
Someone says "nixie" and Pat's ear itches. "I'm getting that funny feeling again. Did someone just make a post about nixies?" :-DD
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on May 22, 2016, 08:02:01 am
LMFAO!   :-DD :-DD  Yes, I know, I should seek professional help!    :palm:

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on May 22, 2016, 08:04:01 am
I'd consider you a nixie professional. So, seek professional help...done. On to the next project! :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: VK5RC on May 22, 2016, 11:58:03 am
Great score re the HP 5245L, you guys are lucky being close to the action, the postage to Australia on a 5245L or equivalent is typically 100-130 USD (150-200AUD) :wtf:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Robaroni on May 22, 2016, 12:00:53 pm
I built a clock with nixies from a HP counter that used Burroughs B-5560 and then found more of the same on ebay so I can build another clock. These are the tubes that work upside down. I built it about 15 years ago and it's still going strong!
Rob
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Jay_Diddy_B on May 22, 2016, 03:06:23 pm
Hi,

Here is my latest score, a Fluke 720A Kelvin-Varley Voltage Divider.  Picked this up at the Dayton Hamvention for the price of $30.00. Here are a few pictures
(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=227020;image)

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=227022;image)


I applied 10V from a Fluke 732A dc voltage standard and measured the output with a Datron 1281 DMM:

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=227024;image)

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=227026;image)



The Fluke 732A reads about 5pmm high when connected directly to the Datron DMM so it looks like the 720A is working nicely.

I have not been through the adjustment procedure.

Regards,

Jay_Diddy_B

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PaulAm on May 22, 2016, 04:33:15 pm
Dang, I missed that one.  Good score!l
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PaulAm on May 22, 2016, 04:37:05 pm
:-DD  The 5245L was the beginning of my nixie addiction.   :-+  I'd say you got a good deal at $40.

Congrats.  What else resides in the stack it will be joining?

-Pat

I have both a 3450A and a 3450B multifunction meters.  Took me a year to track one of those down after seeing a thread on it in this forum.  Someone had pulled the display board, so I picked up the second one, then found a display board on Ebay, so I have both functional.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on May 22, 2016, 05:05:24 pm
Nice!  The 3450 is still on my list of 'stuff to get'.  Eventually I'll stumble upon one...

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TAMHAN on May 22, 2016, 08:48:13 pm
Wouldnt exactly call it a score, but 160€ for a GPIB PCIe card for my workstation sure doesnt sound too bad.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: guido on May 23, 2016, 06:32:18 pm
Prema 5000 6.5 digit DMM for 15 euro's at a hamfest. The guy selling it only read scanner (which isn't even there) and not DMM/scanner.

Mind you it is three times more than i payed for the first one (yes, got two now)  8)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Nuno_pt on May 23, 2016, 09:35:09 pm
Marconi 2019 for 150€ shipped.

Guess it's not a bad deal.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: siggi on May 28, 2016, 04:18:19 pm
Got a KEPCO BOP 100-1M for $175. Was listed for parts, as there was no output. Unfortunately the "fault" was trivial (I like the troubleshooting and repair process), the strapping from positive output to sense was missing. Apparently the instrument has a safety against operating in that state.
In any case I now have a +-100V/1A, four quadrant power supply for the bench. I'd love to have a copy of the service manual for the instrument, but Kepco charge $200 for it.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nanofrog on May 28, 2016, 04:42:22 pm
...a copy of the service manual [from] Kepco [is] $200.
:wtf:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: siggi on May 28, 2016, 04:52:48 pm
...a copy of the service manual [from] Kepco [is] $200.
:wtf:
Yeah - though in fairness this is a still-current instrument, they'll sell you a brand new one for ~3K list, and having the service manual generally available for a charge is also IMHO much preferable to no availability. Still, $200 seems a little steep :).
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: whitevamp on May 28, 2016, 08:11:05 pm
just bought 3 dmm's today 2 used Klein mm1000 digital multimeter for 18.36 ea then one new Amprobe - Compact Digital Multimeter 15XP-B for 5.50
had to barrow 13 to get the last one. but figure if nothing else i can all ways sell one. :-DMM
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Nx-1997 on May 30, 2016, 02:29:16 pm
Well, how about a brand new Hantek DSO5102P 100MHz two channels for only 69.06$ USD with free shipping. :scared: :-+

http://www.ebay.com/itm/322114825782?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT (http://www.ebay.com/itm/322114825782?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on May 30, 2016, 06:11:43 pm
Nice Score.  :-+ :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xrunner on June 04, 2016, 06:19:02 pm
HP E3610A off Ebay. Nothing special, but a nice little supply. Looks like it's barley ever been used.  :-//
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bingo600 on June 04, 2016, 07:37:35 pm
Hi,

Here is my latest score, a Fluke 720A Kelvin-Varley Voltage Divider.  Picked this up at the Dayton Hamvention for the price of $30.00.


Wuttttt That's not a score - That's the big lottery win  :clap:
Why dont we ever see something like that in EU land  :'( :'(

Contrats

/Bingo
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Muttley Snickers on June 05, 2016, 04:57:10 am
I scored one of these Thurlby Thandar TTI 1906 Multimeters for a fair price and the seller was able to provide the history on the unit so I was a bit more comfortable with the purchase, I could not find any reference to them anywhere in regards to teardown pictures or much in the way of usability although I did however study both the user and service manuals prior to the purchase and will take a few pictures once it arrives. In the process of researching these units I have also gathered a fair bit of information on the entire TTI range of multimeters so I might start a thread in the test equipment section once it's all collated.

   
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: VK5RC on June 05, 2016, 11:19:07 am
A bit of Dumpster Diving found this for the best price! (Free)  :-+
Needed 12V DC 0.5A wall wart (junk-box+) and Sats probe, found one on flea bay for USD20.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PaulAm on June 05, 2016, 03:42:09 pm
Picked up an HP 8444a tracking generator for $60 shipped.  Still waiting to see if it works, but it looks complete, other than being a bit grungy.

Would have been nice to have option 059, but for the price I can live without it.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitslice on June 05, 2016, 04:35:28 pm
Nothing exciting, but finally picked up up a nice old variac from a local garage sale, only mentioning it because it went for £10 as opposed to six times that and I'm cheap enough to keep searching for two years to save that much.
Also some lovely metal parts drawers (unfortunately only after forking out for a couple of plastic ones from Aldi as a standby).

These were from a local machine engineer where luckily most of his impressive collection of machines went into the care of hobbyists, rather than some clearance gypo just buying the lot to sell.

Apparently a few buyers mooted that their own hoards of specialised stuff really needed to be passed on to the right people now, rather than it all being left to their families to dispose of without understanding its value.

Sad to see a box of reamers and micrometers just sitting there, just waiting for the right guy to turn up.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on June 05, 2016, 08:01:23 pm
Nice score for both of you.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: lowimpedance on June 06, 2016, 03:35:08 am
I scored one of these Thurlby Thandar TTI 1906 Multimeters for a fair price and the seller was able to provide the history on the unit so I was a bit more comfortable with the purchase, I could not find any reference to them anywhere in regards to teardown pictures or much in the way of usability although I did however study both the user and service manuals prior to the purchase and will take a few pictures once it arrives. In the process of researching these units I have also gathered a fair bit of information on the entire TTI range of multimeters so I might start a thread in the test equipment section once it's all collated.

 

Interesting little meter, ...........and super duper power efficient too as it can even measure when turned off !  :D.
Im guessing yours will turn out to be a later revision which requires mains to be not only plugged in but the power switch be depressed to on for measurements.  :D :D

Seriously though ... would be interesting to see under the hood.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Muttley Snickers on June 06, 2016, 04:48:47 am
They are a bit of an odd-ball thing, also sold as the Racal-Dana 4006 with a darker case and side handle which the TTI's also had in earlier releases, I was on the hunt for a Yokogawa but the prices are just way over the top and then this thing popped up and was initially passed in and after correspondence with the seller it seemed like a good deal so I jumped on it.

I was initially put off by the AC counts which are a bit ordinary but I don't do much with AC anyway so it won't be an issue, the RS 2007 catalogue has these listed for $1200 and the Farnell book from the same era was at $1800, these were the only prices I could find new other than some Ebay listings at around $600, anyway I paid bugger all really.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Vgkid on June 06, 2016, 10:51:28 pm
Not really a score, but a piece of junk. :(
(http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/gl8AAOSwixtXQ0-U/s-l1600.jpg)
...
>:D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on June 07, 2016, 06:53:44 pm
For a dollar? Nice! j/k :D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: halexa on June 07, 2016, 07:41:43 pm
Fluke 99 ScopeMeter plus PM9080 plus additional probes like new.
Battery is dead but I think I can live with that.
All for 100€

I feel almost like i robbed the person who sold it, but I'm a very happy  >:D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Jwalling on June 07, 2016, 07:44:07 pm
Got a Tek TDS3012B for $150:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/231949792436?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT (http://www.ebay.com/itm/231949792436?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT)

Repaired it and already sold it for $550:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Tektronix-TDS3012B-100-MHz-1-25GS-s-2-Channel-DSO-options-TDS3TRG-and-TDS3FFT-/322123867531?hash=item4b0014258b%3Ag%3AF9wAAOSwQaJXSCk6&nma=true&si=xVbbMMFGZW6PtKBSp%252B31hCJs2yo%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Tektronix-TDS3012B-100-MHz-1-25GS-s-2-Channel-DSO-options-TDS3TRG-and-TDS3FFT-/322123867531?hash=item4b0014258b%3Ag%3AF9wAAOSwQaJXSCk6&nma=true&si=xVbbMMFGZW6PtKBSp%252B31hCJs2yo%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557)

That will keep me in beer $ for a month or so.  :popcorn:  >:D

Jay
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Vgkid on June 07, 2016, 07:51:09 pm
For a dollar? Nice! j/k :D
I got it for less than $2.00 a decade excluding s/h.  I'm only interested in 8 of those switches...
those switch styles are in a 1935 catalog.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on June 07, 2016, 08:16:18 pm
Got a Tek TDS3012B for $150:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/231949792436?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT (http://www.ebay.com/itm/231949792436?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT)

Repaired it and already sold it for $550:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Tektronix-TDS3012B-100-MHz-1-25GS-s-2-Channel-DSO-options-TDS3TRG-and-TDS3FFT-/322123867531?hash=item4b0014258b%3Ag%3AF9wAAOSwQaJXSCk6&nma=true&si=xVbbMMFGZW6PtKBSp%252B31hCJs2yo%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Tektronix-TDS3012B-100-MHz-1-25GS-s-2-Channel-DSO-options-TDS3TRG-and-TDS3FFT-/322123867531?hash=item4b0014258b%3Ag%3AF9wAAOSwQaJXSCk6&nma=true&si=xVbbMMFGZW6PtKBSp%252B31hCJs2yo%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557)

That will keep me in beer $ for a month or so.  :popcorn:  >:D

Jay

Awesome! I think of buying/fixing/reselling as ebay sponsoring my lab bench.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Jwalling on June 07, 2016, 09:57:20 pm
Got a Tek TDS3012B for $150:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/231949792436?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT (http://www.ebay.com/itm/231949792436?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT)

Repaired it and already sold it for $550:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Tektronix-TDS3012B-100-MHz-1-25GS-s-2-Channel-DSO-options-TDS3TRG-and-TDS3FFT-/322123867531?hash=item4b0014258b%3Ag%3AF9wAAOSwQaJXSCk6&nma=true&si=xVbbMMFGZW6PtKBSp%252B31hCJs2yo%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Tektronix-TDS3012B-100-MHz-1-25GS-s-2-Channel-DSO-options-TDS3TRG-and-TDS3FFT-/322123867531?hash=item4b0014258b%3Ag%3AF9wAAOSwQaJXSCk6&nma=true&si=xVbbMMFGZW6PtKBSp%252B31hCJs2yo%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557)

That will keep me in beer $ for a month or so.  :popcorn:  >:D

Jay

Awesome! I think of buying/fixing/reselling as ebay sponsoring my lab bench.

At this point, I think of it as my income. I was just laid-off a few weeks ago along with 9 other people after 31 years with the same company due to out-sourcing (after the bean counters took over...)
Screw 'em!  >:( I hope they sink.  >:D

Jay
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on June 07, 2016, 10:24:07 pm
Got a Tek TDS3012B for $150:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/231949792436?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT (http://www.ebay.com/itm/231949792436?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT)

Repaired it and already sold it for $550:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Tektronix-TDS3012B-100-MHz-1-25GS-s-2-Channel-DSO-options-TDS3TRG-and-TDS3FFT-/322123867531?hash=item4b0014258b%3Ag%3AF9wAAOSwQaJXSCk6&nma=true&si=xVbbMMFGZW6PtKBSp%252B31hCJs2yo%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Tektronix-TDS3012B-100-MHz-1-25GS-s-2-Channel-DSO-options-TDS3TRG-and-TDS3FFT-/322123867531?hash=item4b0014258b%3Ag%3AF9wAAOSwQaJXSCk6&nma=true&si=xVbbMMFGZW6PtKBSp%252B31hCJs2yo%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557)

That will keep me in beer $ for a month or so.  :popcorn:  >:D

Jay

Awesome! I think of buying/fixing/reselling as ebay sponsoring my lab bench.

At this point, I think of it as my income. I was just laid-off a few weeks ago along with 9 other people after 31 years with the same company due to out-sourcing (after the bean counters took over...)
Screw 'em!  >:( I hope they sink.  >:D

Jay

Been there myself - twice!

As you're in the US you could make a pretty decent living just buying, fixing, reselling on ebay, craigslist, forums etc.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xrunner on June 07, 2016, 10:55:17 pm
Wavetek 271 Function Gen - $80.  :clap:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on June 08, 2016, 12:29:23 am
Very nice Score.  :-+ :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on June 08, 2016, 12:30:20 am
At this point, I think of it as my income. I was just laid-off a few weeks ago along with 9 other people after 31 years with the same company due to out-sourcing (after the bean counters took over...)
Screw 'em!  >:( I hope they sink.  >:D

Jay

Been there myself - twice!

As you're in the US you could make a pretty decent living just buying, fixing, reselling on ebay, craigslist, forums etc.

It's been said that in the tech industries, there are only two kinds of employees, those who have been laid off and those who will be. I've been on both sides of that table, once at effectively the same time. Not fun.

Jay, it looks like you're off to a great start with the flipping.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Jwalling on June 08, 2016, 09:34:28 am

It's been said that in the tech industries, there are only two kinds of employees, those who have been laid off and those who will be. I've been on both sides of that table, once at effectively the same time. Not fun.

Jay, it looks like you're off to a great start with the flipping.

Thanks. Been doing it for awhile in my free time, but there will be much more time to get a bit more aggressive now!

Jay
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: robert_ on June 10, 2016, 08:38:24 am
1.5 LeCroy AP015 current probes for around 400eur
One complete, one missing case and transformer, sold as untested.
I did hope that at least the connector works on at least one, as the probe itself is identical with my Fluke i50s (which in turn is made by LEM) and could be transplanted to it, as to finally have a nice solution that doesnt need external power and gets the scaling right.

Now, all that stuff was seriuosly dirty, full of iron oxide. Stil, the complete probe worked, after cleaning the transformer and trimming the gain a little, it seems to be perfectly in spec!
The other one actually works too after installing a transformer from the working one, but would need to be calibrated. So i took the whole probe from my i50s and transplanted it onto the AP015 plug, which was successful and also works in-spec.

So, 2 working AP015 for 400+300 (that i50s)Eur. Not too bad a price...
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: FrankD on June 10, 2016, 12:29:56 pm
Tektronics AWG420 for $360. After shipping and tax about 500 Euro.
In very good condition. Only had to replace the fuse to 230V line power spec.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on June 11, 2016, 04:14:45 am
Bought a DSOX3014A from the Keysight ebay store. It came with no probes which was fine with me. I picked up four 500 MHz 1161A miniature probes like new in the padded zipper cases with all accessories for $40.00 each. Looking at the 1160A series of probes they just ooze quality compared to the newer current model probes.
Also came across a proper DSOX3000 series N6450-60001 Logic Analyzer cable for $90.00.

ebay always delivers...
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on June 11, 2016, 09:05:16 pm
Wow! Nice deal on the probes. Good shopping.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: HighVoltage on June 12, 2016, 09:15:38 am
Bought a DSOX3014A from the Keysight ebay store. It came with no probes which was fine with me. I picked up four 500 MHz 1161A miniature probes like new in the padded zipper cases with all accessories for $40.00 each. Looking at the 1160A series of probes they just ooze quality compared to the newer current model probes.
Also came across a proper DSOX3000 series N6450-60001 Logic Analyzer cable for $90.00.

ebay always delivers...
What a great deal you got on those 1161A probes.
Did you test them on your DSOX3014A?
Are they correctly recognized?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on June 12, 2016, 03:31:42 pm
Yes, I am using them with my DSOX3014A. 10:1 is correctly selected and the 50 termination option menu is removed. The probe compensation was also no problem, 2 of the 4 required no adjustment at all. I wasn't sure they would work but thought it was a worth a shot at the buy it now pricing. I can't believe all the accessories that are included with these probes - even spare probe tips. The padded/zippered case is even made in the US and would probably cost more to have made today then to make the current probes Keysight sells.
 

Bought a DSOX3014A from the Keysight ebay store. It came with no probes which was fine with me. I picked up four 500 MHz 1161A miniature probes like new in the padded zipper cases with all accessories for $40.00 each. Looking at the 1160A series of probes they just ooze quality compared to the newer current model probes.
Also came across a proper DSOX3000 series N6450-60001 Logic Analyzer cable for $90.00.

ebay always delivers...
What a great deal you got on those 1161A probes.
Did you test them on your DSOX3014A?
Are they correctly recognized?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: VK5RC on June 13, 2016, 07:50:23 am
a Tek 453 for $80 USD, "as is" had a trace across the screen on sale but after a bit of a rough ride , arrived with no "X" axis action happening at all!
Did the usual check the mains circuits, check the PSU rails, checked the HV  - all ok.
Looked at the horizontal amp , the leads to the final transistors where no longer "clipped" into the PCB, pushed them in and Voila!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on June 13, 2016, 08:23:56 am
Nice scope!   :-+. Glad it was a simple fix.

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: VK5RC on June 13, 2016, 09:54:52 am
Hi Pat, funny thing I was settling in for a long hard hunt with hard to get parts etc, when I saw those leads sticking up in the air.
I was just about to kiss it when I reminded myself of the 25kV or so nearby.HiHI
The calibrator circuit is dodgy so I will have a bit of fun yet.
Regards Rob
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: rx8pilot on June 15, 2016, 11:39:08 pm
This may be the score of all scores.

Brand new Keysight MSOX6004 6Ghz with all options. $0 including shipping. Thank you EEVBlog!

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xrunner on June 15, 2016, 11:46:51 pm
This may be the score of all scores.

Brand new Keysight MSOX6004 6Ghz with all options. $0 including shipping. Thank you EEVBlog!

 :wtf:  :clap:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on June 16, 2016, 01:47:35 am
 :-+ :-+ :-+ :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: VK5RC on June 16, 2016, 03:10:27 am
Congrats,  well done,  please give us a bit of a taste of the action!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on July 06, 2016, 09:47:38 pm
I hope I scored something nice from Ebay today after some haggling: an Anritsu MS4630B 10Hz to 300MHz network analyzer.
(http://gwdata.cdn-anritsu.com/images/products/tm-ms4630b/ms4630b-networkanalyzer.png)
There is one problem with the one I got though: it doesn't power up but the seller (and equipment dealer) claims it stopped working recently. I just hope I didn't waste a couple of hundred dollars. Anyway, needing to repair it is a good reason for a teardown so expect that soon! I have never used a network analyzer before but I think it will be handy for an upcoming project and because it can also calculate the equivalent circuit so it can serve as a (not so precise) LCR meter over a wide frequency range.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on July 06, 2016, 09:58:21 pm
Very nice! Fingers crossed it is a simple power supply fix.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on July 06, 2016, 10:12:49 pm
Nice!!

Good luck getting it going again.  I look forward to some nekkid pics of it!

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on July 06, 2016, 10:15:10 pm
Nice score! Might just be the typical dead power supply. Looking forward to seeing how it turns out.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: technogeeky on July 06, 2016, 11:39:35 pm
This may be the score of all scores.

Brand new Keysight MSOX6004 6Ghz with all options. $0 including shipping. Thank you EEVBlog!

I'm sorry, but this doesn't belong in this thread. That's not a score! That's a downright robbery!

How in the world did you manage that?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: tautech on July 06, 2016, 11:47:58 pm
This may be the score of all scores.

Brand new Keysight MSOX6004 6Ghz with all options. $0 including shipping. Thank you EEVBlog!

I'm sorry, but this doesn't belong in this thread. That's not a score! That's a downright robbery!

How in the world did you manage that?
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/contests/keysight-6000x-6ghz-voting-is-live-vote-for-carlos-a/ (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/contests/keysight-6000x-6ghz-voting-is-live-vote-for-carlos-a/)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: rx8pilot on July 06, 2016, 11:52:27 pm
This may be the score of all scores.

Brand new Keysight MSOX6004 6Ghz with all options. $0 including shipping. Thank you EEVBlog!

I'm sorry, but this doesn't belong in this thread. That's not a score! That's a downright robbery!

How in the world did you manage that?

It's a long and storied tale of wild west internet shenanigans! Keysight Technologies made an amazing decision to give this one away! Many members of this blog made it go my way!

MSRP is > $50k. 
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Muttley Snickers on July 06, 2016, 11:54:59 pm
I don't think that it was entirely free at all, emotionally and stress wise it probably cost him a packet, he earned this reward for his tireless efforts.   :-+

And if I remember correctly he owes Daniel from Keysight some chocolates.   :popcorn:

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/contests/keysight-6000x-6ghz-voting-is-live-vote-for-carlos-a/ (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/contests/keysight-6000x-6ghz-voting-is-live-vote-for-carlos-a/)



Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: tautech on July 06, 2016, 11:59:01 pm
I don't think that it was entirely free at all, emotionally and stress wise it probably cost him a packet, he earned this reward for his tireless efforts.   :-+

And if I remember correctly he owes Daniel from Keysight some chocolates.   :popcorn:

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/contests/keysight-6000x-6ghz-voting-is-live-vote-for-carlos-a/ (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/contests/keysight-6000x-6ghz-voting-is-live-vote-for-carlos-a/)
Speaking of chocolates.......

Strumming fingers on bench.  :popcorn:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Muttley Snickers on July 07, 2016, 12:46:38 am
I'm once again all out of Snickers and am currently destroying these things from Aldi which are pretty damn good, duck down to your local store and load up as much as you want and as always the cheques in the mail, silly postal services, you can't trust them.

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on July 07, 2016, 02:27:55 am
I'll have to try those someday. I don't recall seeing them in NZ and I haven't been to Australia, yet.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: tautech on July 07, 2016, 04:08:21 am
I'll have to try those someday. I don't recall seeing them in NZ and I haven't been to Australia, yet.
I've not seen them either and I'm not sure if Muttley is trying to palm off some second rate product instead of his preferred Snickers bars.  :scared:

A year or more ago Muttley awarded me his first Snickers award of some bars that are still to materialize ......  :-DD
When I sell some more product I'll jump on a plane to hunt him down and personally collect.  ;D
We might do some of this while I'm there  :popcorn:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on July 07, 2016, 03:07:55 pm
A new toy arrived today: A Flir C2 thermal imager
(https://ivytools.files.wordpress.com/2015/01/flir-c2-thermal-camera.jpg)
which I bought as good as new with a 60% discount from Toploser. With 80x60 it is not high res but I did some tests and it seems adequate for checking boards with 0603 (and bigger) parts. This is going to be handy to check boards for potential thermal issues.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on July 08, 2016, 10:56:59 am
My shopping spree ain't over and I saved listing the best buy for last! All the recent chatter about spectrum analysers made me want to upgrade my existing spectrum analyser to one with a color screen and preferably dumping screendumps onto USB. Actually I wanted to do that for a long time but never got round to hunting one down. Ofcourse there are the cheap Chinese spectrum analysers but I wanted at least 3GHz which means hacking or spending. So I went out for a hunt on Ebay and a couple of days ago I found some sellers with an Advantest R3477 Signal Analyser. Some digging in the manuals and pictures from various Ebay auctions made clear that this is not just a transmitter tester but actually a full fledged spectrum analyser with signal analysis features bolted on. After some research and haggling I got one for the going rate:
(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=238868;image)
I'm pretty stoked about this buy. It seems several Korean Ebay sellers are unloading a big stack of these machines and their going price is around $1400 each including a 14 day warranty. Does that sound right? A spectrum analyser with USB, LAN, big 8.4" touch screen and 13GHz bandwidth for $1400 not in 'for parts' condition? I guess it does... Now someone probably chimes in and says these machine crash and burn all the time but until then I'm confident it will be fine just as my current and previous Advantest spectrum analysers.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: razberik on July 08, 2016, 11:57:40 am
Now you are obliged to do detailed teardown !
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on July 08, 2016, 12:20:47 pm
Now you are obliged to do detailed teardown !
I'll do a partial teardown because no way I'm going to open or even disconnect the RF moduls if I don't have to!
OTOH the R3477 runs on embedded XP so I want to make a backup of the hard drive for sure. Also some components have a limited lifetime (Advantest is very open about that! In their manual they have a list of guaranteed lifetimes for batteries, backlights, electrolytic capacitors, etc) so I want to check those as well.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: HighVoltage on July 08, 2016, 12:55:35 pm
I think this is by far the best deal on a color SA with USB.
Congratulations.

7 years ago I paid Euro 6500 for an older 12 GHz HP SA.
It works great but is a pain to get a screen shot over the GPIB and no color either.
You got a great deal!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on July 08, 2016, 02:58:09 pm
My shopping spree ain't over and I saved listing the best buy for last! All the recent chatter about spectrum analysers made me want to upgrade my existing spectrum analyser to one with a color screen and preferably dumping screendumps onto USB. Actually I wanted to do that for a long time but never got round to hunting one down. Ofcourse there are the cheap Chinese spectrum analysers but I wanted at least 3GHz which means hacking or spending. So I went out for a hunt on Ebay and a couple of days ago I found some sellers with an Advantest R3477 Signal Analyser. Some digging in the manuals and pictures from various Ebay auctions made clear that this is not just a transmitter tester but actually a full fledged spectrum analyser with signal analysis features bolted on. After some research and haggling I got one for the going rate:
(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=238868;image)
I'm pretty stoked about this buy. It seems several Korean Ebay sellers are unloading a big stack of these machines and their going price is around $1400 each including a 14 day warranty. Does that sound right? A spectrum analyser with USB, LAN, big 8.4" touch screen and 13GHz bandwidth for $1400 not in 'for parts' condition? I guess it does... Now someone probably chimes in and says these machine crash and burn all the time but until then I'm confident it will be fine just as my current and previous Advantest spectrum analysers.
That is a very reasonable deal...
A friend's employer just bought a couple of those.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TerraHertz on July 08, 2016, 11:59:25 pm
So I went out for a hunt on Ebay and a couple of days ago I found some sellers with an Advantest R3477 Signal Analyser. Some digging in the manuals and pictures from various Ebay auctions made clear that this is not just a transmitter tester but actually a full fledged spectrum analyser with signal analysis features bolted on.

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=238868;image)
I'm pretty stoked about this buy. It seems several Korean Ebay sellers are unloading a big stack of these machines and their going price is around $1400 each including a 14 day warranty. Does that sound right? A spectrum analyser with USB, LAN, big 8.4" touch screen and 13GHz bandwidth for $1400 not in 'for parts' condition? I guess it does... Now someone probably chimes in and says these machine crash and burn all the time but until then I'm confident it will be fine just as my current and previous Advantest spectrum analysers.

Very interesting! Are you going to start a thread in test equipment about your progress with this one? I'd really like to follow that, since I've never owned a working spectrum analyzer, or even used one, I'd like to, and this price range is something I could stretch to.

Years ago I acquired a couple of very old HP 141T frames, various plugins, and the manuals. Thinking I'd get them working as a learning experience and I could live with the old no-processor style. But that was a bit too ambitious for someone with zero RF experience and many other time sinks.

Ha funny - I could afford one if I sell a couple of my GRC-106 radio sets. But, one obstacle to selling them is that I need a known-good spectrum analyzer/radio test set to check results of my unskilled antique radio refurbishing attempts. Classic chicken and egg problem.

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: razberik on July 11, 2016, 10:52:27 am
Now you are obliged to do detailed teardown !
I'll do a partial teardown because no way I'm going to open or even disconnect the RF moduls if I don't have to!
That's true, AFAIK you shouldn't manipulate with SMA connector with signal more than 4GHz.
Yeah I look forward to teardown, I love these Advantests. I have R3361A and I like it a lot.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TerraHertz on July 15, 2016, 01:28:02 pm
Not test equipment, but a pile of networking gear for free. Mostly 10/100 switches, some fiber ports.
After blowing the dust out of these, I think my yard ground level is a little higher.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on July 15, 2016, 01:32:39 pm
Oh, you know, I may have picked up a thing or two yesterday...

TDS784D   2   4Ch 1Ghz
TDS784D   2   4Ch 1Ghz
TDS580D   2   4CH 1Ghz
TDS684B   2   4Ch 1Ghz
TDS684B   1   4Ch 1Ghz
TDS684A   1   4CH 1GHz
TDS644B   2   4Ch 500MHz
TDS754D/754A   2   4Ch 500MHz
TDS744A   1   4Ch 500MHz
TDS820   1   2Ch 6GHz
TDS684B   1   4Ch 1Ghz
TDS6604   1   4Ch 6GHz 20GS
TDS 8000   2   
TDS7104   1   4Ch 1GHz
TDS5054   1   
TDS8000B   1   
VM5000   1   
LeCroy SDA 6020   1   
LeCroy SDA 100G   1   
LeCroy 574AL   2   4Ch 1Ghz
Lecroy 9210   1   
LeCroy LT344   1   
LeCroy DA1855APR2   1   
Yokagawa DL9240L   1   4Ch 1.5GHz
Keitley 238   1   
Keitley 236   1   
Wandel & Goltermann   1   
HP 8664A   2   
HP 1682AD   1   LA
Wavecrest SIA-300   1   SI analyser
Wavecrest SIA-300   1   SI analyser
Wavecrest SIA-300   1   SI analyser
Wavecrest SIA-300   1   SI analyser


Some need a bit or a lot of TLC but I'm guessing for the next few days I may be the "Host With The Most"  8)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on July 15, 2016, 01:36:12 pm
@Ice-tea: that is a huge haul! What are you going to do with all of that?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on July 15, 2016, 02:14:58 pm
All I can say is WoW
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bingo600 on July 15, 2016, 02:18:35 pm
That's a an impressive pickup, wouldn't even fit in my car.
Is it yours for private use ?

/Bingo
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: svens on July 15, 2016, 02:26:07 pm
*drools*
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TAMHAN on July 15, 2016, 03:25:54 pm
Ice-Tea: if you end up with a spare Acq board for a TDS754D (aka 784D) and want to sell, chant a song ;)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: pascal_sweden on July 15, 2016, 03:51:16 pm
I see that you are from Belgium, my home country.

Where about in Belgium are you based?

Do these scopes come from a university? Which one? Or where do they originate from?

When was the last time they were calibrated? Do they come with a calibration tag?

Are you selling them off through Ebay or are you keeping all of them?

Will you subject them to a basic test before you sell them off?

I might be interested to get one for a friend in Belgium, that is setting up a hobby electronics lab,
depending on the condition and the asking price :)

Oh, you know, I may have picked up a thing or two yesterday...

TDS784D   2   4Ch 1Ghz
TDS784D   2   4Ch 1Ghz
TDS580D   2   4CH 1Ghz
TDS684B   2   4Ch 1Ghz
TDS684B   1   4Ch 1Ghz
TDS684A   1   4CH 1GHz
TDS644B   2   4Ch 500MHz
TDS754D/754A   2   4Ch 500MHz
TDS744A   1   4Ch 500MHz
TDS820   1   2Ch 6GHz
TDS684B   1   4Ch 1Ghz
TDS6604   1   4Ch 6GHz 20GS
TDS 8000   2   
TDS7104   1   4Ch 1GHz
TDS5054   1   
TDS8000B   1   
VM5000   1   
LeCroy SDA 6020   1   
LeCroy SDA 100G   1   
LeCroy 574AL   2   4Ch 1Ghz
Lecroy 9210   1   
LeCroy LT344   1   
LeCroy DA1855APR2   1   
Yokagawa DL9240L   1   4Ch 1.5GHz
Keitley 238   1   
Keitley 236   1   
Wandel & Goltermann   1   
HP 8664A   2   
HP 1682AD   1   LA
Wavecrest SIA-300   1   SI analyser
Wavecrest SIA-300   1   SI analyser
Wavecrest SIA-300   1   SI analyser
Wavecrest SIA-300   1   SI analyser


Some need a bit or a lot of TLC but I'm guessing for the next few days I may be the "Host With The Most"  8)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on July 15, 2016, 04:28:34 pm
Well, I'll be selling them off, either here on the forum, eBay, to contacts etc.etc. Bought them at an auction in the US, surplus lab equipment (or bankruptcy?  :-//) from WD (well they are not bankrupt  :-DD) and Celestica.

If past experiences are anything to go by, these come from big companies with quality handbooks so they probably were calibrated yearly untill they were taken out of rotation. Which may be 5+ years ago.

I test unit for basic functionality (ie does it display a waveform) and run all the selftests available. Other stuff on request and if I can.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on July 15, 2016, 04:31:17 pm
Hear me chanting out loud: "I don't need more equipment I don't need more equipment I don't need more equipment I don't need more equipment I don't ne...."
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on July 15, 2016, 04:38:09 pm
Ssssst!! quiet! :rant:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on July 15, 2016, 04:44:19 pm
Hear me chanting out loud: "I don't need more equipment I don't need more equipment I don't need more equipment I don't need more equipment I don't ne...."

There's always room for one more, isn't there?

Would you like me to add some juicy, sexy descriptions? Like "Sampling-scope bandwidth hits 100 GHz at
10M samples/sec"?  >:D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Vgkid on July 15, 2016, 05:54:52 pm
The wavecrest SIA's are rather impressive.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on July 15, 2016, 06:04:44 pm
And for sale, too! >:D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: razberik on July 15, 2016, 07:52:11 pm
Please, let us know, when you put listing of these on ebay. Please please.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Vgkid on July 16, 2016, 05:33:56 am
For those curious about those SIA's
http://www.wavecrestkk.co.jp/Fambro_hires_sngls.pdf (http://www.wavecrestkk.co.jp/Fambro_hires_sngls.pdf)
...as for me...
Fluke 510A AC Voltage Reference, 2.4KHz.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Smith on July 16, 2016, 02:25:47 pm
Found a used but as good as new 1kW variac in the bin yesterday, complete with knob, dial etc. I was looking for one for a while, as my other variac is only 150W, but they where too damn expensive, or in horrible shape. Yesterday was a good day  ^-^
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on July 16, 2016, 08:14:23 pm
Please, let us know, when you put listing of these on ebay. Please please.

I will actually put them up here before I head over to eBay. Less fees. Easier to fine tune price for a specific country, bussiness or no, shipping etc etc. More trust, too ;)

So if anyone wants anyting of the above, shoot me a PM. But please no low-balling. Kinda wanna make a profit in the end.

I'll now get out of this thread as it is for bragging and drooling only.  O0
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: cncjerry on July 17, 2016, 12:35:46 am
Picked up a really, really nice HP 8566B locally today.  I think it was a steal at $500USD.  Has the cables, display unit, complete. I thought my 8568B was a great deal and low and behold, this thing showed up on craigs list.  I am just sitting here amazed.  (Have to sit because I strained my back putting it on the bench).  Thanks to Orin for not talking me out of it. :clap:

So now I'm wondering if my 85685 preselector will work with it?  I also have an 8444 with option 059 that I would like to use in the 0-2G for tracking but the IF is different so I need to figure out a tracking generator.  I've seen all the posts and youtubes on how to make one so I guess I'll go hunting. 

Setting aside how heavy these units are, I find it difficult to believe people would rather buy a Rigol for 3X the price of this thing.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: technogeeky on July 17, 2016, 05:29:59 am
Oh, you know, I may have picked up a thing or two yesterday...

TDS784D   2   4Ch 1Ghz
TDS784D   2   4Ch 1Ghz
TDS580D   2   4CH 1Ghz
TDS684B   2   4Ch 1Ghz
TDS684B   1   4Ch 1Ghz
TDS684A   1   4CH 1GHz
TDS644B   2   4Ch 500MHz
TDS754D/754A   2   4Ch 500MHz
TDS744A   1   4Ch 500MHz
TDS820   1   2Ch 6GHz
TDS684B   1   4Ch 1Ghz
TDS6604   1   4Ch 6GHz 20GS
TDS 8000   2   
TDS7104   1   4Ch 1GHz
TDS5054   1   
TDS8000B   1   
VM5000   1   
LeCroy SDA 6020   1   
LeCroy SDA 100G   1   
LeCroy 574AL   2   4Ch 1Ghz
Lecroy 9210   1   
LeCroy LT344   1   
LeCroy DA1855APR2   1   
Yokagawa DL9240L   1   4Ch 1.5GHz
Keitley 238   1   
Keitley 236   1   
Wandel & Goltermann   1   
HP 8664A   2   
HP 1682AD   1   LA
Wavecrest SIA-300   1   SI analyser
Wavecrest SIA-300   1   SI analyser
Wavecrest SIA-300   1   SI analyser
Wavecrest SIA-300   1   SI analyser


Some need a bit or a lot of TLC but I'm guessing for the next few days I may be the "Host With The Most"  8)

I would bet $5 that I can't afford a single thing on that list.

Humor me, which item do you suppose is the cheapest, and how much would it be?

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on July 17, 2016, 05:40:16 am
There's a mono color 4ch 500MHz HP that will probably go for a few hundred?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: technogeeky on July 17, 2016, 05:56:52 am
There's a mono color 4ch 500MHz HP that will probably go for a few hundred?

The universe owes me $5.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on July 18, 2016, 10:59:16 am
Damn those Wavecrest SIA sure look like they mean business just from looking at the front panel. But they go for over 3 grand so sadly my budget does not agree with me.

http://wavecrestsia.com/products/SIA4000C.htm (http://wavecrestsia.com/products/SIA4000C.htm)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TerraHertz on July 19, 2016, 08:40:37 am
Picked up a really, really nice HP 8566B locally today.  I think it was a steal at $500USD.  Has the cables, display unit, complete. I thought my 8568B was a great deal and low and behold, this thing showed up on craigs list.  I am just sitting here amazed.

I find it difficult to believe people would rather buy a Rigol for 3X the price of this thing.

Btw, see ebay 391505546407  HP 8566B Spectrum Analyzer (REPAIR/PARTS)  US $399.99
I'd be really tempted, if I had the money now. Which I don't.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: pascal_sweden on July 19, 2016, 01:03:03 pm
How does the HP 8566B perform against the Rigol DSA815-TG or Siglent SSA3021X in terms of the following?
- User interface friendliness
- Sweep speed
- Internal noise floor
- Spurious response
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on July 19, 2016, 09:08:01 pm
How does the HP 8566B perform against the Rigol DSA815-TG or Siglent SSA3021X in terms of the following?
- User interface friendliness
- Sweep speed
- Internal noise floor
- Spurious response

I have a HP 8566B on its way in the mail as we speak.

Its difficult to compare it to the rigol due to the way they specify noise and such, but they should be pretty close in performance apart from the bandwith and UI. The HP doesn't seam as intuitive but you do have a dedicated button for almost everything rather than digging trough menus.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on July 19, 2016, 09:37:10 pm
The HP 8566B is an old boat anchor but it does have some nice features. However the Advantest R3477 I bought recently is a much more modern one and you should be able to get a fully working one for around $1400 after waiting and haggling a bit.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Vgkid on July 19, 2016, 09:53:14 pm
Fluke 510A @ 2400Hz. About $74.xx w/ s&h. Shipped out late yesterday afternoon, at my house by lunchtime. Gotta love instate shipping.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: valvedoctor on July 20, 2016, 12:54:14 am
I just picked a Tektronix 454A old school scope for audio work. Dirty as hell but in mint shape otherwise. Was owned by IBM at some point as their logo is on the front and sides with the rest of the lettering. Also have a vintage HP 711A, vacuum tube regulated power supply on the way, up to 500vDC @100ma, perfect for some low current plate circuits on vacuum tube gear.  :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on July 20, 2016, 01:29:26 am
I just picked a Tektronix 454A old school scope for audio work. Dirty as hell but in mint shape otherwise. Was owned by IBM at some point as their logo is on the front and sides with the rest of the lettering. Also have a vintage HP 711A, vacuum tube regulated power supply on the way, up to 500vDC @100ma, perfect for some low current plate circuits on vacuum tube gear.  :-+

Very nice!

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on July 20, 2016, 03:20:11 am
I just picked a Tektronix 454A old school scope for audio work. Dirty as hell but in mint shape otherwise. Was owned by IBM at some point as their logo is on the front and sides with the rest of the lettering. Also have a vintage HP 711A, vacuum tube regulated power supply on the way, up to 500vDC @100ma, perfect for some low current plate circuits on vacuum tube gear.  :-+
Nice score.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: cncjerry on July 20, 2016, 04:44:30 am
How does the HP 8566B perform against the Rigol DSA815-TG or Siglent SSA3021X in terms of the following?
- User interface friendliness
- Sweep speed
- Internal noise floor
- Spurious response
This has been discussed at length.  There is no comparison between those two analyzers and the 8568b  or the 8566b.  The only thing they have going for them over the HP units is that you don't need a crane to move them. I think the UI on the HP is hard to beat.  I have an advantest as well with the TG and I hate having to hit multifunction buttons and menus to get anything done.  Also, I have the 85685 preselector and preamp and with that combo the noise floor is incredibly low. 
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: iromero on July 20, 2016, 05:50:47 am
I got a HP 6623A power supply sold as non working for $106 delivered (only bidder in an auction). I cleaned the keypad and checked everything, all 3 channels work well. I think what helped is that the auction pictures made it look way worse than it actually was, poor thing looks like it fell off a truck.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: cncjerry on July 20, 2016, 02:59:22 pm
I got a HP 6623A power supply sold as non working for $106 delivered (only bidder in an auction). I cleaned the keypad and checked everything, all 3 channels work well. I think what helped is that the auction pictures made it look way worse than it actually was, poor thing looks like it fell off a truck.

Considering Microlease is still trying to get nearly 12K for them, it's a hell of a deal.

Someone locally had racks of HP power supplies, all of them high wattage, on craigslist.   I just didn't have the room.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: elex_enthusiast on July 21, 2016, 07:09:31 am
The best dumpster score I ever experienced. A very rare opportunity (at least here in my country) to found something so valuable that would even cost a few thousands of peso for a brand new one. Its an Hioki 3256-50 Multimeter. Its was dead but turned out to be the only issue was the board wasn't held by one of the clip post that has been bent for a long time since the board popped out. A simple board cleaning, re installation and reinforcing the bent clip post with a piece of paper fixed the issue..now I feel great to have additional multimeter to play with.
(https://s26.postimg.org/tgu21exe1/13720523_1068600709843977_1065223156_o.jpg) (https://postimage.org)
(https://s26.postimg.org/dfwvapa4p/13717873_1068600746510640_1734787294_o.jpg) (https://postimage.org)
(https://s26.postimg.org/s32f63y4p/13730526_1068601783177203_1908627033_o.jpg) (https://postimage.org)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: iromero on July 23, 2016, 04:04:49 am
I'm on a roll, i just got a Phillips PM2534 sold as not working for $40 plus $15 shipping, seller claimed the mA AC range was measuring way too high. Turns out he had the guard switch in the off position, putting putting it in the right position or using a guarded probe fixed it. LOL

I wanted to do a repair thread but i got hit by dave's repair curse.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Muttley Snickers on July 29, 2016, 01:11:42 am
Not so much a work bench but a newly acquired storage area for some test equipment, stereo gear and other stuff, a customer had this cabinet sitting in his garage and had intentions of going at it with a chainsaw as nobody wanted it and they are worth nothing much nowadays anyway, I explained that I may have a use for it and as it turned out I did, the thing is huge at about 2500 long, 1500 high, 560 deep and weighs 3 crushed vertebrae (a new unit of measure).

I gave it a good clean and replaced a couple of wheels so it is now easy to move about for cleaning and getting to any cables I might add at the rear, I have a couple of shelves to add over the weekend and it also came with a nifty multimeter rack with adjustable shelves, lead storage drawer and everything.

I’m saving the forests one cabinet at a time.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on July 29, 2016, 01:27:24 am
Chainsaw!?! :o Things have become overly disposable in our modern society. Thank you for saving it. Although I never thought of using one for test equipment, it's a good idea.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xrunner on July 29, 2016, 02:11:14 am
Not so much a work bench but a newly acquired storage area for some test equipment, stereo gear and other stuff, a customer had this cabinet sitting in his garage and had intentions of going at it with a chainsaw as nobody wanted it and they are worth nothing much nowadays anyway, I explained that I may have a use for it and as it turned out I did, the thing is huge at about 2500 long, 1500 high, 560 deep and weighs 3 crushed vertebrae (a new unit of measure).

My oh my - that's the most beautiful test equipment storage cabinet I've ever seen!  :clap:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: med6753 on July 29, 2016, 02:57:13 am
Nice cabinet! I can't believe that someone would want to bust it up and throw it away.  :palm:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Muttley Snickers on July 29, 2016, 03:35:10 am
It's surprisingly true, the word quickly got around that I was looking for a decent timber storage cabinet for equipment and I had my eyes on the one pictured below which is still at our local recycle center for $50, I then discovered that they are listed on Ebay and Gumtree starting at a dollar and being passed in or free to good home with a fire place, as well as being left out on nature strips in front of peoples houses and this is where I scored the additional large pine shelves for the unit I now have, nobody really wants them anymore and are switching over to low profile cabinets with huge plasma and LCD screens sitting on top or hanging on the wall. I don't mind pine stuff as long as it's solid and well built and if there was more room about the place then I could easily fill it for next to nothing, damn shame really.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: tautech on July 29, 2016, 03:49:03 am
Hell even for 50 bucks that could easily be made into a cheap workbench even with limited tools.

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=244162)

Take the 2 center cupboards out and put legs under each side to bring the middle up to table height. Too easy  :scared:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Muttley Snickers on July 29, 2016, 03:56:52 am
It's brand new and the lady up there who has the hots for me said she could do a better price than that, I'm shuffling stuff around to try and make it fit somewhere, a challenge on it's own accord.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: tautech on July 29, 2016, 04:03:40 am
It's brand new and the lady up there who has the hots for me said she could do a better price than that, I'm shuffling stuff around to try and make it fit somewhere, a challenge on it's own accord.
:-DD
Hots for a decrepit old dog  :scared: she must be sick.  :-//

Na mate, you're having us on.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: mtdoc on July 29, 2016, 05:00:43 am
Not so much a work bench but a newly acquired storage area for some test equipment, stereo gear and other stuff, a customer had this cabinet sitting in his garage and had intentions of going at it with a chainsaw as nobody wanted it and they are worth nothing much nowadays anyway, I explained that I may have a use for it and as it turned out I did, the thing is huge at about 2500 long, 1500 high, 560 deep and weighs 3 crushed vertebrae (a new unit of measure).

I gave it a good clean and replaced a couple of wheels so it is now easy to move about for cleaning and getting to any cables I might add at the rear, I have a couple of shelves to add over the weekend and it also came with a nifty multimeter rack with adjustable shelves, lead storage drawer and everything.

I’m saving the forests one cabinet at a time.

I love the multimeter display case!  Not sure how functional but it is beautiful.  Is that oak?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Muttley Snickers on July 29, 2016, 05:07:03 am
It's definitely pine but others agree it's ok.    :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrbGngYXfes (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrbGngYXfes)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: SoundTech-LG on July 29, 2016, 03:15:49 pm
If you've got a little over 38" width in that center section you should be able to install 2 std. 19" rack rail systems
 Woo Hoo!!

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=143862&gclid=CLmOt7X7mM4CFQaTfgoduaIENw&is=REG&ap=y&m=Y&c3api=1876%2C92051677562%2C&A=details&Q= (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=143862&gclid=CLmOt7X7mM4CFQaTfgoduaIENw&is=REG&ap=y&m=Y&c3api=1876%2C92051677562%2C&A=details&Q=)

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Muttley Snickers on July 29, 2016, 04:20:09 pm
Thanks for the idea but I only have 880mm or 34.64 inches across the centre gap and have already started to prepare adjustable height full width shelves for scopes and other gear, the left door storage area will have some rack mount gear in it including a PC and I'm still working out what should go where.

The concern is that I could easily fill another two cabinets of this size with other gadgets without any problem, I expect the greatest benefit will be having frequently used equipment located at hand in one place rather than having to search through various lockers, cabinets and drawers which is starting to become a real chore. 

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: mtdoc on July 29, 2016, 05:09:15 pm
It's definitely pine but others agree it's ok.    :)

Ha! Of course. Now that I see it on a proper computer monitor (instead of my phone screen) I can see that. Yes. Pine's good. ;D

The glass doors look nice - removing them would make for more usable equipment shelving though I suppose it depends it you're using it for storage and display of rarely used equipment versus for regular working access.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on July 29, 2016, 07:42:22 pm
I expect the greatest benefit will be having frequently used equipment located at hand in one place rather than having to search through various lockers, cabinets and drawers which is starting to become a real chore.
I just get rid of equipment I no longer use. I mean: how much equipment do you really need?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xrunner on July 29, 2016, 10:02:24 pm
I mean: how much equipment do you really need?

I'm afraid to answer that question on a public forum.  :palm:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on July 29, 2016, 10:07:08 pm
I mean: how much equipment do you really need?

I'm afraid to answer that question on a public forum.  :palm:

My simple answer:

Need < Have < Want

 >:D

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on July 30, 2016, 03:54:10 am
Need < Have < Want

Pat, you must make that into a T-shirt. :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PTR_1275 on August 01, 2016, 12:09:16 pm
I've gotten some OK-ish bargains recently. Fluke 289 DMM for AU$150. Doesn't hold memory when the batteries are removed (super cap is leaky and a well known problem). Next digikey order I will order some replacement caps. The 289 needed a good clean, but is bang on with everything I've thrown at it.

I have a fluke 1587 insulation tester on it's way to me. Looks to be in good nick, cal sticker showed that it was cal'd about 12 months ago, paid AU$300 shipped. Hopefully I'll have that one in my hands in a few days.

Won a HP 66332A 20v / 5a PSU for AU$250 including shipping. Will be a while before that is on my bench, but looking forward to it.

A little while ago I also got a TTi PLH120 DC power supply. Capable of 750.0mA in it's high current range, then 75.00mA on it's low current. It is pretty handy to have a power supply that can go to 120VDC and gives you a readout to 10uA in low current range. I love the TTi gear and this is no exemption. Paid about $350 for it and it had only been used a few times, so a lot cheaper than buying a brand new one.

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TerraHertz on August 01, 2016, 12:18:04 pm
a nifty multimeter rack with adjustable shelves, lead storage drawer and everything.

Ohh! Nice.
You know, if you stripped out the CD guides, and stacked the multimeters in sideways, you could probably fit 30 of them in there. Leaving only a few more homeless.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Enigma-man on August 02, 2016, 12:20:28 am
I know this isn't much of a score but it was all for free, nada,zilch, zippo, au gratis, etc.
To buy this stuff, what are we lookin' at here?   Ten or twenty bucks ?

Tektronix 7704A Mainframe
7A26 Dual Trace Vertical Amplifier 200MHz
7B80 400Mhz Horizontal Timebase
Fluke 8500A 6.5 digit voltmeter
Eldorado Electronics Model 1820 4.5 digit voltmeter with Nixie display
Brunelle Model 3030 Function Generator
HP 5221A Frequency counter with Nixie display

All are in very good to excellent condition except the  HP 5221A counter.  Cubdriver said it looks like it was taken out of the box yesterday.  ;D
Actually it was from a trip to the past when Marty McFly and I took the DeLorean for a spin back to 1969 just for snicks to hijack a truck
destined for the HP field office here where I live.  :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment &quot;scores&quot; here!
Post by: timb on August 02, 2016, 01:52:14 am
Actually it was from a trip to the past when Marty McFly and I took the DeLorean for a spin back to 1969 just for snicks to hijack a truck
destined for the HP field office here where I live.  :)

Back to the Future meets Fast and Furious, I like it! You could call it, Back to the Furious. ;D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TSL on August 02, 2016, 02:06:21 am
Tektronix 7704A Mainframe
7A26 Dual Trace Vertical Amplifier 200MHz
7B80 400Mhz Horizontal Timebase
Fluke 8500A 6.5 digit voltmeter
Eldorado Electronics Model 1820 4.5 digit voltmeter with Nixie display
Brunelle Model 3030 Function Generator
HP 5221A Frequency counter with Nixie display

Pictures!!!!, how are supposed to lust after anything without pictures damn it!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Enigma-man on August 02, 2016, 02:20:43 am
@timb:
Sounds like it might be next Summer's blockbuster to me.

@TSL:
Easy now... Breathe slowly.  No lusting, drooling or other questionable behaviour will be tolerated.

Pictures of the Eldorado 1820 and HP 5221A are in the Products/Other Equipment and Products/ "Let's see your Nixie tube equipment"  on page four and five.
Wander over for a look.
If you don't tell me my 5221A counter is pretty, I'll have to block and ignore you while I hang out here...  :D

I'll get some pix up of the other stuff some time this week.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TSL on August 02, 2016, 05:32:41 am

Pictures of the Eldorado 1820 and HP 5221A are in the Products/Other Equipment and Products/ "Let's see your Nixie tube equipment"  on page four and five.
Wander over for a look.
If you don't tell me my 5221A counter is pretty, I'll have to block and ignore you while I hang out here...  :D

I'll get some pix up of the other stuff some time this week.

The 5221 is beautiful, it looks brand new !
I'm interested to see the 8500 - I picked up one of those at a hamvention for $10 in poor condition. It was BER so I'm retasking its chassis as a case for a GPSDO and frequency divider/distributor.



Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Enigma-man on August 02, 2016, 03:33:09 pm
@TSL:

Yes, the 5221A looks like new.  It probably did not meets the needs of the lab and probably sat in a box for dozens of years.  I believe it
was the late 90's or early 2000's when my friend put in a bid on a some equipment and the 5221A was in the lot.
Here is a pic of my Fluke 8500A reading the voltage form an Analog Devices AD688BQ precision plus/minus 10V reference chip.
My 8500A only measures voltage and I am hoping to find a donor with the ohms, current and ac plug in boards.
Also is a pic of my Tektronix 7704A.  Luckily for me, all the vintage items are in very good condition.
The lighting is not good so the pictures did not turn out. I don't have  the photography gene...

I forgot to mention when I did some minor work on the scope last year, the bulbs were burned out in the row of switches so I replaced them with
red LED's.  Looks cool with the lights out.  ;D
The voltage calibrator wasn't working and it took a while to find a 7472 flip flop.  I was prepared to modify that area with a more readily available device
but a friend found one.  Only one he had.  I have never come across a 7472 on anything except in my 7704A.
I didn't have two blank plates to fill in the two center slots so I put a piece of plastic over a scrapped cage from the logic analyzer option.
It works well and I am happy with it even though it is big and heavy.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: rx8pilot on August 05, 2016, 12:28:57 am
Preamble (LeCroy) 1855 Differential Amplifier with matched probes. Seems to work great and got a nice deal on it. Looking for an additional one right now - need two.
Unique piece of test gear, although it is ugly and has a curved top so you cannot easily stack them up. Dumb design in that regard.

Title: Re: List your test equipment &quot;scores&quot; here!
Post by: timb on August 05, 2016, 12:33:51 pm
Preamble (LeCroy) 1855 Differential Amplifier with matched probes. Seems to work great and got a nice deal on it. Looking for an additional one right now - need two.
Unique piece of test gear, although it is ugly and has a curved top so you cannot easily stack them up. Dumb design in that regard.

Those are *really* nice little amplifiers. I picked one up awhile back at an auction for $100 in non-working condition. Turned out to be a burnt out regulator.

Wish I would have kept it!
Title: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: timb on August 05, 2016, 12:43:53 pm
My latest bit of kit:

(http://timb.us/images/TDS754C.jpg)

Tek TDS 754C + 2 x P6205 750MHz Active Probes + 2 x P6139A 500Mhz Passive Probes

Free, thanks to rx8's generosity and my luck of the draw! I've currently got it sitting on the floor by my desk, until I get a shelf built to house all my test gear (I just can't fit anything else on the table behind my desk that most of my gear sits on). Thankfully, Tek designed most of their old Analog (and early Digital) scopes with feet on the rear, so you could use them on the floor pointing up.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on August 05, 2016, 01:34:48 pm
Good catch! That must be the cleanest TDS700 series scope I have ever seen (and I did wash the one I had)!
Title: Re: List your test equipment &quot;scores&quot; here!
Post by: timb on August 05, 2016, 07:56:22 pm
Good catch! That must be the cleanest TDS700 series scope I have ever seen (and I did wash the one I had)!

Thanks! rx8 took very good care of it. I ended up blowing out some accumulated dust from the inside and washing the exterior (the case, rear panel, front panel, rubber keypad, front trim and knobs).

The only issue with it is the ground connection inside the sealed power filter module appears to be broken. So I ordered a male and female IEC connector from Mouser and rigged up a 3" cord extension with the ground lead broken out. The ground lead has a crimped ring connector on the end, which screws into the metal chassis.

I investigated replacing or opening the sealed filter module, but it was a complete pain in the ass to do, so the cord method seemed like the way to go.

I was going to replace the floppy with one of those USB Floppy Emulators, but I decided to finally get a decent GPIB adapter. In the mean time, I'm using the serial port to "print" hard copies right to my computer. (I wrote a simple Python script to listen on the serial port and save the raw data; I love that the scope can directly print in Post Script format, which OS X can open natively.)

I'm really enjoying the scope so far! Being able to see 1GHz signals is amazing. :D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Enigma-man on August 06, 2016, 02:12:10 am
Very nice, but can it play any retro games ?  :D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: cncjerry on August 06, 2016, 03:58:37 am
You are going to love that TDS 754.  I upgraded my 744 to a 784 and I am pretty sure the 754 can be upgraded to at least a 784, possibly a 794.  The upgrade required removing 4 caps on the acquisition board and then a little trickery to reprogram it.  The upgrade also extended the memory.

My 744 is at least that clean and the shuttered CRT gives such a crisp display plus the colors are just beautiful. 
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: rx8pilot on August 06, 2016, 05:50:52 am
That scope was food on the table for me. Never met the original owner - I was owner 2 - but he/she probably did not use it much. The CRT is still rather bright and sharp. I kept it as dim as possible and used the VGA a lot to extend the life of it.

Solid performer. I never tried to upgrade to 1Ghz because I could not afford a mistake while I owned it. If I kept it, I would definitely try the TDS784 upgrade.

Hope it makes a big contribution to your projects.
Title: Re: List your test equipment &quot;scores&quot; here!
Post by: timb on August 07, 2016, 01:02:44 am
You are going to love that TDS 754.  I upgraded my 744 to a 784 and I am pretty sure the 754 can be upgraded to at least a 784, possibly a 794.  The upgrade required removing 4 caps on the acquisition board and then a little trickery to reprogram it.  The upgrade also extended the memory.

My 744 is at least that clean and the shuttered CRT gives such a crisp display plus the colors are just beautiful.

Yes, I've been researching that upgrade and am seriously considering it. However, I don't have any 1GHz signal generators for the calibration, aside from the the 1ns output on my TG 501 Time Mark Generator, but the amplitude is only 250mV, so I'm not sure if that's enough?

I wonder what the cheapest 1GHz source with sufficient fidelity would be?

That scope was food on the table for me. Never met the original owner - I was owner 2 - but he/she probably did not use it much. The CRT is still rather bright and sharp. I kept it as dim as possible and used the VGA a lot to extend the life of it.

Solid performer. I never tried to upgrade to 1Ghz because I could not afford a mistake while I owned it. If I kept it, I would definitely try the TDS784 upgrade.

Hope it makes a big contribution to your projects.

Yeah, right now, since I've got it on the floor, I'm using a little 12" VGA monitor on the desk (made from an old laptop's LCD and one of those conversion kits from eBay), so I can easily look at waveforms while probing. I've got it on a swing arm which makes it super handy!

I do really like the CRT+LCD Shutter though. It took me awhile to get used to it (I kept seeing it flicker in the corner of my eye or when moving) but after using it for awhile I don't even notice it anymore. It's a very bright, crisp, fast display.

Reading about these scopes, I see a lot of people ragging on Tek for using the CRT+Shutter system and I'm sure they had some issues, but for the time these scopes were built, I have to say it was a very nice display technology. You get the crispness and speed of a monochrome CRT with super vibrant colors! At the time, color LCDs were atrocious and I don't think they could get the same resolution and clarity out of a color CRT that small.

Anyway, I think I'll try the 784C upgrade once I get the signal generator needed to calibrate it.

And yes, I'm already putting it to good use on a project where I needed to see some high speed( ~500MHz) transitions clearly. I was using a 2465B for this until I got the 754C; being able to catch glitches and non-repetitive anomalies has already helped me out tremendously!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on August 07, 2016, 02:24:37 am
My 744 is at least that clean and the shuttered CRT gives such a crisp display plus the colors are just beautiful.
I beg to differ. Those shuttered LCD/CRT displays always gave me a headache so I replaced them with TFT. Still technology wise it is the only way to get color CRT without convergence problems.
Title: Re: List your test equipment &quot;scores&quot; here!
Post by: TheSteve on August 07, 2016, 02:32:19 am
I wonder what the cheapest 1GHz source with sufficient fidelity would be?

A friend with a signal generator - maybe there is someone local to you on the blog that can help you out.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on August 07, 2016, 06:58:01 am
Not long ago this has arrived.

Its actually just a HP8566B (22GHz boatanchor spectrum analyzer) in two parts due to how heavy it is
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Rbastler on August 07, 2016, 07:52:19 am
Recently I bought a Fluke 25 in a ebay auction for 35€. Some digits on the display where dim, but that was due to a dirty zebra strip. After cleaning, the display is now good. I also had to check the range switch, because it didn't make contact on some ranges. I fixed that to easily.

Edit: Corrections
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: KJDS on August 07, 2016, 11:10:32 am
Recently I bought a Fluke 25 in a ebay auction for 35€. Some digits on the display where dim, but that was due to a dirty zebra strip. After cleaning, the display is now good. I also had to check the range switch, because it didn't make contact on some ranges. I fixed that to easily.

Edit: Corrections

I've cleaned hundreds of those zebra strips, never known a flaky display on a Fluke 25 to be anything else.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: cncjerry on August 07, 2016, 04:34:46 pm
Not long ago this has arrived.

Its actually just a HP8566B (22GHz boatanchor spectrum analyzer) in two parts due to how heavy it is
You joined the 8566 club, love mine as well as my 8568b.  If you aren't already on the HP google group, I suggest you join.  We recently found a way to significantly reduce the line noise in many of the 8566 units, just take a little rearranging of the cables with the bottom off.

Post some pictures once you get it running...
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bingo600 on August 07, 2016, 05:35:13 pm
[HP google group, I suggest you join. 

Any hints to that group ?

I only know the yahoo group

/Bingo
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on August 07, 2016, 06:42:11 pm
[HP google group, I suggest you join. 

Any hints to that group ?

I only know the yahoo group

/Bingo

I *think* that may be the one he means - yahoo is the only one I know of, too.  If there's another, I'm interested in knowing about it too.

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on August 07, 2016, 08:21:00 pm
You joined the 8566 club, love mine as well as my 8568b.  If you aren't already on the HP google group, I suggest you join.  We recently found a way to significantly reduce the line noise in many of the 8566 units, just take a little rearranging of the cables with the bottom off.

Post some pictures once you get it running...

I did already get it running.

Its in fairly good condition apart from one of the cables being cracked at one of the connectors. Haven't taken the lid off yet but i will probably have to since the grid on the display looks pretty fuzzy and a bit bright compared to the rest of the image. And damn is the thing loud so i might retrofit a quieter fan in it.

What is that group? I used yahoo groups before but im in none of the HP ones.

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on August 07, 2016, 08:57:02 pm
It's the 'HP/Agilent Test Equipment' group on Yahoo.

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on August 07, 2016, 09:04:59 pm
i.e., https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/hp_agilent_equipment/info
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: VK5RC on August 09, 2016, 10:55:47 am
My TEA (test equipment addiction) is so bad I am scrounging around dumpsters looking for a hit.
Came up with the goods tonight, a used but nothing wrong, Hewlett Packard Trolley, best price = free. HiHi.

Seriously I do find ir sad that such potentially good gear gets trashed all the time.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: HighVoltage on August 09, 2016, 12:03:11 pm
HP and Tektronix made some really great carts in those days, when equipment was heavy.
But even today, they are very helpful and good for smaller instruments.
Great dumpster find.

 
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: VK5RC on August 09, 2016, 12:56:10 pm
I felt really silly picking this cart out of a shoulder high dumpster then trying to fit it into my car! Physically quite a challenge. Who needs to go to the gym!!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: SeanB on August 09, 2016, 02:25:10 pm
Beats my repurposed shopping trolley test stand though. Bought originally as a garbage bag tote, but I repurposed it after I got it. They make good mobile worktops when you add a scrap pallet to the top and use it.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TAMHAN on August 09, 2016, 02:49:08 pm
I felt really silly picking this cart out of a shoulder high dumpster then trying to fit it into my car! Physically quite a challenge. Who needs to go to the gym!!

You can laugh now, but one of the reasons I go to the gym two to three times a week is to have the necessary arm strength for this kind of shite. Being able to turn over a DPO 40 times when fixing an error, or being able to balance a lecroy while a helper connects it to a short GPIB cable in the rack can be worth it.

Oh, and forgot to add: nice catch!!!!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: razberik on August 09, 2016, 03:04:10 pm
You can help me when moving to new flat. When you are done with the furniture, I will charge you a fee.
There is an elevator, but not big enough for bed or some of wardrobes.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on August 09, 2016, 04:41:31 pm
My TEA (test equipment addiction) is so bad I am scrounging around dumpsters looking for a hit.
Came up with the goods tonight, a used but nothing wrong, Hewlett Packard Trolley, best price = free. HiHi.

Seriously I do find ir sad that such potentially good gear gets trashed all the time.

Great find - it must have cost a fortune when it was new.  And in my experience here, HP carts are a rarity (I've never seen one firsthand) compared to the Tektronix ones that, relatively speaking, grow on trees (I wish!).  Based on the wheels, that one looks more like a medical type cart than test lab.  Regardless of its originally intended use, it looks nice and solid.

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Falkra on August 09, 2016, 05:04:41 pm
That's indeed a very nice catch. Well done.  :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Jwalling on August 09, 2016, 06:24:48 pm
That's indeed a very nice catch. Well done.  :)

Just an FYI: It helps to quote a bit of what you're replying to, otherwise nobody knows what you're talking about.  ;)

Jay
Title: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: timb on August 09, 2016, 11:13:32 pm
My TEA (test equipment addiction) is so bad I am scrounging around dumpsters looking for a hit.
Came up with the goods tonight, a used but nothing wrong, Hewlett Packard Trolley, best price = free. HiHi.

Seriously I do find ir sad that such potentially good gear gets trashed all the time.

Great find - it must have cost a fortune when it was new.  And in my experience here, HP carts are a rarity (I've never seen one firsthand) compared to the Tektronix ones that, relatively speaking, grow on trees (I wish!).  Based on the wheels, that one looks more like a medical type cart than test lab.  Regardless of its originally intended use, it looks nice and solid.

-Pat


Speaking of medical carts...

About 6 or 7 years ago, I was managing my parent's business after they retired. It was a pallet recycling operation. We got a lot of our pallets from these guys who would basically drive around in pickup trucks with a little trailer or small flat beds and collect the pallets from local businesses, maybe 20 or 30 a week. Anyway, these guys would come in sometimes with *amazing* dumpster finds.

So, one of the guys brought us pallets he collected from the local hospital. One day he had one of those big medical carts on the back of his truck. The kind with all the drawers and the big flat top, the huge rubber castor wheels; constructed out of rugged plastic, rubber, fiberglass and metal... Sort of like the one below, only with more (but not quite as tall) drawers on the right hand side.

Apparently, they were upgrading to newer carts on that floor and were just trashing the old ones! He ended up giving me two of them. They make *amazing* tool carts for a shop or garage! I left one at the pallet plant (for fixing stuff around the shop) and took the other one home. Used it until I moved for fixing my car and bike (it was fantastic, because I kept it loaded up with pretty much any tool you'd need to work on a vehicle, and it had that flat top so you could work on parts and stuff).

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160809/76e3bed89cfb17d92152145d8c647a7f.jpg)

When I moved, I put it in storage. I should dig it out, as it'd make an awesome lab cart.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: VK5RC on August 10, 2016, 02:39:45 am
One of the really funny things is,  my daytime job is a doctor,  so there I am pulling this beast out of the skip in the hospital carpark,  wearing a neck tie white shirt etc it was 8pm at night and lightly raining,  one of my colleagues walks by and says hello like nothing unusual is happening.
Lots of medical gear gets thrown out inappropriately. 
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Enigma-man on August 10, 2016, 04:53:17 am
After your colleague walked by you probably didn't see the eye roll.  ;D
I hope you used hand sanitizer after your dumpster dive, doc...  :scared:

I'm only kidding, of course.

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on August 10, 2016, 05:11:38 am
That medical cart looks rather useful, if i could roll it under my tall workbench it would be perfect for my lab. Il have to have a look around locally as there is no way such a huge thing would get shipped.

It could finally let me get my tools,probes, cables etc properly organized Right now i use clear plastic bins and empty paint cans.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: HighVoltage on August 10, 2016, 07:04:19 am
My brother is working in a hospital and every time he finds something interesting in the dumpster, I get a call.
In my lab I have one of these OP lights from an operating room.
It makes perfect lighting !
It is amazing, what hospitals are throwing away these days

Great cart btw.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Enigma-man on August 10, 2016, 02:53:02 pm
@HighVoltage:

OP room lighting will give a Frankenstein type ambience to the workshop.  Throw in a Jacob's Ladder
and your neighbours carrying torches and pitchforks will surround your house every time you turn on those
power hungry OP room lights causing brownouts in the area... ;D 
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TAMHAN on August 10, 2016, 03:57:42 pm
You can help me when moving to new flat. When you are done with the furniture, I will charge you a fee.
There is an elevator, but not big enough for bed or some of wardrobes.

Can one take them apart? I recently bought one of these new-fashioned power screwers and would be willing to help if you live closeby.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PaulAm on August 10, 2016, 10:06:11 pm
I found a hospital crash cart at a local university surplus outlet for $35.  I'm sure it was like $1500 new; it's really nice.  I use it for my LA.

Recently I pulled a wire restaurant kitchen cart out of a dumpster.  Has very nice casters and 3 levels; I use that as a work cart out in my shop.  I just line the shelves with cardboard to keep small items from falling through.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: rx8pilot on August 11, 2016, 01:05:26 am
I feel like I should take an annual trip to silicon valley for dumpster diving. Ahead of time I would get the list of the failing tech companies being kicked out of their offices that week. I imagine that area is regularly throwing away gold and diamonds.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on August 11, 2016, 02:40:42 am
OK, Carlos. Let me know when you're planning on going. We can divvy up the diving work, the spoils, and the beer. :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: lowimpedance on August 11, 2016, 12:28:16 pm
One of the really funny things is,  my daytime job is a doctor,  so there I am pulling this beast out of the skip in the hospital carpark,  wearing a neck tie white shirt etc it was 8pm at night and lightly raining,  one of my colleagues walks by and says hello like nothing unusual is happening.
Lots of medical gear gets thrown out inappropriately.
I just got a vivid mental image reading that   :D totally unexpected your a doc. Where I work I am known as one of the "seagulls" , waiting to dive on any 'tasty dumpster morsel'. I feel its my civic duty to minimise landfill and reuse gear thats still got plenty of life in it.
 So I fully approve of your rummaging, suit tie and all,  :-+.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Jwalling on August 11, 2016, 08:18:35 pm
Got this one on eBay this week.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/112080431631?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT (http://www.ebay.com/itm/112080431631?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT)

No big deal. BUT, the seller/owner is Bernard Goetz.  :box:
He was one of my heroes back in the mid 80s.
He now owns a company (mostly used T&M equipment, I think) called
Vigilante Electronics in NYC. Cool!  :-+

Jay
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Jay_Diddy_B on August 11, 2016, 08:37:58 pm
Got this one on eBay this week.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/112080431631?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT (http://www.ebay.com/itm/112080431631?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT)

No big deal. BUT, the seller/owner is Bernard Goetz.  :box:
He was one of my heroes back in the mid 80s.
He now owns a company (mostly used T&M equipment, I think) called
Vigilante Electronics in NYC. Cool!  :-+

Jay

I met Bernard Goetz a few years ago. He had taken some stuff to the Dayton Hamvention. You are right about Vigilante Electronics in NYC.

Read, if you don't know the story: http://www.biography.com/people/bernhard-goetz-578520 (http://www.biography.com/people/bernhard-goetz-578520)

Jay_Diddy_B
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: pascal_sweden on August 11, 2016, 09:20:50 pm
Nice scope, but how come it is so expensive? The specs seem moderate.
Is it more like a collector's item?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on August 11, 2016, 09:29:32 pm
Nice scope, but how come it is so expensive? The specs seem moderate.
Is it more like a collector's item?

I haven't looked into it but I'm going to guess an easy upgrade to a TDS3054C perhaps?
Title: Re: List your test equipment &quot;scores&quot; here!
Post by: timb on August 12, 2016, 12:33:31 am
I wonder what the cheapest 1GHz source with sufficient fidelity would be?

A friend with a signal generator - maybe there is someone local to you on the blog that can help you out.

So, I found a SG 504 on eBay for $800, which is sort of insane. I put in a lowball offer of $70, since it's untested and doesn't include the leveling head. I ended up getting it for $100 shipped!

There's a guy on eBay who's selling homemade (but calibrated) leveling heads for $120. Apparently they provide better accuracy (0.1%) than the original Tektronix versions!

That said, I found a guy in the UK who came up with the parts list, schematic and layout for a DIY version, so I'll try that route first I think.

Either way I'm happy. Combined with my SG 503 I can now produce leveled sine waves from 50kHz to 1GHz at a voltage range of 5mV to 5.5V-PP!
Title: Re: List your test equipment &quot;scores&quot; here!
Post by: Berni on August 12, 2016, 05:15:54 am

So, I found a SG 504 on eBay for $800, which is sort of insane. I put in a lowball offer of $70, since it's untested and doesn't include the leveling head. I ended up getting it for $100 shipped!

There's a guy on eBay who's selling homemade (but calibrated) leveling heads for $120. Apparently they provide better accuracy (0.1%) than the original Tektronix versions!

That said, I found a guy in the UK who came up with the parts list, schematic and layout for a DIY version, so I'll try that route first I think.

Either way I'm happy. Combined with my SG 503 I can now produce leveled sine waves from 50kHz to 1GHz at a voltage range of 5mV to 5.5V-PP!

Wow now that is indeed a steal.

A cheap way of getting fast signals are also some of these USB powered synthesizers. They are basicaly just a PLL based synthesizer IC with some RF amplifiers and attenuators on it. They go to a few GHz and some are calibrated at manufacture to a flat response, but the spectral purity is crap as it has tons of harmonics, but phase noise might not be all that bad.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Jwalling on August 12, 2016, 09:51:47 am
Nice scope, but how come it is so expensive? The specs seem moderate.
Is it more like a collector's item?

I haven't looked into it but I'm going to guess an easy upgrade to a TDS3054C perhaps?

Nothing like that, I don't know of any hacks for it. I bought it to re-sell. Figure I'll make $500 or so. Current MSRP is about $7K. Crazy.
http://www.newark.com/tektronix/tds3014c/oscilloscope-digital-storage-4/dp/84M7359 (http://www.newark.com/tektronix/tds3014c/oscilloscope-digital-storage-4/dp/84M7359)

Jay
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on August 12, 2016, 04:45:09 pm
Just picked up an N2795A 1 GHz active probe that looks to be as new with all accessories and even the original cal cert for $300.00. Should be fun to have a probe with LED lighting on the end. Now to find a nice differential probe.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: cncjerry on August 12, 2016, 10:00:40 pm
Nice scope, but how come it is so expensive? The specs seem moderate.
Is it more like a collector's item?

I haven't looked into it but I'm going to guess an easy upgrade to a TDS3054C perhaps?

Nothing like that, I don't know of any hacks for it. I bought it to re-sell. Figure I'll make $500 or so. Current MSRP is about $7K. Crazy.
http://www.newark.com/tektronix/tds3014c/oscilloscope-digital-storage-4/dp/84M7359 (http://www.newark.com/tektronix/tds3014c/oscilloscope-digital-storage-4/dp/84M7359)

Jay
[/quote

You can hack it to a 3054 (I hear) as well as activate the features with a simple EPROM. I did the EPROM and it worked well.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: rx8pilot on August 13, 2016, 12:27:44 am
Just picked up an N2795A 1 GHz active probe that looks to be as new with all accessories and even the original cal cert for $300.00. Should be fun to have a probe with LED lighting on the end. Now to find a nice differential probe.

Adding the LED is excellent. I would love to see a camera on future probes - that would be awesome.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Muxr on August 13, 2016, 07:41:59 pm
About 6 months ago I picked up this HP 5385A Frequency Counter. The owner said it was blowing fuses. I finally had some time this weekend so I decided to take a look at it and see if I can fix it.

(http://i.imgur.com/GjhuxFX.jpg)

Armed with the service manual I dug into it.

Main board: (http://i.imgur.com/O0JPQ9e.jpg)

The cover actually has a battery and the battery charger as part of the included options (oven controlled oscillator was the other): (http://i.imgur.com/KbBb3f6.jpg)

PWM DC-DC +5V main rail regulator section: (http://i.imgur.com/VbH41sS.jpg)

Probed around for obvious shorted capacitors or similar and found no issues. The fuse was the only thing that needed a replacement: (http://i.imgur.com/NC3pxDa.jpg)

So I decided to disconnect the battery charger/battery module replace the fuse and give it a spin.

The instrument came alive, thermal camera also didn't detect any overly stressed parts: (http://i.imgur.com/wffrksS.jpg)

The issue is probably related to the battery option, which I don't care about. So I will just remove the battery and remove the option.

I am currently not able to test 100Mhz + RF frequencies (I have just scored an RF Sig Gen as well, but it's not here yet) but at least the sub 100Mhz frequencies seem fine.

(http://i.imgur.com/klJDrJ0.jpg)
Not bad for $50.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xrunner on August 14, 2016, 12:14:05 am
Good work I got a counter like that and it's a good unit.  :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: VK5RC on August 14, 2016, 11:36:03 am
Some while ago bought a Marconi 2024 2.4GHz counter with a broken (but just readable) for USD$500 but thank to grumpydoc et al found a used but working LCD, 30mins work later a nice working 2.4GHz freq gen! A small crack in the perspex remains off to the LHS but I'm ok with that for the price.
Has the high power option and harmonics are below the -40dBc :-+

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/repair/quick-repair-project-marconi-2024/ (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/repair/quick-repair-project-marconi-2024/)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Electro Fan on August 14, 2016, 02:28:36 pm
.
The instrument came alive, thermal camera also didn't detect any overly stressed parts:
(http://i.imgur.com/wffrksS.jpg)

What thermal camera did you use?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Muxr on August 14, 2016, 02:40:10 pm
What thermal camera did you use?
FLIR One on my iPhone.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on August 14, 2016, 08:51:56 pm
Looks like a FLIR One has just made its way into my shopping list.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Muxr on August 14, 2016, 10:31:25 pm
Looks like a FLIR One has just made its way into my shopping list.
Thermal camera is a really useful tool, I bought it when it first came out, and I can say I've relied on it more often than I thought I would. I've been pretty happy with my FLIR One.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: deepskyridge on August 15, 2016, 03:01:08 pm
I recently picked up a couple of Instruments off Ebay.

1. HP 5334B Counter, $35 and works great, needed cleaning.

2. HP 8591E Spectrum Analyzer, $200. Needed a new CRT. Found the entire unit on ebay for $50 (New). Passes confidence test, works well.

Gary
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Muxr on August 15, 2016, 03:27:54 pm
@deepskyridge those are some awesome bargains.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Falkra on August 15, 2016, 04:53:11 pm
Indeed,  nice catch !  :D
Were they sold for parts, out of order, untested ?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: deepskyridge on August 15, 2016, 05:22:28 pm
Indeed,  nice catch !  :D
Were they sold for parts, out of order, untested ?

Yes, they were sold for parts or needs repair.

FYI if anyone needs a new display module for the 8590 series of SA. Here is a ebay listing for the one I bought.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-Qty-LOT-NEW-HP-Agilent-2090-0539-CRT-Display-Section-for-8590-Spectrum-Analyze-/351781522402?hash=item51e7d00be2:g:oEYAAOSw~FNUY7~q (http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-Qty-LOT-NEW-HP-Agilent-2090-0539-CRT-Display-Section-for-8590-Spectrum-Analyze-/351781522402?hash=item51e7d00be2:g:oEYAAOSw~FNUY7~q)

They have more than 10.

Gary
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: dxl on August 16, 2016, 07:53:45 pm
Scored a HP 66000A MPS Mainframe with modules for 150US$ + shipping:

http://www.ebay.de/itm/Agilent-66000A-Modular-Power-System-Mainframe-four-66101A-two-66102A-READ-/152182747515?hash=item236ecc717b%3Ag%3AqEEAAOSwn8FXR46p&nma=true&si=qb6HlkEm%252B6ickmJrNFDqhcqC6uw%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557 (http://www.ebay.de/itm/Agilent-66000A-Modular-Power-System-Mainframe-four-66101A-two-66102A-READ-/152182747515?hash=item236ecc717b%3Ag%3AqEEAAOSwn8FXR46p&nma=true&si=qb6HlkEm%252B6ickmJrNFDqhcqC6uw%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557)

The seller stated that the modules are not working, but it turned out that the modules are not dead - they where just all configured with the DIP switches either in calibration or in Production only mode. Turning back the switches recovered most of them but one. That one had just a disconnected display cable :)

The mainframe itself did not work with keyboard connected. I've started looking for the problem, and figured out that one of the PALCE16V8 wasn't working. That PAL did some clock dividing to provide different clock signals for various stuff. Looked into my old box with all the EPROMs and such stuff from the 90s, and found a PEEL18CV8. Not exactly the same, but after installing Software to generate bitstreams for those devices, i got it running again. That was probably the first time i worked with PAL/GAL stuff since the 90's ;)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on August 16, 2016, 10:57:22 pm
I recently picked up a couple of Instruments off Ebay.

1. HP 5334B Counter, $35 and works great, needed cleaning.

2. HP 8591E Spectrum Analyzer, $200. Needed a new CRT. Found the entire unit on ebay for $50 (New). Passes confidence test, works well.

Gary
Nice Score.  :-+ :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: karoru on August 16, 2016, 11:07:25 pm
Nothing like that, I don't know of any hacks for it. I bought it to re-sell. Figure I'll make $500 or so. Current MSRP is about $7K. Crazy.

It has to be device that is an industry standard for measuring something esoteric that you need to either repair/buy another one if it smokes or rebuild and recertify your whole test setup and redo all paperwork, spending stupid amount of money.

It happens, and that's why for example you can still buy brand new 25 MHz generic TV-repair era analog scopes from some companies (eg Voltcraft) for pretty hefty price. Or analog meters (in microwave ovens industry procedures still call for AVOmeter rated for 2500V RMS to measure secondary of transformer...).
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: orin on August 18, 2016, 05:37:02 am
So here's the 8753C that came with a blown A sampler mentioned in the 8753C repair thread, shown doing an S11 measurement using a 11667A power splitter and Mini Circuits directional coupler.  Kirkby Microwave female calibration standards are on the left.

[Yes, I know there is something wrong with this picture, but note that vertical scale is 1dB/div.  I'm still working out why...]
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on August 21, 2016, 08:13:36 pm
Late night surfing found another ebay deal.
Got five Tektronix P6139A 500 MHz probes, three Agilent 10074C probes and one 1160A(this one is parts only) for $55.00.
All of the probes work, about half of them are complete with ground clips and hooks.

the P6139A's are a great match for my TDS7104.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: rx8pilot on August 21, 2016, 08:45:37 pm
Late night surfing found another ebay deal.
Got five Tektronix P6139A 500 MHz probes, three Agilent 10074C probes and one 1160A(this one is parts only) for $55.00.
All of the probes work, about half of them are complete with ground clips and hooks.

the P6139A's are a great match for my TDS7104.

Solid! I have spent quite a few hours with P6139A in my hand. Classics that still work great.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on August 21, 2016, 09:25:37 pm
Late night surfing found another ebay deal.
Got five Tektronix P6139A 500 MHz probes, three Agilent 10074C probes and one 1160A(this one is parts only) for $55.00.
All of the probes work, about half of them are complete with ground clips and hooks.

the P6139A's are a great match for my TDS7104.

Solid! I have spent quite a few hours with P6139A in my hand. Classics that still work great.

Yep, they are quite nice and seem to the later generation that are black. I was also able to use the Agilent 1160A as I already had a complete 1160A probe kit and they include a spare probe tip and sleeve.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on August 22, 2016, 06:05:12 am
Late night surfing found another ebay deal.
Got five Tektronix P6139A 500 MHz probes, three Agilent 10074C probes and one 1160A(this one is parts only) for $55.00.
All of the probes work, about half of them are complete with ground clips and hooks.

the P6139A's are a great match for my TDS7104.

For 55$? That is truly excellent!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: VK5RC on August 22, 2016, 10:40:12 am
TEK 222. While not a real score (for the price I paid) it is in excellent condition, had the manual and the carry bag
When the Tek 200 series came out I was a young teenager and I was blown away by the small size. Was missing the earth clip (uses 2mm banana - so easy fix)  and had both probes. Dead battery (the weird 8V SLA - unobtanium) but will put some 18650 Li Ions holders in for portable use, if needed.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: SoundTech-LG on August 24, 2016, 04:16:25 pm
I think this is too big.
External Battery???

http://www.atbatt.com/power-sonic-8v-32ah-sealed-lead-acid-battery-w-f1-terminal.asp?gclid=CKb44JK52s4CFQ5rfgodBWkPFQ (http://www.atbatt.com/power-sonic-8v-32ah-sealed-lead-acid-battery-w-f1-terminal.asp?gclid=CKb44JK52s4CFQ5rfgodBWkPFQ)

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: SoundTech-LG on August 24, 2016, 04:28:00 pm
About 6 months ago I picked up this HP 5385A Frequency Counter. The owner said it was blowing fuses. I finally had some time this weekend so I decided to take a look at it and see if I can fix it.

(http://i.imgur.com/GjhuxFX.jpg)

Armed with the service manual I dug into it.

Main board: (http://i.imgur.com/O0JPQ9e.jpg)

The cover actually has a battery and the battery charger as part of the included options (oven controlled oscillator was the other): (http://i.imgur.com/KbBb3f6.jpg)

PWM DC-DC +5V main rail regulator section: (http://i.imgur.com/VbH41sS.jpg)

Probed around for obvious shorted capacitors or similar and found no issues. The fuse was the only thing that needed a replacement: (http://i.imgur.com/NC3pxDa.jpg)

So I decided to disconnect the battery charger/battery module replace the fuse and give it a spin.

The instrument came alive, thermal camera also didn't detect any overly stressed parts: (http://i.imgur.com/wffrksS.jpg)

The issue is probably related to the battery option, which I don't care about. So I will just remove the battery and remove the option.

I am currently not able to test 100Mhz + RF frequencies (I have just scored an RF Sig Gen as well, but it's not here yet) but at least the sub 100Mhz frequencies seem fine.

(http://i.imgur.com/klJDrJ0.jpg)
Not bad for $50.

$50 is a total steal. I think I paid $200 for mine. Nice photos, and troubleshooting.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: CJay on August 25, 2016, 06:00:58 am
TEK 222. While not a real score (for the price I paid) it is in excellent condition, had the manual and the carry bag
When the Tek 200 series came out I was a young teenager and I was blown away by the small size. Was missing the earth clip (uses 2mm banana - so easy fix)  and had both probes. Dead battery (the weird 8V SLA - unobtanium) but will put some 18650 Li Ions holders in for portable use, if needed.
Oh, they're cute.

I may be talking BS but check out the Hawker Energy Cyclon cells, they can be very handy if you're putting together a pack which needs non standard multiples of 2V cells and don't want to mess around with LiIon cells
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: mtdoc on August 25, 2016, 07:57:07 pm
The hospital I work at puts out surplus equipment (no electronics  :( ) for auction that few people bid on. I saw these after the action ended so got them for 1/2 the minimum bid.  Total paid : $7.50.     $2.50 for a high quality chair for my bench and $5.00 for an awesome modular equipment cart with a smoke evacuation unit that was attached to it.  The smoke evacuator works great!  Overkill for solder fumes but not sure what else to do with it :-//.    "Breathing laser smoke is a smoke hazard" but alas, no lasers in my lab.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: MosherIV on August 25, 2016, 08:39:40 pm
Hi

Just scored this

(http://)

A Solatron 7060 Multimeter for £60, a 6.5 digit multimeter
According to the plate on the back, this is a full blown G version  8)

Only problem now is that it is showing there is a 40/50uV difference with my Thurlby 1905a 5.5 digit multimeter  >:(
Now, I am going to have to figure out which one is correct or pay for a calibration  :palm:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on August 25, 2016, 09:53:41 pm
Only problem now is that it is showing there is a 40/50uV difference with my Thurlby 1905a 5.5 digit multimeter  >:(
Now, I am going to have to figure out which one is correct or pay for a calibration  :palm:

Or buy another and see which two agree, if at all...and so the collection begins. :-DMM
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: GreyWoolfe on August 25, 2016, 10:09:06 pm
Only problem now is that it is showing there is a 40/50uV difference with my Thurlby 1905a 5.5 digit multimeter  >:(
Now, I am going to have to figure out which one is correct or pay for a calibration  :palm:

Or buy another and see which two agree, if at all...and so the collection begins. :-DMM

And this is the start of voltnuttery in motion >:D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on August 26, 2016, 01:32:23 am
The third MSOX6004A from Keysight's competition, for $8.5k. Meanwhile, I sold my MSOX3104A for $5k, and I paid $100 to ship it, and $70 gas/$40 turnpike fee to pick my new MSOX6004A up. It sums up as $3.71k upgrading cost.

Very nice! Only 74.2 cents per upgraded MHz.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on August 26, 2016, 05:11:08 am
The third MSOX6004A from Keysight's competition, for $8.5k. Meanwhile, I sold my MSOX3104A for $5k, and I paid $100 to ship it, and $70 gas/$40 turnpike fee to pick my new MSOX6004A up. It sums up as $3.71k upgrading cost.

That was quite an amazing deal there.

I had a planed to sell my MSO6034A (non X) when i got my next scope as they seam to still be worth a decent amount. I never got around to it, but then later realized it still gets used quite often so im keeping it.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: CJay on August 26, 2016, 07:54:42 pm
This arrived today.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Tektronix-TAS485-Oscilloscope-/282131933198?_trksid=p2047675.l2557&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&nma=true&si=MEu7VsduO9y9F2CCsOb81S10eFE%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Tektronix-TAS485-Oscilloscope-/282131933198?_trksid=p2047675.l2557&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&nma=true&si=MEu7VsduO9y9F2CCsOb81S10eFE%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc)

Powered up and the front panel works perfectly, the 'screen burn', well, yeah, it wasn't. Ten minute teardown and a little bit of careful cleaning produced a lovely clean trace, good brightness, focus is a little soft but I think it may improve with warm up.

Now all I have to do is work out how the RF gaskets fit back in after they fell out onto the floor.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Martin.M on August 28, 2016, 01:52:07 pm
TEK 222. While not a real score (for the price I paid) it is in excellent condition, had the manual and the carry bag
When the Tek 200 series came out I was a young teenager and I was blown away by the small size. Was missing the earth clip (uses 2mm banana - so easy fix)  and had both probes. Dead battery (the weird 8V SLA - unobtanium) but will put some 18650 Li Ions holders in for portable use, if needed.

I have buyed one from france for a pay of€ 130,- +20 postage.
It got 4 pcs of this enersys cyclon cells, for around 40,-
so the little Tek is done for 190,-€ . This is a normally price for this collecting scopes,
also the other little Tek ( 211, 212, 213, 214, 221, and the little DSO 224, are still expensive. But take a look in the old catalogs to see how many $$$ was gone to get one, it is still OK  :)

µTek
(http://www.wellenkino.de/214/214-1.jpg)

greetings
Martin

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Jay_Diddy_B on August 28, 2016, 09:56:11 pm
Hi group,

Here is a picture of my latest 'score':

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=251503;image)

It is a Fluke 187 that looks like it has been run over by car.

Here is a picture of the backside:

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=251505;image)

And the inside of the top:

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=251507;image)

I was given this to me free by a friend.

What is so great about this?

Well, I have another Fluke 187 that had a good case but had been exposed to a severe overload and was unrepairable:

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=251509;image)

I took the PCB assembly from the 'roadkill' unit and put it in the electrically damaged unit and I have a working Fluke 187:

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=251511;image)

I have checked all the ranges with my Fluke 5101 calibrator and everything seems to be working properly.

Regards,

Jay_Diddy_B
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: retiredcaps on August 28, 2016, 10:09:20 pm
Well, I have another Fluke 187 that had a good case but had been exposed to a severe overload and was unrepairable:
Have you tried repairing the input protection section?  It would probably only take 5 minutes to check all varistors, PTC (half blown off), fusbile resistor (obviously fried), etc.

It would be similar to this Brymen BM869, but ended up being repairable.

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/repair/brymen-bm869-meets-high-voltage-in-real-world/ (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/repair/brymen-bm869-meets-high-voltage-in-real-world/)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Muxr on August 28, 2016, 10:10:12 pm
Good deal on the Fluke 187 donor guts!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Jay_Diddy_B on August 28, 2016, 10:48:31 pm
Well, I have another Fluke 187 that had a good case but had been exposed to a severe overload and was unrepairable:
Have you tried repairing the input protection section?  It would probably only take 5 minutes to check all varistors, PTC (half blown off), fusbile resistor (obviously fried), etc.

It would be similar to this Brymen BM869, but ended up being repairable.

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/repair/brymen-bm869-meets-high-voltage-in-real-world/ (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/repair/brymen-bm869-meets-high-voltage-in-real-world/)

Retiredcaps,

I had tried to repair the damage Fluke 187, It was damaged beyond the input protection circuitry. I cannot remember exactly what I tried. I had given up on it and I was keeping the damaged unit for parts. Anyway the 'roadkill' unit came with a good pcb, so it made the repair really easy.

The plastic LCD display bracket and case was badly damaged in the 'roadkill' unit, so apart from academic interest there is little point in repair the burnt board.

Good deal on the Fluke 187 donor guts!

There was a 'cost' I spent several hours repairing an HP6010A power supply for my friend.

This is how the 6010A looked inside:
(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=251513;image)

The cover didn't look too bad.

But, under the cover:

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=251515;image)

More dirt:

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=251517;image)

Giant 'dust bunnies':

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=251519;image)

This was the cause of the problem, a damaged 10turn potentiometer:

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=251521;image)

After cleaning:

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=251523;image)

I took the unit apart, washed the board in a sink warm water and dish soap. I washed the case and main board with a power washer and left everything to dry in the sun.

Regards,

Jay_Diddy_B
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nanofrog on August 29, 2016, 12:00:39 am
Nice job on both.  :-/O  :-+  Not only did you save some good equipment, you got to keep one.  :-DMM

Definitely a good deal, and FWIW, I'd say the road kill unit was your payment for fixing the HP (sounds positive, as this story is IMHO).
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on August 29, 2016, 06:37:29 am
@Jay_Diddy_B: I'll second the "nice job" on both of those devices. :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Villain on September 06, 2016, 06:53:13 pm
Scored a Keithley 2015 THD Multimeter on Ebay for 350 Euros. It was out of specification but i easily adjusted it and now its fine.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Jwalling on September 07, 2016, 05:08:40 pm
This:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/282148473438?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT (http://www.ebay.com/itm/282148473438?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT)

An Agilent DSO-X 2014A for $460. It's still under factory warranty till 2018!  :-DD :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on September 07, 2016, 05:58:58 pm
This:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/282148473438?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT (http://www.ebay.com/itm/282148473438?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT)

An Agilent DSO-X 2014A for $460. It's still under factory warranty till 2018!  :-DD :-+

And you would have paid much less if I wasn't bidding against you! :)
I also noticed it should be under warranty - as long as it is a standard failure and not as a result of someone trying to hack it. I assume it is flash corruption though.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bingo600 on September 07, 2016, 06:13:49 pm
This:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/282148473438?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT (http://www.ebay.com/itm/282148473438?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT)

An Agilent DSO-X 2014A for $460. It's still under factory warranty till 2018!  :-DD :-+

MY52....
Is that a 2012 model ?
Does Agilent offer 6Y warranty , or where do you check for a valid warranty ?

/Bingo
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on September 07, 2016, 06:17:06 pm
This:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/282148473438?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT (http://www.ebay.com/itm/282148473438?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT)

An Agilent DSO-X 2014A for $460. It's still under factory warranty till 2018!  :-DD :-+

MY52....
Is that a 2012 model ?
Does Agilent offer 6Y warranty , or where do you check for a valid warranty ?

/Bingo

The scope has a 5 year warranty - you can check for warranty status here using the model/serial #:
service.keysight.com/infoline/myk/warranty.aspx
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Jwalling on September 07, 2016, 07:01:15 pm

MY52....
Is that a 2012 model ?
Does Agilent offer 6Y warranty , or where do you check for a valid warranty ?

/Bingo

https://service.keysight.com/infoline/public/details.aspx?pn=DSOX2014A&sn=MY52492187&i=COV&from=details&BTN_QUERY_MODEL_SERIAL=Next (https://service.keysight.com/infoline/public/details.aspx?pn=DSOX2014A&sn=MY52492187&i=COV&from=details&BTN_QUERY_MODEL_SERIAL=Next)

5 Years on this one. It's a 2013 unit. Add 52 to 61. I forget what the significance of 1961 is, I'm sure someone remembers.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Jwalling on September 07, 2016, 07:06:13 pm
This:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/282148473438?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT (http://www.ebay.com/itm/282148473438?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT)

An Agilent DSO-X 2014A for $460. It's still under factory warranty till 2018!  :-DD :-+

And you would have paid much less if I wasn't bidding against you! :)
I also noticed it should be under warranty - as long as it is a standard failure and not as a result of someone trying to hack it. I assume it is flash corruption though.

Damn you! (Of course you know, this means war!)  ;)
I didn't even want to post this one till it was in my hot little hands. It just arrived today, and I've already got an RMA # from Keysight. Ships out tomorrow.

I bet the seller would sh*t if he only knew.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on September 07, 2016, 07:24:06 pm
This:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/282148473438?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT (http://www.ebay.com/itm/282148473438?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT)

An Agilent DSO-X 2014A for $460. It's still under factory warranty till 2018!  :-DD :-+

And you would have paid much less if I wasn't bidding against you! :)
I also noticed it should be under warranty - as long as it is a standard failure and not as a result of someone trying to hack it. I assume it is flash corruption though.

Damn you! (Of course you know, this means war!)  ;)
I didn't even want to post this one till it was in my hot little hands. It just arrived today, and I've already got an RMA # from Keysight. Ships out tomorrow.

I bet the seller would sh*t if he only knew.

Of course it means war, lol. I had big plans for that scope. I wanted to use it to experiment with jtag and the uboot boot loader in the 2000/3000 series scopes so we could fix them ourselves. Then it would have been time to try to up the sample rate and expand bandwidth to 500 MHz. So should Keysight refuse to fix it let me know.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on September 07, 2016, 09:41:54 pm

MY52....
Is that a 2012 model ?
Does Agilent offer 6Y warranty , or where do you check for a valid warranty ?

/Bingo

https://service.keysight.com/infoline/public/details.aspx?pn=DSOX2014A&sn=MY52492187&i=COV&from=details&BTN_QUERY_MODEL_SERIAL=Next (https://service.keysight.com/infoline/public/details.aspx?pn=DSOX2014A&sn=MY52492187&i=COV&from=details&BTN_QUERY_MODEL_SERIAL=Next)

5 Years on this one. It's a 2013 unit. Add 52 to 61. I forget what the significance of 1961 is, I'm sure someone remembers.

I had always understood (based on what I've seen online, and of course can't find anything while searching now) that the serial number prefix indicated the year and production run. The first digit (3 number prefix) or two digits (4 number prefix) denoted the year when added to 1960 - three digit prefixes ran up to 1969, then they became four digit, and the latter two digits indicated either the week or production run number (there are some that are higher than 52) which would make your 5249XXX numbered instrument a late 2012 production (49th run, or 49th week) unit.  The warranty beginning in spring of 2013 would make sense as it may have taken a few months to go through distribution and make it to the customer, at which point the warranty clock started ticking.

My understanding is that 1960 is when they switched to the 'new' two part serial numbering system.

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Blastcap on September 07, 2016, 10:50:49 pm
Just picked this up from the local fleaBay.
A 1984 Fluke 8050A, newest part was the chipset form week 11, 1984.
Just 11 years past calibration.

Now to clean it up, and give it the LED display mod.

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on September 07, 2016, 11:29:59 pm
I had always understood (based on what I've seen online, and of course can't find anything while searching now) that the serial number prefix indicated the year and production run. The first digit (3 number prefix) or two digits (4 number prefix) denoted the year when added to 1960

Correct, you add 1960 to the first two of four digits in the serial number. The scheme is described in many of the HP user guides or operating manuals.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: wasyoungonce on September 19, 2016, 09:55:29 am
Wooohooo

Picked up Royel Soldering station RE900-4 for $42 Aus, fleabay.   Used to use these in Avionics repair F18 and F111.   OS members might not know "Royel" but they were one of the few "MIL Spec" systems made back in mid 80's.  When Australian F111s went to dumps (~2013) they were selling for around $800 on fleabay...thus this is a bargain.  Their new units cost...way too much for me.   I had 3 Royel Irons and even a Royel de-solder iron that fit this perfectly.  Just had to re-configure the pins as I was using them on a an old Adcola dual station and had modified the plugs to DIN...as everyone else had.

The de-solder pump...way over spec'd as well as resistance tweezers and dual concurrent irons... :-+ Winning!


Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: VK5RC on September 19, 2016, 10:43:03 am
@wasyoungonce    that is one hell-of-a air-vacuum pump in that, presume meant to run all day/night. :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: rastro on September 19, 2016, 02:56:42 pm
Did I read 3Amps to the vacuum motor? !!! That could probably suck start a Harley!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on September 19, 2016, 04:51:40 pm
Wow - that's definitely a serious vacuum pump for a solder sucker!  Looks like you could evacuate a refrigeration system with it if you're not desoldering!

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: wasyoungonce on September 19, 2016, 10:31:41 pm
Yes...me thinks they seriously over spec'd the pump.  You only tun it with the foot switch for short bursts...seconds at best.  I did have my own vac de-solder set-up with a 12V fleabay motor, which worked ok, but is now consigned to the parts locker. 

I'm keen to get some resistance tweezers.   I'd make my own but I think I need something like titanium tips.  Not sure, need to research this.

Amazing what you can get from fleabay but it was probably useless without the irons....although there's no stopping someone making their own iron controller using their own irons.  The station uses a 30V transformer thru an SCR.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: CJay on September 29, 2016, 07:58:49 pm
I've been trying to 'score' something for a while now, the target was a spectrum analyser and I had been chatting to someone about trading some gear for one and had also considered building my own but eBay came to the rescue with a sold as seen, faulty CMU200 for £154...

One flex of the credit card later and it was on its way.

https://s19.postimg.org/zd55dzrcz/2016_09_29_18_11_45.jpg

The reported faults were disk error, no boot and dim screen. Unfortunately it's arrived with a bit of transit damage, one corner of the front has taken a knock, but it's in good condition otherwise.

Repair consisted of reseating the IDE cable (after buying a replacement disk that wasn't needed) and the dim display I think needs a CCFL tube or and LED replacement, the CMOS backup battery also needs replacing.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on September 29, 2016, 08:03:20 pm
Very nice score. There are tons of LED backlighting options on ebay etc. I used a generic one to change an LCD screen to LED backlighting with excellent results.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: CJay on September 29, 2016, 08:47:48 pm
Very nice score. There are tons of LED backlighting options on ebay etc. I used a generic one to change an LCD screen to LED backlighting with excellent results.

Nice, thank you, I was thinking about using one recycled from a laptop (I have been harvesting them whenever I replace a smashed screen) but they're all rather long, I will have a look into modifying one.


Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on September 29, 2016, 09:33:26 pm
Very nice score. There are tons of LED backlighting options on ebay etc. I used a generic one to change an LCD screen to LED backlighting with excellent results.

Nice, thank you, I was thinking about using one recycled from a laptop (I have been harvesting them whenever I replace a smashed screen) but they're all rather long, I will have a look into modifying one.

The ones I used had three LED's wired in series, then each set is connected in parallel. They could be snapped apart at the end of each series string to adjust length.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on October 03, 2016, 03:06:36 am
I picked up a nice HP3312 function generator at the SD hamfest yesterday.
(http://i558.photobucket.com/albums/ss21/AF6LJ/Test%20Gear/HP-3312/IMG_1778_zpsfwgpccxz.jpg) (http://s558.photobucket.com/user/AF6LJ/media/Test%20Gear/HP-3312/IMG_1778_zpsfwgpccxz.jpg.html)

(http://i558.photobucket.com/albums/ss21/AF6LJ/Test%20Gear/HP-3312/IMG_1797_zpskkxjno0j.jpg) (http://s558.photobucket.com/user/AF6LJ/media/Test%20Gear/HP-3312/IMG_1797_zpskkxjno0j.jpg.html)

Well I already turned it on, now we shall take it apart.
(http://i558.photobucket.com/albums/ss21/AF6LJ/Test%20Gear/HP-3312/IMG_1779_zpsnlk4j85d.jpg) (http://s558.photobucket.com/user/AF6LJ/media/Test%20Gear/HP-3312/IMG_1779_zpsnlk4j85d.jpg.html)
Nicely built as one would expect, seems the parts are from 1988-1989 And except for a a few dirty fingerprints on the outside it is very clean and none of the controls are scratchy.
...
Continued...
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on October 03, 2016, 03:11:27 am
(http://i558.photobucket.com/albums/ss21/AF6LJ/Test%20Gear/HP-3312/IMG_1780_zpsq99iwymn.jpg) (http://s558.photobucket.com/user/AF6LJ/media/Test%20Gear/HP-3312/IMG_1780_zpsq99iwymn.jpg.html)
The topside. I haven't had time to read the manual yet so I am guessing this is the output board. The other board should have all the generator, timing and trigger circuitry on it.
(http://i558.photobucket.com/albums/ss21/AF6LJ/Test%20Gear/HP-3312/IMG_1783_zpsjpsweyf7.jpg) (http://s558.photobucket.com/user/AF6LJ/media/Test%20Gear/HP-3312/IMG_1783_zpsjpsweyf7.jpg.html)

(http://i558.photobucket.com/albums/ss21/AF6LJ/Test%20Gear/HP-3312/IMG_1784_zps4d3m7y5a.jpg) (http://s558.photobucket.com/user/AF6LJ/media/Test%20Gear/HP-3312/IMG_1784_zps4d3m7y5a.jpg.html)

(http://i558.photobucket.com/albums/ss21/AF6LJ/Test%20Gear/HP-3312/IMG_1787_zps2dcl0lvl.jpg) (http://s558.photobucket.com/user/AF6LJ/media/Test%20Gear/HP-3312/IMG_1787_zps2dcl0lvl.jpg.html)
Underside of the output board.

(http://i558.photobucket.com/albums/ss21/AF6LJ/Test%20Gear/HP-3312/IMG_1788_zpsue9gtrnr.jpg) (http://s558.photobucket.com/user/AF6LJ/media/Test%20Gear/HP-3312/IMG_1788_zpsue9gtrnr.jpg.html)
Well thought out mechanical design..
Continued..
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on October 03, 2016, 03:16:58 am
(http://i558.photobucket.com/albums/ss21/AF6LJ/Test%20Gear/HP-3312/IMG_1790_zpsxcf8bkvy.jpg) (http://s558.photobucket.com/user/AF6LJ/media/Test%20Gear/HP-3312/IMG_1790_zpsxcf8bkvy.jpg.html)
(http://i558.photobucket.com/albums/ss21/AF6LJ/Test%20Gear/HP-3312/IMG_1791_zpsoqvbssz2.jpg) (http://s558.photobucket.com/user/AF6LJ/media/Test%20Gear/HP-3312/IMG_1791_zpsoqvbssz2.jpg.html)
Rear panel view...

(http://i558.photobucket.com/albums/ss21/AF6LJ/Test%20Gear/HP-3312/IMG_1792_zps5e4dm5ko.jpg) (http://s558.photobucket.com/user/AF6LJ/media/Test%20Gear/HP-3312/IMG_1792_zps5e4dm5ko.jpg.html)
If I didn't know better I would have thought these boards were hand laid out. They have the look... but I could be wrong...

(http://i558.photobucket.com/albums/ss21/AF6LJ/Test%20Gear/HP-3312/IMG_1794_zpsin1ynej6.jpg) (http://s558.photobucket.com/user/AF6LJ/media/Test%20Gear/HP-3312/IMG_1794_zpsin1ynej6.jpg.html)
The rest of the power supply nice looking The electrolydics look to be in good shape,
Ya gotta love all that gold. :)

(http://i558.photobucket.com/albums/ss21/AF6LJ/Test%20Gear/HP-3312/IMG_1781_zpsxgdcnzch.jpg) (http://s558.photobucket.com/user/AF6LJ/media/Test%20Gear/HP-3312/IMG_1781_zpsxgdcnzch.jpg.html)
And here is the Money Shot. :)

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: wasyoungonce on October 03, 2016, 04:56:02 am
Damn thats one nicely built piece of equipment! :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on October 03, 2016, 06:25:44 am
That's in beautiful condition, especially considering that it's about 25 years old.  HP made some really nice test gear back in the day. 

Tough call on the board layout, though I think I'd lean more towards computer generated (by this I mean that though the arrangement and layout may have been done manually, the traces were then drawn on the computer with a layout tool) as they are very uniform and the angles look quite precise.  My older HP stuff that I'm certain was done with vellum and tape or something similarly manual have flowing traces that show slight width variations and don't always hit the lands precisely - they definitely look hand made. 

FWIW

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: ElektroQuark on October 03, 2016, 06:55:03 am
It deserves its own thread for the teardown. ;)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: VK5RC on October 03, 2016, 06:56:18 am
Good gear haul Sue!
I would put a vote in for computer generated on the 3312, I looked in the background photo of your  haul, your 5245L reminded me my repair, the heater oscillator board in the 5245L was definitely hand drawn.
Gear like that will last a very long time, good manuals, no crazy ICs. Often the specs are fantastic as well.  :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on October 03, 2016, 07:20:42 am
Here's a board from my 3440A that definitely looks like a 'hand job'.  Note the width variances and slight crookedness in the three traces from the edge connector running along the left bottom edge of the board.

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Electronics/HP-3440A-DVM/i-5J38Xfq/0/L/IMG_8490-L.jpg)

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nfmax on October 03, 2016, 08:08:07 am
Heh! The first thing I saw when opening the thread today was your picture with the two regulators, and I immediately thought "that's a 3312A!". They are very nice generators, and the triggered burst with variable phase capability is something even most AWGs have difficulty with. Problems I had with mine were a failed PNP in the burst circuit (can't remember the exact reference designator) and the infamous exploding mains inlet filter - fortunately no harm done. Mine was also missing the power on pilot LED, suggesting it had spent part of its life in an optics lab. Enjoy!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: tautech on October 03, 2016, 08:16:58 am
Heh! The first thing I saw when opening the thread today was your picture with the two regulators, and I immediately thought "that's a 3312A!". They are very nice generators, and the triggered burst with variable phase capability is something even most AWGs have difficulty with. Problems I had with mine were a failed PNP in the burst circuit (can't remember the exact reference designator) and the infamous exploding mains inlet filter - fortunately no harm done. Mine was also missing the power on pilot LED, suggesting it had spent part of its life in an optics lab. Enjoy!
::)
You really need to look at some of the modern AWG's, for them this is bread and butter stuff.   :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nfmax on October 03, 2016, 09:39:28 am
A modern AWG may very well be able to do triggered burst with adjustable phase - if you can figure out the UI
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on October 03, 2016, 01:06:42 pm
It deserves its own thread for the teardown. ;)
I thought seriously about that, but since this is a quickie and I had not familiarized myself with the instrument yet I went for the mini teardown...
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on October 03, 2016, 01:12:16 pm
Heh! The first thing I saw when opening the thread today was your picture with the two regulators, and I immediately thought "that's a 3312A!". They are very nice generators, and the triggered burst with variable phase capability is something even most AWGs have difficulty with. Problems I had with mine were a failed PNP in the burst circuit (can't remember the exact reference designator) and the infamous exploding mains inlet filter - fortunately no harm done. Mine was also missing the power on pilot LED, suggesting it had spent part of its life in an optics lab. Enjoy!
Thanks for the reminder about the exploding line filter...
I'll have to look for a replacement.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on October 03, 2016, 10:32:14 pm
I thought seriously about that, but since this is a quickie and I had not familiarized myself with the instrument yet I went for the mini teardown...

Thanks for the preview, Sue. Looking forward to the post-familiarization teardown thread.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: scopeman on October 04, 2016, 02:46:28 am

Next up is a Panasonic VP-7722A audio analyzer. I'm kinda sorta into audiophoolery and I had no idea Panasonic used to make these things until recently! It's actually quite a respectable performer too, 0.00025% THD+N 2.5V @ 1kHz, 30kHz BW. It weighs a bloody ton at 17kg, might need to start a new thread for a proper teardown if anyone is interested.

I'm super impressed by the unit, because while it won't spit out pretty FFT's which are all the rage these days, I think it will be very handy for quick and dirty production line testing since you don't need a computer to operate it. It will happily dance with 'entry level' Audio-Precision analysers, I think you need an AP 2722 ($10k+ used) to better it in terms of THD+N anyway.


Any chance you have a manual or a link for the manual for the VP-7722A?

Sam
W3OHM
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xwarp on October 05, 2016, 09:01:53 am
Well it took awhile, but I finally got an original HP 8698B RF plug in manual for a reasonable price.

Those clowns on that auction site are pretty proud of their manuals.

In any case, the 8690B sweep oscillator manual doesn't disclose the various disabled functions when certain plug-ins are used, i.e., the "standby/RF" switching in the oscillator doesn't apply with the 8698B plug in. Good to know because I was worried that there was something that needed to be fixed.

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ysjoelfir on October 07, 2016, 06:47:41 pm
Last week I got a nice Hameg HM1507-3 Combiscope from a friend of mine. Just seems to be a bit dirty from the inside, at least the pots , switches and rotary encoders are a bit quirky. From the outside... Well, it's like new I would say. Since it was sitting in an shelf for years i think it didnt see many waveforms in his life till now. Time to change that!
I guess I will try to fix it in the next time.  :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AutomationGuy on October 08, 2016, 09:11:16 am
Got brand new LeCroy ZS1500 active voltage probes from ebay for 1/4 of the new price. The calibration certificate is from 2013.
Now I need a bandwidth upgrade for my WS3024.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: tzok on October 09, 2016, 04:14:54 pm
GW Instek GFG-8015G : 2MHz Function Generator (analog) - with a missing handle/stand and with replaced output connectors to Jacks instead of BNCs : ~$20 + $2 for BNC connectors.
Velleman HPS-40 : 40MSa/s 1CH Handheld Scope - non operational on internal batteries (corroded contacts) : ~$80 (contacts cleaned, 5 new AA Ni-MH batteries inserted and it works ok).
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: OiD on October 10, 2016, 12:37:37 am
Got an Array 3710A Electronic load for 80€ (Love it) from a place I worked at.
Weller WSD81 For free from a friends workplace.
Found a two small 300VA variac for free the day after I finally bought my 3KVA variac.  :palm: Now the big one only gets used for the big projects
Telewave 44A Wattmeter for free from another friends workplace.
A very nice stereo microscope with 12cm of workspace for 5€ from a closing optometrist.

Provably a couple more things I cant remember right now. :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TerraHertz on October 17, 2016, 01:43:35 am
Not test equipment, but I'm pretty stoked with this. Yesterday I went to Flemington Markets and MSY in Auburn, for assorted small things. Near the markets I found a street-tossed office machine - a really big one on a pedestal.  It's a Canon imageRUNNER 2220i
Brochure: http://csscanon.com/uploads/IR2220series.pdf (http://csscanon.com/uploads/IR2220series.pdf)

Fortunately I had my son with me, since it took two of us to lift it into the car. Ha, the manual insists it's a 4-person lift. Weigh:   214lb. (97.4kg)
I'd thought it would just be something fun to tear down. It had no damage but appeared to have been left in a warehouse exposed to diesel truck exhaust for some time - lots of black grime. So presumably not working.

But no! After a quick clean it powered up, with a self-diagnostic fatal error code. Which, on downloading the service manual, turned out to be 'toner waste container full'. Emptied that (not accessible to users) and it boots up (from internal hard disk) and works. Operation logs in memory say it was last used in 2013.

So now I have a high volume A3-sheet laser network printer, scanner and photocopier. The user interface is a relatively large color touch screen. Nice.  Also the pedestal cupboard contained a never-used CD of the related graphics utilities.

This goes nicely with the perfectly working 'enterprise quality' A4 color laser printer I also found as a street toss recently. http://everist.org/NobLog/20151112_planning_vacuum.htm#printer (http://everist.org/NobLog/20151112_planning_vacuum.htm#printer)
That one got me out of a high-cost parking fine soon after, since the judge was so relieved to see a nicely printed 'why it wasn't my fault' presentation after all the shitty hand written notes he'd been reading for hours, he dropped the fine.
I wonder what this printer will be useful for?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on October 17, 2016, 02:38:37 am
Very nice 'find'!  Congrats!  Good thing you had help to lift it.

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on October 17, 2016, 05:30:01 am
Nice freebie that photocopier. I wouldn't be surprised if it was thrown out due to that toner waste full error code.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: VK5RC on October 17, 2016, 06:51:12 am
Good (but heavy) haul.  :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: tautech on October 17, 2016, 07:00:28 am
I wonder what this printer will be useful for?
Do I sense a printed manual service ?
 :popcorn:

Now for a cheap source of paper......
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: MosherIV on October 17, 2016, 07:22:55 am
I totally forgot about this thread. I just got this to check and calibrate my DMMs

General Resistance DAS56A dial a  source.

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=263051)

Does both volts and amps
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TerraHertz on October 17, 2016, 09:47:20 am
I wonder what this printer will be useful for?
Do I sense a printed manual service ?
 :popcorn:

Now for a cheap source of paper......

Ha ha, no. I should post this in the 'products you hate' thread, but thermal toner books of any kind, I loathe them. Because the toner becomes softened and tacky with any diffusion through the paper of the plasticiser volatiles from PVC. Such as ring binder covers.
Result: With almost all photocopied manuals, after a while the first few pages at both ends start sticking to each other, and transferring the toner. Horrible.

Real ink on acid-free paper, it's the only way to mass produce long lasting documents cheaply.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on October 17, 2016, 09:47:54 am
I totally forgot about this thread. I just got this to check and calibrate my DMMs

General Resistance DAS56A dial a  source.


Does both volts and amps

Hah love that it actually says "Dial a source" on the front :D

Any date markings on this oldtimer?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: MosherIV on October 17, 2016, 12:55:29 pm
Quote
Any date markings on this oldtimer? 

No, affraid not. If I find some time, I will do a tear down.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on October 17, 2016, 09:39:02 pm
I should post this in the 'products you hate' thread, but thermal toner books of any kind, I loathe them. Because the toner becomes softened and tacky with any diffusion through the paper of the plasticiser volatiles from PVC. Such as ring binder covers.

+1

I've had many such copies ruined either inside binders or having unfortunately been placed against the outside of them.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: karoru on October 18, 2016, 03:03:10 am
Fortunately I had my son with me, since it took two of us to lift it into the car. Ha, the manual insists it's a 4-person lift. Weigh:   214lb. (97.4kg)

Joy of these office photocopy thingies. At my former workplace I had few outdated units gathering dust for years in strange places - at least three e-waste companies said they were "very busy" after hearing over the phone what do we want them to pick up. Also, fact that only two male workers were me and 6x years old electrician certainly didn't help with getting rid of them. I'm sure these copiers still silently wait for their demise at yet another unused corridor till this day:)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: guido on October 18, 2016, 09:30:03 pm
Tek 7612D digitizer with two 7A16Ps for free.

Playing with GPIB at the moment, the 1979 implementation is quite allergic to a modern prologix adapater. An old win 98 PC with NI adapter and software is able to talk to it. Strange thing with EZGPIB, it only works after using the NI "talk to instrument" feature first.

I also found old software online that is supposed to be able to take measurements. It's running on HP BASIC, so now i'm looking for a way to run this on Windows/dos.

Another challenge is to read the MCM6832 ROMs in the 7A16P's. My acient programmers are not old enough to handle them. The 7612D uses 2716, i did those (copied to KO4BB).

The mainframe seems ok. No errors when querying ERR? on GPIB. I'm also missing a real XYZ monitor
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: riyadh144 on October 18, 2016, 10:04:27 pm
The best steel I have ever got and will ever get.
Two fluke 87 (original) just dusted them and working perfectly
One BK precision 60v/3A power supply
A few cheap clamp meters
Two voltage testers (I think good quality)
Two pipe bender things(He gave them to me I didn't need them)
All of this for $100.

Hands down I think I got the jackpot
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Jester on October 19, 2016, 09:58:26 pm
Tektronix TM503 Chassis for $20 in like new condition (with no modules), guy told me that it must be bad because "when I plug it in nothing lights up"
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on October 20, 2016, 09:49:00 pm
Tektronix TM503 Chassis for $20 in like new condition (with no modules), guy told me that it must be bad because "when I plug it in nothing lights up"

Must Be ;)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: janoc on October 20, 2016, 10:54:45 pm
Just got an HP 34401A perfectly working and with valid cal - for 230€ delivered.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on October 21, 2016, 02:57:59 pm
Too much?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PA0PBZ on October 21, 2016, 03:50:10 pm
Too much?

Definitely!  :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: tautech on October 21, 2016, 07:09:47 pm
Too much?
8)
Looking forward to your journey with these.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on October 21, 2016, 07:26:52 pm
Too much?

Let the unveiling begin! :clap: :popcorn:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on October 21, 2016, 07:29:34 pm
Well, I'm not spamming up this thread. I have a running thread in the For sale/Wanted section. See you there ;)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: BravoV on October 23, 2016, 11:48:20 am
Even though its been months ago, just unpacked it recently.  |O

Had to brag this, a free DS1104Z that I won few months back from one of the generous member here.  :-+

Shot of the cutey prize with the analog beast.

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on October 23, 2016, 12:54:38 pm
 :-+ :-+

Nice.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TerraHertz on October 26, 2016, 11:07:20 pm
This was unexpected. I think it's the first time I've ever found any professional high-end test gear as a street toss.
Recently I've been driving around more than usual due to visiting my mum in hospital frequently. This thing was sitting on a kerb on my usual route there yesterday, with some other assorted junk.

It's a Tektronix TG700 TV Signal Generator Platform.
Info: http://www.tek.com/datasheet/sync-pulse-generator/tg700 (http://www.tek.com/datasheet/sync-pulse-generator/tg700)
Loaded modules:
  AG7   6x50 BNC   Digital Audio gen
  DVG7  2x75 BNC   Digital video generator
  BG7   4x75 BNC   Analog black gen (opt CB for color bars - does not have, dammit.)
  AGL7  6x75 BNC   Analog genlock

All my exposure to professional video was in the '80s, so analog video only. This thing is mostly digital video, so quite interesting. It seems to be completely working (its self-check claims) though as yet I don't have any other digital video gear.
When I first started playing with it (before I had the manuals and list of module functions) I thought one module was broken since the menu said it was generating color bars, but all my bench scope could see was HF white noise. Ha ha, it's a digital video stream.
It was dirty and stickered, but cleaned up nicely. Even had the protective film still on the display.
Oh, and miraculous wonder: the rack slide rails are complete. How often does *that* ever happen?

Last 2 pics: At the other far end of the tech-spectrum, in the same pile was a tub of tools that had been left in the rain. Cleaning these up is kind of an obligation to the fight against entropy. Just light surface rust.

I spoke with the people at the house; they are 'clearing out the house for a friend'. Huge piles of stuff already moved out in the yard. Arranged to go back and meet again tonight, to see if there's anything more like the Tek.

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on October 27, 2016, 04:33:02 am
Cool find, THz.  My fingers are crossed that you score som more goodies tonight!

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Vgkid on October 27, 2016, 04:54:52 am
Some of those tools might still be salvageable. Pliers(good chance) , hexes/files/clamps(yes) screw drivers might still be good, unless the phillips head is mushed.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TerraHertz on October 27, 2016, 05:19:44 am
Cool find, THz.  My fingers are crossed that you score som more goodies tonight!

Thanks. I'm considering it unlikely - probably that was just something the resident had acquired and didn't know what it was. Mostly I'm just curious to find out the history of how it came to be there. At the time I was speaking to an old Asian lady with no English, via a young girl with not-so-great Vietnamese Cantonese. The guy who knew stuff wasn't there.
But you never know.

Some of those tools might still be salvageable. Pliers(good chance) , hexes/files/clamps(yes) screw drivers might still be good, unless the phillips head is mushed.

No really, when I said "light surface rust" I meant it. All clean now, see pic. Only the two feeler gauge sets were far gone, and even they will do as car-kit.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Vgkid on October 27, 2016, 05:32:08 am
Those cleaned up really well. How did you do it?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TerraHertz on October 27, 2016, 06:06:07 am
Those cleaned up really well. How did you do it?

Large diameter steel wire wheel in a bench grinder for most of it. Some concave bits with stainless steel wool hand scrubbing. The files and delicate things like the teeth of the taps, with fine brass wire brush and running water. Then a light coat of oil on everything.

Mainly I wanted the chisels, of which I don't have many already. Everything else was just 'well since I'm doing this, why not?'
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on October 27, 2016, 07:45:22 am
Those cleaned up really well. How did you do it?

Large diameter steel wire wheel in a bench grinder for most of it. Some concave bits with stainless steel wool hand scrubbing. The files and delicate things like the teeth of the taps, with fine brass wire brush and running water. Then a light coat of oil on everything.

Mainly I wanted the chisels, of which I don't have many already. Everything else was just 'well since I'm doing this, why not?'

A nice haul, especially considering the price.   :-+

And you can never have too many clamps, so one more is always a good thing.

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: VK5RC on October 27, 2016, 10:07:29 am
 :-+Those look nice chisels, they are hard to find . Some 6 years ago my father died and I inherited his tools, I used a cone wire brush on an angle grinder then Lanolin (Inox Lanox) or recently gun oil.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on October 27, 2016, 02:49:04 pm
Can you guys get anything like this "down under"?

http://www.evapo-rust.com/ (http://www.evapo-rust.com/)

I tried some out a few years ago and was impressed by its performance; unfortunately I don't have photos.

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: VK5RC on October 30, 2016, 11:38:32 am
Pat re evapo-rust I've not seen that stuff before, a quick look on eBay Our local car+ Supercheap auto has some, I have a mate who has shockingly rusted tools, I might buy him some as a Christmas present. Not cheap 5 litres AUD $85 .

Bought a HP 8903A Audio Analyzer, posted working but arrived with no working display despite being reasonably well packed, "grace03us" sent a good sized part refund on my word alone!
Opened the lid and after a bit of digging around fixing the 1980s HP "clacky button problem" found a loose cable- plugged it back in and she lives.  :-+
The seller seemed such a decent fellow I resent most of the refund!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Muttley Snickers on October 31, 2016, 03:14:30 am
Found this beast listed on Ebay AU and it actually got a bid, it's not mine and nor will it be but check out the question mark in the display, a meter with an "I dunno" feature could be handy for some I suppose.  :-BROKE   
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ysjoelfir on October 31, 2016, 12:22:54 pm
That's a vintage tube tester! I am looking for simmilar devices for years but wasn't lucky at all, since they always end at a (at least for me) unaffordable price... The questionmark in the meter was to show the transit area in which a tube would work as expected but eventually with reduced power, since theose things most of the time measure just the current going through the tube at the standard datasheet values. You could say that a "?" tube is most of the time perfectly useable, as long as you don't try to squeeze every last µA out of the cathode.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Muttley Snickers on October 31, 2016, 12:37:45 pm
That particular one looks a bit sad and is currently at $20 AUD, they pop up occasionally and there was a really nice tube tester listed only a few weeks back that got 1 bid at $30, I was tempted but passed on it as I'm currently putting a valve radio back together otherwise I would have no other use for these and most are fairly big units.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: CJay on October 31, 2016, 01:00:29 pm
That particular one looks a bit sad and is currently at $20 AUD, they pop up occasionally and there was a really nice tube tester listed only a few weeks back that got 1 bid at $30, I was tempted but passed on it as I'm currently putting a valve radio back together otherwise I would have no other use for these and most are fairly big units.

Valve testers are handy if you have a lot of valves/tubes to test or have unskilled labour that needs to qualify them as good/bad but it's not particularly difficult to test valves without a custom tester, just needs some fairly basic lab gear and some common sense regarding electrical safety.

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PaulAm on October 31, 2016, 05:49:54 pm
Tube testers are reasonably good at determining if a tube is dead or shorted.  Whether the tube is actually good or usable is another story.  They were also not laboratory instruments and their primary role was to help service techs sell tubes.  The best way to determine the actual characteristics of a tube is to use a curve tracer.  Tektronix actually made one, the 570, but the audiofools have priced these into the stratosphere (one sold for $2K on ebay back in Sept).

There's at least one modern computer controlled tube curve tracer available and it's fairly easy to use a Tek 576 with some additional setup.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on November 01, 2016, 08:11:34 am
The seller seemed such a decent fellow I resent most of the refund!

:-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: VK5RC on November 01, 2016, 11:08:21 am
Re tubes and testing, when I was restoring my Tek 545 (all 107 tubes I recall!) i got a uTracer3+ from DOS 4 ever, it is a proper tube tracer but has some nice features in that it doesn't test the tube for long at each voltage so you don't have to get too excited re power limits etc. As the HV is only around for a short time (I recall some milliseconds) your chances of 'exciting' yourself also goes down. The biggest issue is you have to build it and get the tube sockets you want. It is basically a computer controlled 3 power supply (2HV,  one for filaments) and 2 voltmeter 2 ammeter unit with a nice PC interface to drive it all.
PS No interest other than a happy customer.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: CJay on November 01, 2016, 11:58:54 am
The seller seemed such a decent fellow I resent most of the refund!

I'd feel similar, it's always nice to find a seller who is so fair and makes no fuss about resolving problems.

I guess you can always send a bit back if you feel like it?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: VK5RC on November 02, 2016, 09:57:25 am
I always feel I should pay the price agreed at the deal unless it is not as promised, I was a little bit upset when it arrived and it didn't work and sent off a polite  email and he was nice about it. The postage to return it would have been a killer , the seller was happy to strike a fair part refund and when it turned out to be a simple cable issue, perhaps it spent a lot of the trip upside down. I too want to encourage the good sellers with a fair deal.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on November 03, 2016, 10:12:29 pm
Agreed. Good sellers are few and far between.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: krivx on November 04, 2016, 10:14:51 am
Is it worth taking the rust off files? I always assumed it would round the teeth and they wouldn't cut. My father has a box of rusty files, I wonder if I should take a brass brush to them.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on November 04, 2016, 10:46:42 am
Is it worth taking the rust off files? I always assumed it would round the teeth and they wouldn't cut. My father has a box of rusty files, I wonder if I should take a brass brush to them.

I seen someone take a wire wheel to files and then dunk them in acid for a bit to restore and "sharpen" them. But im not sure why would that work, but if anything it would get the crap out of the groves so it can dig in properly. Etching it should round and dull the teeth if you ask me.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: krivx on November 04, 2016, 11:08:12 am
I am almost certain that acid "sharpening" is a myth.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on November 04, 2016, 04:23:48 pm
I am almost certain that acid "sharpening" is a myth.

That's my thought as well - it would seem that the 'finer' features (such as sharp cutting edges) would be the FIRST thing that the acid would etch away, rounding and dulling them as the post above yours suggests.  Seems like a good way to TRASH a file, rather than sharpening it.  If you can put it into something that would dissolve whatever swarf is trapped in the grooves and NOT the file, that could clean it out well and potentially make it cut better if it's clogged up, but I fail to see how something like that could sharpen it at all.

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: SeanB on November 04, 2016, 07:19:24 pm
To derust simply use a wire brush, hand held, and brush parallel to the teeth. On a crosscut file you need 2 passes, to get both angles of the teeth, then wash with some kerosene ( paraffin in the rest of the world) to clean the debris out. Then after that use a cloth dampened with light mineral oil to rub off all the remaining rust, and store where it will be dry. A wooden drawer that has bare wood, oiled with furniture oil, works best as a rust preventer, as the volatile oil compounds evaporate over the tools with time. You can buy corrosion protector tabs that are basically an oil soaked sponge that do the same.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AlfBaz on November 04, 2016, 11:32:29 pm
... kerosene ( paraffin in the rest of the world)
kerosene here (kero)

The brush to use on files is called a card brush
(https://www.wonkeedonkeetools.co.uk/media/wysiwyg/FCB-File-Card-Brushes-Sam/FCB1/10FCB-1-2.JPG)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on November 05, 2016, 01:41:20 am
The brush to use on files is called a card brush

Aha! I've seen those. Didn't know what they were for or called.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: CJay on November 05, 2016, 11:55:57 am
The brush to use on files is called a card brush

Definitely, from what I remember using a brass brush on a file is a pretty good way to wreck it and if my metalwork (shop?) teacher caught us using anything other than the card brush we would be given a stern lecture about how not to destroy his files. (filing aluminium without using a lubricant was also a fairly dangerous thing to risk getting caught doing)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TerraHertz on November 05, 2016, 05:37:23 pm
The brush to use on files is called a card brush

Definitely, from what I remember using a brass brush on a file is a pretty good way to wreck it and if my metalwork (shop?) teacher caught us using anything other than the card brush we would be given a stern lecture about how not to destroy his files. (filing aluminium without using a lubricant was also a fairly dangerous thing to risk getting caught doing)

I'm amazed at the things people say & believe sometimes.
Please explain how soft, fine brass wire tips are going to damage the high-carbon steel of a file? Considering that the file can cut into solid brass all day and not get blunt.
As opposed to the hardened spring steel of any kind of steel wire brush. You _can_ use a steel wire brush, if you're careful to only run parallel to the file grooves. Which you do if you're trying to remove stuck swarf. Go the other way and you might as well file hardened steel (ie throw the file away, because you just ruined it.)
The card brush is useful because the bristles are both short and mounted in a flexible base sheet that allows them to tilt. So it's a way to apply a stiff but limited force to stuck swarf. But I don't bother with them - just one more rarely used special tool I can do without.

Personally to clean files I never use anything but soft brass wire brushes, and kerosene as a releasing/penetrating lubricant (because it's cheaper than WD40.) If some metal has stubbornly stuck, then run the tip of a scriber along the file grooves that need cleaning.

Removing surface rust is a different problem to stuck swarf, since it's all over all surfaces. Needed some scrubbing across the grooves too, so definitely only with a brush much softer than the steel.

Actually it was surprising. I don't know what wear-state the files were in before they were left to rust in a tub of rainwater for a while. But after scrubbing the rust off (and high-carbon steel seems to rust less than other steels) the files were all very sharp, like near new. Maybe a little rusting is similar to the acid-etch sharpening method?

And though I've never tried acid-etch (keep meaning too), I don't know why some people can't see how it would work. The solution doesn't preferentially eat corners, it takes off _surface_. So, think of a triangular point, but with the point slightly rounded. Now remove a little of all surfaces. Yes, it reduces the radius of the rounded bit, and can re-create a sharp point.

Btw, I had some more contact with the people who tossed that Tektronix digital video gen. And did score some other assorted bits and pieces, more on that later. But the answer to the mystery is that the owner was a hoarder, the Tek was something he bought at an auction, and no he didn't have the rest of an editing suite to go with it. Which was a great relief in a way, since the first person I spoke to with good English mentioned they'd already sent piles of stuff to recycling, and I was getting pretty depressed wondering if some really nice things had been scrapped. Still wish I'd seen the house though. Always satisfying to see a _worse_ hoarder's pile than my own.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: CJay on November 07, 2016, 11:50:32 am
The brush to use on files is called a card brush

Definitely, from what I remember using a brass brush on a file is a pretty good way to wreck it and if my metalwork (shop?) teacher caught us using anything other than the card brush we would be given a stern lecture about how not to destroy his files. (filing aluminium without using a lubricant was also a fairly dangerous thing to risk getting caught doing)

I'm amazed at the things people say & believe sometimes.
Please explain how soft, fine brass wire tips are going to damage the high-carbon steel of a file? Considering that the file can cut into solid brass all day and not get blunt.
As opposed to the hardened spring steel of any kind of steel wire brush. You _can_ use a steel wire brush, if you're careful to only run parallel to the file grooves. Which you do if you're trying to remove stuck swarf. Go the other way and you might as well file hardened steel (ie throw the file away, because you just ruined it.)
The card brush is useful because the bristles are both short and mounted in a flexible base sheet that allows them to tilt. So it's a way to apply a stiff but limited force to stuck swarf. But I don't bother with them - just one more rarely used special tool I can do without.

Personally to clean files I never use anything but soft brass wire brushes, and kerosene as a releasing/penetrating lubricant (because it's cheaper than WD40.) If some metal has stubbornly stuck, then run the tip of a scriber along the file grooves that need cleaning.


I was lead believe it's because the brass can clog the teeth on fine files rather than blunting them and that, I would assume, would also depend on the type of brass alloy used.

Your use of kerosene as a lubricant may also negate the effect entirely.

I just know that a card brush didn't require the use of lubricants to clean a file, as such it seemed sensible to use one when cleaning a file.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: JacquesBBB on November 07, 2016, 07:40:13 pm
I just got a TDS220 from my favorite dumpster.

When I powered it,  the screen  was  dark, but I noticed that it  was working. obviously,  the CCFL tube was dead.
I checked the power supply that looked OK, and ordered a CCFL on aliexpress.
The best deal I found was 10 for 16 € ( in fact I received 11, so its less than 1.5 € each).

I have changed now the CCFL. Many plastic parts were very brittle, and I had to  use some Kapton tape for remounting,
but everything is now fine and in working order.

So the total cost of the repair was 1.5€.

I have already several other scopes, including a recent Rigol1054z (the only one that I had to pay for),
but I like the TDS220.
It has roughly the same form factor as the Rigol, and same bandwidth (100 Mhz). Of course, it has not
as many features, and is only 2 channels.
But it has a huge advantage :

It is totally silent !

I was really looking for such a scope. It is very enjoyable when you are in a quiet atmosphere,  not to have  the fan noise
of some modern devices.
In fact, my old fashion power supplies (coming straight from the dumpster) are linear PSU and also totally silent, contrary
to many new SMPS that usually need a fan.

I am sure that the evolution will go towards fanless devices, as it is now for many  laptops,  but  makers are probably still
thinking that a lab is a noisy atmosphere, so additional noise is not a problem, and they prefer to increase the performances,
without considering the noise level.  I am sure this will change. Meanwhile, its nice to have some of the old,
not so performant but silent stuff.
 

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: tautech on November 08, 2016, 05:29:01 am
I just got a TDS220 from my favorite dumpster.

When I powered it,  the screen  was  dark, but I noticed that it  was working. obviously,  the CCFL tube was dead.
I checked the power supply that looked OK, and ordered a CCFL on aliexpress.
The best deal I found was 10 for 16 € ( in fact I received 11, so its less than 1.5 € each).

I have changed now the CCFL. Many plastic parts were very brittle, and I had to  use some Kapton tape for remounting,
but everything is now fine and in working order.

So the total cost of the repair was 1.5€.
..............
A TDS210 I was given had a dead backlight too, confirmed by the torch method.  ;)
They use a discrete push pull oscillator on the backlight inverter primary and the dipped ceramic cap for it measured pF's.  :scared:
IIRC it was supposed to be 0.047uF.
That's all that was wrong with it.  :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on November 08, 2016, 07:47:57 am
Getting a bunch of those drivers is probably a good idea given how much test equipment with LCDs uses them for backlights. Even brand new equipment made today seams to use them on larger displays.

I also think too much equipment has fans, ridiculously loud ones sometimes even. My lab tends to be pretty quiet as the PC in there is fitted with quality fans and set up for speed control so as a result the PC is so quiet i don't even hear its on unless one of the mechanical harddrives are spinning. Turning on a piece of equipment with a loud fan in there makes it seam like a jet engine just started up. I tend to replace loud fans in equipment, but that's not always possible. For example my HP 8566 gets pretty hot even with the loud hurricane creating fan blowing trough it
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on November 18, 2016, 08:37:13 am
Yesterday I managed to 'win' an Ebay auction for an Agilent N3305A 150V/60A 500W electronic load module listed 'for parts'.
(http://www.uspowerandtest.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/102_0418.jpg)
This is supposed to go into a DC load mainframe which I already have (bought from a forum member) and it came up just in time because I have a project coming up where it will be usefull. I have been angling for one of these modules for years on Ebay and now I got one. Unfortunately it was an auction so I put in a bid a couple of hours before the end and just see where it goes. Much to my surprise the price stayed well below my bid at US$56 and only one 'sniper'. Still I can do without the excitement though.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: rx8pilot on November 18, 2016, 03:52:21 pm
Yesterday I managed to 'win' an Ebay auction for an Agilent N3305A 150V/60A 500W electronic load module listed 'for parts'.

If it does not immediately work....hopefully an easy fix. I got a lot of Chroma DC modular loads in various condition. The broken parts have all been trivial - the circuits that do the heavy lifting are fairly difficult to damage. Good luck.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on November 18, 2016, 04:29:59 pm
Fortunately -in line with HP's spirit- the full schematics for the N3300 series mainframes and load modules are available!  :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PaulAm on November 18, 2016, 06:46:31 pm
Recently someone was selling Fluke 27/fm meters on ebay for $15 US ea with free shipping.

Not guaranteed, no accessories and power on test only, but heck, $15?  I bought 2.  We'll see when they show up, but reports so far have been favorable.  They're worth it just for spare parts.

I'll probably regret not buying more.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on November 18, 2016, 11:58:33 pm
Great score, nctnico. That's only $0.11/watt. ;D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: retiredcaps on November 19, 2016, 12:04:47 am
Recently someone was selling Fluke 27/fm meters on ebay for $15 US ea with free shipping.
Originating thread might be at

http://www.antiqueradios.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=310451&sid=dbeba29713fb8afd3b55daad910f56c8 (http://www.antiqueradios.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=310451&sid=dbeba29713fb8afd3b55daad910f56c8)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: wasyoungonce on November 20, 2016, 09:10:14 am
Picked up an older Analogue Scope, Tektronix 2236, for $135 in Australia (Melb) this morning.  Purchased off Gumtree (like USA craigslist) so no fee's!   Found most people on fleabay (and Gumtree) wanted way too much but this was ok price.  Appears to be working A1 so far.   I'll do the PSU capacitors just to be sure!  Need to get a decent repair manual...the online A4 sized documents just don't cut it.

The guy purchased from is giving up TV/radio repairs.  Just no money in it these days and I tend to agree.   We had a good chat, nice to meet like folks.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: mtdoc on November 20, 2016, 06:37:49 pm
Picked up an older Analogue Scope, Tektronix 2236, for $135 in Australia (Melb) this morning.

Nice!  The first used Tek scope i bought was a 2236. I still enoy using it. The multimeter functions are not much use in the age of cheap DMMs but the counter and scope measurement functions I still find useful.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Alex Nikitin on November 22, 2016, 12:46:47 pm
The latest addition to my home lab. Measured on a freshly calibrated HP3458A shows the value of +5.5ppm from 10K, or less than +6ppm from the original measuremed value printed on the unit (which is in turn less than the uncertainty of the HP3458A measurement).

Cheers

Alex

(http://www.ant-audio.co.uk/Test_Gear/Fluke/742A_10K_003.jpg)

(http://www.ant-audio.co.uk/Test_Gear/Fluke/742A_10K_002.jpg)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: CJay on November 22, 2016, 01:37:47 pm
Recently someone was selling Fluke 27/fm meters on ebay for $15 US ea with free shipping.
Originating thread might be at

http://www.antiqueradios.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=310451&sid=dbeba29713fb8afd3b55daad910f56c8 (http://www.antiqueradios.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=310451&sid=dbeba29713fb8afd3b55daad910f56c8)

Arghh, they've got some great gear for sale at great prices but shipping to the UK just makes it impossible
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: macboy on November 22, 2016, 02:30:52 pm
Picked up an older Analogue Scope, Tektronix 2236, for $135 in Australia (Melb) this morning.

Nice!  The first used Tek scope i bought was a 2236. I still enoy using it. The multimeter functions are not much use in the age of cheap DMMs but the counter and scope measurement functions I still find useful.
No cheap DMM will measure 2 Gohm, I can assure you of that. And most won't have a low ohm range with 0.01 ohm resolution either. The 8-digit 100 MHz counter is also useful if you don't have something better on the bench.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: mtdoc on November 22, 2016, 07:30:18 pm
No cheap DMM will measure 2 Gohm, I can assure you of that. And most won't have a low ohm range with 0.01 ohm resolution either.

Good point! I guess since I don't recall having yet had the need to measure resistance at either of those extremes, I hadn't considered that!   Cool - another justification for keeping it around! (Next time my wife asks why I need so many of those things..  ;D.) 
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: wasyoungonce on November 23, 2016, 12:36:08 am
Good point! I guess since I don't recall having yet had the need to measure resistance at either of those extremes, I hadn't considered that!   Cool - another justification for keeping it around! (Next time my wife asks why I need so many of those things..  ;D.)

Just noticed the the CTM is registering 957Hz with the probe on 1Khz probe adj.  Don't know if it's the CTM or the probe adj...probably the latter.

edit:
Ahh ....quote from Yahoo Tek group .."The spec. for the 2236 states the "probe adjust" produces 1kHz +/- 20% @ .5V +/- 5%. My scope is producing 940 Hz @ .5V p-p."  Its normal.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: tautech on November 23, 2016, 07:48:05 am
Good point! I guess since I don't recall having yet had the need to measure resistance at either of those extremes, I hadn't considered that!   Cool - another justification for keeping it around! (Next time my wife asks why I need so many of those things..  ;D.)

Just noticed the the CTM is registering 957Hz with the probe on 1Khz probe adj.  Don't know if it's the CTM or the probe adj...probably the latter.

edit:
Ahh ....quote from Yahoo Tek group .."The spec. for the 2236 states the "probe adjust" produces 1kHz +/- 20% @ .5V +/- 5%. My scope is producing 940 Hz @ .5V p-p."  Its normal.
Exactly why you mustn't use the internal probe cal output to make ANY internal adjustment of a scope.
But some scopes have an internal frequency adjustment for the probe cal output and when they do it's handy to set it close to the spec'ed 1KHz even if it's only for sanity checks.  ;)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: wasyoungonce on November 23, 2016, 08:04:58 am
Exactly why you mustn't use the internal probe cal output to make ANY internal adjustment of a scope.
But some scopes have an internal frequency adjustment for the probe cal output and when they do it's handy to set it close to the spec'ed 1KHz even if it's only for sanity checks.  ;)

Many thanks I'll look this up I know the CTM has an adjustable TXCO...but I'd need a ref std before fiddling with that. 
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: tautech on November 23, 2016, 08:20:46 am
Exactly why you mustn't use the internal probe cal output to make ANY internal adjustment of a scope.
But some scopes have an internal frequency adjustment for the probe cal output and when they do it's handy to set it close to the spec'ed 1KHz even if it's only for sanity checks.  ;)

Many thanks I'll look this up I know the CTM has an adjustable TXCO...but I'd need a ref std before fiddling with that.
Don't get too fussy, you'll turn into a standards nut.  :scared:
In fact if you take macboy's advice the internal frequency counter will be plenty accurate enough.

Picked up an older Analogue Scope, Tektronix 2236, for $135 in Australia (Melb) this morning.

Nice!  The first used Tek scope i bought was a 2236. I still enoy using it. The multimeter functions are not much use in the age of cheap DMMs but the counter and scope measurement functions I still find useful.
No cheap DMM will measure 2 Gohm, I can assure you of that. And most won't have a low ohm range with 0.01 ohm resolution either. The 8-digit 100 MHz counter is also useful if you don't have something better on the bench.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on December 02, 2016, 07:02:24 pm
A quick update on the N3305A DC load module (150V / 60A / 500W) I bought recently. This is the photo from the actual Ebay listing:
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5446/31262295241_605afe6073_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/PCxrdn)

Unfortunately the module I received was banged up pretty bad. It was well packed and the box didn't show any damage so my guess is the seller must have used an image from somewhere else for the Ebay listing. After taking the rear shield off (including the binding posts) and straightening it I tested the module. It seemed the constant current mode worked just fine but it didn't read any voltage (remote/local sensing didn't make a difference).

A quick inspection showed several resistors placed in a string hinting towards some kind of voltage divider and they where near the 'impact zone' so I measured them. It appeared some where off so for good measure I replaced all the 100k Ohm ones (4 in total). Fortunately the schematics for these modules are available and it shows these resistors are 0.1% types.
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5826/31008122680_a7e8691bdc_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Pf5JyQ)
I didn't take the module apart except for removing the two capacitors on the right to allow measuring the other resistors. After the repair the voltage readout worked again and it is spot on compared to my Agilent 4.5 digit DMM. I did some further testing (full load  >:D) and it seems the module is hard limited to 560W.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Falkra on December 03, 2016, 04:18:39 pm
Well done, good repair. :D
Thanks for posting pictures.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: N2IXK on December 03, 2016, 11:57:22 pm
Got an oldie-but-goodie at a local ham club auction. An HP 410B VTVM for the opening bid of $1! 

Needed all new probe cables and a line cord (rubber was dry-rotted and crumbling), but the thing cleaned up beautifully, and the calibration was still pretty close after all these years. 

Replaced the electrolytic cap and a selenium rectifier just on general principles, and the thing calibrated in perfectly, with all the original HP-branded tubes still in it!

Really didn't NEED it, but does have an Rx1M range that reads up to 500 megohms, a DC input impedance of 100+ megs, and an AC voltage probe that works up to 700 MHz, exceeding the capabilities of my more modern gear.  Plus the AC probe (with internal tube) keeps your hands warm in the winter... 8)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PointyOintment on December 06, 2016, 03:04:43 am
Power Designs TW5005.

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=276016)

$10 CAD at the local government surplus depot.

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=276018)

A friend of mine got one of these there two or three months ago and was quite pleased with it. I think his might have been the TW5005T version. I was envious from the moment I saw it. I don't think he knew the brand, though; I recognized it right away because it's popular on here.

This past Friday, I happened to look at the surplus seller's online list of things for sale (which is just a very brief description and occasionally a photo or two, no prices) and saw "precision millivolt source" and "twin power supply", so I decided to go over and have a look. I never found the millivolt source, which is what I mainly went for—it was probably bought between when I read the list and when I got there; it's no longer on the list today—but I did discover that the "dual power supply" was a way nicer one than I'd expected from that description. Strangely, they put power supplies from local brands nobody's heard of in the online auction section, where they fetch prices around $75–150, but Power Designs power supplies in the cash&carry section for $10!

It's remote-controllable, and it has a cord winder that the person who packed it up to sell apparently didn't notice:

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=276020)

There was also this note, held on by ancient masking tape that fell off when I picked it up, saying "RETURN ALL":

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=276022)

I haven't taken it apart yet, let alone turned it on, but I did see some interesting stuff when I looked in through the vents (on the back, hidden above the resistor house in the third photo) using another score, my new endoscope (http://www.banggood.com/AN102-0_5M-3M-8_0mm-Lens-720P-Handheld-IP67-Endoscope-Android-PC-USB-Inspection-Tube-Camera-p-1052696.html), which I got for $15 CAD ($11.11 USD) on 11/11.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: VK5RC on December 06, 2016, 10:27:58 am
Got an Electrometer(Keithley 619) at a fair price but the TRIAX!!!!! I think I a am about to change business!
Edit Triax AKA = TRB connector, common brand Trompeter (Thanks guys)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: rastro on December 06, 2016, 05:41:16 pm
Got an Electrometer(Keithley 619) at a fair price but the TRIAX!!!!! I think I a am about to change business!

It gets even better.
The triax on the 619 are old style (2-prong) leaving you to use an old style cable (hard to find).  Alternatively you could get a 2-to-3 prong converter or upgrade the 619 bulkhead(s) to the modern 3-prong.
Did I mention there is also 2-prog triax to BNC converter - which loses some of the advantages of the triax topology but allows for a cheaper cable.

let the good times roll...
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: N2IXK on December 06, 2016, 07:48:43 pm
Speaking of triaxial cable, I needed a few feet of it for the restoration of the HP 410B mentioned a couple posts up. It is used for the AC probe cable, where the outermost shield is used to carry filament power to the probe diode. My probe cable was severely deteriorated and falling apart.

Not finding a convenient source of just a short length of raw triax cable (and not wanting to hack up a $$$ cable with connectors attached), I decided to try making my own. I found that Belden RG-174 cable (type 8216) is just about the same OD as the inner conductor insulation in their RG-58 cable (type 8240). I was able to solder a length of RG-174 (shield and center conductor together) to the inner conductor of the RG-58, and using a vise to hold the opposite end of the RG-58 center conductor, I was able to use the RG-58 center conductor to pull the RG-174 INTO the shield and outer jacket of the RG-58, creating a triaxial cable. The 174 serves as the center conductor and inner shield, with the outer shield from the RG-58 left over to serve as the filament power conductor as in the original HP cable. 

Probably wouldn't work for more than a few feet of cable, but this little hack saved me from trying to track down a short length of triax, or buy a full spool of the stuff for way too much money.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Muttley Snickers on December 06, 2016, 11:55:23 pm
I've just found this handy looking device on Ebay AU and it's listed at buy now for $15.95, unfortunately it's also listed as pick up only and I'm in another state so that's out, if others think it might be of some value then I could probably contact the seller and perhaps work out a deal or somebody else here might be interested, I couldn't find any information on it via a Google search. Anyway, it's described as a Proteq Board Wizard Combi Test and I'm guessing that it might be a continuity tracer of some type, it does look pretty handy and ticks all the boxes.

Buttons: Check   :-+
Knobs: Check   :-+
LCD Display: Check   :-+
It Looks Handy: Check   :-+
It's Bloody Cheap: Check   :-+
 
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on December 07, 2016, 06:28:03 am
Got an Electrometer(Keithley 619) at a fair price but the TRIAX!!!!! I think I a am about to change business!

I just got myself in to a worse triax nightmare. I bought a HP 4141B Source measure unit for 100 bucks and then found out it has 5 triax connectors on the back(4 SMU channels + 1 precision GND signal). Okay no biggie il just buy some cables for that, quick look online and.... they cost HOW much?! :o

I almost bought a bunch of new old stock triax connectors from a guy on ebay before i realized the connectors are 2 stud BNC while my HP boatanchor has 3 stud BNC style connectors. In the end i spent like 100 bucks again on buying 3 sets of long triax cables that i plan to cut up in the middle and put some more sensible connector on the end like XLR or something.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on December 07, 2016, 06:41:25 am
Don't you hate it when you get a deal on something, then wind up spending nearly as much if not more to get the manual or some needed accessory?  I suppose it's best to look at the total cost sunk into whatever it is, but even when that still works out very well it grates on me to spend the extra $$.   >:(

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on December 07, 2016, 07:10:16 am
Don't you hate it when you get a deal on something, then wind up spending nearly as much if not more to get the manual or some needed accessory?  I suppose it's best to look at the total cost sunk into whatever it is, but even when that still works out very well it grates on me to spend the extra $$.   >:(

-Pat

Well this HP 4141B seams to impossible to even buy a manual for if you wanted to. All i got online was one section of the programmers guide while for the rest a manual from a similar HP unit had to be used. No service manual what so ever to be found. This made it particularly scary when i first turned it on and the Fail LED came on, pressing the selftest button resulted in the same. Later on i found out that the high voltage interlock connector on the back needs to be shorted to GND for it to pass self test. Phew what a relief.

Another hidden cost i found is buying a >500MHz scope. Suddenly you need all new fancy pants active probes to make use of that bandwidth, and those things don't come cheep let me tell you (But then again its amazing how crisp of a signal they get, <1pF probe capacitance is a world changer).
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: rastro on December 07, 2016, 04:49:09 pm
Sometimes the last few feet going to the equipment is the expensive part.   :rant:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TiN on December 07, 2016, 05:00:39 pm
.... they cost HOW much?! :o

Usual ball-park pricing for low-noise triax cables with 3-lug ports is 50-200$/pc :). You can get some connectors from Digikey (TRB type they call it), about 23$/pop, as cheap as they go (if not counting ebay gambles).
Also don't confuse them with twinax which look similar and use mechanically same connector, but very different in performance and purpose.

Perhaps my article on Agilent 4142B (https://xdevs.com/fix/a4142b/) could be useful for you, as it's similar box. If you plan teardown of 4141B, I'd love some photos! Wear non-coated gloves if you decide to peek into front end sections...
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: razberik on December 07, 2016, 05:51:43 pm
Sometimes the last few feet going to the equipment is the expensive part.   :rant:
Absolutely true.
Especially when you buy machine from somebody who dont know that it is. When he forgot to steal "those cables" (Probes you prick ! These "cables" are called probes !) from previous owner.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on December 07, 2016, 07:53:03 pm

Usual ball-park pricing for low-noise triax cables with 3-lug ports is 50-200$/pc :). You can get some connectors from Digikey (TRB type they call it), about 23$/pop, as cheap as they go (if not counting ebay gambles).
Also don't confuse them with twinax which look similar and use mechanically same connector, but very different in performance and purpose.

Perhaps my article on Agilent 4142B (https://xdevs.com/fix/a4142b/) could be useful for you, as it's similar box. If you plan teardown of 4141B, I'd love some photos! Wear non-coated gloves if you decide to peek into front end sections...

I bought three 4m long triax cables for 56 USD a piece, on there way from the US right now.

That is a interesting article you got there. I actually used the manual for the 4142B to get an idea of how these things work. And i couldn't resist taking off the lid when i got it because i was curious what was inside to make the thing so massive. To give you a sense of scale the whole unit is half a meter long (about 1ft6) and takes up 4U of rack. I expected it to be half empty inside but was i wrong. Interestingly it also has 3 "shield domains" inside where parts of the internal metal case are held separated by plastic spacers. The PSU has its own shield domain, CPU its own and the large analog section has its own. Enjoy the preliminary photos(Might make a dedicated forum thread for it since there is no info on them yet quite common on ebay.).

I have not pulled out any of the cards because when i first tried to they seamed to really not want to move. Pulled so hard that i was afraid of breaking the plastic tabs. Its possible the environment it was in had some volatile solvents floating in the air since the case feels a bit sticky and some less important looking cables inside felt really sticky. Its not like it got something poured on it because any metal work around the sticky cable was perfectly clean, not even dusty. I had a guess that maybe something similar happened to the backplane connectors to get the boards so stuck in. I need to have another go at it by dissembling it a bit more so that i can get a better grip on the boards. I need to do something about that loud fan at some point, tho i have no idea where to stick a fan speed control circuit with how full the insides of it are. Also need to find some software for it or write my own.

Front ends on these are well encased in metal cans from what i can see, but i would assume its very similar to your 4142B since this unit is designed for 100V 100mA just like your medium power modules. Id love to have a high current one in here too, but then again i did get it for just 100 bucks.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: VK5RC on December 08, 2016, 10:43:27 am
Glad to know I wasn't the only one swearing at the price of Triax, up until then I thought heliax/connectors were expensive.
I have managed to find some "2 lug" triax to triax  and 2 lug triax to croc clip cables, cost more than the Electrometer.  I think I will include them in my last will and testament!
I like the 'hack' of N2IXK with RG174 and the outer shield of RG58 :-+         Now to hack a connector somehow >:D     (not looking hopeful - but easier with the 2 Lug version)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: HighVoltage on December 08, 2016, 12:23:06 pm
Glad to know I wasn't the only one swearing at the price of Triax, up until then I thought heliax/connectors were expensive.
I have managed to find some "2 lug" triax to triax  and 2 lug triax to croc clip cables, cost more than the Electrometer.  I think I will include them in my last will and testament!
I like the 'hack' of N2IXK with RG174 and the outer shield of RG58 :-+         Now to hack a connector somehow >:D     (not looking hopeful - but easier with the 2 Lug version)
I went the same route when I got my first Keithley Electrometer and could not believe my eyes when I saw the prices for cables and connectors.
Have you looked for a TRIAX T-Connector.
Don't be surprised at $400 each and up!
Then I learned to also look for "Trompeter" connectors and found many more for reasonable prices.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: djnz on December 08, 2016, 12:38:18 pm
USA:
Wavetek 143 20MHz function generator $68 + $18 shipping = US$86 total.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PaulAm on December 08, 2016, 01:50:12 pm
Picked up a repairable Tek 454A on a local craigslist sale for $30.  Guy said is was fine other then the "picture tube" [sic}.  Gotta love nontechies.  A quick look showed a crisped resistor on the regulator board and a blown LV fuse.  It won't be going into the "easiest repair ever" thread, but shouldn't be too difficult to bring back to life.

As a bonus, it was an IBM scope which is a neat piece of history.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: ZeTeX on December 08, 2016, 06:58:48 pm
Notice how most of the scores are from people in America, specifically USA.
its hard for us who live in a dirt-hole score an equipment on eBay without paying 200$ for shipping itself.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on December 08, 2016, 10:32:10 pm
True but even then you can get better deals from the US then on a local market. Over a decade ago I paid $350 for shipping a logic analyser I won on Ebay for $66. Besides that you can also find nice deals from Asia. OTOH recently I missed out on some nice DC loads because shipping was just too cumbersome and the seller decided to sell to someone who picked them up.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on December 09, 2016, 06:22:45 am
Yeah its common to pay over 200 bucks to ship some big boatanchor piece of equipment from the US. But sometimes you find a deal so good that its worth it even with the shipping.

Another thing is that the seller has to know how to pack big heavy equipment properly. When not packed properly one decent drop of the box on the right corner can cause quite a bit of damage when the thing weighs like 20kg. When it has to get here from the US that makes it go trough more "nodes" where the post office gorillas throw the boxes from one vehicle to the next. And yes the term "throw" is the one to use judging by some of the shipping horrors that made it to my door.

Luckily the old gear tends to be made out of metal so a lot of the damage can be fixed by taking it apart and bending it back (Luckily damage on gear i bought was always just cosmetic).

In case anyone is wondering crumpled up newspaper is NOT fine for shipping a 30kg power supply overseas.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on December 09, 2016, 07:03:16 am
Yeah its common to pay over 200 bucks to ship some big boatanchor piece of equipment from the US. But sometimes you find a deal so good that its worth it even with the shipping.

Another thing is that the seller has to know how to pack big heavy equipment properly.

...

In case anyone is wondering crumpled up newspaper is NOT fine for shipping a 30kg power supply overseas.

Yeah, for something that heavy you'd definitely want to step up to butcher paper as packing material.   ;)   :P

What some people consider to be adequate packing simply boggles my mind sometimes.  The Electro Instruments DVM I got from the 'bay a while back springs to mind.  It basically had NO packing - the guy folded up and hot glued corrugated cardboard around it.  (Though I suppose it could be argued that he made a custom box for it...   :palm: )

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: BravoV on December 09, 2016, 07:19:29 am
Few BNC accesories for my T&M stuffs, not the top tier brand though, but good enough and should be adequate for hobbyist use.

- Full metal BNC feed thru 50 Ohm termination, not sure it's capability at GHz range though, but my requirement < 100 Mhz should ok right ? So sick & tired of using separate BNC T connector + 50 Ohm terminator.

- Panel mount isolated BNC female connector, not sure when or where I'm going to use it  :-//, its the "isolated" feature made to grab few of them.  :palm:

- Right angle BNC male connectors, had been wanting these for quite a while, no more stressing those hanging short coax wires when used at T&M equipments.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PTR_1275 on December 09, 2016, 08:00:22 am
Few BNC accesories for my T&M stuffs, not the top tier brand though, but good enough and should be adequate for hobbyist use.

- Full metal BNC feed thru 50 Ohm termination, not sure it's capability at GHz range though, but my requirement < 100 Mhz should ok right ? So sick & tired of using separate BNC T connector + 50 Ohm terminator.

- Panel mount isolated BNC female connector, not sure when or where I'm going to use it  :-//, its the "isolated" feature made to grab few of them.  :palm:

- Right angle BNC male connectors, had been wanting these for quite a while, no more stressing those hanging short coax wires when used at T&M equipments.

Where abouts did you get the feedthroughs from and how much were they? My stuff only goes upto 10MHz for signal generators, or 100MHz for the scope, so I don't need anything rated to GHz either.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: BravoV on December 09, 2016, 08:34:57 am
Where abouts did you get the feedthroughs from and how much were they? My stuff only goes upto 10MHz for signal generators, or 100MHz for the scope, so I don't need anything rated to GHz either.

Aliexpress, just search for "P7001 BNC" , currently only one shop sells this, at least from my search.

Remember, I'm not affiliated with this shop, and priced at $8.55 for two pieces (free s/h).

I haven't throughly test it yet, but a quick DMM check they're spot on at 50 Ohm.

Here, a close up shot (not resized), just in case you need to take a quick glance on the metal finishing b4 ordering, not bad imo.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on December 09, 2016, 09:01:22 am
They are on banggood.com as well.

I ordered a pair and will sweep them when they arrive.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: BravoV on December 09, 2016, 09:07:52 am
They are on banggood.com as well.

I ordered a pair and will sweep them when they arrive.

Great  :-+, looks like they're identical to mine, looking forward to see the sweep result, and if you don't mind, please share it at a new thread.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on December 09, 2016, 10:04:08 am

Yeah, for something that heavy you'd definitely want to step up to butcher paper as packing material.   ;)   :P

What some people consider to be adequate packing simply boggles my mind sometimes.  The Electro Instruments DVM I got from the 'bay a while back springs to mind.  It basically had NO packing - the guy folded up and hot glued corrugated cardboard around it.  (Though I suppose it could be argued that he made a custom box for it...   :palm: )

-Pat

Have not had something packed quite that bad, hope it didn't get too beat up.

But looking at the other end of the spectrum i seen some amazing packing jobs. For example that SMU that just cost me a fortune in the stupid triax cables came packed in a huge box with the instapack foam bags all around it a good 15cm thick. Naturally the unit got here without a single scratch from shipping despite the box exterior looking like it got a good beating.

Having a look at the sellers ebay store can give you a hint about the packing to expect. If the store if full of large test gear and they have a reasonable ebay rating you can be sure they will pack it properly (They likely already learned the hard way the importance of packing heavy stuff). When the seller sells various little non technical nick nakcs expect your shiny new bit of gear to get a bit banged up. Something to keep in mind when buying a piece of gear in like new condition (Tho it sure was satisfying peeling the screen protection film off a Keithley 2015 DMM that i scored for cheep).
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: neil t on December 09, 2016, 10:47:36 am
Thanks for the info on the feed thru's  people. :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nanofrog on December 09, 2016, 03:01:07 pm
Aliexpress, just search for "P7001 BNC" , currently only one shop sells this, at least from my search.
Thanks for the tip.  :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: rastro on December 09, 2016, 07:56:36 pm
I just received two Fluke 27/FM DMM's for $30.00 ... Delivered!
They are both in very good shape.  Installed a 9V battery and tested them out.  Everything works, very accurate, safety fuses intact. 
The vendor even did great job insta-packing the 2 units. 

Should have a couple of low cost Keithley 197's coming from the same vendor - Hopefully more good news.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: svenk177 on December 10, 2016, 02:20:23 pm
Recently I acquired a HP 8616A signal generator for around 30€. It can be adjusted to frequencies between 1.8-4.5 GigaCycles (who uses Hz anyway?).
I retrofitted a IEC-C13 connector on the back, as I could not find a suitable cable for it. Probably I should also swap some of the electrolytic capacitors in it.
 
In the future I want to get more into RF stuff, so I will be looking for more gear like this  :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Marc M. on December 10, 2016, 03:43:01 pm
I picked this up for $79.00 (+$150 freight, taxes, etc)  8).  It was a gamble because I could make out in the out of focus picture that it had a Defective tag on it.  Upon arrival, I was able to read the tag: 200A Switch Bad.  It was up for Cal the previous month which it failed presumably due to the bad 200A switch which wouldn't stay latched. Where in the world was I going to find a replacement ganged switch??? I desoldered the switch assy. and got a number off one of the switches.  Individually in stock at Digikey for $2-3 each.  Upon closer inspection, the shaft of each switch was symmetrical so I simply flipped the locking plate and spring the other way round, put it back together, and I now have a fully functioning 600V / 400A / 4Kw DC load  ;D.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Falkra on December 10, 2016, 05:18:14 pm
Excellent ! And very nice piece of equipment, well done !
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Vgkid on December 10, 2016, 05:23:49 pm
Show us the load bars on the backside.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Marc M. on December 10, 2016, 05:50:53 pm
Show us the load bars on the backside.
Ahhh, you like the backside do ya?  It won't disappoint if you like 'em big  ;)


Edit: Arrgghhh, I'm such an idiot |O.  I hate preview not showing the attached pics.  Got up and realized I stuck the wrong pic in there missing your arse shot.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: karoru on December 15, 2016, 10:17:06 am
Recently I acquired a HP 8616A signal generator for around 30€. It can be adjusted to frequencies between 1.8-4.5 GigaCycles (who uses Hz anyway?).
One calls them "kilomegacycles", not this new "giga" rubbish:))
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Vgkid on December 22, 2016, 08:53:15 am
L&N URS, 4393. Bet no one knows what it is/ owns one.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: VK5RC on December 22, 2016, 09:15:11 am
Isn't it a precision set of resistor dividers, Leeds and Northrup Universal Ratio Set? Looks beautifully built.
One on eBay http://www.ebay.com/itm/Leeds-and-Northrup-Universal-Ratio-Set-Cat-4393-w-Lid-/291774334846?hash=item43ef1b077e:g:cyYAAOSwagdXR1EA (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Leeds-and-Northrup-Universal-Ratio-Set-Cat-4393-w-Lid-/291774334846?hash=item43ef1b077e:g:cyYAAOSwagdXR1EA)
What sort of accuracy do you get out of it?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Sbampato12 on December 22, 2016, 12:00:25 pm
I've found in scrap yard.
About US$ 30-40, as-is.

Arriving home, it was only two slow 0,7A fuse, and it works!

Need some cleaning now.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: vinicius.jlantunes on December 22, 2016, 05:42:18 pm
Sbampato12 - I am always amazed that you manage to find anything at all in our country. I constantly monitor the usual websites for test equipment and all sorts of things hoping to ever find a bargain / reasonable deal, but am never lucky! The few I came across in the last few years (like a wavetek sig gen) I wasn't able to land. The only piece of test equipment I ever bought used in Brazil was an Agilent E3634A power supply - the seller was clueless though and didn't pack it right, so it got broken in-transit. No worries, I managed to buy a replacement front panel but after a few weeks of light usage it died. I am yet to succeed in my repair attempts.

Bottom line - if you ever come across something you don't want, ping your fellow country man here  ;D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on December 22, 2016, 07:11:24 pm
I picked this up for $79.00 (+$150 freight, taxes, etc)  8).  It was a gamble because I could make out in the out of focus picture that it had a Defective tag on it.  Upon arrival, I was able to read the tag: 200A Switch Bad.  It was up for Cal the previous month which it failed presumably due to the bad 200A switch which wouldn't stay latched. Where in the world was I going to find a replacement ganged switch??? I desoldered the switch assy. and got a number off one of the switches.  Individually in stock at Digikey for $2-3 each.  Upon closer inspection, the shaft of each switch was symmetrical so I simply flipped the locking plate and spring the other way round, put it back together, and I now have a fully functioning 600V / 400A / 4Kw DC load  ;D.
I would have liked getting that deal because I really could use such a DC load for a project :'( I missed out on a couple of 6kW DC loads a couple of months ago.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Vgkid on December 22, 2016, 08:01:46 pm
Isn't it a precision set of resistor dividers, Leeds and Northrup Universal Ratio Set? Looks beautifully built.
What sort of accuracy do you get out of it?
Accuracy as a decade resistor 0.01% +0.005. Which is interesting since it has a 0.001 ohm decade(2111.11 Ohms total) Those will be put to work in another project >:D.
As a urs 0.002 Ratio on the 100 setting. With a rather strange specs on the others. :-//
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: VK5RC on December 23, 2016, 12:56:04 am
@Vgkid, interesting gear, 0.01% :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: lty1993 on December 23, 2016, 06:38:10 am
Got this Hitachi V-1085 for $100.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xwarp on December 24, 2016, 10:26:58 am
Found a Simpson 260 series 6 at a local thrift for 4.95.

Leaking D cell ate on the positive terminal, but that will be an easy fix.

Nothing else was with the meter, although it still has Simpson's red warning tag hanging off the handle.

This makes 260 number 3 in the collection of Simpsons that I'll use once every other blue moon  :palm:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nanofrog on December 24, 2016, 10:43:20 am
Found a Simpson 260 series 6 at a local thrift for 4.95.

Leaking D cell ate on the positive terminal, but that will be an easy fix.

Nothing else was with the meter, although it still has Simpson's red warning tag hanging off the handle.

This makes 260 number 3 in the collection of Simpsons that I'll use once every other blue moon  :palm:
You can always send it my way.  :o  >:D

Seriously... If you've a 260-x series M (mirror) you're willing to part with, let me know.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xwarp on December 24, 2016, 11:23:27 am
No mirrored 260's yet. If I run across any, I'll let you know.

Found a Simpson 260 series 6 at a local thrift for 4.95.

Leaking D cell ate on the positive terminal, but that will be an easy fix.

Nothing else was with the meter, although it still has Simpson's red warning tag hanging off the handle.

This makes 260 number 3 in the collection of Simpsons that I'll use once every other blue moon  :palm:
You can always send it my way.  :o  >:D

Seriously... If you've a 260-x series M (mirror) you're willing to part with, let me know.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: macboy on December 24, 2016, 07:47:11 pm
Christmas came early for me. An elf dropped a package at my doorstep yesterday, containing a LeCroy WavePro 960 DSO. Four channels, 2 GHz, 16 GS/s, 16 MS memory. It has many options including Ethernet interface, PCCard slot, hard copy (built in printer), and various math/analysis features including WaveAnalyzer and WaveAnalyzer Pro for FFT, jitter analysis and more. It works perfectly, and the icing on the cake is that it was calibrated this past summer so it's still within traceable cal! I paid only $1200 USD plus shipping and taxes. Used LeCroy scopes are a tremendous value. Now I have something to use with my Tek P6158 3 GHz low-Z probes (which I scored for $5 each BTW). I'm way too busy today and tomorrow to really play with it, but I'm off for the next two weeks so I'll find time.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: tautech on December 24, 2016, 08:08:19 pm
Christmas came early for me. An elf dropped a package at my doorstep yesterday, containing a LeCroy WavePro 960 DSO. Four channels, 2 GHz, 16 GS/s, 16 MS memory. It has many options including Ethernet interface, PCCard slot, hard copy (built in printer), and various math/analysis features including FFT, jitter analysis and more. It works perfectly, and the icing on the cake is that it was calibrated this past summer so it's still within traceable cal! I paid only $1200 USD plus shipping and taxes. Used LeCroy scopes are a tremendous value. Now I have something to use with my Tek P6158 3 GHz low-Z probes (which I scored for $5 each BTW). I'm way too busy today and tomorrow to really play with it, but I'm off for the next two weeks so I'll find time.
That's cool.  :-+
No USB though.  :--  Are card slot to USB readers available ?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PA0PBZ on December 24, 2016, 08:22:51 pm
Not sure if the software supports this, but:

(http://www.pcmciatousb.com/images/pcmcia-to-usb-2.jpg)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: rrinker on December 25, 2016, 01:52:28 am
 It's got ethernet - do you really need a USB connection to a PC if you can use the ethernet?

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on December 25, 2016, 06:21:46 am
HP 3458A - $900 shipped. Needed new nvram's(free from Maxim) - so far working nicely.

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=280564;image)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: tautech on December 25, 2016, 06:26:31 am
It's got ethernet - do you really need a USB connection to a PC if you can use the ethernet?
If it can save a screenshot direct to a USB stick sometimes it's much more convenient.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on December 25, 2016, 07:45:34 am
HP 3458A - $900 shipped. Needed new nvram's(free from Maxim) - so far working nicely.

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=280564;image)

Sweet piece of gear!

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on December 25, 2016, 09:28:22 am
HP 3458A - $900 shipped. Needed new nvram's(free from Maxim) - so far working nicely.


Dang now that is a score!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: VK5RC on December 25, 2016, 10:00:56 am
HP 3458A - $900 shipped. Needed new nvram's(free from Maxim) - so far working nicely.

That's amazing, good hunting!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: macboy on December 25, 2016, 03:08:02 pm
Christmas came early for me. An elf dropped a package at my doorstep yesterday, containing a LeCroy WavePro 960 DSO. Four channels, 2 GHz, 16 GS/s, 16 MS memory. It has many options including Ethernet interface, PCCard slot, hard copy (built in printer), and various math/analysis features including FFT, jitter analysis and more. It works perfectly, and the icing on the cake is that it was calibrated this past summer so it's still within traceable cal! I paid only $1200 USD plus shipping and taxes. Used LeCroy scopes are a tremendous value. Now I have something to use with my Tek P6158 3 GHz low-Z probes (which I scored for $5 each BTW). I'm way too busy today and tomorrow to really play with it, but I'm off for the next two weeks so I'll find time.
That's cool.  :-+
No USB though.  :--  Are card slot to USB readers available ?
A PC card to compact flash adapter will allow a CF card to appear as Hard drive storage unit, which it does support. Floppy drive emulators are also available which allow storage to a disk image on a USB drive, but you are still limited to 1.44 MB at a time, a limitation that doesn't exist with the CF Option. The LAN connection may be even better though.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on December 26, 2016, 03:34:23 am
HP 3458A - $900 shipped. Needed new nvram's(free from Maxim) - so far working nicely.

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=280564;image)
That is very nice. :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on December 26, 2016, 05:50:46 pm
HP 3458A - $900 shipped. Needed new nvram's(free from Maxim) - so far working nicely.

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=280564;image)

Wow, Steve. You da man! Awesome score. :-DMM
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: SoundTech-LG on December 29, 2016, 08:51:53 pm
Another Stanford Research FS700 Loran Timing Generator !!! (4 now :palm:)
But!! This one was under $40 on the bbay , most are over $700  :-DD Local find, so picked up and saved the shipping. Stanford research is in Sunnyvale (Silicon Valley not far from here) They must have cleared out a bunch of cobweb equipment they didn't want to bother with. This thing never got Final Assembly. No case, ROM chip was removed (have some), no OCXO (had one of those too), no cables connected EVER, LCD Protective film still in place (they gave up). Powered it up, but got ERROR! Amplifier Gain too high/low. Found someone must have poked around in the LF353 chain of RF op-amps, and blew up U105. Replaced it, thinking I might be done. WRONG!!!
After much hunting for why the CAL signal did not seem to get amplified I was led to K101 relay, and found a pin that appeared soldered, but NO!!! it was NEVER soldered properly (it's in a dark corner of the board). Up and running now after a few hours playing around with this. These work great with Rubidium signal, or GPSDO signal instead of the LORAN/OCXO.

Sorry for the poor photos.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: razberik on December 29, 2016, 09:49:12 pm
Got this Hitachi V-1085 for $100.
I really have to say this scope is charismatic !
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: deepskyridge on December 30, 2016, 04:32:25 am
I bought a HP 8642B on the bay last week, got it today. Advertised as powering up but no display.

Opened it up and the 8A fuse for the 5V supply was missing. Inserted a new fuse, it works.

Paid $255. Boy this is one nut buster piece of test gear, feels like it's full of lead.

Gary
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Vgkid on December 30, 2016, 09:20:36 am
I bought a HP 8642B on the bay last week, got it today. Boy this is one nut buster piece of test gear, feels like it's full of lead.
Only 3U high, at 71 pounds. it is dense.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: djnz on January 04, 2017, 08:06:09 pm
Tektronix THS720A isolated 2ch 100MHz oscilloscope + DMM for US$200, door delivered.
Came with 2 sets of fluke DMM leads, an aftermarket power adapter, a BNC coax cable and an aftermarket battery pack fashioned out of NiCd cells. Not bad, I think.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: BravoV on January 05, 2017, 12:17:19 am
Tektronix THS720A isolated 2ch 100MHz oscilloscope + DMM for US$200, door delivered.
Came with 2 sets of fluke DMM leads, an aftermarket power adapter, a BNC coax cable and an aftermarket battery pack fashioned out of NiCd cells. Not bad, I think.

Congrats, what a great bargain you got there !  :clap:

Make sure you check this thread -> https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/tek-ths720a-portable-scope-teardowndiscussion/ (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/tek-ths720a-portable-scope-teardowndiscussion/) , especially the mod that add features like measuring harmonics.  :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: kaz911 on January 05, 2017, 09:46:41 am
Got a Mantis Elite with arm, 8x and 15x lenses for GBP 150+GBP 50 shipping listed as for parts. (So about $240)

It is not in perfect condition but works well. Lenses are a bit scratched but I hardly notice when using it. It is missing transparent front glass and table mount part. But for that price I cannot complain. :) It could do with a clean of the internal glass at some point. But I'm not complaining at all.

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: wkb on January 07, 2017, 09:24:46 pm
For those tempted by really nice vintage Tek scopes/SA:

http://www.marktplaats.nl/a/telecommunicatie/zenders-en-ontvangers/m1123818751-tektronics-spectrumanalyser.html (http://www.marktplaats.nl/a/telecommunicatie/zenders-en-ontvangers/m1123818751-tektronics-spectrumanalyser.html)

ENOSPACEONBENCH here..

Wilko
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on January 09, 2017, 03:23:25 am
Got a Mantis Elite with arm, 8x and 15x lenses for GBP 150+GBP 50 shipping listed as for parts. (So about $240)

It is not in perfect condition but works well. Lenses are a bit scratched but I hardly notice when using it. It is missing transparent front glass and table mount part. But for that price I cannot complain. :) It could do with a clean of the internal glass at some point. But I'm not complaining at all.

Wow, that's a score alright. I guess all the parts were there. :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: gnavigator1007 on January 09, 2017, 04:40:38 am
From last month's ITT Tech auction:
2 x GW Instek GOS-6112 Oscilloscopes
2 x GW Instek GDS-830 Oscilloscopes
2 x GW Instek GDS-2102 Oscilloscopes
2 x GW Instek GDM-8251A Bench Multimeters
3 x GW Instek GPD-3303S DC Power Supplies
23 x Rigol DS1102E Oscilloscopes
2 x Rigol DS1102D Oscilloscopes
3 x Rigol DG1022A Function/Arbitrary Waveform Generators

First real auction I've done and even though I did very well, I've got to admit it scared hell out of me. I liked it way too much. I was only hoping to get a couple things for myself and maybe some scopes to turn around and resell to recoup some of the cost. Now I've had to go and turn myself into a part-time used test equipment salesman  :palm:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Vgkid on January 09, 2017, 05:59:18 am
From last month's ITT Tech auction:
23 x Rigol DS1102E Oscilloscopes
You meant 2 or 3. Right >:D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: gnavigator1007 on January 09, 2017, 07:07:14 am
Lol it was supposed to be 27! They could only find 25, but 2 of them ended up being the 1102d's
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: kaz911 on January 09, 2017, 10:00:21 am
Got a Mantis Elite with arm, 8x and 15x lenses for GBP 150+GBP 50 shipping listed as for parts. (So about $240)

It is not in perfect condition but works well. Lenses are a bit scratched but I hardly notice when using it. It is missing transparent front glass and table mount part. But for that price I cannot complain. :) It could do with a clean of the internal glass at some point. But I'm not complaining at all.

Wow, that's a score alright. I guess all the parts were there. :-+

Yes - so just need a 4x lens and table mount. I did have a Mantis Compact so Elite fitted on my existing table mount. But the Elite gives a slightly larger image (Roughly 20% is I think)  - and the LEDs are slightly brighter - and you get slightly more usable work-space below the lens - plus easy change between 2 lenses.

So now the compact will go to the vacation home where I have a mini-lab. :)

I then picked up a set of replacement Left/Right LEDs for 39 Euro - new and unused on eBay - SRP about $240/Euro 220.

So now only table mount, transparent front and 4x lens and it is complete. But great score - SRP for the parts are around GBP 3000,- USD 3500,-
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: tautech on January 09, 2017, 10:06:52 am
From last month's ITT Tech auction:
2 x GW Instek GOS-6112 Oscilloscopes
2 x GW Instek GDS-830 Oscilloscopes
2 x GW Instek GDS-2102 Oscilloscopes
2 x GW Instek GDM-8251A Bench Multimeters
3 x GW Instek GPD-3303S DC Power Supplies
23 x Rigol DS1102E Oscilloscopes
2 x Rigol DS1102D Oscilloscopes
3 x Rigol DG1022A Function/Arbitrary Waveform Generators

First real auction I've done and even though I did very well, I've got to admit it scared hell out of me. I liked it way too much. I was only hoping to get a couple things for myself and maybe some scopes to turn around and resell to recoup some of the cost. Now I've had to go and turn myself into a part-time used test equipment salesman  :palm:
When I first entered the trade, I made a point of providing new probes and as much documentation as I could find and compiling it onto CD's and advertising the fact. They'll move well, good luck...new name TEnavigator.   :clap:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on January 09, 2017, 10:13:43 am
Yeah. Probes are cheap and for some reason potential scope buyers are always obsessed with probes.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: wkb on January 09, 2017, 05:44:33 pm
Yeah. Probes are cheap and for some reason potential scope buyers are always obsessed with probes.

Well.. that is generalising it quite a bit: garden variety Chinese probes might be cheap, but real ones are not (in general).
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: tautech on January 09, 2017, 06:59:29 pm
Yeah. Probes are cheap and for some reason potential scope buyers are always obsessed with probes.

Well.. that is generalising it quite a bit: garden variety Chinese probes might be cheap, but real ones are not (in general).
Hint:
Guess who makes the OEM probes for most Asian scopes....the same manufacturer that makes the "garden variety".  ;)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on January 09, 2017, 10:19:29 pm
I was only hoping to get a couple things for myself and maybe some scopes to turn around and resell to recoup some of the cost. Now I've had to go and turn myself into a part-time used test equipment salesman  :palm:

Haha, yes, it's easy to get carried away. It's just too fun. Ah, so those listings are yours. Cool.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: gnavigator1007 on January 10, 2017, 04:04:11 pm
I actually haven't listed anything yet. Been trying to pass on as many as I can locally. There are quite a few items from the same auction up on eBay right now. I got the largest lot of 1102e's from the 1st ITT Tech auction, but there were much larger lots at the last one. Seemed like many bidders were getting them for institutions. It was absolutely insane watching what some of this stuff went for. Some really good prices and then other items that people just bid through the roof. The spectrum analysers seemed to work everyone up in a frenzy to the point they continued bidding the same price per unit on some similar looking at a glance analog scopes. 2 hours later the same model scopes were going for $2 per unit. It was really depressing seeing the bidding on unused graduation caps & gowns. The craziest thing was seeing a lot of 18 pallets of textbooks go for over $12,000. From what I understand those books were ITT Tech specific and therefore worthless for resale.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: pascal_sweden on January 10, 2017, 04:28:50 pm
Can you point out some links to these ITT Technical Institute Ebay auctions?

Note that I contacted the official auction site, but never got any response on my email.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Orange on January 10, 2017, 04:34:49 pm
Can you point out some links to these ITT Technical Institute Ebay auctions?

Note that I contacted the official auction site, but never got any response on my email.
Hi Pascal, just curious, do you now own an oscilloscope ?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on January 10, 2017, 10:21:40 pm
I actually haven't listed anything yet. Been trying to pass on as many as I can locally. There are quite a few items from the same auction up on eBay right now.

Oh, I see. Yeah, there are a lot of those items being listed recently.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: mtdoc on January 10, 2017, 10:36:20 pm
I actually haven't listed anything yet. Been trying to pass on as many as I can locally. There are quite a few items from the same auction up on eBay right now.

Oh, I see. Yeah, there are a lot of those items being listed recently.

Wow - I just looked. Lots of older but decent looking GW Instek scopes and power supplies. Many 100MHz scopes under $100 and triple output linear supplies under $50.  Not bad deals for a new hobbyist on a tight budget.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on January 11, 2017, 06:20:43 am
Wow - I just looked. Lots of older but decent looking GW Instek scopes and power supplies. Many 100MHz scopes under $100 and triple output linear supplies under $50.  Not bad deals for a new hobbyist on a tight budget.

Just had a look and those GW Instek tripple power supplies look pretty nice actually. Not far off my Rigol DP832.

But i really have to stop buying powersuplies, i already almost ever use some of mine. :-\
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: vinicius.jlantunes on January 12, 2017, 04:08:20 pm
From last month's ITT Tech auction:
2 x GW Instek GOS-6112 Oscilloscopes
2 x GW Instek GDS-830 Oscilloscopes
2 x GW Instek GDS-2102 Oscilloscopes
2 x GW Instek GDM-8251A Bench Multimeters
3 x GW Instek GPD-3303S DC Power Supplies
23 x Rigol DS1102E Oscilloscopes
2 x Rigol DS1102D Oscilloscopes
3 x Rigol DG1022A Function/Arbitrary Waveform Generators

First real auction I've done and even though I did very well, I've got to admit it scared hell out of me. I liked it way too much. I was only hoping to get a couple things for myself and maybe some scopes to turn around and resell to recoup some of the cost. Now I've had to go and turn myself into a part-time used test equipment salesman  :palm:

I will be in the US next couple weeks and am interested in a function generator, in case you're selling any of them. PM me if you are, and the price. I will be in TX.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: wkb on January 12, 2017, 10:09:14 pm
Yeah. Probes are cheap and for some reason potential scope buyers are always obsessed with probes.

Well.. that is generalising it quite a bit: garden variety Chinese probes might be cheap, but real ones are not (in general).
Hint:
Guess who makes the OEM probes for most Asian scopes....the same manufacturer that makes the "garden variety".  ;)

Not for the older Tek I have they don't
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: tautech on January 12, 2017, 10:34:47 pm
Yeah. Probes are cheap and for some reason potential scope buyers are always obsessed with probes.

Well.. that is generalising it quite a bit: garden variety Chinese probes might be cheap, but real ones are not (in general).
Hint:
Guess who makes the OEM probes for most Asian scopes....the same manufacturer that makes the "garden variety".  ;)

Not for the older Tek I have they don't
Hmmm.
I know of at least 2 probe Asian probe manufacturers, one of which makes a large range including actives and they are little known of. Despite this the make a large # for many scope manufacturers.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on January 12, 2017, 11:04:26 pm
I actually haven't listed anything yet. Been trying to pass on as many as I can locally. There are quite a few items from the same auction up on eBay right now.
I'd say Ebay is getting swamped with gear from the ITT Tech auction. I'm eye balling some items but they have to go for low prices. IOW: If you can't sell your equipment now then you are probably better off storing it for a year or longer in order to wait for the prices go up again.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on January 12, 2017, 11:34:24 pm
I'd say Ebay is getting swamped with gear from the ITT Tech auction. I'm eye balling some items but they have to go for low prices. IOW: If you can't sell your equipment now then you are probably better off storing it for a year or longer in order to wait for the prices go up again.

You can say that again. It's a flood. Good time to grab some stuff if they fit your needs.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: mtdoc on January 14, 2017, 02:02:28 am
I couldn't help myself.  I snagged one of the GW Instek GDM 8251A bench meters on eBay. From the ITT auction I suspect. Many more listed. I was able to get it for $95 + $20 shipping.  It will be nice to have a dual display bench meter for simultaneous voltage and current measurements. Photo from the listing. Mine should arrive next week.

(http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/ZK8AAOSwa~BYXVg8/s-l1600.jpg)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on January 14, 2017, 04:05:49 am
Nice score. You'll have to check if it displays volts and amps at the same time, and if it does, measures them simultaneously or interleaves them. Some time ago I saw a bench meter, don't remember the brand/model, and it had a pretty loud relay that constantly toggled between the voltage and current inputs. Most dual display meters I've seen just show two aspects of the same type of measurement (e.g., ACV & DCV or ACV & frequency).
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: mtdoc on January 14, 2017, 05:35:35 am
Yeah, before buying it, I downloaded the manual and confirmed that you can measure and display both voltage and current (AC or DC). Not sure if it measures simultaneously or interleaves but for my purposes it won't make much difference (though a loud relay would be annoying).  Either way, for the price I don't think I can go wrong.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on January 14, 2017, 08:35:49 am
Yeah, before buying it, I downloaded the manual and confirmed that you can measure and display both voltage and current (AC or DC). Not sure if it measures simultaneously or interleaves but for my purposes it won't make much difference (though a loud relay would be annoying).  Either way, for the price I don't think I can go wrong.
It is nice it can do that but for some reason it can't display power which would be so nice for measuring efficiency of DC-DC converters.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on January 14, 2017, 10:14:34 pm
Either way, for the price I don't think I can go wrong.

Absolutely. It was a good score. :-+ I was just curious.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xrunner on January 15, 2017, 03:48:20 am
I couldn't help myself.  I snagged one of the GW Instek GDM 8251A bench meters on eBay. From the ITT auction I suspect. Many more listed. I was able to get it for $95 + $20 shipping.

I just nabbed one for $105. Do I need it ...

Um, well, ...  :-// What if I told you yes ...  :popcorn:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on January 15, 2017, 05:35:36 am
I just nabbed one for $105. Do I need it ...

Um, well, ...  :-// What if I told you yes ...  :popcorn:

I'd say, "Welcome to TEA (Test Equipment Anonymous)." So glad you could join us. :-DMM
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: mtdoc on January 15, 2017, 06:08:00 am
I just nabbed one for $105. Do I need it ...

Um, well, ...  :-// What if I told you yes ...  :popcorn:

I'd say, "Welcome to TEA (Test Equipment Anonymous)." So glad you could join us. :-DMM

Yes, TEA - the answer to TGAS ( Test Gear Acquisition Syndrome).  What are those 12 steps again..?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on January 15, 2017, 08:12:11 am
1. Join EEVblog
2. Score some test gear
3. Post about your test equipment scores
4. Buy more test gear
...
10. Buy yet more test gear
11. Join TEA
12. Build your first circuit :-DD
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on January 15, 2017, 09:19:17 am
1. Join EEVblog
2. Score some test gear
3. Post about your test equipment scores
4. Buy more test gear
...
10. Buy yet more test gear
11. Join TEA
12. Build your first circuit :-DD

Here - as a certifiable TGAS sufferer (who am I kidding - I'm not suffering - I enjoy it!!) - let me flesh that ellipsis section out:

5. Buy op/service manuals for test gear on evilBay
6. Troubleshoot test gear
7. Seek out obsolete/discontinued components to repair test gear  |O
8. Read nixie thread and/or look at old HP Instrumentation catalogs   >:D >:D >:D >:D
9. Repeat steps 2 through 7, now searching for older, heavier, more expensive to ship things   :o 
....
12. Buy or build more shelves to hold test gear   :-+
13. (or later) - build first circuit   :-DD :-DD

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: SeanB on January 15, 2017, 10:04:46 am
14. Repeat steps 2 to 12 numerous times, either till the house is full ( then move to a bigger house) or the wife leaves.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: BravoV on January 15, 2017, 10:06:00 am
Oldie but still goodie imo, HP 1141A differential probe and HP 1142A for the probe's power and control box.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on January 15, 2017, 11:52:24 am
Here - as a certifiable TGAS sufferer (who am I kidding - I'm not suffering - I enjoy it!!) - let me flesh that ellipsis section out:

5. Buy op/service manuals for test gear on evilBay
6. Troubleshoot test gear
7. Seek out obsolete/discontinued components to repair test gear  |O
8. Read nixie thread and/or look at old HP Instrumentation catalogs   >:D >:D >:D >:D
9. Repeat steps 2 through 7, now searching for older, heavier, more expensive to ship things   :o 
....
12. Buy or build more shelves to hold test gear   :-+
13. (or later) - build first circuit   :-DD :-DD

-Pat

Today i just filled the last spot in my 42U high rack cabinet by adding in a Gigatronics 6100 8GHz synthesizer that managed to repair at 2 in the morning. :-+
...
but i also scored a Tektronix pattern generator for 40 bucks on ebay a few days ago. :-\

For me it mostly started as getting the test gear i needed for a better price since quality brand new gear costs a fortune. But in order to find a good deal on places like ebay means looking trough a lot of pages and keeping eyes open, as good deals go fast, but along the way one keeps coming across other gear that you perhaps don't need right now but it would be neat to have. But hey all this test gear is useful for doing work and you can always sell it (If done right for more than what you payed for it)... tho i only ever sold 1 piece of test equipment so far (And lost money on it cause i bought it new).

Still better than collecting stamps (Tho they are easier to ship overseas il give them that)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: HighVoltage on January 15, 2017, 12:14:25 pm
FLUKE Philips PM3380B

I bought this scope on ebay Germany for Euro 100, the seller lives in 5 min walking distance to me and the scope is like bran new.
Came with all original accessories, also like new and the original glossy datasheet.
Has even the original screen cover and BNC to 4 mm Banana plugs

Once in a while we can get very lucky, I think.
I have several of these scopes already, but this was the best score so far.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xrunner on January 15, 2017, 03:13:40 pm
I'd say, "Welcome to TEA (Test Equipment Anonymous)." So glad you could join us. :-DMM

Thanks - the first step is to admit I have a probelm, I realize that now.  :palm:

If anyone wants some of the drug I got - here is the seller of the drug meter - they have more ... just look for the shady guy on the corner with the black trenchcoat.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/GW-Instek-120-000-Counts-Dual-Display-Multimeter-GDM-8251A/291980567514 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/GW-Instek-120-000-Counts-Dual-Display-Multimeter-GDM-8251A/291980567514)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: orin on January 16, 2017, 12:17:20 am
14. Repeat steps 2 to 12 numerous times, either till the house is full ( then move to a bigger house) or the wife leaves.


Whereas the correct number of pieces of test gear is N+1 where N is the number you already have, I have been informed that one must also follow the S-1 rule where S is the number at which your spouse leaves...  Unfortunately S is highly variable and seems to be proportional to the number of visible items.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on January 16, 2017, 01:06:31 am
14. Repeat steps 2 to 12 numerous times, either till the house is full ( then move to a bigger house) or the wife leaves.
You should (or actually shouldn't) hear my wife  :rant: when she sees I'm looking at pictures of test equipment on this forum or Ebay!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Vtile on January 16, 2017, 01:53:16 am
Hmm...
Avo 8
Up to 2500V DC/AC, calibrated in 2003 and still sealed, ex-military. I use it for battery tester and book stand.
Meets all safety regulations.  :P

Unigor 6e,
FET-VOM. 100 ticks, precision needle with mirror
1Meg/10Meg input AC/DC
ranges: 1mv to 1000V
ranges: 1uA to 3A
ranges: 0,2 ? to 50 M?.
ranges: 0,05 nF to 2000 µF
Burden voltage 1mV to 500mV

Meratester/Marconi-TF-2650/Convay 2x
FET-VOM
100MOhm AC/DC
BNC connection. This one shows the ghosts travelling around the house.
0 to 1 GHz (with prope that I do not have :(( )
Center Zero ability
Mirrored precision needle, 30 and (dang forget the higher scale) ticks
Resistance: 1 ohm to 10 Gohm.
Voltage: 1,5mV to 1500V
Current 0,15uA  :o to 1.5A

This is neat piece of equipment, made in Poland. I wish I could find the HF probe.

Fluke 8030A 3½ digit DMM.. Still in specks according the new Fluke I did measured it against when I had opportunity.

PicoScope 2204
FLUKE Philips PM3380A
Tex rebranded analog function gen. 0 to 11MHz
Some bit and pieces, soviet micrometers.  :-DD

FLUKE Philips PM3380B

I bought this scope on ebay Germany for Euro 100, the seller lives in 5 min walking distance to me and the scope is like bran new.
Came with all original accessories, also like new and the original glossy datasheet.
Has even the original screen cover and BNC to 4 mm Banana plugs

Once in a while we can get very lucky, I think.
I have several of these scopes already, but this was the best score so far.
Oh. I have the A-model 100MHz version of that with Fluke branding. I like that I have both analog and digital in same scope.  They have "defect" that they get really hot just behing of the CRT and burn out. So might want to check if the cooling is OK in yours.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on January 16, 2017, 04:17:34 am
Today i just filled the last spot in my 42U high rack cabinet by adding in a Gigatronics 6100 8GHz synthesizer that managed to repair at 2 in the morning. :-+
...
but i also scored a Tektronix pattern generator for 40 bucks on ebay a few days ago. :-\

For me it mostly started as getting the test gear i needed for a better price since quality brand new gear costs a fortune. But in order to find a good deal on places like ebay means looking trough a lot of pages and keeping eyes open, as good deals go fast, but along the way one keeps coming across other gear that you perhaps don't need right now but it would be neat to have. But hey all this test gear is useful for doing work and you can always sell it (If done right for more than what you payed for it)... tho i only ever sold 1 piece of test equipment so far (And lost money on it cause i bought it new).

Still better than collecting stamps (Tho they are easier to ship overseas il give them that)

Sounds like we should have a dedicated TEA thread. ;)

Here we go:

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/chat/test-equipment-anonymous-(tea)-group-therapy-thread/ (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/chat/test-equipment-anonymous-(tea)-group-therapy-thread/)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: lmester on January 16, 2017, 06:28:09 am
I couldn't help myself.  I snagged one of the GW Instek GDM 8251A bench meters on eBay. From the ITT auction I suspect. Many more listed. I was able to get it for $95 + $20 shipping.  It will be nice to have a dual display bench meter for simultaneous voltage and current measurements. Photo from the listing. Mine should arrive next week.


I just bought one of these meters. Likely from the same seller. The picture is the same. I sent a question to the seller asking if the cal key came with it. It does not. It's just the meter. I was also curious and asked if he got them from the ITT bankruptcy. He said yes, that's where they came from. I did some ebay searches and found a huge blast of GW Instek power supplies for sale. Most likely also from ITT. I wonder what other test equipment was in use at ITT? I probably don't want to know. It might just cost me another $120! or more! My existing bench meter is OK. I just couldn't pass up getting a much more modern unit for such a good price.

Ask an EE if he has too much test equipment in his home workshop and you get the same answer as asking an alcoholic if he has too much beer in the fridge :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xrunner on January 16, 2017, 02:03:25 pm
I just bought one of these meters. Likely from the same seller. The picture is the same. I sent a question to the seller asking if the cal key came with it. It does not.

As you may know - the cal key is part #GDM-01. They are available for ~ $8 - $10. For example -

8251A Cal Key GDM-01 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/GW-INSTEK-GDM-01-RQANS2-GDM01-/232166351354?hash=item360e3161fa:g:tboAAOSw44BYRxp0)

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: NavyBOFH on January 16, 2017, 06:09:09 pm
Not much of a personal score but I work for a state agency so we get to bid on surplus government lots. Boss ended up bidding (with myself and one other being the pick-up mules) on a HUGE DOD lot of "rejected" test equipment. Ended up with around:
~10 HP 8920 A/B Service Monitors
~12 HP 8562 Spectrum Analyzers
~12 Agilent 8563 Spectrum Analyzers
~20 IFR 1100/1500/1600 Service Monitors
12-14 IFR 2947 Service Monitors
Misc. HP signal generators/freq counters/power meters
3-4 HP VNAs with bridges (cannot remember models off-hand)
~10 Anritsu Spectrum Analyzers
2 Anritsu SiteMasters
2 HP 8935 Test Sets
and a crown Jewel - the Rohde & Schwarz VNC VNA that I am trying to repair (in the repair section of the forum)

We picked all this up across almost 10 pallets strewn with a ton of the HUGE pelican cases, some older networking gear, and some other bits and pieces.

The HP8935s have been repaired and put back to use (one calibrated and current), the power meters were all repaired and put back into service, along with a handful of the signal generators and freq counters. Both SiteMasters have been repaired, one with a cal and the other was rejected but close enough for field troubleshooting work, and a couple of the IFR 2947s have been repaired and put back into use (one of them being mine that I keep in my truck).

The Spectrum Analyzers I am vastly understating the number, and had to off-load them to another one of my transmitter sites to keep them all in one place. We repaired and use about half a dozen of them, and I am slowly trying to repair the rest and/or sell for parts. I hope to share some of the equipment and parts here as time goes on, mostly I need to 1) get all the exact model numbers and 2) get all the service manuals to really work on them all. HP/Agilent is great with offering service manuals online but all the other brands are terrible.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: mtdoc on January 16, 2017, 07:17:19 pm
I just bought one of these meters. Likely from the same seller. The picture is the same. I sent a question to the seller asking if the cal key came with it. It does not.

As you may know - the cal key is part #GDM-01. They are available for ~ $8 - $10. For example -

8251A Cal Key GDM-01 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/GW-INSTEK-GDM-01-RQANS2-GDM01-/232166351354?hash=item360e3161fa:g:tboAAOSw44BYRxp0)

I assume this is needed to do a calibration?   I can find no info in the  8255A user manual. A google search also returns no info.

Any more info appreciated.

EDIT:  Ah, just found This thread here (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/gw-instek-gdm-8251a-dmm-calibration/)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xwarp on January 16, 2017, 09:40:13 pm
I am so tempted to make an offer on one of those meters that I'd have to make up a reason to use one every 6 months....lol
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: pascal_sweden on January 16, 2017, 10:43:10 pm
What is the purpose of the GW-Instek Calibration key? I checked at the website from GW-Instek, but there is no description available for this item, so for me the purpose is unclear :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xrunner on January 16, 2017, 11:25:06 pm
I am so tempted to make an offer on one of those meters that I'd have to make up a reason to use one every 6 months....lol

It's not that hard, but if you need any assistance, please feel free to ask for help here - we have rationalization experts standing by to assist 24/7/365.  :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: lmester on January 17, 2017, 06:51:31 am
What is the purpose of the GW-Instek Calibration key? I checked at the website from GW-Instek, but there is no description available for this item, so for me the purpose is unclear :)

It unlocks the meter to allow calibration. Since these came from ITT I can understand why the cal keys are not with them. Some bright student might decide to try and calibrate it using his $20 generic meter as a reference :palm:   Also the documentation that I've read says it's needed to perform a firmware update.  Once I get my meter I'm going to check the firmware version. If it's not current and if there are any important bug fixes I may buy a cal key to allow the firmware update.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xrunner on January 17, 2017, 01:55:09 pm
Also the documentation that I've read says it's needed to perform a firmware update.  Once I get my meter I'm going to check the firmware version. If it's not current and if there are any important bug fixes I may buy a cal key to allow the firmware update.

Hmmm, I'm looking for the firmware but can't find it. If you go to their site here -

GDM 8251A (http://www.gwinstek.com/en-global/root/Discontinued_Products/Discontinued_Meters_LCR/GDM-8251A)

You can find software for the 8251A (the unit is obsolete now), and you can find the firmware updater program, but there is no firmware at all. I even unpacked the firmware updater and installed it, but it doesn't include the .hex firmware file (no, the Download button in the program doesn't download it from the internet, it downloads the current version from the meter). I also searched a few other sites to no avail.

We'll have to find it!  :-//
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: lmester on January 17, 2017, 04:54:18 pm
Also the documentation that I've read says it's needed to perform a firmware update.  Once I get my meter I'm going to check the firmware version. If it's not current and if there are any important bug fixes I may buy a cal key to allow the firmware update.

Hmmm, I'm looking for the firmware but can't find it. If you go to their site here -

GDM 8251A (http://www.gwinstek.com/en-global/root/Discontinued_Products/Discontinued_Meters_LCR/GDM-8251A)

You can find software for the 8251A (the unit is obsolete now), and you can find the firmware updater program, but there is no firmware at all. I even unpacked the firmware updater and installed it, but it doesn't include the .hex firmware file (no, the Download button in the program doesn't download it from the internet, it downloads the current version from the meter). I also searched a few other sites to no avail.

We'll have to find it!  :-//

 :( I had already downloaded the updater program. I assumed the firmware was wit it. I just installed my copy. I don't see any firmware files. Definitely need to do some internet searching tonight.  Someone must have firmware for this meter. Or know if it's even needed. There may be no important bug fixes.

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xrunner on January 17, 2017, 11:21:06 pm
Well here it is - nice bright display, seems to be in good condition. The white faceplate on the right side is a little yellowed, typical of of something that has been close to a window, but I can easily fix it with some peroxide the next time the sun is shining.  :clap:

Edit: Firmware is v2.2
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: alank2 on January 18, 2017, 12:48:41 am
The latest firmware according to the mfgr is v2.30.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xrunner on January 18, 2017, 01:03:35 am
The latest firmware according to the mfgr is v2.30.

Roger that, I sent tech support an email asking for the latest firmware file - so far no response.  :popcorn:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on January 18, 2017, 03:24:22 am
Well here it is - nice bright display, seems to be in good condition. The white faceplate on the right side is a little yellowed, typical of of something that has been close to a window, but I can easily fix it with some peroxide the next time the sun is shining.  :clap:

Quite nice, indeed. Looks so much like an HP 34401A. Tempting, very tempting. But I shall resist! ;D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xrunner on January 18, 2017, 04:15:48 am
Quite nice, indeed. Looks so much like an HP 34401A. Tempting, very tempting. But I shall resist! ;D

You can resist ... I cannot, at least yet. I have seen your thread here -

Test Equipment Anonymous group therapy (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/chat/test-equipment-anonymous-(tea)-group-therapy-thread/)

I'm trying to gain the strength to post there. I know I need help - the doctors here ... they don't understand. I don't think they are taught about test equipment addiction in school. They have no idea of how to help me.  :palm:

Let me think about it tonight. I may try and post tomorrow. I'm afraid if I admit my problem people will laugh, but if this group has the same addiction ...  :-\

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on January 18, 2017, 04:57:48 am
You can resist ... I cannot, at least yet. I have seen your thread here -

You don't need to. You already bought one. :-DD And a nice meter it is, too.

Quote
I'm trying to gain the strength to post there. I know I need help - the doctors here ... they don't understand. I don't think they are taught about test equipment addiction in school. They have no idea of how to help me.  :palm:

Let me think about it tonight. I may try and post tomorrow. I'm afraid if I admit my problem people will laugh, but if this group has the same addiction ...  :-\

The TEA thread is quite lively and friendly. And when we laugh, we all laugh together. :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on January 18, 2017, 06:22:08 am
You can resist ... I cannot, at least yet. I have seen your thread here -

You don't need to. You already bought one. :-DD And a nice meter it is, too.

Quote
I'm trying to gain the strength to post there. I know I need help - the doctors here ... they don't understand. I don't think they are taught about test equipment addiction in school. They have no idea of how to help me.  :palm:

Let me think about it tonight. I may try and post tomorrow. I'm afraid if I admit my problem people will laugh, but if this group has the same addiction ...  :-\

The TEA thread is quite lively and friendly. And when we laugh, we all laugh together. :-+

...and when someone tries to get on the wagon, we grab them by the shirttails and pull them back off!   :-DD   :-+ :-DMM :-DMM

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: boffin on January 18, 2017, 07:21:06 am
A Simpson 360, which cosmetically looks bad at first glance, but is just dirty. The battery compartment has probably never had batteries in it, and it powers up (but doesn't measure properly).


Oh, the price; it was on the "by donation" table, and $10 took it.  Last swap meet I got a dead [now fixed] Philips scope for $10, and now this for $10.  Less than the can of deoxit I'll need to clean the contacts

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on January 18, 2017, 07:24:57 am
A Simpson 360, which cosmetically looks bad at first glance, but is just dirty. The battery compartment has probably never had batteries in it, and it powers up (but doesn't measure properly).


Oh, the price; it was on the "by donation" table, and $10 took it.  Last swap meet I got a dead [now fixed] Philips scope for $10, and now this for $10.  Less than the can of deoxit I'll need to clean the contacts

I was wondering how the swap went, I didn't make it out.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TerraHertz on January 25, 2017, 02:50:10 pm
Not really *electronic test* gear as such, but I'm quite happy about this week's score.
For a long time I've been searching for a turbomolecular pump, for a project involving a vacuum chamber. No luck at all. And worse, even one instance of extremely frustrating near-score, killed by a guy in the US who was willing to sell me some nice ones, but then decided they must be prohibited exports (because he severely misunderstood the pumping specs for vacuum pumps and was impervious to education. Did not understand the difference between Liters/hr at ten to the minus 5 Torr, vs same AT ATMOSPHERE.)

Anyway, I've gone from zero to four turbo pumps. Plus a pile of vacuum plumbing, gauging and other stuff that will be a big help.

And for icing on top, something I never dreamed I'd own - a Residual Gas Analyzer. Pretty much complete and fingers crossed, it might actually be restorable to full function. (It's a low pressure gas mass spectrometer, for those who've never heard of an RGA.)

For extra karmic laughs, one of the turbos is the exact same model as the ones the guy in the USA insisted were so special they couldn't be exported. Hmm... the forum seems to be missing a 'blows raspberry' emoticon.

Pic is just three of the turbo pumps. The rest of it is still in boxes.

The price was - drive Sydney to Melbourne in one day, a day in Melbourne with friend, in one day drive back to Sydney with friend (me still doing all the driving due to car insurance fine print), swap cars at my place, drive up to Blackheath in the mountains so we could both go to another friend's party (in a cave in the bush), then at 1am leave there and drive to Kanangra via Jenolan, me set up two tents at 4am (he's never camped before), next day take him for a walk around the sights at Kanangra Walls (some I bet no other forum Sydney-ites have ever seen, since, ahem, my grandfather created the Blue Mountains Nat. Park), then drive back to Sydney that night. And before he flew back to Melb, give him a tour of a cool Sydney urbex sight called Fortress. It's underground, but I can't say where.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PA0PBZ on January 25, 2017, 03:26:29 pm
Pic is just three of the turbo pumps. The rest of it is still in boxes.

Interesting to see they are already wearing their tin foil hats.

*hides*
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: JonM on January 25, 2017, 03:27:39 pm
I'm a cryopump guy, but turbopumps make a lot more sense for home use.

Nice collection!

Jon
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TerraHertz on January 25, 2017, 11:01:13 pm
I'm a cryopump guy, but turbopumps make a lot more sense for home use.

Also a lot more sense than oil diffusion pumps, which were the alternative since I have a few. But I really don't like them. I hate cleaning oil-fouled things.

Quote
Nice collection!

One nice thing, is one of the turbo pumps has no controller. So I have an excuse to take it apart. Wheee!
Will have a brief search for a controller on ebay, fingers half-crossed I don't find one.

Currently working through refurbishment of the mass spectrometer. The dicey part was getting the old PII/Win98SE PC going, that has all the application software on its HDD. When I first tried the drive in an external dock it spun and sounded like it initialized OK, but totally failed to be recognized as any kind of drive. Depressing, since without the software there'd be no chance. And chances of getting the software through other channels are low to zero.

But then when looking at the PC motherboard, the BIOS flash chip has an odd sticker that says only "MAVERICK".
Hmm.... a custom BIOS? Thinks: Maybe to allow boot from a HDD made non-standard, as part of a software protection scheme?

And lo and behold, after dealing with other machine problems like a failed DRAM DIMM, and faded electros in the power supply, the 'no response' drive boots, and is working fine, everything there.
Still looking for a drive partition image backup util that works in both Win98SE, and my other PC's WinXP & Win7.

The whole machine had been out in the weather (semi-covered) for a long time, but is surprisingly undamaged. Probably I'll do a thread in Repair on it.

Pics: the mass-spec quadrupole sensor driver module (been in the rain), and the system interface card from the PC.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: JonM on January 26, 2017, 07:24:02 am
Yes, diffusion pumps are horrible anywhere but especially at home.  I last used them around 1980 when Varian was the big brand.

What brand is the RGA you have?

I once wanted a home ultrahigh-vacuum system but would only do it now if a really great deal appeared and I had room for it. I'm sure that my wife would not be excited...

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TerraHertz on January 26, 2017, 11:49:50 am
What brand is the RGA you have?

Anglo Scientific Instruments
  DCQ2000 Mass Spectrometer
  Quadrupole control head:  Model: DCQ300RF
  Turbo vacuum pump on this:   Varian TV-301 Navigator   Model 9698919  Made 2007
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: cheeseit on January 26, 2017, 01:12:04 pm
NI GPIB-232CT-A including 1.5m cable but without power supply for €53. Seller also kindly included a FTDI DB9-USB module.

Weston cell for €20. Mostly as a display item but it's spot on.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: HighVoltage on January 26, 2017, 01:21:30 pm
Weston cell for €20. Mostly as a display item but it's spot on.
Nice looking Weston Cell.
Can you open it up and show us the inside?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: cheeseit on January 26, 2017, 01:47:20 pm
Absolutely. Any idea how old it is?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Jester on January 26, 2017, 05:48:31 pm
Weston cell for €20. Mostly as a display item but it's spot on.

How long do these hold a charge, and how are they charged?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: HighVoltage on January 26, 2017, 06:05:43 pm
Absolutely. Any idea how old it is?
Thanks for the picture
Yours looks much older than mine and I have one from 1971

We have a really nice eevblog discussion about Weston Cells, started by Dr.Frank:
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/metrology/1000-my-(hi)story-of-the-weston-cell-of-the-volt-and-of-being-a-volt-nuts/ (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/metrology/1000-my-(hi)story-of-the-weston-cell-of-the-volt-and-of-being-a-volt-nuts/)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: cheeseit on January 26, 2017, 09:10:11 pm
We have a really nice eevblog discussion about Weston Cells, started by Dr.Frank:
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/metrology/1000-my-(hi)story-of-the-weston-cell-of-the-volt-and-of-being-a-volt-nuts/ (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/metrology/1000-my-(hi)story-of-the-weston-cell-of-the-volt-and-of-being-a-volt-nuts/)

Great thread, thank you! I did search on the forum before purchasing it but didn't find that thread. Dr. Frank rocks!

How long do these hold a charge, and how are they charged?

I'm no expert but it is stable for potentially several decades, if used and stored correctly. Mine looks quite old and is still spot on at 1.0186V @~20-21°C which is the limit of my equipment ±(0.05%+5 dig.). You don't charge it and you don't load it.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: HighVoltage on January 26, 2017, 09:18:32 pm
I'm no expert but it is stable for potentially several decades, if used and stored correctly. Mine looks quite old and is still spot on at 1.0186V @~20-21°C which is the limit of my equipment ±(0.05%+5 dig.). You don't charge it and you don't load it.
Make sure to put your meter in high Z mode ( > 10 GOHM ) before you measure the Weston Cell
Otherwise the load from the DMM is to high already.
Best to use a second source and a Null-Detector which reduces the load on the cell to zero


Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: kcbrown on January 27, 2017, 12:51:35 am
I'd say, "Welcome to TEA (Test Equipment Anonymous)." So glad you could join us. :-DMM

Thanks - the first step is to admit I have a probelm, I realize that now.  :palm:

If anyone wants some of the drug I got - here is the seller of the drug meter - they have more ... just look for the shady guy on the corner with the black trenchcoat.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/GW-Instek-120-000-Counts-Dual-Display-Multimeter-GDM-8251A/291980567514 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/GW-Instek-120-000-Counts-Dual-Display-Multimeter-GDM-8251A/291980567514)

Thanks a lot!  Now I have (or will have, once this arrives) 8 multimeters, and my wife has thrown me into the dog house outside, and I have to eat from the doggie bowl.   And the worst part is that the dog house isn't wired for power.   This is all your fault.    >:(

 :D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on January 27, 2017, 01:02:28 am
Thanks a lot!  Now I have (or will have, once this arrives) 8 multimeters, and my wife has thrown me into the dog house outside, and I have to eat from the doggie bowl.   And the worst part is that the dog house isn't wired for power.

Ah, so now you need to buy some batteries, solar panels and charge controllers. You always wanted to get into solar power electronics, right? :-DD
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: kcbrown on January 27, 2017, 01:08:51 am
Thanks a lot!  Now I have (or will have, once this arrives) 8 multimeters, and my wife has thrown me into the dog house outside, and I have to eat from the doggie bowl.   And the worst part is that the dog house isn't wired for power.

Ah, so now you need to buy some batteries, solar panels and charge controllers. You always wanted to get into solar power electronics, right? :-DD

The wife's garden looks like an awfully convenient location for a batch of solar panels ...   Muhuhahaha...  >:D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TerraHertz on January 29, 2017, 07:47:30 am
Pics:
1. Some assorted vacuum plumbing. Part of my recent windfall from a friend in Melbourne.
2. A nice electrically operated vacuum butterfly valve.
3. A cute, quite recent oil diffusion pump. It has a pneumatic butterfly valve at the working end, for better oil containment. So nice it's almost tempting to try it out, my dislike of diffusion pumps regardless.

This is not all of it.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on January 29, 2017, 08:09:35 am
Vacuum sucks!!   :P :P

That is a cute little DP.  I definitely don't miss cleaning them!  The ones that pumped the ion source section in the implanters back in my Nat Semi days used to get pretty nasty as I recall.  Fun, fun!

Is there a chevron baffle below the valve?

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on January 29, 2017, 08:11:16 am
And are those Serto fittings I see on the water lines?   :o
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TerraHertz on January 29, 2017, 10:40:25 am
And are those Serto fittings I see on the water lines?   :o

Ha, I had never heard of Serto, till I looked at the hoses just now. See pic.
I can't believe how clean this thing is. Even the coolant fittings are clean inside.


Quote
Vacuum sucks!!   :P :P
Jokes aside, trying to do it with 90% salvaged gear sucks even more.

Quote
Is there a chevron baffle below the valve?
There is a water cooled baffle below the butterfly valve. Don't know about 'chevron'. Hard to see it, even with the throat removed and valve open.

I haven't yet begun the manuals/data hunt for all this stuff. I'm sure it will be painful.

Edit: One WTF, is the 210V AC heater rating on the nameplate of the diffusion pump. Huh? Are they serious? I'd have to arrange a big transformer just for this? Or is it supposed to be phase controlled for temp reg, so that's nominal? I guess find and RTFM.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: SeanB on January 29, 2017, 12:37:41 pm
Just grab a mains transformer with a 240V primary, and a secondary of 24VAc at 3A. then connect it as an autotransformer, and you will have a tap with 210VAC and capable of supplying the 450W the heater needs.  If you can get one with a 220V primary only look for a 15-0-15VAC secondary at 4A, and use it instead.  I guess your local mains is going to be on the plus side of the 230VAC nominal, seeing as you have all the solar in the area, so it likely is always at around 240VAC.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: ralphrmartin on January 30, 2017, 07:35:25 pm
Just got myself a previous generation Picoscope 3206 MSO direct from Picoscope themselves, brand new, for £300, by buying the previous generation model. Even if the sample rate is a bit low, it runs the latest software, and seems pretty good for most of the lowish speed stuff  I will be doing, with 16 digital channels. The Keysight alternative I was looking at was about 10 x the price..

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: calin on February 02, 2017, 06:24:10 am
Nice free one saved from going in the junk box.  Look @ ze ol' one going head to head with a GPSDO !!  that can't be right :)



Update ... it started showing 10000.000 !!! WHAAAT !!! That is crazy  :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xrunner on February 02, 2017, 01:14:06 pm
Update ... it started showing 10000.000 !!! WHAAAT !!! That is crazy  :-+

Yea bigger numbers are cool - it's got to fill up the display with as many hertzes as possible.  :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on February 02, 2017, 04:49:23 pm
Nice free one saved from going in the junk box.  Look @ ze ol' one going head to head with a GPSDO !!  that can't be right :)

An excellent freebie, indeed! :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ysjoelfir on February 02, 2017, 06:52:32 pm
I went to a local flea market and picked up two of those beautys for only 50 bucks after haggling!!! :wtf: Just slightly scratched but overall in a very good condition! They were laying in a basket with mostly broken stuff like plates and cups and I only took a look because there was a test lead hanging out of the basket. :scared: :phew:

(http://fotos.ysjoelfir.de/foren/eevblog/agilent_u1251a.jpg)

But why did those appear AFTER I have bought myself a Keysight DMM for around five times that much last week?  :palm:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on February 02, 2017, 07:13:10 pm
Wow, that's quite a score (double-score). So, keep one and sell one to offset your much-more-expensive Keysight DMM?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PointyOintment on February 03, 2017, 02:48:58 am
Well here it is - nice bright display, seems to be in good condition. The white faceplate on the right side is a little yellowed, typical of of something that has been close to a window, but I can easily fix it with some peroxide the next time the sun is shining.  :clap:

Edit: Firmware is v2.2

[GW Instek GDM-8251A] Have you determined yet if it measures voltage and current simultaneously or interleaved?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: VK5RC on February 03, 2017, 11:35:09 am
Nice free one saved from going in the junk box.  Look @ ze ol' one going head to head with a GPSDO !!  that can't be right :)



Update ... it started showing 10000.000 !!! WHAAAT !!! That is crazy  :-+
A great save, I like the large LED displays esp if done well with the right shade of perspex in front of the LED to reduce glare etc, I find so much more readable than LCD and just a bit better than fluorescent.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xrunner on February 03, 2017, 02:49:49 pm
[GW Instek GDM-8251A] Have you determined yet if it measures voltage and current simultaneously or interleaved?

Yea I just tried a DVC & DCA test, its interleaved, takes both a voltage and current measurement each second.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TAMHAN on February 04, 2017, 01:29:20 am
Kikusui DC Load. Not exactly cheap due to shipping and import cost, but well needed  :box: :box:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on February 04, 2017, 01:48:48 am
Kikusui DC Load. Not exactly cheap due to shipping and import cost, but well needed  :box: :box:
Which model? Photos? I was eyeballing some older Kikusui DC loads but decided not to buy them. Maybe that was a mistake... or not...
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Jester on February 04, 2017, 03:39:17 pm
I have two Kikusui DC Loads. I'm a fan of this old school equipment in that you turn it on, and its ready to use immediately, and you don't have to hunt around a keypad when setting a value. Very simple to use 10 turn pot to adjust desired current level.

I retrofitted the smaller PLZ 72W I have with a cheap eBay dual display so I can see load voltage and current simultaneously. The larger Kikusui load I have already had dual displays. My only complaint is that the fan is a bit noisy.

I'm still considering picking up one of the more modern Maynuo DC loads.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ysjoelfir on February 04, 2017, 04:21:26 pm
Wow, that's quite a score (double-score). So, keep one and sell one to offset your much-more-expensive Keysight DMM?
That would be an option. But... hmm.. That would mean that I would have to sell Test Equipment :O Impossibru!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xrunner on February 04, 2017, 05:40:51 pm
Picked up a very nice HP 3468B. Has the battery option but of course the battery is dead and I have no intention of replacing it (but I am removing it). Nonetheless, it's in great condition and satisfies my desire to collect more DMMs than I have any real need for.  :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: guenthert on February 04, 2017, 07:26:23 pm
Nice free one saved from going in the junk box.  Look @ ze ol' one going head to head with a GPSDO !!  that can't be right :)



Update ... it started showing 10000.000 !!! WHAAAT !!! That is crazy  :-+
Congratulations to your HP5328B with option 010.  I'd think you must have the oven stabilized oscillator option (unless you 'timed' the picture just right ;-) , as the standard oscillator is just so-so (TC of 2.5ppm/C).  I don't mind, as my 5328A is fed a reference clock from a GPSDO.  And yes, short term, there's no reason why an ovenized oscillator shouldn't be able to compete with a GPSDO (after all, that's what they use too).
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: apelly on February 04, 2017, 09:42:09 pm
I know of at least 2 probe Asian probe manufacturers
Prove it  :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: tautech on February 04, 2017, 09:53:46 pm
I know of at least 2 probe Asian probe manufacturers
Prove it  :)
When you drop by for that shoot we talked about I will, but not publically, I need to protect my product sources and some small commercial advantage.  ;)

A bit of time spent x referencing what's available on eBay and Aliexpress and from manufacturers will find them too.
In fact I'll raise that to 3.  :P
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on February 04, 2017, 11:41:26 pm
Scored this Tektronix CSA907T Pattern generator for 40 bucks.

Teardown thread: https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/tektronix-csa907t-pattern-generator(700mbit)-teardown-and-repair/ (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/tektronix-csa907t-pattern-generator(700mbit)-teardown-and-repair/)

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=290063;image)

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: calin on February 05, 2017, 02:48:00 am


Quote
Congratulations to your HP5328B with option 010.  I'd think you must have the oven stabilized oscillator option (unless you 'timed' the picture just right ;-) , as the standard oscillator is just so-so (TC of 2.5ppm/C).  I don't mind, as my 5328A is fed a reference clock from a GPSDO.  And yes, short term, there's no reason why an ovenized oscillator shouldn't be able to compete with a GPSDO (after all, that's what they use too).
Yes it has two options installed, 001 which is the OCXO and 050 which is the 1.3GHz C channel and DVM. the DVM part is a tad off compared to my FLUKE meter but seem to be able to measure voltage on the other input channels that go to 100Mhz , I wonder if it really measures AC at that frequency, that would be pretty slick... Time to RTFM i guess. [/size]Now only if this thing wold not take up a quarter of my bench.... But that may be solved by letting it to take off and fly .. it sounds like a jet plane ready to take off :) .

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on February 05, 2017, 09:16:26 am

Yes it has two options installed, 001 which is the OCXO and 050 which is the 1.3GHz C channel and DVM. the DVM part is a tad off compared to my FLUKE meter but seem to be able to measure voltage on the other input channels that go to 100Mhz , I wonder if it really measures AC at that frequency, that would be pretty slick... Time to RTFM i guess. [/size]Now only if this thing wold not take up a quarter of my bench.... But that may be solved by letting it to take off and fly .. it sounds like a jet plane ready to take off :) .

That just means you need a bigger bench or maybe a 19 inch rack. ;D I quite like having a slightly raised shelf behind by bench for keeping the test gear on.

I also like to change out any loud fans in my test equipment. The AC induction motor fans used in some old test gear are loud as heck, tho they do also move an insane amount of air. But something like this probably doesn't need that much air flow.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on February 05, 2017, 06:33:11 pm
Picked up an HP-8640 yesterday at the Palm Springs Hamfest.
Only problem is the counter int/ext switch is broken but the last owner wired it into the internal position.
Since I have two counters this is no big deal...
Hundred Bucks, not bad....
(http://i558.photobucket.com/albums/ss21/AF6LJ/Test%20Gear/0204172055a_zpstlgzyfx6.jpg) (http://s558.photobucket.com/user/AF6LJ/media/Test%20Gear/0204172055a_zpstlgzyfx6.jpg.html)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PaulAm on February 05, 2017, 10:18:39 pm
Stacking order is very important!  That looks like a 5245L under the 8640.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xrunner on February 05, 2017, 11:04:34 pm
Stacking order is very important!  That looks like a 5245L under the 8640.

Looks like the stack can go a little higher yet ...  :popcorn:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on February 05, 2017, 11:59:09 pm
Stacking order is very important!  That looks like a 5245L under the 8640.

It is indeed.

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on February 06, 2017, 03:50:56 am
Stacking order is very important!  That looks like a 5245L under the 8640.

Looks like the stack can go a little higher yet ...  :popcorn:
I may have to reinforce the floor There is some more HP Iron in my future.
That is a project to talk about on another day.
The generator works... As noted above the counter switch is hardwared in the int position...
I wonder if someone makes copies of all those plastic gears.......
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on February 06, 2017, 03:53:24 am
Stacking order is very important!  That looks like a 5245L under the 8640.

It is indeed.

-Pat
It works best there...
Besides that thing is almost as heavy as the 8640...
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on February 06, 2017, 04:19:25 am
I wonder if someone makes copies of all those plastic gears.......

There's a guy on the HP mailing list that was selling brass replacements for it, but they were around $200 for the set, so I decided to roll the dice and hope the ones in mine stay together.  I can dig back and try to find his contact info if you'd like.

Conrad Hoffman has made cast replacements:
http://conradhoffman.com/HP8640B_gears.htm (http://conradhoffman.com/HP8640B_gears.htm)

And there was someone on E-bay a while back also selling cast resin ones, but I can't find anything with a quick search at this point.

FWIW...

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on February 06, 2017, 12:57:24 pm
I wonder if someone makes copies of all those plastic gears.......

There's a guy on the HP mailing list that was selling brass replacements for it, but they were around $200 for the set, so I decided to roll the dice and hope the ones in mine stay together.  I can dig back and try to find his contact info if you'd like.

Conrad Hoffman has made cast replacements:
http://conradhoffman.com/HP8640B_gears.htm (http://conradhoffman.com/HP8640B_gears.htm)

And there was someone on E-bay a while back also selling cast resin ones, but I can't find anything with a quick search at this point.

FWIW...

-Pat

Thanks Pat...
I'll pass on the brass, That is a bit pricey for me. 
The castings have my interest.....
Thank You.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on February 06, 2017, 04:21:03 pm
Thanks Pat...
I'll pass on the brass, That is a bit pricey for me. 
The castings have my interest.....
Thank You.

 Glad to help, Sue - I wanted to get a set of the brass ones for mine just in case, then found that they'd cost more than I'd paid for the generator including shipping.  I decided at that point that I'd take my chances, and learn to cast if and when the time came.

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: GreyWoolfe on February 06, 2017, 07:11:12 pm
Scored one of the ITT GW-Instek DMMs.  Should arrive on Monday.  Can't wait.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ysjoelfir on February 06, 2017, 08:45:03 pm
I wrote to the guy selling the GW Instek DMMs from the ITT thing - very grumpy (and damn expensive) if you ask for shipping overseas... or was it just because I am one of those nasty germans? ._. Asked my relatives overseas how much the shipping would be - less then a third the seller wanted... so ne GW Instek cheapy for me :(
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: VK5RC on February 06, 2017, 10:55:54 pm
A slightly silly question,  as I collect quite a bit of gear,  I find it difficult to keep the 'accessories'  with the test gear eg manuals,  probes,  plug-ins etc,  I like a 'tidy stack'  and keep them plugged into a power board, which I only plug the power board  in to the mains when I  try to fire them up approx once a month or so.
How do you guys store your accessories and keep the link to the gear?
Nice stack Sue!
Regards Rob VK5RC
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on February 06, 2017, 11:18:15 pm
I usually keep equipment specific stuff in a plastic or cardboard box with some writing (or a label) on it which says to which piece of equipment the box belongs.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ysjoelfir on February 06, 2017, 11:56:16 pm
I have to admit that I don't keep every piece of accessory at the specific device. I rather prefer a single location where I store all the wires and probes and another place where I keep my documents. For wires I have accessory hangers from a local dollar store and the manuals are just sitting on a book shelve...
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: guenthert on February 07, 2017, 06:38:54 am
[..]
the DVM part is a tad off compared to my FLUKE meter but seem to be able to measure voltage on the other input channels that go to 100Mhz , I wonder if it really measures AC at that frequency, that would be pretty slick... Time to RTFM i guess. [/size]Now only if this thing wold not take up a quarter of my bench.... But that may be solved by letting it to take off and fly .. it sounds like a jet plane ready to take off :) .
Not sure about the B, but the HP5328A's DVM is DC only and yes, it's chief purpose is to aid in setting the trigger level.  While it's 6 digits, it drifts quite a bit (perhaps a better voltage reference would fix that?). 

Mine is annoyingly loud as well, so that I turn it on only when I know I'll need it.  Allegedly there are military versions, which are *really* loud.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on February 07, 2017, 06:41:48 am
I find that i don't have a lot of accessories that are strictly for one piece of equipment. But if i remove something from a instrument such as handles(for rack mounting) or perhaps extender cards for repairing it i will put it in a zip lock bag and write what equipment its for on the bag.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Vgkid on February 07, 2017, 07:10:47 am
[..]
the DVM part is a tad off compared to my FLUKE meter but seem to be able to measure voltage on the other input channels that go to 100Mhz , I wonder if it really measures AC at that frequency, that would be pretty slick... Time to RTFM i guess. [/size]Now only if this thing wold not take up a quarter of my bench.... But that may be solved by letting it to take off and fly .. it sounds like a jet plane ready to take off :) .
Not sure about the B, but the HP5328A's DVM is DC only and yes, it's chief purpose is to aid in setting the trigger level.  While it's 6 digits, it drifts quite a bit (perhaps a better voltage reference would fix that?). 
If it is like the one used in the 5335, then it implemented a voltage to frequency converter. Checked the 5328B's manual, yep.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on February 10, 2017, 04:17:11 pm
I got myself a Lecroy LC584AL (1GHz, 2Gs/s 1Mpts) scope from the broken test equipment asylum called Ebay. According to the seller it doesn't show a picture so it was cheap after making an offer. The display not working is not a problem because I'd replace the CRT with a TFT screen anyway. One of the reasons I got this old scope is that I want to sell my other (more expensive) Agilent scope but didn't want to be left without the 1GHz ability, some other features and last but not least: a second working scope. Unlike many scopes before the USB era the LC584 has a PCMCIA slot which should be able to hold a PCMCIA to compact flash adapter with a compact flash card. The compact flash card is equally usefull as a USB stick so file transfer between my PC and the scope should be painless.
This is the picture from the Ebay listing:
(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=291623;image)
If my wife doesn't kill me when this thing arrives I'll take some pictures of the inside and (if the scope works) the TFT conversion.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: macboy on February 10, 2017, 04:45:50 pm
I got myself a Lecroy LC584AL (1GHz, 2Gs/s 1Mpts) scope from the broken test equipment asylum called Ebay. According to the seller it doesn't show a picture so it was cheap after making an offer. The display not working is not a problem because I'd replace the CRT with a TFT screen anyway. One of the reasons I got this old scope is that I want to sell my other (more expensive) Agilent scope but didn't want to be left without the 1GHz ability, some other features and last but not least: a second working scope. Unlike many scopes before the USB era the LC584 has a PCMCIA slot which should be able to hold a PCMCIA to compact flash adapter with a compact flash card. The compact flash card is equally usefull as a USB stick so file transfer between my PC and the scope should be painless.
A CF to PCMCIA adapter works well with my Wavepro 960, but the scope is limited to a 500 MB partition regardless of card size.
(edit:) The optional PCMCIA slot on the Wavepro 960 supports both memory cards and PCMCIA/PCCard (ATA) hard drives. A CF card in a PCCard adapter looks like a hard drive, so the scope must support those for this to work.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on February 10, 2017, 06:53:06 pm
I got myself a Lecroy LC584AL (1GHz, 2Gs/s 1Mpts) scope from the broken test equipment asylum called Ebay.
...
If my wife doesn't kill me when this thing arrives I'll take some pictures of the inside and (if the scope works) the TFT conversion.

I hope you survive its arrival as I look forward to seeing the TFT conversion!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: elecdonia on February 11, 2017, 07:18:26 pm
I picked up a very nice HP 3456A 6.5 digit multimeter on eBay.  Price was $22.50 (+ $60.00 for premium-grade packing and shipping).  I was surprised to win this auction!  I had expected the price to get well above my $150 limit.  But there was only one other bid.
The 3456A was in great shape physically and was partially functional right out of the box. Unfortunately it was rather inaccurate measuring +10V ( it read about 10.3V).  Oddly it was quite accurate with -10V.  After a bit of research I decided to check the power supply section and immediately located several dry electrolytic capacitors.  After replacing them the unit is working great.
Now I will need to get something calibrated:  My Geller SVR reads 10.00275 on this meter.  So that is a 275 ppm error.  But I've had the SVR for 10 years and it's never been calibrated.  I live near a big state university and know some people in their Electrical Engineering department.  Hopefully they have something more accurate (perhaps a 3458A), that I can check and adjust the calibration of my Geller SVR with.  After I confirm my SVR is generating 10.00000V then I'll tweak the 3456A.
But overall I am delighted!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xrunner on February 11, 2017, 08:33:17 pm
I picked up a very nice HP 3456A 6.5 digit multimeter on eBay.  Price was $22.50 (+ $60.00 for premium-grade packing and shipping).  I was surprised to win this auction!  I had expected the price to get well above my $150 limit.  But there was only one other bid.

Sweet grab there!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Vgkid on February 11, 2017, 09:32:02 pm
I picked up a very nice HP 3456A 6.5 digit multimeter on eBay. 
Sweet grab there!
I agree, it is my most beloved bench dmm. You got your for a great price. I paid almost 10x for mine.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: scopeman on February 14, 2017, 04:09:23 am
I got myself a Lecroy LC584AL (1GHz, 2Gs/s 1Mpts) scope from the broken test equipment asylum called Ebay. According to the seller it doesn't show a picture so it was cheap after making an offer. The display not working is not a problem because I'd replace the CRT with a TFT screen anyway. One of the reasons I got this old scope is that I want to sell my other (more expensive) Agilent scope but didn't want to be left without the 1GHz ability, some other features and last but not least: a second working scope. Unlike many scopes before the USB era the LC584 has a PCMCIA slot which should be able to hold a PCMCIA to compact flash adapter with a compact flash card. The compact flash card is equally usefull as a USB stick so file transfer between my PC and the scope should be painless.
This is the picture from the Ebay listing:
(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=291623;image)
If my wife doesn't kill me when this thing arrives I'll take some pictures of the inside and (if the scope works) the TFT conversion.

Hi,

The front PCMCIA slot on this scope will only work with a battery replaceable type SRAM card (max capacity 4MB). Unfortunately CF cards of any type will not work. Now if you are lucky the scope has the HD01 option installed in the back of the instrument which will accept PCMCIA ATA up to 512MB flash cards or a SDCard with a PCMCIA adapter. This series of LeCroy scope is basically a souped up 93XX series in a different cabinet with a color (Sony Trinitron type) CRT and a PowerPC based CPU card.

It used the same main acquisition card as the 93XX series. It was much faster and could sport a larger amount of processing RAM than the 93XX at the expense of a much larger and heavier cabinet. Still a great scope. When you are working on this scope do not run it without providing additional cooling if you have the covers off. Also do not be tempted to install a "quieter" fan unless it equals the same CFM as the one you are removing. If you overheat the A/D's and other LeCroy heat sinked parts there is no hope to find replacements as these scopes are long out of support.

Typical problems:

There is a thermal cutout switch in the power supply that is known to be an issue.

The power connectors that plug into the Main Acquisition PCB overheat

The usual bad capacitors in the PS. Replace with good quality Low ESR Nichicon, United Chemicon or Equiv. Watch out for the one that is on the printer board. Something like 3000uF. It's across the 5V supply (a blue Philips part) and if shorted the power supply will not power up. Replace it even if it looks good. I have seen many of them fail.

There is also a circuit in these scopes that had the design intent of automatically switching from 120/240. That circuit is problematic. There is a service note on this that can be found in the files section of the Yahoo! LeCroy_Owners_Group on Yahoo! Groups (please join).

Manuals and PS schematics can either be found there or in the LeCroy Manuals section at www.ko4bb.com/getsimple (http://www.ko4bb.com/getsimple)

Watch out for conductive dust!

I hope you get the scope in good condition and have great success with it. Also conversion to an LCD may not be too hard if you can find one that fits as the interface to the internal Sony monitor is achieved with a standard internal VGA DB style connector.

Sam
W3OHM
Owner and Moderator of the LeCroy_Owners_Group on Yahoo! Groups and the back up group
LeCroy Owners Group on Groups.io


Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TAMHAN on February 14, 2017, 03:45:47 pm
And here is one of my recent purchases ;). Seller said the Display was not working, didnt have time to Slovakize it yet (230V bridge is INSIDE the unit). Also, I will likely throw the D1 to storage and do something else...but that is for a rainy day.

( taken from my Instagram, at https://www.instagram.com/tam.hanna/ (https://www.instagram.com/tam.hanna/) )
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: elecdonia on February 14, 2017, 05:12:10 pm
Wow!  A real curve tracer!  Wish I had one!   What is maximum collector current and voltage?  The jacks for connecting the DUT look pretty big and serious.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on February 14, 2017, 05:38:27 pm
I got myself a Lecroy LC584AL (1GHz, 2Gs/s 1Mpts) scope from the broken test equipment asylum called Ebay. According to the seller it doesn't show a picture so it was cheap after making an offer. The display not working is not a problem because I'd replace the CRT with a
The front PCMCIA slot on this scope will only work with a battery replaceable type SRAM card (max capacity 4MB). Unfortunately CF cards of any type will not work. Now if you are lucky the scope has the HD01 option installed in the back of the instrument which will accept PCMCIA ATA up to 512MB flash cards or a SDCard with a PCMCIA adapter.
That doesn't sound promising! I just have to wait and see what I get since I have not seen a picture of the rear.
Quote
Typical problems:

There is a thermal cutout switch in the power supply that is known to be an issue.

The power connectors that plug into the Main Acquisition PCB overheat

The usual bad capacitors in the PS. Replace with good quality Low ESR Nichicon, United Chemicon or Equiv. Watch out for the one that is on the printer board. Something like 3000uF. It's across the 5V supply (a blue Philips part) and if shorted the power supply will not power up. Replace it even if it looks good. I have seen many of them fail.

There is also a circuit in these scopes that had the design intent of automatically switching from 120/240. That circuit is problematic. There is a service note on this that can be found in the files section of the Yahoo! LeCroy_Owners_Group on Yahoo! Groups (please join).

Manuals and PS schematics can either be found there or in the LeCroy Manuals section at www.ko4bb.com/getsimple (http://www.ko4bb.com/getsimple)

Watch out for conductive dust!
These are usefull tips. I was already aware of the power supply voltage range issue so I'll look into the power supply before powering the scope up. I'm in 230V territory and the scope comes from the US so if it is hardwired it will be wrong for me. Unfortunately it wouldn't be the first time I got bitten by that  :'(
Quote
I hope you get the scope in good condition and have great success with it. Also conversion to an LCD may not be too hard if you can find one that fits as the interface to the internal Sony monitor is achieved with a standard internal VGA DB style connector.
Aha. Actually I'm hoping the scope has a connector for a TFT panel on the CPU board which has some useful signals on it. I went through schematics in the LC574 service manual and in there is shows a connector for a TFT screen. I rather do a direct-digital connection instead of going through an extra A/D converter board. Also the mechanical part will take some work in order to make the bezel flat.

BTW: is there a file for the option GAL available? I have GALs (somewhere) and I have a programmer so all I'd need is the right file.

Anyway many thanks for your tips & tricks. It is highly appreciated  :-+ This will be my first Lecroy DSO. I'll open a new topic in the test equipment section once I get going with this scope.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: mtdoc on February 17, 2017, 12:20:24 am
GWInstek GPD-3303S  programmable power supply for $129+$22 shipping..

Thanks to the ITT auctions , there's a ton of these on eBay and prices have come down. Most are going for between $140 and $160 shipped.

Got this one from an individual selling only one - so not sure if it's from the ITT auction but I like that the cosmetic condition is known versus some of those sold by sellers with multiple units.

Nice thing about this versus most modern PSUs is that the service manual, complete with schematics, is available online.

Did I need another PSU?  Of course not!  But none of my vintage HP and PD supplies are programmable -  so there's that... ::)

Now, off to TEA to confess my sins.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Johnny10 on February 17, 2017, 02:50:37 am
Tamhan
Like your curve tracer!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: sorenkir on February 17, 2017, 07:58:38 am
@mtdoc:
you are right, really tons of them: http://www.ebay.com/itm/132053507425 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/132053507425)  :)
Michel.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PaulAm on February 17, 2017, 01:22:27 pm
Quote
Tamhan
Like your curve tracer!

They can be quite useful.  Unlike the 576 the crt is easily replaceable since the D1 and D2 displays were used in some of the 5000 series scopes.  Swapping to storage shouldn't be a big deal.

I've been told the 577 had a larger screen, but that may have been special order.  My 577 screen is the same size as the 5000 series scopes I picked up for parts
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: vtp on February 17, 2017, 04:56:20 pm
They can be quite useful.  Unlike the 576 the crt is easily replaceable since the D1 and D2 displays were used in some of the 5000 series scopes.  Swapping to storage shouldn't be a big deal.

I've been told the 577 had a larger screen, but that may have been special order.  My 577 screen is the same size as the 5000 series scopes I picked up for parts

Being useful is understatement of the year. Out of the several hundred HP and Tek boxes the 577 is probably the most useful I have. D1 storage tube is also one of the best features of this instrument, it is very useful in plotting power device curves in pulsed mode and sweeping the traces on to the screen with collector supply knob. Anyone thinking of ditching the storage must be braindead :) .

The larger screen you refer to is likely option 25 which provides 12 x 10 grid. Highly desirable feature but be aware that calibration instructions are written for 10x8 grid so they can be confusing.

...

On the subject, I got TLA7012 for free, 7AA4 for $60, 7BB4 for $50, 4 x P6860 (new) for $50 each. And recently a 8563E in immaculate and very well working condition for $300.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on February 17, 2017, 06:22:54 pm
On the subject, I got TLA7012 for free, 7AA4 for $60, 7BB4 for $50, 4 x P6860 (new) for $50 each. And recently a 8563E in immaculate and very well working condition for $300.

Woah. You are a master of scores.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on February 17, 2017, 06:26:40 pm
On the subject, I got TLA7012 for free, 7AA4 for $60, 7BB4 for $50, 4 x P6860 (new) for $50 each.
That is very nice! I'm looking for a 7BB4 module myself but no luck so far.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: james_s on February 17, 2017, 09:29:02 pm
I snagged a nice condition HP 1660C logic analyzer locally for $25, of course I'll spend several times that on probes but it's still a tiny fraction of what it cost new. It's a fairly old instrument but the classic arcade boards I'm working on are even older and with 136 channels I can watch a lot more at once than the 8 bit analyzer in my Bitscope. It's not something I'm likely to use a whole lot but it's such a cool looking piece of gear, seemed like a fun toy to have.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: elecdonia on February 18, 2017, 06:42:30 pm
Has anyone seen something like this US military decade resistance box? 
I've had this for so long that I can't remember where I got it.

Recently I acquired an HP3456A multimeter (6.5 digits) so I decided to measure the resistance of every resistor in this box.  Every value was pretty close!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: james_s on February 18, 2017, 07:48:06 pm
I got myself a Lecroy LC584AL (1GHz, 2Gs/s 1Mpts) scope from the broken test equipment asylum called Ebay. According to the seller it doesn't show a picture so it was cheap after making an offer. The display not working is not a problem because I'd replace the CRT with a TFT screen anyway. One of the reasons I got this old scope is that I want to sell my other (more expensive) Agilent scope but didn't want to be left without the 1GHz ability, some other features and last but not least: a second working scope. Unlike many scopes before the USB era the LC584 has a PCMCIA slot which should be able to hold a PCMCIA to compact flash adapter with a compact flash card. The compact flash card is equally usefull as a USB stick so file transfer between my PC and the scope should be painless.
This is the picture from the Ebay listing:

If my wife doesn't kill me when this thing arrives I'll take some pictures of the inside and (if the scope works) the TFT conversion.


Why replace the CRT? It looks like a nice clean tube with little or no burn. It's nice and original, a TFT won't save you any space since there will just be an empty cavity in the instrument. If you weren't on the other side of the world I'd buy the tube and yoke from you, nobody is making CRTs anymore and supplies are dwindling fast.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on February 18, 2017, 10:32:32 pm
I got myself a Lecroy LC584AL (1GHz, 2Gs/s 1Mpts) scope from the broken test equipment asylum called Ebay. According to the seller it doesn't show a picture so it was cheap after making an offer. The display not working is not a problem because I'd replace the CRT with a TFT screen anyway. One of the reasons I got this old scope is that I want to sell my other (more expensive) Agilent scope but didn't want to be left without the 1GHz ability, some other features and last but not least: a second working scope. Unlike many scopes before the USB era the LC584 has a PCMCIA slot which should be able to hold a PCMCIA to compact flash adapter with a compact flash card. The compact flash card is equally usefull as a USB stick so file transfer between my PC and the scope should be painless.
This is the picture from the Ebay listing:

If my wife doesn't kill me when this thing arrives I'll take some pictures of the inside and (if the scope works) the TFT conversion.
Why replace the CRT? It looks like a nice clean tube with little or no burn. It's nice and original, a TFT won't save you any space since there will just be an empty cavity in the instrument. If you weren't on the other side of the world I'd buy the tube and yoke from you, nobody is making CRTs anymore and supplies are dwindling fast.
A man needs to have an odd hobby  :P Mine is getting rid of CRT and (D)STN LCD screens and replacing them with TFT screens. Ofcourse I'll try and see if I can bring the CRT back to life with a quick fix. Either broken or working it will go onto Ebay to recoup some money.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: james_s on February 19, 2017, 02:21:41 am
Fair enough. I've just seen too many people rip out perfectly good CRTs and throw them in the trash. I really like CRTs, they have a nice look, much better contrast and viewing angle than most LCDs and the HV/evacuated glass aspect has appeal. I'm in the minority for sure though.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: skylinrcr01 on February 19, 2017, 03:33:28 am
Work gave me a fluke 85 with a busted display for free, just needed new elastomers for the LCD.  ;D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Vgkid on February 19, 2017, 03:45:43 am
Has anyone seen something like this US military decade resistance box? 
I've had this for so long that I can't remember where I got it.

Recently I acquired an HP3456A multimeter (6.5 digits) so I decided to measure the resistance of every resistor in this box.  Every value was pretty close!
Nice decade resistor.
Upon first glance I was thinking it was a Shallcross decade. Seeing the nameplate gives the maker, Tech Labs. I didn't know that they built decade resistor boxes. I know they made switches.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: tautech on February 19, 2017, 05:41:19 am
Work gave me a fluke 85 with a busted display for free, just needed new elastomers for the LCD.  ;D
A while back a member got a heap of these from a manufacturer, I can't remember who but a search might find  the posts. IIRC ~2 years back.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: tautech on February 19, 2017, 06:54:40 am
Work gave me a fluke 85 with a busted display for free, just needed new elastomers for the LCD.  ;D
A while back a member got a heap of these from a manufacturer, I can't remember who but a search might find  the posts. IIRC ~2 1 year back.
For skylinrcr01, some links:
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/old-fluke-multimeters/msg381305/#msg381305 (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/old-fluke-multimeters/msg381305/#msg381305)
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/elastomer-strips-for-tektronix-la-probes/ (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/elastomer-strips-for-tektronix-la-probes/)
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/repair/fluke-87-display-repair/ (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/repair/fluke-87-display-repair/)
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/beginners/lcd-displays/ (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/beginners/lcd-displays/)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: lmester on February 19, 2017, 08:02:23 am
An Instek GSP-810 spectrum analyzer.

Very likely from the ITT bankruptcy. Seems to be working OK. I put in a clean 10MHz sine and got a reasonable looking output. Cosmetic condition is good. A little yellowing of the plastic. I'm happy and sad at the same time about this. I'm happy to be getting cheap used test instruments. I'm sad because a large number of instructors and staff lost their jobs when ITT died. Even worse, I'm sure that some students got part way through an ITT degree and now have nothing but a student loan bill to pay.

Anyway, here are a few pictures of my GSP-810.






Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: lmester on February 19, 2017, 09:11:16 am
A GPC-3020 power aupply.

This showed up on EBay as a damaged but functional item. For $40 total including shipping I couldn't resist. I was able to recalibrate everything except for one of the voltmeters. The zero adjust screw won't bring the needle down to the zero position. It's about 1V high. Possibly the big smash that cracked the case also messed up the meter movement.

I might just give this power supply a meter upgrade. For $20 I can replace the analog meters with cheap Chinese digital meters. It would be an easy upgrade since the power transformer has two extra outputs to provide isolated supplies for the ammeters. This power supply had an option for digital meters. It looks like they used the same transformer for both models. I'll have to think about this. It's functional now. It only cost me $40. Add another $20 for digital meters??? Maybe just put a note by the bad meter to remind me that it reads 1V high...

This instrument is a really old design with generic components. The only IC's that I saw were 741 op amps! Other than the custom transformer, I'd have no problems finding replacement parts. Even after an hour long full load test, the transformer was only warm. Instek also produced a 3A version of this power supply. They may have used the same transformer for the 2A and 3A version. If that's the case, the transformer in my my 2A version should last forever. Besides, how often do you run your power supply at full load?

Finally, the last time I was on Ebay there were still a few of these damaged power supplies for sale for $40. You might want to get one before they're gone.








Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TAMHAN on February 19, 2017, 10:06:58 am
Well, I dont dislike CRTs in general, first of all. But they, sadly, are no longer being made - so to keep instruments alive, one will need to go LCD one day. Also, less weight, less heat dissipation and stuff ;)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on February 19, 2017, 01:33:57 pm
Good deal on both the power supply and the spectrum analyzer.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: skylinrcr01 on February 19, 2017, 06:09:21 pm
Work gave me a fluke 85 with a busted display for free, just needed new elastomers for the LCD.  ;D
A while back a member got a heap of these from a manufacturer, I can't remember who but a search might find  the posts. IIRC ~2 1 year back.
For skylinrcr01, some links:
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/old-fluke-multimeters/msg381305/#msg381305 (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/old-fluke-multimeters/msg381305/#msg381305)
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/elastomer-strips-for-tektronix-la-probes/ (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/elastomer-strips-for-tektronix-la-probes/)
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/repair/fluke-87-display-repair/ (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/repair/fluke-87-display-repair/)
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/beginners/lcd-displays/ (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/beginners/lcd-displays/)

Those are some  good links, much appreciated!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: JenniferG on February 27, 2017, 04:08:21 am
Was looking for some little 3.3v voltage regulators and on ebay the cheapest price was $2.82 plus $2.00 shipping.  It had a Make Offer button.  Never clicked it before but I will from now on!  I offered $2 instead of $2.82 and they agreed to it.   From now on I am going to ask for 30% or so less on every one that has a Make Offer button .. despite them being the lowest price overall on ebay :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: james_s on February 27, 2017, 05:04:20 am
A GPC-3020 power aupply.

This showed up on EBay as a damaged but functional item. For $40 total including shipping I couldn't resist. I was able to recalibrate everything except for one of the voltmeters. The zero adjust screw won't bring the needle down to the zero position. It's about 1V high. Possibly the big smash that cracked the case also messed up the meter movement.

I might just give this power supply a meter upgrade. For $20 I can replace the analog meters with cheap Chinese digital meters. It would be an easy upgrade since the power transformer has two extra outputs to provide isolated supplies for the ammeters. This power supply had an option for digital meters. It looks like they used the same transformer for both models. I'll have to think about this. It's functional now. It only cost me $40. Add another $20 for digital meters??? Maybe just put a note by the bad meter to remind me that it reads 1V high...

This instrument is a really old design with generic components. The only IC's that I saw were 741 op amps! Other than the custom transformer, I'd have no problems finding replacement parts. Even after an hour long full load test, the transformer was only warm. Instek also produced a 3A version of this power supply. They may have used the same transformer for the 2A and 3A version. If that's the case, the transformer in my my 2A version should last forever. Besides, how often do you run your power supply at full load?

Finally, the last time I was on Ebay there were still a few of these damaged power supplies for sale for $40. You might want to get one before they're gone.

You might try to pop the face off the meter and see if the calibration crank has popped out of the place it goes in the lever or maybe the pointer is bent near the base. It's hard to find nice analog meters these days, I actually like a good analog meter better than a cheap digital one in most cases. You generally don't really need super high accuracy in the meter on a power supply.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: lmester on February 27, 2017, 01:55:36 pm
Well, I dont dislike CRTs in general, first of all. But they, sadly, are no longer being made - so to keep instruments alive, one will need to go LCD one day. Also, less weight, less heat dissipation and stuff ;)

CRT's are certainly a problem. Unfortunately, not the biggest problem. You at least have a chance of getting a NOS or used CRT for a replacement. For some high end equipment, LCD retrofits are available now. Do an internet search for "NewScope LCD kit".

The big problem is one that's been happening for years. Older equipment quite often had ASIC's and other parts that are no longer available.  Now we have a lot of equipment with FPGA's and microcontrollers. The problem is now custom firmware.  A replacement IC may still be available. You'll have little chance of getting the firmware to program it.

I hope we don't have more "ROM rot" problems like some of the old HP equipment. After 30 years, the data in the PROM's starts to fade away. It'd be really nasty if FPGA's data started to go poof!

In the future we'll be doing more and more repairs by stripping parts from donor equipment.


Also, I bought another power supply. I'll post some pictures after it arrives. I'm going to need to join the TEA thread before I'm too far gone :( It might already be too late  :P

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: james_s on February 27, 2017, 04:36:21 pm
FPGAs are not really the problem, the configuration data is internally loaded into static RAM at powerup, the bitstream is stored in an external configuration ROM and that is a concern over the long term. Then again, if the FPGA fails and you can't get the source that produced the configuration bitstream then it will have to be replaced with an identical FPGA. ROM rot in microcontrollers that are locked to prevent firmware extraction is going to be a real issue I think. ASICs are an even bigger problem, I'm reminded of the Tek scopes with the custom hybrids that fail.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ysjoelfir on February 27, 2017, 09:19:59 pm
Lets do a guessing game :) Last week I scored a nice piece of vintage equipment at ebay for 30€ + pickup around 25km away.
What have I got? :)

Shouldn't be too hard to guess, even the model could be somehow easy.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Vgkid on February 27, 2017, 09:45:07 pm
Lets do a guessing game :) Last week I scored a nice piece of vintage equipment at ebay for 30€ + pickup around 25km away.
What have I got? :)

Shouldn't be too hard to guess, even the model could be somehow easy.
Your pictures aren't loading. So no clue :-//
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: sorenkir on February 27, 2017, 09:50:38 pm
Invisibility Cloak (in good working order) !
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ysjoelfir on February 27, 2017, 10:06:39 pm
 :palm: Correct, an invisibility cloak! (*mumbles* stupid apple egg tablet crap thing, never does what I want... *tries uploading again*)

edit: seems to have worked now...
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bsudbrink on February 27, 2017, 10:16:14 pm
Yup.  Definitely a cloaking device.  Of the type Captain Kirk first stole from the Romulans.  You can tell by the Dilithium crystals in those little glowing canisters.   :-DD
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on February 27, 2017, 10:31:56 pm
That looks like an old Tek scope. I never knew such machines had a spool of spare solder inside. Cool  :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: apelly on February 27, 2017, 10:38:11 pm
That looks like an old Tek scope. I never knew such machines had a spool of spare solder inside. Cool  :-+
It's high silver content solder for use on their ceramic terminal strips. Apparently normal tin/lead damages the bond to the ceramic. I think all their scopes came with a bit.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: lowimpedance on February 27, 2017, 10:38:41 pm
Tek 556 ?? . All the old TEK space heaters of this vintage were supplied with a small spool of this silver loaded solder for the inevitable repair not involving a bottle swap :D.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on February 27, 2017, 10:41:12 pm
Well, I know it's not a Tek 545 or 575, so that eliminates two possibilities...

Nice to see that the solder spool wasn't pilfered from it.

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on February 27, 2017, 10:46:33 pm
Not a 506, 515A or 531A either....   :-//

(nor a 310)

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: DaJMasta on February 28, 2017, 02:25:31 am
Got a pair of Symmetricom TimeSource 3500s off ebay in unknown condition but local enough for me to pick up.  Took 'em apart and the specs were right... I've struck rubidium!

(http://medpants.com/pics/timesource3500s.jpg)
(http://medpants.com/pics/timesourceparts.jpg)
(http://medpants.com/pics/struckrb.jpg)

Will be a few days until I have a -48V supply to actually turn them on, but the boards look like they're in good shape, and since they are GPS disciplined rubidium sources, the datasheet says the 10MHz out is good down to 5ppt.  Provided they both work, the price was good, even for parts it may be ok given two rubidium oscillator modules (though they're mounted annoyingly enough that it's really difficult to see what brand they are).
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: JenniferG on February 28, 2017, 02:35:54 am
Won a GPD-3303s power supply today on ebay for $114 plus $30 shipping.  Hope this was a "score".  It's the version without overshoot problem.  Also, allegedly it is in good condition, cosmetic and otherwise.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Vgkid on February 28, 2017, 03:05:33 am
Got a pair of Symmetricom TimeSource 3500s off ebay in unknown condition but local enough for me to pick up.
Nice I was watching them, wondering when they would sell. Most likely an lpro-101.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: DaJMasta on February 28, 2017, 03:36:06 am
Nice I was watching them, wondering when they would sell. Most likely an lpro-101.
[/quote]

There's a chance, but I don't see any images that match up.  The module looks surprisingly like a PRS10, slightly off square and with the same connector in the same orientation, but I'm not sure the mounting holes match, and of course the phase noise spec is like 20-30dB too high for it to be a genuine PRS10  :)

For some reason (probably thermals), the module is wedged in between two thick aluminum plates and the front panel which seem to be permanently connected - no mounting screws but definitely solid in place.  Then there's thermal pads on both sides and the front plate and a cage of screws holding the thing in a cutout in the board.... and at least one of the screws needed to remove the board from the front plate is covered by one of those aluminum brackets sticking off the front.  There's got to be a trick to it, but at least for today it's beyond me.

Also had a loose screw from one of them blocking the sliding out of the second unit, so I had to take the back off, fish around, and eventually finagle the screw out just to open it... the chassis shell is all just riveted aluminum.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Vgkid on February 28, 2017, 04:16:31 am
I know the 2700 used a prs-10. Google images says that the newer ones used a x72 or its variants.
(http://www.ven-tel.com/img/parts/timesource)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: VE7FIM on February 28, 2017, 04:32:19 am
Nice score on those TimeSource 3500 units!

The Timesource 2700 CDMA units also come with a Rubidium module, and can be had for $150. I have one from a few years back, so I took it down off the shelf and opened it up. 30 screws and one (time) nut later, here's what you get if you buy one of these units:

The Rubidium module itself is a Stanford Research PRS-10, which is a NICE unit. These usually sell for $200, so this is a great deal, just for the module.

The RF front-end is also re-usable, depending on your frequency needs.

Not much else of (easily extractable) value, though.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ysjoelfir on February 28, 2017, 07:33:19 am
Tek 556 ??

Nope, I guess SWMBO would kill me if I would get one of those :S

Well, I know it's not a Tek 545 or 575, so that eliminates two possibilities...

Nice to see that the solder spool wasn't pilfered from it.
Not a 506, 515A or 531A either....   :-//

(nor a 310)

-Pat

You were correct, it's none of the mentioned. It's actually a 502A. Thought It could have been guessable as the picture shows no plug-in unit, and there weren't that many Tek tube scopes without plugins iirc :)

Whopping 1MHz at lowest resolution and down to 100kHz at full resolution of .1mV/Div - dual beam with blue phosphor! I like that thing. Sadly, it's not working right now, somehow the timebase is not basing its time, so just two dots are visible. But that sould be fixable.


Just a little overview of the technological progress:
(http://fotos.ysjoelfir.de/foren/eevblog/IMG_20170227_181837_.jpg) (http://fotos.ysjoelfir.de/foren/eevblog/IMG_20170227_181837.jpg)

(http://fotos.ysjoelfir.de/foren/eevblog/IMG_20170227_182221_.jpg) (http://fotos.ysjoelfir.de/foren/eevblog/IMG_20170227_182221.jpg)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on February 28, 2017, 07:42:10 am
Sweet!  The ones I listed are all I currently have on hand to directly compare it to.  P-11 phosphor, huh?  Nice.  I've got my eye out for one with that, too, but am not holding my breath.  Good luck getting its time base sweeping again.  My fingers are crossed that it's something minor.

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on February 28, 2017, 11:04:55 pm
Just a little overview of the technological progress:
(http://fotos.ysjoelfir.de/foren/eevblog/IMG_20170227_181837_.jpg) (http://fotos.ysjoelfir.de/foren/eevblog/IMG_20170227_181837.jpg)

(http://fotos.ysjoelfir.de/foren/eevblog/IMG_20170227_182221_.jpg) (http://fotos.ysjoelfir.de/foren/eevblog/IMG_20170227_182221.jpg)

Nice visual history. Quite the size comparison, too.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on March 01, 2017, 12:03:01 am
I hadn't noticed that.  LOL - screen size is inversely proportional to cabinet size!  Amazing how things have progressed down through the years.  Imagine the exploded heads that would result if you could bring the top one back in time and show it to the guys working with the bottom one!

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: james_s on March 01, 2017, 12:11:45 am
I hadn't noticed that.  LOL - screen size is inversely proportional to cabinet size!  Amazing how things have progressed down through the years.  Imagine the exploded heads that would result if you could bring the top one back in time and show it to the guys working with the bottom one!

-Pat

Imagine if I showed my current PC to myself 25 years ago, I'd have needed new underwear. I never would have believed that I'd have 16 gigabytes of RAM and several terabytes of HD space, nevermind the fact that the CPU is thousands of times more powerful and it cost less than half what the PC my family had at the time did. It's actually a much bigger difference than the scopes if you consider the amount of processing power and storage space per unit of volume.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on March 01, 2017, 12:39:56 am
Imagine if I showed my current PC to myself 25 years ago, I'd have needed new underwear. I never would have believed that I'd have 16 gigabytes of RAM and several terabytes of HD space, nevermind the fact that the CPU is thousands of times more powerful and it cost less than half what the PC my family had at the time did. It's actually a much bigger difference than the scopes if you consider the amount of processing power and storage space per unit of volume.

That is quite true.  I remember about ten or fifteen years ago finding a computer magazine from the early 80s (whenever it was that the IBM PC came out and could be had with a hard drive - 84ish??) and reading about the then current systems - IBM PC, whatever the current top Rat Shack TRS-80 was, probably a Commodore something-or-other, and perhaps an Apple II.  I believe at the time I found and read it, HDDs were getting into the 1-2G neighborhood size-wise.  I was amazed at the progress then, in that you could get a 5-1/4" half height drive that held north of a gig for a few hundred bucks, when less than 20 years earlier the option was a 5-1/4" full height unit that held 10 MEGAbytes of storage, and it was $3 or $4k for the drive alone.   :o :o  1/100 of the storage for 10x the price (without compensating for inflation - with inflation it would be what, probably about 20x the price)!

Computers have certainly improved by leaps and bounds over the years.

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: james_s on March 01, 2017, 01:16:14 am
IIRC the XT came out in 1983 and it was a big deal that it came standard with a 10MB hard drive, 5.25" FH. In the next couple of years the 20MB ST-225 became very popular and by the late 80s 40MB was becoming fairly common while 120MB was about as big as they got. I remember drooling over 1.2GB drives, must have been around 1995, they were around $1400 plus a few hundred bucks for the required SCSI interface. I remember thinking if I had 1.2GB I could install every game I'd ever want and I'd never run out of space.

Now on the topic of test equipment, my 1980 Tek 465B is still quite usable. It offers superior performance to many of the lower end scopes that are currently on the market, albeit at much lower prices than the $2500 (1980 dollars) that the 465 originally cost. The dimensions are similar to a modern scope though about 4x as deep by necessity of the CRT.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: JenniferG on March 01, 2017, 01:41:14 am
IIRC the XT came out in 1983 and it was a big deal that it came standard with a 10MB hard drive, 5.25" FH. In the next couple of years the 20MB ST-225 became very popular and by the late 80s 40MB was becoming fairly common while 120MB was about as big as they got. I remember drooling over 1.2GB drives, must have been around 1995, they were around $1400 plus a few hundred bucks for the required SCSI interface. I remember thinking if I had 1.2GB I could install every game I'd ever want and I'd never run out of space.


I remember my first PC.  It was in 1988.  A used Pinecom XT clone.  It had a 5.25" floppy drive as well as an RLL 13MB full height hard drive.  Wow was that thing a heavy giant loud beast :)  But it was my first hard drive.  Don't know how thrilled I was to graduate to a hard drive.. from a floppy.  Lol I used to use tape on my old TI 99/4A.

debug g=c800:5
fdisk
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: james_s on March 01, 2017, 01:44:45 am
debug g=c800:5

Uhg, that's a memory I could do without. Seems like about half the time the system would just lock up.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on March 01, 2017, 01:55:45 am
debug g=c800:5

Ah, the good ol' days of hard disk controllers. Of course, can't forget g=c800:ccc either.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on March 01, 2017, 01:58:31 am
Imagine the exploded heads that would result if you could bring the top one back in time and show it to the guys working with the bottom one!

They'd probably think it was a new-fangled panel or plugin for that bottom scope. ;D

"It looks like an airplane, without wings. (http://backtothefuture.wikia.com/wiki/Spaceship)" -- Otis Peabody, Back to the Future
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on March 01, 2017, 06:14:58 am
Well we do still make boatanchor scopes today.

http://www.keysight.com/en/pcx-x205195/infiniium-90000a-series-oscilloscopes?cc=RS&lc=eng (http://www.keysight.com/en/pcx-x205195/infiniium-90000a-series-oscilloscopes?cc=RS&lc=eng)

Just that they are a 'bit' higher performance, use even more power to run and make a lot of noise while doing so. Still costing a fortune to buy new tho.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: JenniferG on March 01, 2017, 06:49:13 am
Looks like a fancy toaster oven :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on March 01, 2017, 03:31:44 pm
Well we do still make boatanchor scopes today.

http://www.keysight.com/en/pcx-x205195/infiniium-90000a-series-oscilloscopes?cc=RS&lc=eng (http://www.keysight.com/en/pcx-x205195/infiniium-90000a-series-oscilloscopes?cc=RS&lc=eng)

Just that they are a 'bit' higher performance, use even more power to run and make a lot of noise while doing so. Still costing a fortune to buy new tho.
That would look nice on my bench. :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on March 01, 2017, 03:51:10 pm
Well we do still make boatanchor scopes today.

http://www.keysight.com/en/pcx-x205195/infiniium-90000a-series-oscilloscopes?cc=RS&lc=eng (http://www.keysight.com/en/pcx-x205195/infiniium-90000a-series-oscilloscopes?cc=RS&lc=eng)

Just that they are a 'bit' higher performance, use even more power to run and make a lot of noise while doing so. Still costing a fortune to buy new tho.
That would look nice on my bench. :)

Sure wouldn't look bad on mine ether. Tho probes for it would quickly get expensive.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: kaz911 on March 02, 2017, 12:10:32 am
Latest score - 3D Systems Projet 1500 FTI (SLA) type printer with wash system and curing UV oven. Price was so low that transport was GBP 2,- more than I paid for the printer. And I did not overpay for the 200 mile transport....

After some really needed TLC :) it now prints fine - parts washer needed some TLC as well - so now that works as well.

Unfortunately the included print cartridges are quite a bit out of date - so material is not as "liquid" as it is supposed to be - so the small holes are not perfect as material has issues running "out". But most other print details are superb. And new cartridge cost the same as a small house... (or so it feels)






Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Johnny10 on March 02, 2017, 08:04:58 pm
Picked up a Tektronix 7934 with TDR and Vertical and Horizontal plugins.

For the price of walking it out to the parking lot.  It was a long walk...  :-)

2nd is closeup of TDR in my 7854
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on March 02, 2017, 09:41:50 pm
Sweet score!!  Very cool.  Sounds like the price was acceptable, too.   ;)

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: kcbrown on March 02, 2017, 10:00:57 pm
Sweet score!!  Very cool.  Sounds like the price was acceptable, too.   ;)

Is that before or after the hospital bill for throwing out your back?    :o   ;D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on March 02, 2017, 10:14:11 pm
Well, you could pull the plug ins out to lighten it a little bit and make multiple trips...  I think the adrenaline high from getting that nice piece of gear for the effort of taking it to the car would give at least enough short term strength to get it safely out the door...

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Tom45 on March 03, 2017, 10:39:42 pm
Well, you could pull the plug ins out to lighten it a little bit and make multiple trips...  I think the adrenaline high from getting that nice piece of gear for the effort of taking it to the car would give at least enough short term strength to get it safely out the door...

-Pat

Even better, get one with a cart. Then he could just roll it to his car. That's what I did when I got my 7854 with cart.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Johnny10 on March 04, 2017, 12:36:19 am
I now have three carts and three 7000 series scopes.
These things are getting very inexpensive.
I enjoy using my big heavy monstrous obsolete scopes.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on March 04, 2017, 02:01:02 am
I've got a project on the horizon involving some old phone standards so I got myself a Tektronix / Siemens K1297 protocol tester with a 4 channel simulation board for E1 (2Mbit digital stream with 30 phone lines) and another 4 channel board for monitoring E1 and T1 (1.5Mbit). This protocol tester goes way beyond the common handheld protocol testers. It is able (designed) to test interaction between various telephony switches at telecom operators and supports many different protocols and flavours. This machine must have cost a fortune when new! The only price I've found online is over $160000 for the GPRS software.

It is a compact PC based system with VME slots. The PC is a Pentium 1 with 64MB running NT4. Actually it doesn't run that bad but it could do with more memory. I paid 130 euro including shipping.
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3827/33234929955_21b143a2f4_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/SCRGMH)

The screen is the dimmest TFT screen I have ever seen (later more about that):
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3691/33106425161_c7c34fef2a_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Srv5MP)

The E1 interface board:
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2941/32390700924_76878cf1c5_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/RmfNUL)
Look at that fat 68040 processor and extra goodies. Handling four 2Mbit streams with a protocol stack is not a small task.

There is also an extra board to offload the PC's processor:
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2947/32851696000_2c066c0997_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/S3ZwFJ)
Another 68040 and the Cypress chip in the bottom right corner is a VME controller.

I did play around a bit with this machine to see what it can do. My main interest is creating calls between two E1 ports which is a rather mundane task. I managed to get the links up and get a test scenario going but unfortunately the documentation is very poor. The manual literally refers to the online help for precise information on how to operate it! Still it seems this machine can do a lot and for just ISDN alone it supports many different flavours. The downside is the poor screen and loud fans or hard drive (either way it makes a lot of noise). Normally I would have taken it apart, cloned the hard drive to have a backup and cleaned it up a little. However in this case I also spotted a much newer one on Ebay with a much faster PC (with USB ports) and working screen so I decided to grab that one too for a similar amount. I'll just swap the E1 simulation board over and hopefully I'll have a much nicer system with less effort and spare parts as a bonus.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: skylinrcr01 on March 04, 2017, 05:53:53 am
:palm: Correct, an invisibility cloak! (*mumbles* stupid apple egg tablet crap thing, never does what I want... *tries uploading again*)

edit: seems to have worked now...
Never mind, it's already been guessed correctly. Little late to the party I guess haha
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: james_s on March 04, 2017, 06:16:22 am
That pair of 68040's alone is worth a sizable fraction of what you paid for the whole machine. Pretty cool piece of gear.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: usagi on March 04, 2017, 07:48:15 am
needed some stuff for the arduino workbench and HAM use.

for HAM spectrum analzyer - got a Rohde & Schwarz CMU200 for $800 and an Agilent E7495A for $470.
a GDM-8251A for $103. a step up from the crusty old Fluke 45 i picked up at the local surplus store for $140.
a Rigol 25mhz DG-1022a to replace the weapons grade chineesium 5mhz func gen - $170.
an Agilent U1252B so I could have a legit handheld DMM. Couldn't resist at $200!   :-DMM

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on March 04, 2017, 08:48:49 am
 :-+ :-+. Sounds like a nice haul.  Congrats!

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ysjoelfir on March 04, 2017, 11:20:38 am
Speaking from Big equipment on carts: That thing is occupying my lab quite a while, scored it for free!
Comes with its own cart and is heavy as hell. Sadly, I have no idea what kind of strange mains plug that is - a normal IEC plug doesn't fit, even after trimming the excess plastic of, the slots are just a few millimeters off... Would love to try it out though.

If it is not readably from the crappy pic taken without the tongue in the right angle but instead me twisting around a bunch of stuff to reach it - it's a Bruel & Kjaer 2034 Dual Channel Signal Analyzer. Anyone an Idea what to do with it nowadays, as every cheap scope has analyzing functions built in?  :-//

(http://fotos.ysjoelfir.de/foren/eevblog/bruel_kjaer1.jpg)

(http://fotos.ysjoelfir.de/foren/eevblog/bruel_kjaer2.jpg)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on March 04, 2017, 11:27:18 am
That pair of 68040's alone is worth a sizable fraction of what you paid for the whole machine. Pretty cool piece of gear.
Wow! You are right. I see these things fetching around $40 to $50 each on Ebay but there are many for sale.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Smith on March 05, 2017, 11:13:24 am
I've been looking for a harmonic distortion meter just to play with for years, but most of them are to expensive for me. Just got a HP 332A yesterday for 20  bucks including shipping  :-+.

It seemed to be in kind of a rough shape cosmetically, but after arrival everything seems to be intact, just dirty. A quick rub with some water & soap revealed it to be pretty nice. It will still need lots of hours of TLC though. It supposedly stopped working about 25 years ago, so it might take some work. I have already checked some caps, and a lot of them seem to be bad. 
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: rastro on March 05, 2017, 03:49:35 pm
I've been looking for a harmonic distortion meter just to play with for years, but most of them are to expensive for me. Just got a HP 332A yesterday for 20  bucks including shipping  :-+.

It seemed to be in kind of a rough shape cosmetically, but after arrival everything seems to be intact, just dirty. A quick rub with some water & soap revealed it to be pretty nice. It will still need lots of hours of TLC though. It supposedly stopped working about 25 years ago, so it might take some work. I have already checked some caps, and a lot of them seem to be bad.
I didn't even think you could ship it for $20.00. :o
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on March 06, 2017, 06:11:21 am
Yeah, that's a good deal, even if it's in need of TLC. Hope you start a thread on its restoration.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on March 06, 2017, 07:06:06 am
I did buy things before where shipping cost 2x the actual item price due to being some obscure piece of boatanchor gear that nobody else wanted.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on March 06, 2017, 07:11:04 am
I keep thinking that I need to find lighter things to collect, but of course it's the old heavy stuff that interests me.  New stuff is blah.

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on March 06, 2017, 07:14:25 am
I've been looking for a harmonic distortion meter just to play with for years, but most of them are to expensive for me. Just got a HP 332A yesterday for 20  bucks including shipping  :-+.

It seemed to be in kind of a rough shape cosmetically, but after arrival everything seems to be intact, just dirty. A quick rub with some water & soap revealed it to be pretty nice. It will still need lots of hours of TLC though. It supposedly stopped working about 25 years ago, so it might take some work. I have already checked some caps, and a lot of them seem to be bad.
I didn't even think you could ship it for $20.00. :o

Yeah, huh?  That's quite the deal!  Nice find!  I hope you can get it up and running without too much difficulty.

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: amc184 on March 06, 2017, 09:59:47 am
Sadly, I have no idea what kind of strange mains plug that is - a normal IEC plug doesn't fit, even after trimming the excess plastic of, the slots are just a few millimeters off... Would love to try it out though.

Might be an IEC C10?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Smith on March 06, 2017, 11:13:05 am
Yeah, huh?  That's quite the deal!  Nice find!  I hope you can get it up and running without too much difficulty.

-Pat

Shouldn't be a real problem, just need to replace some caps and the mains cable. Then I can start debugging.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Smith on March 06, 2017, 05:07:49 pm
Sadly, I have no idea what kind of strange mains plug that is - a normal IEC plug doesn't fit, even after trimming the excess plastic of, the slots are just a few millimeters off... Would love to try it out though.

Why not change it for a normal C14 connector? Or a  C18 as the ground connector is unused. I replaced the connector of my HP 332A today. The old one was crusty as hell, and someone glued the cable and connector together. I replaced it with an 30 year old C14 connector. Really looks original, but works nice too.

It's so convenient to use one type of connector on your bench.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on March 06, 2017, 06:16:58 pm
I've contemplated modernizing a couple of instruments that have the old PH163. But, the other side of me likes to keep things original. :-//

However, that old C14 looks great and maintains the look and feel of the original. What did you use to enlarge the panel opening?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Smith on March 06, 2017, 06:50:07 pm
What did you use to enlarge the panel opening?

Just a round and a flat file. Only took a few minutes of work, I even reused the original holes.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on March 06, 2017, 08:10:52 pm
Very nice. Yeah, I figured you just enlarged the opening.

Fortunately, I have cables for the few devices that still use PH163. But this'll come in handy for the next one. ;)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: james_s on March 06, 2017, 08:37:13 pm
I try to keep old stuff as original as possible but this is one area where I'll occasionally make an exception, especially if I don't have the original cord. I hate having to find an obscure power cord, or hook something up with a suicide cord that has alligator clips on it.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ysjoelfir on March 06, 2017, 08:47:39 pm
Sadly, I have no idea what kind of strange mains plug that is - a normal IEC plug doesn't fit, even after trimming the excess plastic of, the slots are just a few millimeters off... Would love to try it out though.

Might be an IEC C10?

Seems legit, thanks.

Sadly, I have no idea what kind of strange mains plug that is - a normal IEC plug doesn't fit, even after trimming the excess plastic of, the slots are just a few millimeters off... Would love to try it out though.

Why not change it for a normal C14 connector? Or a  C18 as the ground connector is unused. I replaced the connector of my HP 332A today. The old one was crusty as hell, and someone glued the cable and connector together. I replaced it with an 30 year old C14 connector. Really looks original, but works nice too.

It's so convenient to use one type of connector on your bench.

I thought about that, but as I don't even know if I will ever use it for anything, why should I bother? :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: boffin on March 07, 2017, 02:36:44 am
A couple of Heathkit frequency counters...

Not sure what I'll need two for ...
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on March 07, 2017, 03:50:14 am
@boffin, were those the ones stacked on a table at BARC?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on March 07, 2017, 04:04:22 am
@boffin, were those the ones stacked on a table at BARC?

Sheesh were you at the swap too?

We might have to setup a little meet after one of these events if that was the case.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on March 07, 2017, 04:10:01 am
Unfortunately, I wasn't. I just recognized them from 12voltvid's BARC tour video. So, I had to ask. Now, if I could make a vacation trip to Canada just happen to coincide with such an event (wow, how did that happen?), a meetup would be a hoot. :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: boffin on March 07, 2017, 06:14:55 am
@boffin, were those the ones stacked on a table at BARC?

Sheesh were you at the swap too?

We might have to setup a little meet after one of these events if that was the case.

Yep @ 9:32 in the video.   I wasn't sure if they worked or not, but even if they didn't, they're a really nice case with a 12v transformer inside, and worth it for that. In fact I'm still debating gutting one of them just for the case.

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on March 08, 2017, 12:03:22 am
Cool. Although if it does work, you can probably sell it for a nice return. Healthkit stuff tends to fetch a lot of bucks on eBay.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: razberik on March 08, 2017, 11:27:21 pm
34401A branded Agilent, stamped Jun 2000.

100£ Buy it now on ebay.co.uk. Estimated 130€ shipped to me.

Sold for "repair or parts". Seller wrote something like "Doesnt start up. Illuminate display, beeps twice, turn off".
Couldnt resist and take a risk. Seller was very nice to send it overseas.

Missing mains switch push rod, that plastic part fixing front terminal in place and back plastic frame. Clean internals.
Quite easy repair, repair here (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/hpagilentkeysight-34401a-2w-problem/msg1155069/#msg1155069).
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: macboy on March 09, 2017, 03:24:04 am
Fluke 8800A 5.5 digit DMM, ca late 1970's/early 80's.

Super basic as far as DMMs go, this doesn't even have a NULL or REL button. Certainly no math, dB display, min/max, logging, etc. Just DCV, ACV (average responding), and Ohms. It is auto-ranging which is great. It uses a monolithic dual slope converter IC, likely Fluke proprietary, identified in the service manual only as "Part of final assembly". Gee, thanks. I opened it up to check on the two AA batteries that are used to power the current source on the ohms board, and was pleasantly surprised to find none. This one is apparently a later serial number that uses the same ohms board as the 8810A which has an isolated converter rather than batteries. Nice.

DC is spot on all ranges (photo shows 20 V range agreeing rather nicely with a Keithley 2001 7.5 digit meter). AC is accurate and very flat up to a couple hundred kHz. Too bad it's not true RMS (8810A is). Ohms looks accurate too. As you can see I don't need another bench meter (two Keithley 199 and three 2001 visible in the pic, one more 2001 out of frame), but I literally rescued this from the scrap pile at a local electronics recycler. They were purging stuff that had sat around unsold for too long. Paid... don't be mad. $5. Canadian. That's literally its value as e-waste destined for the crusher.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on March 09, 2017, 04:28:28 am
Nice catch. Thanks for saving it from the crusher. Still in cal!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: jacklee on March 09, 2017, 10:05:25 am
JSR is Korea brand for sure
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: BFX on March 09, 2017, 08:36:43 pm
Few Hi-res photos from inside Datron 1081 what I bought few weeks ago   8)
(http://www.eternal.sk/hamphoto/Datron1081_01.jpg)
(http://www.eternal.sk/hamphoto/Datron1081_02.jpg)

What I love at this gear is all ICs are in the sockets  :-+
Replacement is so easy  :)

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on March 09, 2017, 09:06:43 pm
VERY nice!!   :-+ 

One of those is still on my list.  (those on here who know me will doubtless be shocked to hear that...   :-DD )

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: BFX on March 09, 2017, 09:35:34 pm
VERY nice!!   :-+ 

One of those is still on my list.  (those on here who know me will doubtless be shocked to hear that...   :-DD )

-Pat

Next goal > nearly full recap :) It will cost lot of money, I think :D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: razberik on March 09, 2017, 10:34:10 pm
Why recap ?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on March 10, 2017, 12:00:26 am
Next goal > nearly full recap :) It will cost lot of money, I think :D

Hmmm...  It looks like there are a fair number of them in there, but I don't know if I'd just go and shotgun them just yet.  I've found that the better test gear manufacturers tend to use decent quality parts, unlike what's in consumer gear.  I'm currently working on an HP 3450B, and had taken a look at one of the caps on the outguard power supply board.  It looked ugly, so I took it off the board, soldered some extensions onto the leads, and checked it.  It was good.  Doing some digging when I was looking for the specs revealed it to be a wet slug tantalum, still available today.  For about $37.  Each!  Needless to say, it's staying.

I check the caps if they look suspect, or give indications of failure during circuit checkout, but if they're operating well, I'm inclined to leave them alone.  And sometimes (as in this instance I'm describing), looks can be deceiving.  For what it's worth, I wouldn't touch those silver colored 1uF axials around the relay on the left of the main board of your meter - they're on Teflon standoffs and likely part of the input or measuring circuitry - unless there's something obviously wrong with them.

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Electronics/HP-3450B-Multi-Function-Meter/i-Fv8gHXv/0/L/HP%203450B%20A14%20ugly%20cap%202-L.jpg)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Electronics/HP-3450B-Multi-Function-Meter/i-FpdQHts/0/L/HP%203450B%20A14%20ugly%20cap%20w%20leads%20extended%20for%20test-L.jpg)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Electronics/HP-3450B-Multi-Function-Meter/i-BRbVnGS/0/L/HP%203450B%20A14%20ugly%20cap%20within%20spec-L.jpg)

-Pat

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on March 10, 2017, 02:40:35 am
If the equipment was built prior to or well after the capacitor plague of the late '90s to late '00s, they often are OK. That decade of bad electrolytics kind of made everyone paranoid. Of course, antique paper caps are a different story altogether.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on March 10, 2017, 02:42:14 am
Few Hi-res photos from inside Datron 1081 what I bought few weeks ago   8)
What I love at this gear is all ICs are in the sockets  :-+
Replacement is so easy  :)

Very cool. Check out all the curvy rivers of traces.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: mmagin on March 10, 2017, 03:02:42 am
If the equipment was built prior to or well after the capacitor plague of the late '90s to late '00s, they often are OK. That decade of bad electrolytics kind of made everyone paranoid. Of course, antique paper caps are a different story altogether.

With good quality electrolytics or tantalums in low ripple current applications, I'd agree. Switching supplies are another matter...
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: james_s on March 10, 2017, 05:59:03 am
Yeah switching power supplies really hammer the capacitors. I'm still seeing bulging electrolytics in TVs and flat panel monitors, also those switchmode "wall wart" power supplies.

On the other hand I have several 30-45 year old solid state radios that have perfectly good original electrolytic capacitors in them.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Vgkid on March 10, 2017, 07:13:40 am
If the datron is anything like my solartron, then it uses a switching power supply, through a (multi secondary)transformer then through a LDO.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: djnz on March 10, 2017, 08:09:23 am
Someone I know was asking me if a working Fluke 87V for ~US$90 was a good deal. I told them it seemed like a good price. Was it? 
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: retiredcaps on March 10, 2017, 08:22:31 am
Someone I know was asking me if a working Fluke 87V for ~US$90 was a good deal. I told them it seemed like a good price. Was it?
Yes. Absolutely.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Johnny10 on March 10, 2017, 03:19:52 pm
Great Price !
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: kwass on March 10, 2017, 03:55:56 pm
I already have a low-power BK 1739 power supply, and really like it.  It's linear, fanless, has a simple, effective UI with an extremely low noise output

(http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/bk-precision/images/1739.jpg)

Street price is around $550, high for such a low wattage supply, but right now, for some strange reason, Amazon has them on sale for only $180:  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B03X1A2/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B03X1A2/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)

A very good deal, I think -- I just bought another one. 

I do have two minor gripes with it:

1) The ON/OFF output state is remembered when you shut off the supply.  So if you turn it back on when the output were enabled it will come back on in that state.  You need to get in the habit of disabling the output before you shut it off.

2) The output binding posts are really cheesy.

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on March 10, 2017, 04:01:00 pm
If the equipment was built prior to or well after the capacitor plague of the late '90s to late '00s, they often are OK. That decade of bad electrolytics kind of made everyone paranoid. Of course, antique paper caps are a different story altogether.
I don't agree with this. Electrolytics can go bad but it depends on their use and operational temperature. I have two HP6024A (switching) lab power supplies and almost all electrolytic capacitors in them where bad. The smell of cat wee is a tell tale sign.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on March 10, 2017, 04:09:30 pm
I got myself a Lecroy LC584AL (1GHz, 2Gs/s 1Mpts) scope from the broken test equipment asylum called Ebay. According to the seller it doesn't show a picture so it was cheap after making an offer.

This is the picture from the Ebay listing:
(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=291623;image)
I'm starting to worry I have to un-score this. It has been marked 'shipped' more than 3 weeks ago from the US and the Ebay seller has not provided me with a tracking number despite several requests so I have no idea when it will arrive or wether it is stuck somewhere. I'd really hate it if I have to open a Paypal claim.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on March 10, 2017, 06:36:59 pm
If the equipment was built prior to or well after the capacitor plague of the late '90s to late '00s, they often are OK. That decade of bad electrolytics kind of made everyone paranoid. Of course, antique paper caps are a different story altogether.
I don't agree with this. Electrolytics can go bad but it depends on their use and operational temperature. I have two HP6024A (switching) lab power supplies and almost all electrolytic capacitors in them where bad. The smell of cat wee is a tell tale sign.

Certainly, it depends on many things, which is why I said they're often OK, not always OK. The point being that blindly replacing all caps (the context of which was in a prior post) just because they're electrolytic is also incorrect.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on March 10, 2017, 07:12:53 pm
Certainly, it depends on many things, which is why I said they're often OK, not always OK. The point being that blindly replacing all caps (the context of which was in a prior post) just because they're electrolytic is also incorrect.

Exactly.  I think it's something that's best done on a case by case basis as needed, rather than taking a shotgun approach.  As I discovered when searching out the datasheet for the example cap that I posted earlier, unless an exact replacement was purchased the regular run of the mill electrolytic that I might have replaced it with would almost certainly not have been as good a part as the original that is nearly 44 years old at this point.  (And for the record, it was an unexpectedly heavy little bugger!)

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: james_s on March 10, 2017, 07:29:21 pm
Where I do use the shotgun approach is SMT electrolytics, those things are horrible, I don't know why but in my experience they *will* leak and corrode the board, it's just a question of when. You do have to watch out though, there are organic polymer capacitors that look almost identical but don't leak. The electrolytics I normally replace with tantalum or ceramic chip capacitors although I did find one application, a Sega Game Gear handheld where ceramic capacitors caused a very washed out looking display. I don't know why.
Title: Re: List your test equipment &quot;scores&quot; here!
Post by: Towger on March 10, 2017, 07:46:19 pm
But how can you 'properly' tell if a capacitor is bad unless you remove it. At that stage you may as well replace it.  And if you find one bad, there maybe more.  For example last month I recaped a two channel 90s vintage TTI power supply, which appeared to have lived in a damp shed for years.  The caps on initial inspection all looked fine, but on removal several had signs of leaking on the bottom.  A couple of these were well below spec.  Interestingly the same caps were effected on bother channels.
Title: Re: List your test equipment &quot;scores&quot; here!
Post by: CJay on March 10, 2017, 07:51:33 pm
But how can you 'properly' tell if a capacitor is bad unless you remove it. At that stage you may as well replace it.  And if you find one bad, there maybe more.  For example last month I recaped a two channel 90s vintage TTI power supply, which appeared to have lived in a damp shed for years.  The caps on initial inspection all looked fine, but on removal several had signs of leaking on the bottom.  A couple of these were well below spec.  Interestingly the same caps were effected on bother channels.

Absolutely, the heating, cooling cycle of two soldering operations may well have altered a duff cap or cause it to fail when you solder it back in so there's just no point doing it unless the caps are something *really* special.

Having said that, I don't necessarily remove a cap to test it, I like the octopus tester on my Hameg, gives me a really good indication of a cap's health.

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: james_s on March 10, 2017, 08:08:24 pm
I use an ESR meter for most of my capacitor testing. Between that, evaluation of the performance of the circuit the capacitor is in, and a bit of intuition I can usually get by.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on March 10, 2017, 08:39:55 pm
Where I do use the shotgun approach is SMT electrolytics, those things are horrible, I don't know why but in my experience they *will* leak and corrode the board, it's just a question of when. You do have to watch out though, there are organic polymer capacitors that look almost identical but don't leak. The electrolytics I normally replace with tantalum or ceramic chip capacitors although I did find one application, a Sega Game Gear handheld where ceramic capacitors caused a very washed out looking display. I don't know why.
Replacing electrolytics with tantalum or ceramic isn't a good idea in general. Sometimes circuits are designed with the relatively high ESR of electrolytics in mind. Tantalums may get an inrush current which is too high and may ignite them (I don't use tantalums at all). A particular problem with ceramics is the voltage dependant capacitance change which can be really bad so the capacitance can be way too low.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: james_s on March 10, 2017, 10:23:34 pm
That's probably why tantalum capacitors didn't work well in the Game Gear.

Most of the time the ones I've replaced are used for power supply decoupling and occasionally DC blocking. I've re-capped dozens of 80s Mac motherboards with tantalum chips and they work fine.

I don't know why but SMT electrolytic capacitors are very leak prone. I don't think I've ever seen a through-hole electrolytic leak.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on March 10, 2017, 10:37:27 pm
I don't think I've ever seen a through-hole electrolytic leak.
Oh they can leak for sure! I've replaced many of them in various equipment.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: james_s on March 10, 2017, 11:36:15 pm
I've seen them bulge and leak out the top, but I have not see boards destroyed by leaking electrolyte like happens with those surface mount ones. They get about 10-20 years old and start leaking all over and corrode the board.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on March 11, 2017, 12:12:54 am
Through-hole ones also leak out the bottom via the seal around the leads. They corrode the leads, the board traces, etc. Unfortunately, it's not always readily visible, especially if the caps are affixed to the PCB with Silastic or similar around the base.

Check out TiN's post at the link below. The first photo is the result of a leaking through-hole electrolytic cap in a Keithley 2001.

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/restoration-glory-of-keithley-2001-dmm/msg650609/#msg650609 (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/restoration-glory-of-keithley-2001-dmm/msg650609/#msg650609)

This one's even worse. The electrolyte of one of the caps migrated to rot away other components. :o

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/restoration-glory-of-keithley-2001-dmm/msg360824/#msg360824 (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/restoration-glory-of-keithley-2001-dmm/msg360824/#msg360824)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on March 11, 2017, 07:40:44 am
I also never came across failed electrolytic caps in old test equipment, but then again when i buy a piece of gear advertised as broken i usually get ones that look like they have a simple power issue (Was as simple as a fuse twice already) and tend to stay away from things that fail weird self tests or have dead channels etc.

But that does not mean that caps don't fail, just that most caps used in test equipment tend to be reasonable quality parts rather than the cap they could get the cheapest this week in Shenzhen China. I see the cheap caps fail all the time in computers and other consumer electronics, but even good quality caps can fail on rare occasion, or they are from a bad batch or something.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: cncjerry on March 13, 2017, 04:04:14 pm
My third 856x spectrum analyzer, this one initially thought to be an 8568a, turns out it is a 'B' model that sat in a closet since 1985 when it was last calibrated.  Cables included.  I open it up to tweak the CRT and it is perfectly clean, all the nuts and bolts are there, cables perfectly routed and not falling apart.  It has a sticky button or two on the display unit and the RF unit has a coating on it I can't get off. And as my kids used to say, "needs a battery" but the calibration constants are near spot-on and DOBA (that's an industry term).

I paid $175 plus the guy drove it from Boise to Tahoe where I picked it up.  This has to be a record low for a functioning 8568B or even an 8568A, which is on the cover.  He overlooked the - 01K option that adds the 'B' processor and other hardware an d documentation.

One of these I am going to add the SimmConnLabs LCD to, maybe my 8566b, but the 8568s have such low noise and most of my playing is in HF.  Had to get my son to help lift it into the rack, these things are real beasts.

Jerry
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Johnny10 on March 13, 2017, 06:10:11 pm
Great Score Jerry   :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on March 13, 2017, 06:40:45 pm
That is a beauty and for a bargin price too.

Already having 3 of those things? The one i got is taking up enough space as it is, due to how big they are. Also because of its hefty weight it is forever destined to live in the rack since i sure don't like moving it. Been thinking of upgrading it to a LCD but the CRT still works fine so i left it (Is showing a little bit of age tho)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on March 13, 2017, 06:45:52 pm
What a score, Jerry! Broken ones that I've seen go for more. People want that much for the two interconnect cables.

One of these days, I hope to find one at a reasonable price. Meanwhile, I'll be interested to see the LCD replacement and your experience with using it.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on March 13, 2017, 07:47:47 pm
Wow!  For $175 you really hit that one out of the park and into the next county!  That's phenomenal!  Especially in that condition - it looks beautiful.

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: cncjerry on March 13, 2017, 08:57:58 pm
The focus on the screen looks off but it is from the picture.  It is clear when viewing.

$175 - That's why I grabbed it.  I bought an 8566B, near perfect, last year for $500.  I thought that was a steal as well.  The 8566B works well but when I opened it up it had covers missing, bolts, screws not replaced.  All the cables had their coatings flaking off, etc.  I mean it works well but nothing compared to this one. 

I am a major bottom feeder on craigslist or ebay.  I paid $500 for the signal generator in that picture, an HP 8648C, as well.  I thought that was a good deal.  The guy that sold the signal generator to me said he had 6 calls after he committed to me. 

I find all the best deals on craigslist.  You do have to know what you are looking for vs value, though.  But the key advantage of buying off craigslist (other than the testing) is no shipping to worry about for cost and potential damage.  I can't imagine buying an 8568 or 8566 and shipping it across country even using freight with it nailed to a skid.  These units are built like tanks but you don't want the CRT banging around.  I don't care how well they are packaged, they weigh a ton and the average UPS guy is going to set it down as quickly as possible when he finds a spot.

Jerry
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on March 13, 2017, 10:01:57 pm
Most of the time the stuff I see on craigslist is as expensive as eBay and sometimes even more. However, I can attest that good deals do come up on occasion. I once scored an Agilent 34410A from a small engineering firm for less than $300 cash and a 40-minute drive round trip. Rare, but sweet and with some concept of the conditions under which it lived.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on March 14, 2017, 12:54:24 am
My third 856x spectrum analyzer, this one initially thought to be an 8568a, turns out it is a 'B' model that sat in a closet since 1985 when it was last calibrated.  Cables included.  I open it up to tweak the CRT and it is perfectly clean, all the nuts and bolts are there, cables perfectly routed and not falling apart.  It has a sticky button or two on the display unit and the RF unit has a coating on it I can't get off. And as my kids used to say, "needs a battery" but the calibration constants are near spot-on and DOBA (that's an industry term).

I paid $175 plus the guy drove it from Boise to Tahoe where I picked it up.  This has to be a record low for a functioning 8568B or even an 8568A, which is on the cover.  He overlooked the - 01K option that adds the 'B' processor and other hardware an d documentation.

One of these I am going to add the SimmConnLabs LCD to, maybe my 8566b, but the 8568s have such low noise and mist of my playing us in HF.  Had to get my son to help lift it into the rack, these things are real beasts.

Jerry
All that HP iron from the eighties is heavy....
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: mtdoc on March 14, 2017, 01:08:09 am
Most of the time the stuff I see on craigslist is as expensive as eBay and sometimes even more. However, I can attest that good deals do come up on occasion. I once scored an Agilent 34410A from a small engineering firm for less than $300 cash and a 40-minute drive round trip. Rare, but sweet and with some concept of the conditions under which it lived.

I've only had one good Craigslist TE score. An excellent condition Tek 465b and Tek scope cart for $100. It was in Tacoma which is a 2 hour drive from our home - but luckily the timing was perfect and we we're passing through on our way back from Sea-Tac airport so I convinced my wife that we should stop to take a look.  The funny thing was that the owner wasn't there but his wife was and showed me the scope in the garage. Once I agreed to take it the looks exchanged between his wife and mine were priceless!  ;D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: james_s on March 14, 2017, 02:10:41 am
You can find deals once in a while on craigslist but for this sort of thing it seems like most people look on ebay and see what others are asking for a similar instrument and then post it for one of those optimistic prices.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: cncjerry on March 14, 2017, 03:35:31 am
I agree with all the comments and I like watching people with a high listing on Craigslist slowly drop the price over the years. 
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on March 14, 2017, 03:50:40 am
slowly drop the price over the years.

Years. That's a persistent seller. :D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xwarp on March 15, 2017, 12:45:10 am
 |O

Your 3rd one?

Want to give up your worst one for a reasonable price?


Great Score Jerry   :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on March 15, 2017, 12:50:11 am
|O

Your 3rd one?

Want to give up your worst one for a reasonable price?


Great Score Jerry   :-+
This is The EEV Blog forum, there are some heavy hitters here.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xwarp on March 15, 2017, 12:52:55 am
Yeah, got that....lol

I've been watching craigslist for a couple of years now waiting for one to show up locally plus 150 miles out, and they don't.

Problem is that I wouldn't use it enough.......I just want one.



|O

Your 3rd one?

Want to give up your worst one for a reasonable price?


Great Score Jerry   :-+
This is TEA, there are some heavy hitters here. :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on March 15, 2017, 02:01:53 am
Problem is that I wouldn't use it enough.......I just want one.

Sounds like a classic case of TEA to me. (insert tea-sipping smiley here)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: james_s on March 15, 2017, 04:32:29 am
I've always wanted an RF spectrum analyzer, but I can't really come up with a good enough use for one to justify the cost. Maybe I'd find uses I didn't know I had once I got one? I don't know. It would have to be something smaller than that one too, I like CRT based instruments but I don't have space for gigantic boat anchors.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: cncjerry on March 15, 2017, 06:33:07 am
Depends  on where your hobby leads you.  I love playing around with RF design, amplifiers, filters, mixers, phasing systems, DSP, etc.  I couldn't live without an analyzer, or two, or three, actually four or five if you count the old parallel port one I have, six if you count the boards I have for Scotty's analyzer for when I retire, seven if you count my VNA, eight and nine if you count the two other simple-type VNAs I almost forgot about.  OK, OK, no more spectrum analyzers, I promise.

I do plan to build Scotty's analyzer and extend it to a VNA.  I have a beautiful set of gold plated boards that are just dying for parts.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: james_s on March 15, 2017, 07:51:32 am
My interest in RF comes and goes, I tend to cycle through hobbies, set something aside and then come back around to it sooner or later. For the time being the FFT feature on my scope gets me close enough. In the meantime I'll keep an eye out for a broken one I can fix. The problem though with gear like this is that almost everyone who knows how to use it also knows how to fix it so you don't see the deals on broken stuff like there is with consumer equipment.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on March 15, 2017, 01:32:05 pm
Well thing is that the equipment does not always stay in the hands of people who know how to use and fix it. Lots of test equipment is owned by companies where it sometimes sits unused and unloved on a shelf until the company goes under and gets thrown out. Sometimes its fully working, sometimes its broken.

Tho RF test gear can be a gamble to buy broken. That big list of self test failures could be something as simple as that -15V rail being absent due to a blown regulator or it could be that a expensive and delicate component deep inside the RF path is completely toast. To even diagnose it you likely need good deal of RF knowledge and a bunch of other RF test gear to test the component. Then you have to find the replacement somewhere (Could involve buying another differently broken unit to cannibalize it out of) and when you replace it it likely throws all the calibration out of wack. Getting it back in cal might involve even more RF test gear to do and a 150 page long procedure of tweaking trimmers.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: cncjerry on March 15, 2017, 02:35:00 pm
Yes, but an uncalibrated spectrum analyzer is still better than no analyzer. 

Granted, I live in the north bay above silicon valley so there is a ton of equipment that shows up on craigslist.  I know I mentioned this before, but if you setup some search notifications and jump on the stuff usually people will take reasonable offers.  I said I was a bottom feeder, and I am, but I am way above the wholesale liquidation people when it comes to price.  Sometimes you just have to be persistent.  My first analyzer, an Advantest R3131a with TG, near perfect, the guy wanted $2,500.  I sent him a nice email saying if he ever gets to where he'll accept $750 to call me.  A year later he did.  I watched him drop the price and drop the price and finally he gave up.  Ended up being a really nice guy too.   I've had other people get all pissy about the low ball offer and I just hit the delete key.  I never understood why someone would get mad about an offer.  Or if they did, why they would take the time to write a long hateful note.  And then look like a real idiot when the drop their ridiculous price over the next 9 months.

The searches are the key and you have to move fast with cash on craigslist.  The problem with eBay is the shipping.  I like old, heavy, lab-grade equipment that I can fix.  Yes, they don't have the bells and horns like some of the new gear.  But you can get all the decode on a scope on a $16 logic analyzer knockoff these days.  I can upload a trace to excel and do all the stats and plotting I would care to do.  Yep, not right on the tube, but still get the data I want.  One other thought, two of my HP analyzers still exceed their calibrations 32yrs later.  The other is on the border line.  The only disadvantage is shelf space and you can get a rack from the Container Store for like $150 that holds 300lbs per shelf.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on March 15, 2017, 06:56:21 pm
Yeah, there sure are interesting types out there, especially here in the bay area since it's quite the international melting pot. Most people I've met via craigslist were really nice, though. Thanks for sharing your experiences, Jerry.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on March 16, 2017, 04:50:27 am
My newest toy has arrived - an Agilent N2891A 70 MHz 7 kV differential probe, like new with all accessories in the original case. Doesn't appear it was ever used - I love ebay when it delivers such great stuff.
I committed to buying this a day before Dave announced his new probe or I'd have bought his. This was most likely cheaper anyway, sorry Dave!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: cncjerry on March 16, 2017, 04:54:16 am
OK, Steve, nice find.  I would like to have one but can't for the life of me figure out what I would need a 7kv differential probe for.  Please share, please do... :popcorn:

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on March 16, 2017, 05:07:22 am
OK, Steve, nice find.  I would like to have one but can't for the life of me figure out what I would need a 7kv differential probe for.  Please share, please do... :popcorn:

Not sure I need a 7 kV probe either - doubt I'll get anywhere near that, but then you never know. It was the right price and at the 100:1 setting it works just fine down to pretty low voltages.
For now it will mainly be used for switching power supply work.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on March 16, 2017, 06:07:21 am
Great find, Steve - congrats!

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: SimonD on March 16, 2017, 07:32:19 am
Hi Steve,
Looks like an excellent choice!
How many bucks ? from eBay ?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on March 16, 2017, 04:13:38 pm
Hi Steve,
Looks like an excellent choice!
How many bucks ? from eBay ?

It was $350.00 USD.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on March 16, 2017, 05:17:09 pm
Hi Steve,
Looks like an excellent choice!
How many bucks ? from eBay ?

It was $350.00 USD.
WoW
That qualifies as the Deal of the Month.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on March 16, 2017, 05:32:52 pm
Steve is the master of scores on probes!

I would also use them for power supply work. Nowhere near 7kV, but still useful at a few hundred. Lots of headroom.

Looking forward to seeing Dave's probes.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: mtdoc on March 16, 2017, 07:03:27 pm
Hi Steve,
Looks like an excellent choice!
How many bucks ? from eBay ?

It was $350.00 USD.
WoW
That qualifies as the Deal of the Month.

Yes, well done! :-+

Coincidently,  I recently purchased an excellent condition Tek p5205 differential probe (100MHz, 1300V) plus the necessary Tek 1103 power supply for $348 delivered. I was feeling proud of myself,  but that combo is not nearly as nice as your Agilent N2891A. :-[

Steve is truly the master of the Ebay TE scores!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: BU508A on March 17, 2017, 08:35:29 am
I've scored this Tek THS 720A with two probes and the original carrying case for around 230 EUR two years ago at HAM Radio in Friedrichshafen.

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: G0HZU on March 18, 2017, 12:44:47 am
Quote
This has to be a record low for a functioning 8568B or even an 8568A, which is on the cover.

About 10 years ago I bought a fully functioning HP8568B for just £125. Still got it and it is still working fine :)

The best bargain I have seen (if you exclude freebies and skip salvages) was a fully working Marconi 2383 4.2GHz spectrum analyser that cost just £25 about 10 years ago. I didn't buy it but I know the person who did.

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: eugenenine on March 18, 2017, 09:02:49 pm
Picked up this today
(http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn275/eugenenine/Misc/IMG_20170318_1628233.jpg)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on March 21, 2017, 05:53:19 pm
I got myself a Lecroy LC584AL (1GHz, 2Gs/s 1Mpts) scope from the broken test equipment asylum called Ebay. According to the seller it doesn't show a picture so it was cheap after making an offer.

This is the picture from the Ebay listing:
(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=291623;image)
I'm starting to worry I have to un-score this. It has been marked 'shipped' more than 3 weeks ago from the US and the Ebay seller has not provided me with a tracking number despite several requests so I have no idea when it will arrive or wether it is stuck somewhere. I'd really hate it if I have to open a Paypal claim.
Today I opened a Paypal claim and almost immediately got a refund from the Ebay seller. Ofcourse I started looking to see if there is something else out there and  :wtf: :wtf: :wtf: :wtf: IT GOT RELISTED ( http://www.ebay.com/itm/LeCroy-LC584AL-1GHz-Oscilloscope-8GS-s-2-GS-s-FOR-PARTS-OR-REPAIR-/282404432028 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/LeCroy-LC584AL-1GHz-Oscilloscope-8GS-s-2-GS-s-FOR-PARTS-OR-REPAIR-/282404432028) ) ! The a-hole never even shipped it to me and just kept quiet!  :rant: I'm slightly pissed off right now. But then again it might be a total lemon  :-BROKE and a higher force has prevented me from wasting my money.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: james_s on March 21, 2017, 06:04:56 pm
They probably found out it was going to cost a lot more than expected to ship it to you, given my experience shipping heavy things from the US to other nations it would not surprise me if the shipping costs more than you paid for the scope. Still a crummy way to do business, he owed you an explanation but I'm guessing that's something like what happened. I don't know why but US shipping companies all gouge for overseas shipping. They charge much more than it costs to have something shipped here from overseas.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on March 21, 2017, 06:15:03 pm
I see that the relisted scope says something about not shipping internationally due to "past issues with international buyers".  I wonder if that's new, and he means you and that the "problem" was that you expected him to ship it to you after you bought it?   :-// 

Not a cool way to do business.

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on March 21, 2017, 06:15:25 pm
I paid little over $150 for shipping using USPS which is actually slightly high for a piece of equipment this size so I don't think it has to do with shipping costs. Perhaps filling out a custom's form was too much to ask. Actually I enquired him specifically about the shipping costs to the NL (I always add that the NL is in West-Europe) and he quoted me the shipping costs before I commited to buying the oscilloscope.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on March 21, 2017, 06:38:41 pm
Is that high? For me to ship that scope from Canada to NL using UPS it would be at least 150 USD and that is with a 70% discount off book rates. Obviously UPS is generally more expensive then USPS but shipping rates tend to be through the roof everywhere lately.

Either way that is certainly a bad experience overall and a crap seller.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: james_s on March 21, 2017, 06:48:38 pm
International shipping has gotten obscenely expensive in recent years, I used to ship stuff all over the place but today I would not even attempt to ship a monster of a scope like that internationally. Of course I would say as much up front and not back out after the deal had closed.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on March 21, 2017, 08:13:41 pm
If the price + shipping costs are worth it you won't hear me complaining. It is not unusual for me to pay more for shipping than the piece of equipment. Anyway, on to finding something else interesting!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: james_s on March 21, 2017, 08:23:30 pm
Yeah it just annoys me that it costs so much. It's too bad that didn't work out too, regardless of the reason, that was a really crummy way for that seller to handle it, hopefully you left negative feedback.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xwarp on March 27, 2017, 09:37:34 am
Hit the local annual ham-fest this weekend. 1st one I've ever been to.

Picked up a Fluke 27/FM, (which has issues, but was in mint shape), a Fluke 8050A, (which also is in mint shape and only needed nicd's), and finally, a Radiometer Type SMG-1 Stereo Generator.

All for $80!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: usagi on March 30, 2017, 07:11:36 am
Keithley 2015 THD. $349. this ebay seller has hundreds for sale.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: capt bullshot on March 30, 2017, 07:50:53 am
This was my biggest, not my latest score (in terms of number of TE acquired on one single trip):
Two HP6632 supplies, a Fluke 8600 multimeter, a Powerbox 3100 power supply, and the bonus Delta Elektronika SM 45-70 (which means 45V at 70A -> 3kW)
All from a single visit at Rosenkranz Elektronik in Darmstadt (the town where I got my EE diploma many years ago)

The Powerbox is now my most used supply, the 6632s are modded with some front panel binding posts, the Fluke has a weak relay inside (still have to repair this), and the Delta had a broken DIP flat cable connector (which I fixed).
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: BU508A on March 30, 2017, 10:05:18 am
All from a single visit at Rosenkranz Elektronik in Darmstadt (the town where I got my EE diploma many years ago)

Do you know this lucky bag near Darmstadt, which is called Rainer Förtig?
http://rainer-foertig.de/ (http://rainer-foertig.de/)

:-D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: razberik on March 30, 2017, 10:12:18 am
300€ for 6632B ?
That confirms my assumption that german buyers are so damm rich. Thats why I am unable to win anything for reasonable price on german ebay.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: capt bullshot on March 30, 2017, 10:15:16 am
Do you know this lucky bag near Darmstadt, which is called Rainer Förtig?
http://rainer-foertig.de/ (http://rainer-foertig.de/)
Yes, I know their website, but haven't been there.
A few week ago, I've been at the "längste Theke der Welt", visited Karl Knopf at his Messgerätemarkt and Hifi store, got that Datron 1061 and a TDS580C from him:
http://wunderkis.de/datron1061a/index.html (http://wunderkis.de/datron1061a/index.html)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: capt bullshot on March 30, 2017, 10:17:11 am
300€ for 6632B ?

Nope, the whole pile was about 700 Euros, each 6632B about 200 Euro

But you're right, German ebay bidders are some kind of insane (in terms of prices they bid). I leave many auctions alone just because of that, it's hard to find a real bargain.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on March 30, 2017, 03:28:20 pm
Keithley 2015 THD. $349. this ebay seller has hundreds for sale.

Nice one.

I got mine for something similar in really good condition and it has become my favorite multimeter.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: usagi on March 30, 2017, 07:46:46 pm
Agilent 34401a. $385

Looks absolutely brand new, pristine - not a scratch. Screen protector is still attached. Zero VFD wear. Passes self test.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: HighVoltage on March 30, 2017, 07:55:13 pm
Agilent 34401a. $385

Looks absolutely brand new, pristine - not a scratch. Screen protector is still attached. Zero VFD wear. Passes self test.
You got very lucky, congratulations
In much less quality, they usually go for much more
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: usagi on March 30, 2017, 09:22:25 pm
Agilent 34401a. $385

Looks absolutely brand new, pristine - not a scratch. Screen protector is still attached. Zero VFD wear. Passes self test.
You got very lucky, congratulations
In much less quality, they usually go for much more

now that it's discontinued, there's a hurricane of 34401a being dumped on ebay. it's easy to just wait out for a good deal. doesn't take long.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on March 30, 2017, 09:24:01 pm
This was my biggest, not my latest score (in terms of number of TE acquired on one single trip):
Two HP6632 supplies, a Fluke 8600 multimeter, a Powerbox 3100 power supply, and the bonus Delta Elektronika SM 45-70 (which means 45V at 70A -> 3kW)
All from a single visit at Rosenkranz Elektronik in Darmstadt (the town where I got my EE diploma many years ago)

The Powerbox is now my most used supply

That Powerbox has an interesting front panel. I hadn't seen one before.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on March 30, 2017, 09:27:17 pm
Agilent 34401a. $385

Looks absolutely brand new, pristine - not a scratch. Screen protector is still attached. Zero VFD wear. Passes self test.
You got very lucky, congratulations
In much less quality, they usually go for much more

now that it's discontinued, there's a hurricane of 34401a being dumped on ebay. it's easy to just wait out for a good deal. doesn't take long.

I haven't been watching very closely, but the price of 34401A seem higher now than a couple of years ago. Are there still businesses buying them for automation/compatibility reasons?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xrunner on March 30, 2017, 09:47:24 pm
Agilent 34401a. $385

Looks absolutely brand new, pristine - not a scratch. Screen protector is still attached. Zero VFD wear. Passes self test.

*** drool ***

 :scared:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on March 30, 2017, 10:35:33 pm
Agilent 34401a. $385

Looks absolutely brand new, pristine - not a scratch. Screen protector is still attached. Zero VFD wear. Passes self test.

*** drool ***

 :scared:
Yah I agree.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: HighVoltage on March 30, 2017, 11:02:13 pm

I haven't been watching very closely, but the price of 34401A seem higher now than a couple of years ago. Are there still businesses buying them for automation/compatibility reasons?
Yes, prices have gone up for the 34401A on ebay over the last few years, especially when the instrument is in good condition. And now, with the possible problems of the 34461A and other new DMM, the prices of the 34401A will probably increase even more.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on March 31, 2017, 12:55:32 am
Interesting. Thanks for the insights, HV.

I certainly wouldn't give mine up. Although the 34401A and 34410A don't have dual display, graphing, etc., I still prefer their large-digit VFD and prompt startup. :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: tridentsx on March 31, 2017, 04:50:31 am

I went to frys to buy a dishwasher, and I saw that they were closing out their agilent scopes, got a DSOX2012a for $658 8) Wife's not so happy told her to do the dishes by hand for another month :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on March 31, 2017, 05:27:57 am

I went to frys to buy a dishwasher, and I saw that they were closing out their agilent scopes, got a DSOX2012a for $658 8) Wife's not so happy told her to do the dishes by hand for another month :)

Awesome, lots of fun to be had there!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ysjoelfir on March 31, 2017, 09:24:34 am
I have the feeling that I know who will do the dishes for the next few months :D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: HighVoltage on March 31, 2017, 09:29:41 am
The benefit is: Since you will be busy with the new scope, there will not be too many dishes. :-DD   
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Radio Tech on March 31, 2017, 10:04:28 am
I scored this IFR 1200 Super S service monitor a week ago.
0-1 gig
Tracking gen

Was calibrated a little over a year ago.

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on March 31, 2017, 09:42:19 pm
That is a nice one, Buddy. Hope you can get the ol' 1200 back to health, too. Looking forward to the restoration vid. :-/O
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: usagi on March 31, 2017, 10:36:50 pm
a bit of research reveals my 34401a was manufactured in 2008. [davey voice]unbeleeeeeeevabul![/davey voice]
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on April 01, 2017, 01:18:23 am
a bit of research reveals my 34401a was manufactured in 2008. [davey voice]unbeleeeeeeevabul![/davey voice]

Agilent changed to the new front panel design in 2007 so it might be a little bit older then 2008.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on April 01, 2017, 01:26:12 am
At least it's still one of the versions with the newer VFD drivers. :-+

Mine looks just like yours, usagi.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: usagi on April 01, 2017, 06:28:48 am
pair of skookum choochers! at least skookum for a hobbyist.

2 sorensen dcs33-33em47 power supplies. with shipping, ended up $66/ea. seller has a pile of them. lowballed an offer and he accepted. i think he wants them gone.

supplies were obviously well used, and one had bent rack ears. but they still chooch.

specs say output is fixed at 28.5vdc but this does not appear to be the case, i can go all the way down to 0.02V.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Jester on April 01, 2017, 10:07:35 am
Super score!

34401A locally from an old guy that told me "these things are really over priced".........$150

Calibration is well within spec.  :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Radio Tech on April 01, 2017, 12:21:01 pm
a bit of research reveals my 34401a was manufactured in 2008. [davey voice]unbeleeeeeeevabul![/davey voice]

Yes it is a great unit and I always wanted one of these models.
The old unit is going to be a interesting and expensive repair. But it is worth it. Thanks
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xrunner on April 01, 2017, 04:24:49 pm
Super score!

34401A locally from an old guy that told me "these things are really over priced".........$150

Calibration is well within spec.  :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)

$150? What the ...  ???

SCORE!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on April 01, 2017, 07:05:06 pm
A very nice score, indeed! Does he have any other overpriced test equipment he'd like to sell? :-DD
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Jester on April 02, 2017, 01:47:02 am
A very nice score, indeed! Does he have any other overpriced test equipment he'd like to sell? :-DD

The guy actually had two of these meters, however he was keeeping the other one. He did have some very nice HI-FI tube audio amplifers. I paid about $300 for the other 34401's I have, and the others are old in comparison.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on April 02, 2017, 02:30:42 am
Yeah, its youth is apparent from the front panel. Congrats on the deal.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Neo2199 on April 02, 2017, 04:09:58 am
I got Siglent SDG1032X generator in open box condition for $220 with shipping in USA. Waiting for the package now :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: tautech on April 02, 2017, 04:19:04 am
I got Siglent SDG1032X generator in open box condition for $220 with shipping in USA. Waiting for the package now :)
Good score, you'll be well pleased with it for that price. RRP is $ 399
Check to see all the bits are with it, listed near the bottom of the product page:
http://siglentamerica.com/pdxx.aspx?id=4705&T=2&tid=16 (http://siglentamerica.com/pdxx.aspx?id=4705&T=2&tid=16)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xrunner on April 06, 2017, 12:07:57 pm
Picked up an HP 5316B with option input C which allows up to 1 GHz. Works great and is in magnificent condition.  :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on April 06, 2017, 12:11:31 pm
Very Nice. :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: dskalski on April 06, 2017, 04:05:51 pm
I was able to get a Tektronix T921 for free from a friend.  It's an oldie but seems to still work properly and was able to learn from it. :D

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: VintageNut on April 06, 2017, 07:48:46 pm
I picked up two of these linear power supplies that are 35v @ 20A. They are incredibly heavy.  I verified operation up to 20V @ 20A for each. These will be used for powering DIY amplifier projects. These are still in production and list for USD $2K each. The seller packaged them extremely well. I was shocked.

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on April 06, 2017, 10:27:54 pm
I was able to get a Tektronix T921 for free from a friend.  It's an oldie but seems to still work properly and was able to learn from it. :D
I think everyone should learn on an analogue scope...
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: james_s on April 07, 2017, 12:48:36 am
That's a cute little scope too, and yes I always recommend people learn to use an analog scope first, once you are proficient with that then many aspects of a DSO will make more sense and you will have a better understanding overall.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: BravoV on April 07, 2017, 06:33:18 am
Tektronix A6902A Probe Isolator, the whole probe system that is physically bigger and heavier than the scope it self.  :scared:

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/chat/test-equipment-anonymous-(tea)-group-therapy-thread/?action=dlattach;attach=306271;image)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PointyOintment on April 11, 2017, 06:28:54 am
A couple of months ago, from the government surplus depot, I got a Rubbermaid hospital computer cart and a Data Precision 134 multimeter for $20 each. Pictures will have to wait until I can get them out again.

The other day, at the local ham radio flea market, I got: Heathkit capacitor open/short checker with magic eye tube ($25), old military aircraft radar antenna-pointing gyroscope from late 1950s or early 1960s ($5), 121 One Transistor Projects (1970) by Rufus P. Turner (http://hackaday.com/2016/02/15/do-you-know-rufus-turner/) ($1). The gyroscope runs on 28 V, 400 Hz, 3-phase; I am considering using a reprogrammed commodity brushless motor ESC to generate that—I don't think the square waves would be bad for the motors given that they're fine for modern motors.

Edit: I think I'm going to join bogdan2014's thread on generating 400 Hz power for old aircraft gyroscopes (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/projects/400hz-three-phase-power-supply-for-aviation-stuff/).
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: aargee on April 13, 2017, 02:01:08 am
Ahh.. good old TAB books.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on April 13, 2017, 07:40:59 pm
Today I've ordered a Micsig TO1104 tablet scope. Stay tuned  8)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on April 13, 2017, 07:49:55 pm
This should be interesting...
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: guido on April 13, 2017, 10:06:58 pm
Tek P6015A HV probe. Looks like it is NOS, think the only "use" was the yearly calibration (ex. US army). Complete with case and manual.
I was the only bidder in an auction: 56 euro's. Think it counts as a score  8)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on April 14, 2017, 05:06:14 am
Today I've ordered a Micsig TO1104 tablet scope. Stay tuned  8)

We bought one at work not that long ago and it is pretty impressive. Not the most responsive scope in the world, but works well. Also first scope i seen that not only has a very fast updating browser UI but it also does it over WiFi.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Howardlong on April 14, 2017, 08:55:06 am
Today I've ordered a Micsig TO1104 tablet scope. Stay tuned  8)

Ooo, be careful... you might end up with a nasty GAS collection!

I regret that mine spends its life under the bench, ready charged for those special moments, but each time I've brought it out thinking it'd be great for a particular job, I lose patience with it and go back to using a conventional bench scope. The same applies to the two other handheld scopes I have sitting under the same bench. I am sure a lot of this is just my Luttite ways, and I should invest more time in it. Once the promised serial decoder is released maybe I will.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on April 15, 2017, 10:04:28 pm
Today I've ordered a Micsig TO1104 tablet scope. Stay tuned  8)
Ooo, be careful... you might end up with a nasty GAS collection!
I get rid of equipment I don't need so there is also an outbound stream of test equipment. But yes I'll will get into trouble. Today a big box arrived and my wife was eagerly watching when I opened it to see what I had ordered this time. Look honey, it is laundry detergent!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: cncjerry on April 15, 2017, 11:07:52 pm
I expect the greatest benefit will be having frequently used equipment located at hand in one place rather than having to search through various lockers, cabinets and drawers which is starting to become a real chore.
I just get rid of equipment I no longer use. I mean: how much equipment do you really need?

Blasphemy!!!  Should be banned!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: mmagin on April 16, 2017, 07:53:06 pm
So I decided to finally get a plain old VOM (e.g. 20000 ohms/volt) at least for the sake of completeness, and because I like old things.  So I bought a Simpson 255.  We'll see if it is working as good as claimed when it shows up, but it went for far less money than the more widely-known 260 seems to go for, and I can live without the 10 amp range.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xwarp on April 16, 2017, 10:09:54 pm
I got lucky and found someone who had an extra HP 333A distortion analyzer that I got for less than 60 bucks shipped.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on April 16, 2017, 11:24:02 pm
I got lucky and found someone who had an extra HP 333A distortion analyzer that I got for less than 60 bucks shipped.
That's a good deal :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: james_s on April 17, 2017, 06:29:04 am
I expect the greatest benefit will be having frequently used equipment located at hand in one place rather than having to search through various lockers, cabinets and drawers which is starting to become a real chore.
I just get rid of equipment I no longer use. I mean: how much equipment do you really need?

Blasphemy!!!  Should be banned!

I'm glad people get rid of equipment, where else would I get it? Personally I think it's kind of pointless to hoard stuff just for the sake of having it, I try not to keep too much stuff that is redundant or completely unneeded.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: HighVoltage on April 17, 2017, 07:15:14 am
I got a really good deal (again) on a Keysight branded 34410A DMM that is broken and needs repair.
Similar to the picture, for those of you who don't know this instrument
May be I am lucky and it is still covered by warranty, will see when it arrives.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: razberik on April 17, 2017, 09:00:23 am
That fan always annoyed me to madness. Thats the reason I always refused 34410A in my work and we have lot of them.
I bought 34401A instead.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: HighVoltage on April 17, 2017, 09:09:55 am
That fan always annoyed me to madness. Thats the reason I always refused 34410A in my work and we have lot of them.
I bought 34401A instead.
Oh, that is easily solved.
1. Install a new fan
2. Add a resistor in line to have about 50% speed reduction of the fan.
This makes the instrument very quiet and really has no influence on the stability and accuracy of the DMM.
I have done this on a few of these meters already and it works like a charm.

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: H.O on April 17, 2017, 11:36:17 am
I just got one of the GW Instek GDM-8251 multimeters on EBAY and while Googling around I stumbled across the scanner input module (GDM-SC1)for it on sale at the Swedish Distrelec branch (ELFA) so picked one of those up for ~$85 including shipping (seems to retail for $290).
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: JXL on April 17, 2017, 07:42:37 pm
I just got one of the GW Instek GDM-8251 multimeters on EBAY and while Googling around I stumbled across the scanner input module (GDM-SC1)for it on sale at the Swedish Distrelec branch (ELFA) so picked one of those up for ~$85 including shipping (seems to retail for $290).

My GDM-8251 does not have a slot for the scanner.  The manual indicates it's for GDM-8255A meters.  Hope you can cancel the order.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: james_s on April 17, 2017, 08:54:28 pm
Or find a GDM-8255A, never hurts to have a spare meter.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Jester on April 17, 2017, 11:41:27 pm
I added a 8251A to my collection of bench DMM's and I quite like it. Good alternate to the 34401A's I use. I particularly like:
 + 10A current range
 + 100mA current range
 + Large and quite good display

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: H.O on April 18, 2017, 05:30:50 am
Quote
My GDM-8251 does not have a slot for the scanner.
Crap, here I was thinking I got a good deal - I totally missed that when browsing the manual.  :palm:  While it does say it's for the 8255 in one or two places, other places indicates it's for both.
No such thing as a free lunch, I guess.

Thanks for the heads up, it'll help tone down the frustration once it arrives  |O
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Enigma-man on April 18, 2017, 03:21:41 pm
Here is an equipment score I thought might be worthy of posting...

After a family member sent me some pix of three power supplies laying around in his garage (unknown to me for at least ten years), I was
ready to give him one upside the head...
One power supply was an HP6627A and the other two were older HP 6282A 0-10V @ 20 Amp boat anchors !!
I was more interested in the 6627A
"Do you have any use for these ???", he asked.  What do you think my answer was ?
I took all three.  One of the older 6282's was damaged with a broken meter holder and busted neon lamp indicator along with a  fair amount
of cosmetic issues. It was a "working spare" according to the label and will remain as that way.
Anyway, the three were covered in dust.  The HP6627A did not see much use when the facility it was in closed up shop.  It is in near
pristene condition except for some minor scratches on the cover.  The faceplate is immaculate.  It works great and I am currently in
the process of making a GPIB to PC parallel port interface to control the 6627A with a Visual Basic program.
For those unfamiliar with the 6627A, it has four 40W outputs.  Low range is 0-20V @ 2Amps while the high range is 0-50V @.8 Amps
Just about good enough for any experimenting and protyping.  This family of power supplies was intended to be used in a production
environment, sending back data to a computer via the GPIB bus.   While not intended to be a laboratory power supply, it could be used
as such by punching in voltage and current from the keypad.  No big deal.
The 6627A didn't need more than an hour of cleaning.  Mostly grime and label removal as well as internal cleaning of dust.
The only mod I made was to the AC fan.  It was waaaaaaaaaaaay too loud.  In a large building space one probably wouldn't even
notice, but on a bench in a fairly quiet environment... you get the picture.  I substituted the original AC fan with a lower volume one which
still moves air but is more tolerable on the ears and nerves.  I don't intend to run it at full load capacity so internal heating should not be a
problem.   I think there was a thread here at this forum which dealt with an HP power supply from the same family and a concern was the
hybrid power module.  I looked at the module and the parts should be easy to obtain if it needs repair.  If the module was encapsulated
it would be an issue, but none of them are encapsulated.  Here are some pix of my recent score.
The price was "pick 'em up and take 'em off my hands."  On eBay the 6627A's are available for a wide range of asking prices.  Even a
unit at a low price will cost you big time.  It's a heavy piece of equipment and subject to ridiculous shipping charges if you had to have
it shipped from overseas.  Also, bad packing techniques could result in damage that wasn't there to begin with.  Risky, to say the least.
This is a precision piece of equipment.  One probably wouldn't want or need another power supply.
Pictures one shows the unit with cover on.
Pic three is the huge power transformer
Pic four shows two power supply boards attached to the hinged cover.  It's easy to remove the output boards.
Pic five shows the hybrid module which should be fairly easy to repair if need be.
Pic six shows the substitute fan I installed in place of the annoying original one...

Well, that's it.  I didn't show the boat anchor 6282, but I might if asked.  Thanks for looking and commenting if you do.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on April 18, 2017, 03:36:29 pm
Nice catch Enigma-Man.  :-+ :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Enigma-man on April 18, 2017, 04:52:07 pm
I was planning on homebrewing a few CV/CC power supplies, but after acquiring the 6627A,  it makes no sense to make a pc board, drill it, populate it with
components, troubleshhoot it and work on a  cabinet and face plate.  :-\
Besides, it would never be anywhere near the precision and accuracy of 6627A.
Either I am getting lazier as I age or just getting practical.  Maybe a bit of both, I think.
However, I do have some LDO low noise regulators that I could see in some sort of cabinet on the bench.  Today's technology is beyond
simple 7805 and LM317 regulators for reliable results especially with 16 bit and higher A/D and D/A experimenting.
The old standby's are too noisy.

 
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: james_s on April 18, 2017, 06:06:49 pm
It's a combination of things I think. Life is a finite resource, I like to build things but even if I could live to be 150 I'll never have time to build all the projects I want to build so sometimes I just buy something and focus my building efforts on something I can't just go out and buy.

Power supplies are interesting though, it's fun to design and build them and mine are all self made. I think they make good beginner to intermediate projects, a good basic variable linear bench supply with CV/CC is simple enough to be approachable but complex enough to be interesting.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xwarp on April 18, 2017, 09:06:46 pm
Fedex dropped the HP333A today and after a quick cabinet cleaning, I just couldn't wait to plug it in. Injected an 800hz 1v sine wave and it looks like everything is working as it should albeit it does appear that it needs switch cleaning.

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on April 18, 2017, 09:28:46 pm
Fedex dropped the HP333A today and after a quick cabinet cleaning, I just couldn't wait to plug it in. Injected an 800hz 1v sine wave and it looks like everything is working as it should albeit it does appear that it needs switch cleaning.

Did they drop it right in front of you? :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xwarp on April 18, 2017, 10:39:20 pm
Fedex dropped the HP333A today and after a quick cabinet cleaning, I just couldn't wait to plug it in. Injected an 800hz 1v sine wave and it looks like everything is working as it should albeit it does appear that it needs switch cleaning.

Did they drop it right in front of you? :)

If they did, they probably made it better....LOL

Seriously, the Fedex driver that works the neighborhood used to live next door so I know that he takes care of the stuff for me.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xrunner on April 18, 2017, 11:07:58 pm
TM504 with a PS503A and DM501A. PS503 seems to be OK but the DM501 is acting a little flaky, meaning it needs a LOT of internal switch cleaning. But we can handle that ...  :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on April 18, 2017, 11:12:56 pm
TM504 with a PS503A and DM501A. PS503 seems to be OK but the DM501 is acting a little flaky, meaning it needs a LOT of internal switch cleaning. But we can handle that ...  :)

Nice! And so it begins...
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on April 19, 2017, 04:34:23 am
TM504 with a PS503A and DM501A. PS503 seems to be OK but the DM501 is acting a little flaky, meaning it needs a LOT of internal switch cleaning. But we can handle that ...  :)

And so the hook is set.   >:D

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on April 19, 2017, 04:37:07 am
Nice score, E-man!!   :-+

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: mtdoc on April 19, 2017, 04:44:15 am
Very nice, but there's 2 empty slots there just begging to be filled!  >:D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on April 19, 2017, 04:45:43 am
Very nice, but there's 2 empty slots there just begging to be filled!  >:D

 :-DD  I have little doubt he's going to need another rack unit almost before you can blink an eye!

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: exor on April 19, 2017, 08:24:52 am
Found this Yokogawa WT110 from eBay (sellers pictures) and seller accepted my second offer. Looks clean and well maintained considering these have been discontinued since year 2000. There is no calibration sticker (even remains of it) though. I wonder if there has been any sticker when leaving the factory?

By the data sheet calibration is possible by the user, haven’t read the 204 page manual yet. At least voltage zero point seems to need some adjustment.

Next I have to make some adapter like this (https://asset.conrad.com/media10/isa/160267/c1/-/de/1427417_RB_00_FB/rohde-schwarz-hzc815-eu-rohde-schwarz-hzc815-eu-netzadapter-fuer-rshmc8015-leistungsmessgeraet-eu-anschluss-3593885202.jpg?x=520&y=520) for connecting device under test.

There are programs (for both RS232 and GP-IB interface, mine has RS232) available on Yokogawa site for configuring the WT110 and recording measured values. Program is suitable only for Win 98 to Win XP, probably have to use my old ThinkPad x61.

Now the meter is just about to leave Italy..  :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: HighVoltage on April 19, 2017, 09:56:40 am
Found this Yokogawa WT110 from eBay (sellers pictures) and seller accepted my second offer. Looks clean and well maintained considering these have been discontinued since year 2000. There is no calibration sticker (even remains of it) though. I wonder if there has been any sticker when leaving the factory?


Nice find!
I am looking forward to your testing reports
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xrunner on April 19, 2017, 11:50:29 am
Very nice, but there's 2 empty slots there just begging to be filled!  >:D

A solution for one of the 2 empty slots has already been implemented via an empty slot filler-provider (Ebay).  :popcorn:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TerraHertz on April 19, 2017, 03:31:45 pm
A few laptops for free. Including the chargers, those are not in the pic.
There were more than I expected.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on April 19, 2017, 05:38:49 pm
Pile-o-portables! :o
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: apelly on April 20, 2017, 04:17:25 am
There were more than I expected.
Ha!   :D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xrunner on April 20, 2017, 11:42:22 am
A pile of portables that's not portable?  :-DD
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TerraHertz on April 20, 2017, 01:56:04 pm
A pile of portables that's not portable?  :-DD

The pile is SLOWLY portable. With a few rests during the process.

Currently being sorted into three piles: Good, minor problems so keep intact, and seriously broken so part out.

The bulk of them are 6 different models, all Lenovo. My favorite of the types is the Lenovo Ideapad S10e. Neat little notepad, see pic. That one in the pic is a bit worn, some are trashed, others look new.

I have no idea what I'll use nearly 200 laptops for. Maybe 50 in top condition. It was sort of an accident, as I'd been expecting to pick up a quantity of all-same desktop systems, for which I do have a purpose in mind. But those are not quite ready for disposal. Anyway, there I was yesterday, and these laptops were to go.

Unfortunately they can't be sold. But I will be giving some away. Well, a lot really, if I can find anyone interested. But first they have to be wiped.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on April 20, 2017, 05:46:06 pm
I have no idea what I'll use nearly 200 laptops for. Maybe 50 in top condition.

Hmm, that leaves 150 panels of bright light. Did you say you needed a video studio, hydroponic garden, solar simulator, mega light table, or perhaps a video wall?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: james_s on April 20, 2017, 06:54:53 pm
Can you trade them for other stuff? Donate them to to the needy or a charitable organization? Have a contest to give some away?

Cute cat btw :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TAMHAN on April 20, 2017, 07:43:31 pm
A Tektronix 576 curve tracer, to accompany my 577. Either they will soon be carcasses, or something interesting will happen.

Prices have recently been on the raise again, so I am not sure if 475USD is a bargain...saw one go for 299 some time ago, but nowadays most of them are much more pricey.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TerraHertz on April 20, 2017, 10:30:00 pm
Can you trade them for other stuff? Donate them to to the needy or a charitable organization? Have a contest to give some away?

All good ideas and in the running. But thinking about that now would be getting way ahead of myself. First the sorting and stuff. Where 'stuff' includes a strong incentive to buy the nlite Win7 version. Which I'd have to do anyway, when those desktop machines do become available.

There's a local Men's Shed that I've been meaning to go visit. Maybe I can swap laptops for TIG welding tuition, or something like that.

Sigh. Pushing this laptops deluge onto the projects stack makes an already too-deep projects queue even more ridiculous.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: mtdoc on April 23, 2017, 07:02:01 pm
$20 each and half a can of DeOxit D5 later and voila! 2 working DP 8200 voltage/current standards!

Also picked up a non-functioning but cosmetically excellent Tek 475 scope for $35.

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=310342;image)
(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=310344;image)
(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=310346;image)
(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=310348;image)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xwarp on April 23, 2017, 07:08:58 pm
$20 each and half a can of DeOxit D5 later and voila! 2 working DP 8200 voltage/current standards!

Also picked up a non-functioning but cosmetically excellent Tek 475 scope for $35.

<snip>

NICE!

Amazing how much the price of things are when there are dirty controls.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: HighVoltage on April 23, 2017, 07:21:42 pm
$20 each and half a can of DeOxit D5 later and voila! 2 working DP 8200 voltage/current standards!

What a nice score
These two standards look like in perfect condition. Congratulations
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bjcuizon on April 24, 2017, 09:33:43 am
I just got my first scope. It's a Leader LBO-522 2 Channel analog scope for $56. It was really a good bargain!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: guido on April 24, 2017, 05:44:31 pm
Now you need these....  :P

(http://members.home.nl/baltusg/DP3500.jpg)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on April 24, 2017, 06:00:16 pm
Ooh, nice Panaplex displays on those 3500. :-DMM
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Vgkid on April 24, 2017, 08:06:29 pm
$20 each and half a can of DeOxit D5 later and voila! 2 working DP 8200 voltage/current standards!
Great score, they are in really good shape as well.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on April 25, 2017, 01:27:52 am
Nice score on the DP-3500s.. :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: mtdoc on April 25, 2017, 04:21:47 am
It's interesting that those DP 3500 DMMs have the same "Guard" terminal that is on their voltage standards. I'm not sure I understand its purpose on the DMMs. :-//
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: guido on April 25, 2017, 05:31:10 pm
I have the user manual if you are interested. It is explained in there. My HP3456A and Prema 5000 meters also have Guard terminals (so probably also explained in the manuals).

Note i had to replace all caps in these. They leaked badly! If your standards have the same brand (Illnois), replace. Some of these are from those meters:

(http://members.home.nl/baltusg/caps2.jpg)

Others came from other equipment, If you see those Rifa X/Y cap, replace also. They are smoke bombs and will go bang.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Radio Tech on April 27, 2017, 09:38:06 am
Picked up a Tektronix TAS465 scope. Unit is in really great shape and owner said it was used very little.
Came with 2 sets of Fluke PM8918 10:1 probes (unopened)
And a Tektronix P6021A current probe.
Also came with a huge Pelican box.

150 bucks for all
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: tautech on April 27, 2017, 09:53:13 am
Picked up a Tektronix TAS465 scope. Unit is in really great shape and owner said it was used very little.
Came with 2 sets of Fluke PM8918 10:1 probes (unopened)
And a Tektronix P6021A current probe.
Also came with a huge Pelican box.

150 bucks for all
:-+
Hell of a score.
The Tek P6021 alone is worth $3k new.  :scared:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on April 27, 2017, 12:07:13 pm
Picked up a Tektronix TAS465 scope. Unit is in really great shape and owner said it was used very little.
Came with 2 sets of Fluke PM8918 10:1 probes (unopened)
And a Tektronix P6021A current probe.
Also came with a huge Pelican box.

150 bucks for all
Nice Catch  :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: rustybronco on April 27, 2017, 12:29:49 pm
Not really excellent deals but good enough in my opinion

Via Ebay...

Tektronix TDS360 'scope $124.99

Tektronix CDC250 175 Mhz (TXCO) freq counter $55.00

Hakko 936 + I-run holder $21.57

Tektronix P6109B 100 Mhz probe $16.79

Tektronix P6117 200 Mhz probe (listed as a P6109B) $15.68

I'm certain the list will grow as time goes on.

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: NewPerfection on April 27, 2017, 05:43:26 pm
Picked up a Xantrex XHR 40-25M power supply that appears to never have been used.  Looks like the only time it was ever taken out of the box was to take pictures for the auction listing; there's not a spec of dust or dirt inside or outside.  Got it from a government auction for $170USD shipped.
It even came with the original manuals, including full detailed schematics, parts lists, and detailed descriptions of the function of each subcircuit.  I don't know if I can legally upload any of it because the manuals explicitly state proprietary/copyright protected and are for US government use only.

40V @ 25A continuous rated, 10-turn pots, remote voltage sensing, can be controlled externally with digital logic or analog input (resistance-based or voltage-based), all the good stuff.  Looks like it was manufactured circa 2000.  The US government must have paid a fortune for these.

I'm mostly excited because it's the first decent variable power supply I've had, and I think I got it for a decent price as well.

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=311182;image)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: james_s on April 27, 2017, 05:52:11 pm
That thing is a beast! What is the voltage range it can do?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: NewPerfection on April 27, 2017, 05:54:53 pm
That thing is a beast! What is the voltage range it can do?
0-40V and 0-25A.  Those are continuous ratings too.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on April 27, 2017, 06:40:31 pm
Picked up a Tektronix TAS465 scope. Unit is in really great shape and owner said it was used very little.
Came with 2 sets of Fluke PM8918 10:1 probes (unopened)
And a Tektronix P6021A current probe.
Also came with a huge Pelican box.

150 bucks for all

Woah! That's a sweet score, Buddy. Looking forward to seeing it in upcoming videos.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on April 27, 2017, 06:49:14 pm
Picked up a Xantrex XHR 40-25M power supply that appears to never have been used.  Looks like the only time it was ever taken out of the box was to take pictures for the auction listing; there's not a spec of dust or dirt inside or outside.  Got it from a government auction for $170USD shipped.

Good score, NewPerfection, and welcome to the forum. These are great power supplies and don't take up too much space on the bench. I have one from the same series, an XHR7.5-130 that trades off voltage (7.5V) for more current (130A).
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: james_s on April 27, 2017, 07:31:45 pm
Dang, what would you use 130A at such low voltage for? Could be handy for electroplating, or working on big old TTL boards.

I have an old 5V 300A switchmode power supply somebody gave me years ago, I've never actually found a good use for it.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: HighVoltage on April 27, 2017, 07:39:56 pm
Dang, what would you use 130A at such low voltage for?
For example:
I have an Agilent 6V 100A power supply and it works very well in charging Super-Capacitors to 2.7V
It is really something to see for the first time, a super cap take 100 A until it reaches almost 2.7V
With 6V, I can even have 2 super caps in series taking 100A to 5.4 V
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: NewPerfection on April 27, 2017, 09:32:56 pm
Good score, NewPerfection, and welcome to the forum.
Thanks!  I've been watching the EEVblog channel for a long time and I listen to the Amp Hour every week, but I never got around to joining the forum.  Glad to be here!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on April 27, 2017, 09:56:14 pm
Dang, what would you use 130A at such low voltage for? Could be handy for electroplating, or working on big old TTL boards.

A wall full of LEDs!

No, just kidding, although that'd be one possibility. I only really needed a bit more than 60 amps to calibrate my electronic load. The rest is just headroom. I have tossed around the idea of modifying it to have a couple of ranges in order to balance out the voltage/current ratio a bit more for more flexibility. 15V @ 65 amps would be nice.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: james_s on April 27, 2017, 11:10:00 pm
The LED wall is actually not a bad idea, although distributing so much power at such a low voltage could be challenging.

If you want 15V at 65 amps the easiest way to get that is probably a hot swap server PSU. Most of them are 12V or a tad higher, 600-1200W is not uncommon, and they're very compact and well made.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on April 27, 2017, 11:40:42 pm
The LED wall is actually not a bad idea, although distributing so much power at such a low voltage could be challenging.

Yeah, low voltage is not optimal for long distances. Of course, one could boost it for transmission.

Quote
If you want 15V at 65 amps the easiest way to get that is probably a hot swap server PSU. Most of them are 12V or a tad higher, 600-1200W is not uncommon, and they're very compact and well made.

 :-+ I've got one in the queue that died in an HP server. A quick peek revealed much complexity inside. I may start a thread although I seem to recall some already that might be similar enough. TBD.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Radio Tech on April 28, 2017, 12:06:22 am


 :-+
Hell of a score.
The Tek P6021 alone is worth $3k new.  :scared:

Thanks, I was quite surprised to get those probes at that price. From what I see on the internet used one are as much as 1500 bucks   :scared:




Nice Catch  :-+

Thanks Sue.





Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: james_s on April 28, 2017, 12:35:59 am
Server PSUs are so cheap on ebay I don't think I'd even try to fix one that died. The ones I have were little more than the cost of shipping.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: tautech on April 28, 2017, 12:38:14 am


 :-+
Hell of a score.
The Tek P6021 alone is worth $3k new.  :scared:

Thanks, I was quite surprised to get those probes at that price. From what I see on the internet used one are as much as 1500 bucks   :scared:
Yep, I spent ~3 yrs watching eBay to get the 2 P6021's I've got and luckily I never paid more than 200 US for each including postage to NZ but that was a few years back. Now it seems everybody wants one.  ::)
One's got the terminator like yours and the other came with Type 131 amp IIRC but with of course with the US 110VAC only PSU. Luckily from another member I recently picked up the 230VAC PSU for a fair price so now I've got 2 and good to go. Better still, they even agree on measurements with each other.  :)

The manuals for them are good to have and easy to find on the net. Be careful with it, they're a little delicate and be careful not to overload it.
Even if you biffed the other stuff you still got a good bargain.  :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on April 28, 2017, 12:48:55 am
Server PSUs are so cheap on ebay I don't think I'd even try to fix one that died. The ones I have were little more than the cost of shipping.

Yeah, it's more personal curiosity than a mission critical operation.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: james_s on April 28, 2017, 03:15:20 am
Well I can't blame you there. I've fixed all sorts of stuff that technically wasn't worth it, just because I could, was curious why it broke, or figured if I fixed it I could give it to somebody who would use it rather than just throw it away.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xwarp on April 28, 2017, 10:23:45 am
Scored a National Panasonic VP-8177A AM/FM Signal Generator. These seem to sell for a couple hundred when they are working. The one I got has issues, but after opening it up, these issues are going to be relatively easy to correct.

Couldn't beat the price considering 60 shipped.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on April 28, 2017, 05:34:28 pm
Well I can't blame you there. I've fixed all sorts of stuff that technically wasn't worth it, just because I could, was curious why it broke, or figured if I fixed it I could give it to somebody who would use it rather than just throw it away.

Yeah, exactly. We're a crazy lot. :-DD
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: whitevamp on April 29, 2017, 02:15:01 am
I bought here 2 weeks ago, 2 tek o-scops both 475A's one with dm44, one works and need a bit of work the other don't work, paid 50 for the pair.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PartialDischarge on April 29, 2017, 05:50:38 am
I got two 1/4 rack Kepco 100V 0.5A power supplies for 80€+shipping. The programmer is also included but no idea what to do with it.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: VK5RC on April 29, 2017, 09:10:51 am
I think I have found the electronic version of the 'odd sock drawer' - the feet off HP test equipment!
Wasn't too expensive but will allow me to finish several bits of refurbished gear. :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on April 29, 2017, 09:12:10 am
So many HaPpy feet!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on April 29, 2017, 09:50:38 am
Wow that is a bit odd...
Looks like every fourth foot that was missing from my purchased hear over my lifetime. :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: tautech on April 29, 2017, 10:05:22 am
I think I have found the electronic version of the 'odd sock drawer' - the feet off HP test equipment!
Wasn't too expensive but will allow me to finish several bits of refurbished gear. :-+
None that will fit a 1740 though. Every one of those that I have seen has had missing and/or broken feet.  :rant:
Last one I had I made a couple from an old broom handle and the one I have now needs a full set of 4.  :palm:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: VK5RC on April 29, 2017, 10:37:05 am
I bet this lot came from the bottom drawer of the guy who ran the local Uni Lab and didn't like feet on gear.
I really got this lot for the metal bales - the plastic 3 pronged feet can be got for not crazy money but if it has the bale - armed robbery!
I wish I was better at 3D CAD stuff - I imagine I could get some of my still missing or broken feet 3D printed.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xrunner on April 29, 2017, 11:27:02 am
I think I have found the electronic version of the 'odd sock drawer' - the feet off HP test equipment!
Wasn't too expensive but will allow me to finish several bits of refurbished gear. :-+

Aha! That's why i keep having to order feet for the Ebay HP gear I get. YOU have all of them!  :palm:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: VK5RC on April 29, 2017, 11:56:00 am
I don't have them yet Moriarty, Not yet.  >:D
They have found there way down to the bottom of the Earth (well I have bought them off a guy in New South Wales - Australia)
It is a rather odd collection.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on April 29, 2017, 05:11:23 pm
Ah, so it was simply gravity. Yes, those feet do seem to be without their locks, so it's no wonder that they fell off and landed in one of the southernmost locations on the planet.

I, too, ended up buying a batch of feet for various HP gear that apparently was rack mounted prior to my acquisition of them. Power Designs gear seems to suffer the same fate -- no feet.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on April 30, 2017, 12:23:32 am
(http://i558.photobucket.com/albums/ss21/AF6LJ/Test%20Gear/0429171716_zpsk8hrjmol.jpg) (http://s558.photobucket.com/user/AF6LJ/media/Test%20Gear/0429171716_zpsk8hrjmol.jpg.html)
A good day at TRW today, not to mention my first time ever at TRW...
The 5255 was $20.00 It is dirty as hell and may not function...
But I took a chance...
The 8620A was a C note, the guy wanted more, but couldn't tell me more about it...
So I made an offer and walked away with it for about half his initial asking price.

I haven't plugged any of them in yet and the converter may need to be blown out real good first...
 
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xrunner on April 30, 2017, 12:31:54 am

I haven't plugged any of them in yet and the converter may need to be blown out real good first...

Very boatanchory haul. Your projects are stacking up.  :popcorn:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on April 30, 2017, 12:36:01 am

I haven't plugged any of them in yet and the converter may need to be blown out real good first...

Very boatanchory haul. Your projects are stacking up.  :popcorn:
I am a little worried my twenty dollar investment may fizzle....
After I cleaned off the dirt on top I saw the warning on storing the converter in a low dust environment...
I also have to do a serial number check before plugging that into my HP-5145L...
I'll give the sweeper a good visual inspection tomorrow and plug it in and see what happens.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on April 30, 2017, 12:37:23 am
I love Boat Anchor TE...
May I can turn some of this fat into muscle by toting this stuff around.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on April 30, 2017, 02:14:25 am
Nice, Sue!!  Glad to hear that you finally made it to TRW.   :-+  I haven't managed to time a visit correctly since some time in the fall.

Did you make it up to Apex, too, or not this trip?  (I'm guessing not, since you made no mention of it.   :( )

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on April 30, 2017, 04:50:38 am
Thanks for sharing your new acquisitions, Sue. Alas, not every bargain is necessarily a good one, but it wasn't a big investment. Who knows. With a good cleaning (and hopefully not a major restoration), it might still turn into a score.

Speaking of potential fizzles, the Epply voltage standard I picked up appears to be an enclosure with four Weston cells in it, hence the four pairs of posts on the front panel. A sticker on top lists four voltages from the last time it was calibrated back in 1985. They're all around 1.0182 volts, which sounds like Weston cells. I'll let it settle for a while before attempting to take measurements. I'll be amazed if it's still anywhere near acceptable voltage.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on April 30, 2017, 11:27:16 am
Nice, Sue!!  Glad to hear that you finally made it to TRW.   :-+  I haven't managed to time a visit correctly since some time in the fall.

Did you make it up to Apex, too, or not this trip?  (I'm guessing not, since you made no mention of it.   :( )

-Pat
Not to Apex yet...
Maybe soon, we shall see....
My friend and I are talking about making the Claremont swap meet, it is supposed to be at least as good as TRW
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on April 30, 2017, 11:30:52 am
Thanks for sharing your new acquisitions, Sue. Alas, not every bargain is necessarily a good one, but it wasn't a big investment. Who knows. With a good cleaning (and hopefully not a major restoration), it might still turn into a score.

Speaking of potential fizzles, the Epply voltage standard I picked up appears to be an enclosure with four Weston cells in it, hence the four pairs of posts on the front panel. A sticker on top lists four voltages from the last time it was calibrated back in 1985. They're all around 1.0182 volts, which sounds like Weston cells. I'll let it settle for a while before attempting to take measurements. I'll be amazed if it's still anywhere near acceptable voltage.
It will be interesting to see how that turns out.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: mmagin on April 30, 2017, 07:51:42 pm
Considering that anything Keithley seems to go for too much on eBay, I'm feeling lucky that I got a Keithley 6102A divider probe for only $20+shipping.  Now with my Keithley 610B I am all set for probing DC voltages in tube gear without loading things down.  8)

(Yes, I could just get a VTVM, but I already had the electrometer, AND I have a ME-26D/U I still need to fix up anyway)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: usagi on April 30, 2017, 08:50:08 pm
Considering that anything Keithley seems to go for too much on eBay, I'm feeling lucky that I got a Keithley 6102A divider probe for only $20+shipping.  Now with my Keithley 610B I am all set for probing DC voltages in tube gear without loading things down.  8)

(Yes, I could just get a VTVM, but I already had the electrometer, AND I have a ME-26D/U I still need to fix up anyway)

keithley 2000's and 2015's are pretty cheap. agilent stuff goes for premium markups for sure.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: mmagin on April 30, 2017, 11:03:46 pm
Considering that anything Keithley seems to go for too much on eBay, I'm feeling lucky that I got a Keithley 6102A divider probe for only $20+shipping.  Now with my Keithley 610B I am all set for probing DC voltages in tube gear without loading things down.  8)

(Yes, I could just get a VTVM, but I already had the electrometer, AND I have a ME-26D/U I still need to fix up anyway)

keithley 2000's and 2015's are pretty cheap. agilent stuff goes for premium markups for sure.

Well, I guess what I meant is that a lot of SMUs and digital-era electrometers (and even older current sources) go for rather a lot.  Their 6.5 digit meters seem to have a lot more competition :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on May 01, 2017, 12:43:00 am
Not to Apex yet...
Maybe soon, we shall see....
My friend and I are talking about making the Claremont swap meet, it is supposed to be at least as good as TRW

Oooh...  I didn't know about that one.  I could conceivably make that if I'm out that way on an appropriate weekend.  Sweet!

Thanks for the tip!

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on May 01, 2017, 12:52:53 am
Not to Apex yet...
Maybe soon, we shall see....
My friend and I are talking about making the Claremont swap meet, it is supposed to be at least as good as TRW

Oooh...  I didn't know about that one.  I could conceivably make that if I'm out that way on an appropriate weekend.  Sweet!

Thanks for the tip!

-Pat
Don't quote me...
But I think it is on the thrid Saturday of the month.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on May 01, 2017, 01:04:56 am
It is indeed the third Saturday of the month.  I googled Claremont Swap Meet.  This doubles my chances of having places to get in trouble (places besides Apex, of course!) on any given visit to CA!   :-+ :-+ :-+

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on May 01, 2017, 02:22:59 am
Speaking of swaps, there is a ham swap in the greater Vancouver BC area next Sunday May 7th - I'll be there. Anyone else local going?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: 1Ghz on May 01, 2017, 09:18:12 am
I got this Lecroy J-250 (1Ghz, 16GS/s) for 629 USD include shipping.
The screen was partially dim. But after I remove CCFL reflector, it's fixed! :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: tautech on May 01, 2017, 09:28:26 am
I got this Lecroy J-250 (1Ghz, 16GS/s) for 629 USD include shipping.
The screen was partially dim. But after I remove CCFL reflector, it's fixed! :-+
Nice, bet it's what you always wanted.....1GHz has got a 1GHz.  ;D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on May 01, 2017, 11:53:07 am
I got this Lecroy J-250 (1Ghz, 16GS/s) for 629 USD include shipping.
The screen was partially dim. But after I remove CCFL reflector, it's fixed! :-+
Nice Score.. :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on May 01, 2017, 11:54:41 am
It is indeed the third Saturday of the month.  I googled Claremont Swap Meet.  This doubles my chances of having places to get in trouble (places besides Apex, of course!) on any given visit to CA!   :-+ :-+ :-+

-Pat
We are at the talking about going stage..
Looking forward to it though...
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: macboy on May 01, 2017, 01:18:23 pm
I got this Lecroy J-250 (1Ghz, 16GS/s) for 629 USD include shipping.
The screen was partially dim. But after I remove CCFL reflector, it's fixed! :-+
Very nice score! That's basically a WavePro 950 scope with the JitterPro software enabled. I paid twice that for a WavePro 960 2 GHz with JitterPro, which I thought was a great score, but I think you got the better deal. Thanks for the tip about the screen, mine also has dark spots, and I didn't imagine it was as simple as a reflector that is (I assume) wrinkled and not doing its job quite right. I'll need to have a look at mine. Any tips on how to open the thing? It wasn't obvious. PM me.

For anyone who is curious, above he is displaying a 1 GHz differential signal, probably a clock. Third trace "A" is the waveform reconstructed from the two inputs, and the forth trace "B" is one representation of the jitter. Here it shows a histogram of the frequency per cycle, with a horizontal scale of 10 MHz per division. This is one of many ways to visualize the jitter on these scopes.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: 1Ghz on May 01, 2017, 02:07:23 pm
Any tips on how to open the thing? It wasn't obvious. PM me.

PM'ed.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on May 01, 2017, 06:12:33 pm
I got this Lecroy J-250 (1Ghz, 16GS/s) for 629 USD include shipping.
The screen was partially dim. But after I remove CCFL reflector, it's fixed! :-+

Wow, what a great score! What was up with the reflector?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on May 01, 2017, 07:54:35 pm
I got this Lecroy J-250 (1Ghz, 16GS/s) for 629 USD include shipping.
The screen was partially dim. But after I remove CCFL reflector, it's fixed! :-+
Nice score!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: wkb on May 01, 2017, 09:05:54 pm
HP storage scope.

For free on a local hamfest as it seems to have a "does not always powerup" problem.  Sofar I have not reproduced that.

It is going as a hand-down to the oldest son of the XYL.  Kinda special to own a scope roughly twice as old as he is  ;D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on May 01, 2017, 09:27:46 pm
Nice for the price. :)  :-+ :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on May 02, 2017, 01:34:57 am
It is indeed the third Saturday of the month.  I googled Claremont Swap Meet.  This doubles my chances of having places to get in trouble (places besides Apex, of course!) on any given visit to CA!   :-+ :-+ :-+

-Pat
We are at the talking about going stage..
Looking forward to it though...

This of course means that my future visits out that way will undoubtedly wind up timed to encompass the first or second weekends of the month...   ::)

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on May 02, 2017, 03:17:29 am
It is indeed the third Saturday of the month.  I googled Claremont Swap Meet.  This doubles my chances of having places to get in trouble (places besides Apex, of course!) on any given visit to CA!   :-+ :-+ :-+

-Pat
We are at the talking about going stage..
Looking forward to it though...

This of course means that my future visits out that way will undoubtedly wind up timed to encompass the first or second weekends of the month...   ::)

-Pat
:)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Geoncic on May 02, 2017, 03:56:14 am
I'm not sure if it is a great deal, but I just got a Hitachi V-1150 delivered for $125. The Ch1 trace seemed to not be able to keep vertical position (kept dropping) and it kept failing two internal tests.

Buut, after opening it up and cleaning all of the rotary switches with contact cleaner, it has worked flawlessly! Now I'm just not sure what to do with it, I'm just starting to dig into electronics, and don't really have any ideas of projects I should work on. I'm a mechanical engineer by trade. Any ideas?

What are some of the first things you did when you got your first scope?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: james_s on May 02, 2017, 04:15:01 am
I got my first scope at a garage sale when I was around 12, one of the first things I did was hook it up to my stereo and watch the patterns from the music.

I also poked around in every electronic device I found and looked at the various waveforms it produced. If you're a ME with no electronics hobby I'm not quite sure what you'll do with a scope but if you get into electronics in any capacity it's wort taking the time to learn how to use it properly.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Nx-1997 on May 02, 2017, 04:03:13 pm
Not exactly a test equipment per say but I picked up a JBC soldering station for less that $100.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/142369950206 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/142369950206)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: tablatronix on May 02, 2017, 08:08:12 pm
Nice, I have been checking for a deal on those JBC, there were some really bad shape ones a few months ago, but they were cheap, this looks pretty good.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Johnny10 on May 02, 2017, 08:55:03 pm
They are very hard to find for low price.
 :-+

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: MudMan on May 03, 2017, 06:19:12 pm
I don't know if it was a bargain, a 34410A for 466,-€. Good condition, no scratches, consistent VFD. All measurements, compared to my other meters, are more or less bang on. Last calibration in June 2011 by Agilent.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on May 03, 2017, 06:29:34 pm
Sounds good to me. 34410A and 34411A often go for double that.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: usagi on May 03, 2017, 07:20:52 pm
I don't know if it was a bargain, a 34410A for 466,-€. Good condition, no scratches, consistent VFD. All measurements, compared to my other meters, are more or less bang on. Last calibration in June 2011 by Agilent.

Decent. Check that GPIB and RS232 are working though. GPIB was completely blown out on the one I got. Selftest doesn't test it.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: MudMan on May 03, 2017, 07:57:39 pm
...Check that GPIB and RS232 are working though....
LAN and USB are working fine....there are no RS232 on the 34410A and I haven't a GPIB interface :-//
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: james_s on May 03, 2017, 08:07:14 pm
I wonder how they blew the GPIB interface? I would bet it's probably fixable, they generally have a transceiver IC. It's not a feature most hobbyists are likely to need anyway though.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: usagi on May 04, 2017, 12:40:06 am
I wonder how they blew the GPIB interface? I would bet it's probably fixable, they generally have a transceiver IC. It's not a feature most hobbyists are likely to need anyway though.

I did fix it.

probably explains why it was so cheap and almost brand spanking new -- it even had the screen protector still on. it was probably used for a manufacturing test station, someone blew out the gpib and that rendered it completely useless to the business so they dumped it on the second hand market. even though it was still working in all other aspects.

I suspect many second hand test equipment acquired by eevbloggers may have busted gpib and they don't even know it.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Smith on May 05, 2017, 07:43:30 pm
I was at a local thrift store yesterday, and scored a brand new boxed Bresser Researcher ICD (LED version) stereo microscope complete with 4 weeks warranty for less than 10 euro's. Retails for about 230 and up. Does 20 - 80x magnification. Even has the LED option with 3 GP industrial batteries, wich can be charged with the adapter plugged in. Ideal for electronics.

I used a cheaper Bresser microscope for years and I could work for hours on these things.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: anachrocomputer on May 06, 2017, 11:34:55 am
Hard to say whether this is a "score" or not, but I have a fine 1971 Fluke 893A Differential Voltmeter. Got it for £50 or so. Seems to work OK, and readings agree well with my Fluke 8800A and HP 3456A (on a simple test; will need to test in more detail). Last calibrated in 1992. It emits a high-pitched whine when operating, which I suspect is a DC-DC converter. The reference is a zener diode, with temperature compensation. The date is from a paper label next to the zener. Someone has changed the original oval mains connector for a wired-in mains lead in modern UK colours (brown/blue/green-yellow).
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: macboy on May 06, 2017, 12:22:35 pm
Hard to say whether this is a "score" or not, but I have a fine 1971 Fluke 893A Differential Voltmeter. Got it for £50 or so. Seems to work OK, and readings agree well with my Fluke 8800A and HP 3456A (on a simple test; will need to test in more detail). Last calibrated in 1992. It emits a high-pitched whine when operating, which I suspect is a DC-DC converter. The reference is a zener diode, with temperature compensation. The date is from a paper label next to the zener. Someone has changed the original oval mains connector for a wired-in mains lead in modern UK colours (brown/blue/green-yellow).
The whine could be coming from the chopper amplifier.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nfmax on May 11, 2017, 04:28:02 pm
A Hewlett-Packard 8110A 150 MHz programmable pulse/pattern generator, with one 81103A output card and the optional 81106A PLL card. Listed on the 'Bay as 'faulty/for parts', my offer of £165 was accepted. Some mechanical damage to the plastic front panel, and the display module had come adrift at some point, but it was easily repaired and seems to be fully functional, although the VFD display is dim.

I even had a set of System II feet & bail stands for it in the junk box!

 :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on May 11, 2017, 05:03:43 pm
A Hewlett-Packard 8110A 150 MHz programmable pulse/pattern generator, with one 81103A output card and the optional 81106A PLL card. Listed on the 'Bay as 'faulty/for parts', my offer of £165 was accepted. Some mechanical damage to the plastic front panel, and the display module had come adrift at some point, but it was easily repaired and seems to be fully functional, although the VFD display is dim.

I even had a set of System II feet & bail stands for it in the junk box!

 :)

Great score!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: mmagin on May 11, 2017, 05:08:16 pm
Hard to say whether this is a "score" or not, but I have a fine 1971 Fluke 893A Differential Voltmeter.

I have the older tube-based 801.  The whine may be a mechanical chopper, which is ok.  I mostly got it for curiousity and historical volt-nuttery, but there is one practical thing I have used it for: accurately directly measuring the voltage across a geiger tube without loading it down.  Since a differential voltmeter is a null meter and Kelvin-Varley divider, at balance, the input impedance is theoretically infinite. 

Admittedly I could have used the high voltage divider probe (10G input I think?) with my handheld fluke instead, but this was more fun.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nfmax on May 16, 2017, 10:00:15 am
I was able to rescue quite a nice thermometer from the surplus equipment left over when the calibration facility at my (former) workplace was closed down recently. It's a Labfacility Tempmaster 100, and it came with two PRT probes, one of which is an Isotech 935 14-13 'semi-standard' probe, rated from -196?C to 250?C, with typical uncertainty of around 10mK after calibration, and typical drift of 0.01?C/year at 0?C. Unfortunately, it doesn't have individual calibration data, but the specified tolerances on alpha and R0 should give an uncertainty of around 0.1?C over the 0?C to 100?C range, at least. An ice-point check with this probe read -0.02?C, which is very encouraging. The second, 'industrial' type probe read -0.04?C.

A random selection of K-type thermocouples and meters was anything reading from -0.8?C to 1.7?C in the ice-point bath, which sounds terrible but is within their specified tolerances! Precision temperature measurement - say to better than 0.5?C uncertainty - is hard.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: garymck on May 16, 2017, 10:46:48 am
Not Sure if it was a good buy, but got a DSE rebranded PS-1005 100mhz 2 channel analogue oscilloscope for $50 Aust. Mint condition with manual.

http://www.pintek.com.tw/product_detail/landersound/index.php?Product_SN=19249&PHPSESSID=dexobhjsmsirygpmplpvfajxorgnedji&Company_SN=6002&Product_Site_Classify_SN=16856 (http://www.pintek.com.tw/product_detail/landersound/index.php?Product_SN=19249&PHPSESSID=dexobhjsmsirygpmplpvfajxorgnedji&Company_SN=6002&Product_Site_Classify_SN=16856)

cheers
Gary
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: tautech on May 16, 2017, 11:12:08 am
Not Sure if it was a good buy, but got a DSE rebranded PS-1005 100mhz 2 channel analogue oscilloscope for $50 Aust. Mint condition with manual.

http://www.pintek.com.tw/product_detail/landersound/index.php?Product_SN=19249&PHPSESSID=dexobhjsmsirygpmplpvfajxorgnedji&Company_SN=6002&Product_Site_Classify_SN=16856 (http://www.pintek.com.tw/product_detail/landersound/index.php?Product_SN=19249&PHPSESSID=dexobhjsmsirygpmplpvfajxorgnedji&Company_SN=6002&Product_Site_Classify_SN=16856)

cheers
Gary
Good buying Gary, well done.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on May 16, 2017, 09:27:02 pm
That sounds quite nice, Gary. :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: rx8pilot on May 16, 2017, 10:52:01 pm
HP custom smoke generator arrived today  - oops. But it was cheap  :-DD

Looks like a repair project. The good news is that the PSU still provides power and the unit was still working when the smoke poured out. A loud pop had me pulling power rather quick.


Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on May 16, 2017, 11:02:32 pm
I have same model, just configured with different options. Bought it cheap to use as a 0-1 GHz clock gen with fast edges.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on May 16, 2017, 11:11:40 pm
HP custom smoke generator arrived today  - oops. But it was cheap  :-DD

Looks like a repair project. The good news is that the PSU still provides power and the unit was still working when the smoke poured out. A loud pop had me pulling power rather quick.
Sorry but I can't help finding the picture including smoke somewhat funny. But don't worry, it has happened to me too and sometimes even resulting in a blown mains fuse as well.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on May 16, 2017, 11:26:07 pm
HP custom smoke generator arrived today  - oops. But it was cheap  :-DD

Looks like a repair project. The good news is that the PSU still provides power and the unit was still working when the smoke poured out. A loud pop had me pulling power rather quick.
That has happened to me also...
What is that anyway...
I don't recognize it and the picture is too grainy to read the model number.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: IRFP460 on May 16, 2017, 11:29:21 pm
Got a EDC / Krohn-Hite MV 116 DC standard (same as the MV 106, but with the ranges 100 mV - 1 V - 10 V), a Hameg HZ 65 component tester and some small things for 100 bucks this weekend...
The standard was last calibrated in '97, but is still in spec from what I can tell.

I guess that's how that voltnut thing begins?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: rx8pilot on May 17, 2017, 12:41:51 am
Sorry but I can't help finding the picture including smoke somewhat funny. But don't worry, it has happened to me too and sometimes even resulting in a blown mains fuse as well.

I got a good laugh out of it. It is the pride of 1982 purchased off from a liquidator. It was making 1Ghz pulses with 275ps edges for a moment there....no problem.

What is that anyway...
I don't recognize it and the picture is too grainy to read the model number.

HP 8080A Frame with:
8091A Rate Generator - 1 Ghz with <300ps rise times 1.2v
2x 8093A 1Ghz Amplifiers
2x 8092A Delay/Frequency dividers

Was looking for the fast edges and an external clock source. I imagine this thing was quite a special unit back in its day. The pots need some cleaning and obviously a small smoke issue but I think it will be a welcome addition to the growing rack of old gear.

I would love to have newer, smaller, fancier, ethernet automated gear - but for $175 and probably 2 hours of labor I will skip it. You can get a LOT done with old HP/Agilent/Tek, Anritsu, etc if you have the space to put it.


UPDATE:

AC Suppression cap totally let go - split in half and made a mess. $.50 to replace it. While I am at it - I will probably replace most of the caps that even slightly look suspect. There are 4 Y rated and 2 X2 rated that are easy to replace. Taking old HP gear apart never gets old, the engineering is over the top. Starts to feel like there are endless screws holding it together.

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on May 17, 2017, 02:55:57 am
Do you like all the pretty hybrids in it?
And I was shocked, no fan - pretty rare for a piece of HP gear.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: rx8pilot on May 17, 2017, 03:00:11 am
Made in Germany too. There is a sticker that warns of mixed metric and imperial fasteners. If anything other than the PSU breaks - I may not bother fixing it.

And yes - no fan needed.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: james_s on May 17, 2017, 03:09:12 am
Made in Germany too. There is a sticker that warns of mixed metric and imperial fasteners. If anything other than the PSU breaks - I may not bother fixing it.

And yes - no fan needed.

I hate that, seems like the Ford Ranger pickup I had when I was a teenager was that way. I'm fine with imperial, I'm fine with metric, but come on, don't mix them in one device!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on May 17, 2017, 03:24:19 am
Very cool and an easy fix...
Yah Get them tantalums before they get you.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: rx8pilot on May 17, 2017, 03:50:06 am
Do you like all the pretty hybrids in it?
And I was shocked, no fan - pretty rare for a piece of HP gear.

Do you know what the hybrids are doing in there?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: MadTux on May 17, 2017, 08:58:58 am
Do you know what the hybrids are doing in there?
Making fast pulses ;-)
The german HP guys really loved to pack everything magic into hybrids, since all german HP instruments are full of them. And unfortunately, they aren't really reliable, I had bad ones in HP-8112/8116A, 8165A and 8082A. Most of the 8000 series instruments are made in germany, so be careful when buying these for "easy fix"
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: mmagin on May 17, 2017, 08:12:41 pm
My HP 8082A even has some of the wonderful BeO ceramic in some of its special modules.

Still need to fix up its jitter problem, I think it's narrowed down to a small part of the circuit. The power supply parts of my HP 8082A seem fine also, at least as far as the voltages and ripple.

FWIW, I do not get so excited about wet tantalum capacitors, they've generally been fine for me, and to really replace them 'correctly' is expensive :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment &quot;scores&quot; here!
Post by: Towger on May 17, 2017, 08:19:51 pm
Rifa caps, little fire crackers. ..
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on May 18, 2017, 03:01:10 am
Rifa caps and Schaffner filters. The overly dynamic duo.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: OleST on May 18, 2017, 06:51:37 am
i worked as crew at the 2016 hammeeting and the 2017 hammeeting, sellers often travel there with a huge load of random old junk and either sell it or throw it away. currently i have gotten: A telequipment d61a oscilloscope (with a brand new 10:1 probe), and old norwegian made ohm meter and a cheapy chinesium multimeter.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Muxr on May 23, 2017, 11:11:58 pm
My Fluke 8845A arrived today. After some cleanup (also bought the rubber bumpers separately), it's currently warming up for a check.
(http://i.imgur.com/lqH3Eik.jpg)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xwarp on May 24, 2017, 06:34:19 pm
Been a while since I scored anything, but just picked up a HP 34401a. The seller practically swore that it would not turn on and then set his price at 25. He handed out to me and said,  "I think you have the magic fingers." Sure as shiznickelson, it turned on and no errors. Also picked up a HP 8568 that needs something for an awesome price.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: usagi on May 24, 2017, 06:45:12 pm
Sure as shiznickelson, it turned on and no errors.

as I've found out from 34401a repair, selftest with no errors doesn't really mean much.  :-\
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xwarp on May 24, 2017, 06:54:22 pm
Sure as shiznickelson, it turned on and no errors.


as I've found out from 34401a repair, selftest with no errors doesn't really mean much.  :-\

Any tips?

I've got to get some sleep, but will check it out later.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on May 25, 2017, 02:31:03 am
Performance Verification Tests in Chapter 4 of the service manual (part # 34401-90013).
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xwarp on May 25, 2017, 02:37:01 am
Performance Verification Tests in Chapter 4 of the service manual (part # 34401-90013).

Thanks. .....
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on May 25, 2017, 02:48:47 am
Sure thing, xwarp. For $25, even if it's majorly flawed, it was worth it for the parts.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xwarp on May 25, 2017, 02:57:01 am
I've not had a chance to play with it too much today, other than run the power on "confidence" test which passed, but will try to test it more thoroughly out tomorrow with some "standards" that I have. It does appear that the display is on the dim side, but I've got an extra Fluke 8840 VFD that is very bright that I could use to fund the cost of a replacement for the HP.


Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on May 25, 2017, 05:20:05 pm
There are replacement VFD from China that show up on eBay. I don't know how new or old they are. I recall a post on the forum where someone said the one they got was a bit dimmer than one would expect of a new display.
Title: Re: List your test equipment &quot;scores&quot; here!
Post by: blackbird on May 25, 2017, 05:59:31 pm
I hate that, seems like the Ford Ranger pickup I had when I was a teenager was that way. I'm fine with imperial, I'm fine with metric, but come on, don't mix them in one device!

Sound familiar, it's the same on my '73 MGB GT. British build but, at least traceable since early 80's, driven on mainland Europe.

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Halvmand on May 25, 2017, 06:13:00 pm
I've picked up a Tektronix P6042 oscilloscope current probe.
It's old, but it seems to be up to spec and no work inside appears to have been done. Only the 230v plug has been changed to one without the earth leg.

For about 140 USD I think I got a great deal.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Halvmand on May 25, 2017, 06:15:54 pm
More pics.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: guido on May 25, 2017, 06:32:10 pm
Picked up the same unit today, 5 euro's. But mine is a parts unit. The cabinet is in very bad shape and the probe is missing. I have use for the feet  :)
It is really beyond repair. Your one looks really nice. But if it is not complete, now is the time to ask...
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: usagi on May 25, 2017, 06:39:54 pm
Sure as shiznickelson, it turned on and no errors.


as I've found out from 34401a repair, selftest with no errors doesn't really mean much.  :-\

Any tips?

I've got to get some sleep, but will check it out later.

selftest doesn't test rs232, gpib, or calibration. your 34401a can be completely off in wonderland with regards to measurement, it can have completely blown I/O ports, but it will pass selftest.

as pointed out, do the performance verification tests. and check rs232 and gpib.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: CalMachine on May 25, 2017, 06:46:47 pm
Posted this in the General Chat thread, so I figured I should probably post it here as well.  Soon, it will be in Metrology.

Scores this week from Ebay!

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Halvmand on May 25, 2017, 06:52:33 pm
Thanks for the option guido  :) But the unit is complete and working appart from the missing 50 ohm terminator. I got one from ebay since I dont work at very high frequencies and thought it was adequate. But I dont trust it completely.

Maby you have a better one?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on May 25, 2017, 09:41:33 pm
I've picked up a Tektronix P6042 oscilloscope current probe.
It's old, but it seems to be up to spec and no work inside appears to have been done. Only the 230v plug has been changed to one without the earth leg.

For about 140 USD I think I got a great deal.
Looks reasonably good, :)
Thanks for the pictures and sharing.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: tecman on May 26, 2017, 04:32:09 pm
I've picked up a Tektronix P6042 oscilloscope current probe.
It's old, but it seems to be up to spec and no work inside appears to have been done. Only the 230v plug has been changed to one without the earth leg.

For about 140 USD I think I got a great deal.

I've had one for a number of years.  Great units.  A bit more drift that the new ones, but for the money you can't beat them.

paul
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: mtdoc on May 26, 2017, 06:33:39 pm
I've picked up a Tektronix P6042 oscilloscope current probe.
It's old, but it seems to be up to spec and no work inside appears to have been done. Only the 230v plug has been changed to one without the earth leg.

For about 140 USD I think I got a great deal.
Looks reasonably good, :)
Thanks for the pictures and sharing.

I agree. It looks good!  I love the probe holding slot on those units.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Halvmand on May 26, 2017, 06:57:16 pm
Yep it drifts a bit when you first start it up, but after about 10 minutes it's very stable.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on May 26, 2017, 08:19:06 pm
I've got a BG7TBL GPSDO heading towards me. I'm involved in a project with some serious time nuttery going on so it seemed like a good addition to my lab.

Another item I just ordered is a Tektronix TLA7BB4. This is a 136 channel logic analyser acquisition module with 64Mbits of memory per channel. The real kicker is that it offers a high speed buffer with 128kbit sampled at 50GHz (no, this is not a typo). Unfortunately it is in an as-is condition so I have to hope (pray) it works. To be continued...
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: guido on May 26, 2017, 09:04:16 pm
Maby you have a better one?

Did not come with one. I might have a better one, don't know. But since i only have one at the moment, i'm not going to part with it.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: lukier on May 26, 2017, 10:33:45 pm
Another item I just ordered is a Tektronix TLA7BB4. This is a 136 channel logic analyser acquisition module with 64Mbits of memory per channel. The real kicker is that it offers a high speed buffer with 128kbit sampled at 50GHz (no, this is not a typo). Unfortunately it is in an as-is condition so I have to hope (pray) it works. To be continued...

Serious stuff. Can you use the same probes as for TLA7AA4 (P6810/P6860/P6890) or do you have to move to P69XX D-Max ones? I was looking at TLA7BB4 and D-Max probes but the price increase compared to 7AA4 series is huge and not so popular on eBay.  I guess TLA7AA4 in Half/Quad channel mode wasn't enough for your needs.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on May 26, 2017, 10:47:49 pm
Another item I just ordered is a Tektronix TLA7BB4. This is a 136 channel logic analyser acquisition module with 64Mbits of memory per channel. The real kicker is that it offers a high speed buffer with 128kbit sampled at 50GHz (no, this is not a typo). Unfortunately it is in an as-is condition so I have to hope (pray) it works. To be continued...
Serious stuff. Can you use the same probes as for TLA7AA4 (P6810/P6860/P6890) or do you have to move to P69XX D-Max ones? I was looking at TLA7BB4 and D-Max probes but the price increase compared to 7AA4 series is huge and not so popular on eBay.  I guess TLA7AA4 in Half/Quad channel mode wasn't enough for your needs.
According to the manual the same probes can be used on both TLA7AA4 and the TLA7BB4. And whether I need it... not really right now so it is more like a bad case of GAS. I'm a sucker for logic analysers.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xwarp on May 27, 2017, 07:06:38 am
well..............

I posted about whether an Agilent 8591E spec/an with a very dim display was worth buying and nobody responded.

I got it and it turns out that the problem is the intensity pot has to be pushed in a little firmly. Looks like this thing is a WINNER!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xrunner on May 27, 2017, 11:34:55 am
Tektronix DC503A for only $32 -
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: lowimpedance on May 27, 2017, 01:42:57 pm
Tektronix DC503A for only $32 -
Hmm any one would think you have some' housings' with holes to fill  :P.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on May 27, 2017, 02:45:39 pm
Nice Catch.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bson on May 27, 2017, 10:02:28 pm
Got a good deal on a LeCroy ZS1000 probe, complete in original packaging with all accessories including the stand, practically unused... Paid about a third of new.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Johncanfield on May 27, 2017, 10:34:01 pm
For once, I scored a deal. I attended the ham radio Hamvention in Ohio a week ago and stopped by the Tequipment booth. And there it was, an event special price list. And there it was, a demo Rigol DP832 power supply with all options (and full warranty) for 286$. New price for this plus options is close to $700. The unit is very fresh, cal certificate is only five months old or so. Whoo-hoo.

John (WB5THT)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: usagi on May 28, 2017, 10:21:24 pm
not really test equipment, but I picked up a Panasonic AG-1980 for $19.95.  :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Marek85 on June 10, 2017, 04:42:59 pm
I got the HMC 8043 yesterday. Played around with it and I'm very satisfied :) It can be controlled with a PC in various ways but my favorite is SCPI via USB. A lot of options and a lot of potential.

But airflow holes on top of a bench power supply? Come on...
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: colorado.rob on June 11, 2017, 02:35:52 am
I got the HMC 8043 yesterday. Played around with it and I'm very satisfied :)
Very nice.  I was debating that or the TTi MX100TP and went with the TTi.  Both had LXI support, which was important to me.  I think the R&S has a cleaner look than the TTi.  But I wanted the extra power and the sense ports in the front.  The MX100TP is a bit deep at 375mm (15").  It gets in the way on my bench a bit.  The HMC8043 is a much more compact design.  Nice score!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Marek85 on June 11, 2017, 01:35:32 pm
I was debating that or the TTi MX100TP and went with the TTi.

Yes I saw your thread Rob and I also looked up the MX100TP. Nevertheless I spotted this new HMC 8043 with -40% off and I just couldn't resist it :P It was still a lot of money for me but I'm very happy with it. 100 W is enough for me and the functionality is great. Easy ramps, programmable fuses, arb sequences - all built in.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: colorado.rob on June 11, 2017, 04:41:13 pm
I spotted this new HMC 8043 with -40% off and I just couldn't resist it :P
Where?  That sort of discount would have swayed my decision.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Marek85 on June 11, 2017, 07:12:27 pm
Where?

Poland. But they had only one piece :/
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: colorado.rob on June 11, 2017, 08:31:30 pm
Poland. But they had only one piece :/

Sweet deal!   :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Hydron on June 11, 2017, 09:13:21 pm
I got the HMC 8043 yesterday. Played around with it and I'm very satisfied :) It can be controlled with a PC in various ways but my favorite is SCPI via USB. A lot of options and a lot of potential.

But airflow holes on top of a bench power supply? Come on...
Yeah, air holes on top are really stupid. At work someone blew up a nice TTi supply by dropping something metallic inside. Good for me though, I got given it for free and fixed it 8)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on June 12, 2017, 02:37:17 am
Yeah, air holes on top are really stupid. At work someone blew up a nice TTi supply by dropping something metallic inside. Good for me though, I got given it for free and fixed it 8)

Nice score. :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: rdl on June 12, 2017, 03:54:23 am
I never realized dropping stuff through the top of equipment was such a serious problem. My HP and Agilent power supplies have vents in the top, and my Tektronix power supply has holes there. I always thought the top and bottom was where the openings worked best for convection cooling. I guess the sides would work almost as well though. Now that I think about it, I had a TV once that might have survived that Coke incident if the cooling slots had been somewhere besides on top.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on June 12, 2017, 05:13:03 am
CRT monitors do need a lot of convective cooling with how hot they run in there so its probably a bad idea not to have vents on the top.

I don't think i have any power supplies that have vents on top, but i do have an old HP pulse generator that has a hole mesh along the top and bottom panel while the cards inside are stacked vertically so that air can pass up trough it. Tho the cooling method did not seam work that well since its clear that the power supply PCB got rather hot in some places (darkened spots). Tho its possible the unit was run with other equipment stacked on it  so the airflow was blocked. But that's not something that should have been a problem since the case does have the groves that some old HP gear had for easy stacking.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Hydron on June 12, 2017, 07:35:47 am
The air holes are an issue if the supply is actually directly on a bench (as they are in the open-plan office I work in). Stuff inevitably gets put on top of the supply as there is never enough space, and accidents can happen. If you have your gear on shelving then it's not such an issue.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Marek85 on June 12, 2017, 10:17:40 am
The air holes are an issue if the supply is actually directly on a bench (as they are in the open-plan office I work in). Stuff inevitably gets put on top of the supply as there is never enough space...

Yeah that's what I had in mid. It's a bench power supply and you cannot stack it with other gear... :palm:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bjcuizon on June 13, 2017, 04:49:17 am
Just scored a bunch of adapters and interconnects for some gear. They're from RS and local stores.  :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: deepskyridge on June 13, 2017, 07:04:38 pm
I just got in the past week from Ebay:

Fluke 6060B - Not working - $75
HP 5370B - Not working  - $140

The 6060B has a shorted bridge rectifier in the PS, have parts on order.
The 5370B is missing one of it's cards, power supply control and it's OCXO. Picked up the PS control on ebay.

Gary
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on June 16, 2017, 11:32:02 am
After hunting for a 1GHz+ DSO for over half a year I think I finally got one for a reasonable price (way less than $1000). Today I paid for an Agilent 54835A (4 channels 1GHz 2Gs/s) in for 'parts condition' but it looks fine on the outside. This is a PC based scope and it is stuck in the BIOS screen saying 'CMOS checksum error press F1 yadda yadda'. It is a bit of a crap shoot but it has received a new motherboard after 2005 (VIN 033 sticker) due to a recall. The fans look really clean so I hope it has been sitting unused on a shelve for a long time and the only problem is the CMOS battery has gone flat. The hard drive is also recognised by the BIOS so that means it at least still spins. I hope to uphack it to an 54846A (4 channels 1GHz 4Gs/s / 2 channel 2.25GHz/8Gs/s) but more about that once I get it to work and pass self test.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: 0.01C on June 16, 2017, 04:25:19 pm
Funny thread  :clap:
I got a  :-BROKE AG8753ES at HKD2000 last year . repair HKD50, now  :popcorn:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: cncjerry on June 16, 2017, 04:58:40 pm
I just got in the past week from Ebay:

Fluke 6060B - Not working - $75
HP 5370B - Not working  - $140

The 6060B has a shorted bridge rectifier in the PS, have parts on order.
The 5370B is missing one of it's cards, power supply control and it's OCXO. Picked up the PS control on ebay.

Gary

I recently was given a working 5371a plus a parts unit.  I was watching the 5370b on ebay and I am still watching I guess. 

They are pretty interesting units.  Try it with timelab when you get it working.  I wrote my own VB code to collect the data off the 5371a as it was easier than trying to get timelab to talk to my GPIB.  I've been getting some interesting Allan deviation charts from my two GPS PPS outputs.  Ping me offline if you need some help once you get it running.

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: deepskyridge on June 16, 2017, 09:02:39 pm
I just got in the past week from Ebay:

Fluke 6060B - Not working - $75
HP 5370B - Not working  - $140

The 6060B has a shorted bridge rectifier in the PS, have parts on order.
The 5370B is missing one of it's cards, power supply control and it's OCXO. Picked up the PS control on ebay.

Gary

I recently was given a working 5371a plus a parts unit.  I was watching the 5370b on ebay and I am still watching I guess. 

They are pretty interesting units.  Try it with timelab when you get it working.  I wrote my own VB code to collect the data off the 5371a as it was easier than trying to get timelab to talk to my GPIB.  I've been getting some interesting Allan deviation charts from my two GPS PPS outputs.  Ping me offline if you need some help once you get it running.

OK, I will let you know. I have already fixed a couple of problems, last one (I think) is the stop input is non-functional, I have made an offer on a hybrid for it.

Thanks
Gary
Title: Re: List your test equipment &quot;scores&quot; here!
Post by: 1audio on June 16, 2017, 11:40:58 pm
I found a Maxim comparator that works in that location. Installing it was adding wires between the pads on the chip and the socket. Not easy but doable. I also got the Beaglebone processor upgrade. The 5370 is higher resolution (20pS) than the later HP TIA's. The special probes are very helpful as well.

Sent from my LG-H811 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: innkeeper on June 17, 2017, 05:27:45 pm
I was at a local hamfest and i couldn't pass this up

Lab-Volt AA-798 100mhz ( it is a re-badged Leader LBO-516 ) $100
NEW OLD STOCK  -  yes, brand new in box ... ???!!!
looks like lab-volt is an education institution supplier. The still sealed manual that comes with it actually says leader lbo-516 on it.

it's 100mhz  and 500uv (at x10)

I've had my eye out for a decent 100mgz / 500uv scope in good shape and  this fit the bill...

I've not even turned it on yet though .. it is a 3 channel analog oscilloscope (trigger can be used as a 3rd channel) capable of displaying 8 traces (not 8 channels though - still reading on this)
It does have a delay.

looks like it will be a good upgrade from my ballantine 1066s 15mgz dual channel  scope.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: SeanB on June 17, 2017, 06:17:28 pm
Forgot I got a pair of Charvin Arnoux Minipince clip on current shunts last month, used. Nice little 100A units, with a current output on the one of 1mA/A AC and the other a voltage output of 100mVDC per amp of AC current.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Muxr on June 18, 2017, 05:57:44 am
After hunting for a 1GHz+ DSO for over half a year I think I finally got one for a reasonable price (way less than $1000). Today I paid for an Agilent 54835A (4 channels 1GHz 2Gs/s) in for 'parts condition' but it looks fine on the outside. This is a PC based scope and it is stuck in the BIOS screen saying 'CMOS checksum error press F1 yadda yadda'. It is a bit of a crap shoot but it has received a new motherboard after 2005 (VIN 033 sticker) due to a recall. The fans look really clean so I hope it has been sitting unused on a shelve for a long time and the only problem is the CMOS battery has gone flat. The hard drive is also recognised by the BIOS so that means it at least still spins. I hope to uphack it to an 54846A (4 channels 1GHz 4Gs/s / 2 channel 2.25GHz/8Gs/s) but more about that once I get it to work and pass self test.
Nice one, good luck.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on June 18, 2017, 06:11:36 am
After hunting for a 1GHz+ DSO for over half a year I think I finally got one for a reasonable price (way less than $1000). Today I paid for an Agilent 54835A (4 channels 1GHz 2Gs/s) in for 'parts condition' but it looks fine on the outside. This is a PC based scope and it is stuck in the BIOS screen saying 'CMOS checksum error press F1 yadda yadda'. It is a bit of a crap shoot but it has received a new motherboard after 2005 (VIN 033 sticker) due to a recall. The fans look really clean so I hope it has been sitting unused on a shelve for a long time and the only problem is the CMOS battery has gone flat. The hard drive is also recognised by the BIOS so that means it at least still spins. I hope to uphack it to an 54846A (4 channels 1GHz 4Gs/s / 2 channel 2.25GHz/8Gs/s) but more about that once I get it to work and pass self test.

Hope it works out, that seller is a bit scary to purchase from.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: alm on June 18, 2017, 07:47:13 am
The does not respond to keyboard could be slightly worrying. Unless they tried to use a USB keyboard with USB keyboard support disabled in the BIOS (not sure what the default was back then). But if the problem is on the PC motherboard, that might be easier to fix than something in the acquisition hardware.

As for the seller, I have ordered from them and received what they described. It is just that they do have some repair ability, so something sold as 'non-working, fuse missing' will likely have more defects beyond just a missing fuse, and was considered BER by them. So it would not surprise me if this has other defects beyond the empty BIOS battery.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on June 18, 2017, 04:41:20 pm
Regarding my 54835A:
The does not respond to keyboard could be slightly worrying. Unless they tried to use a USB keyboard with USB keyboard support disabled in the BIOS (not sure what the default was back then). But if the problem is on the PC motherboard, that might be easier to fix than something in the acquisition hardware.

As for the seller, I have ordered from them and received what they described. It is just that they do have some repair ability, so something sold as 'non-working, fuse missing' will likely have more defects beyond just a missing fuse, and was considered BER by them. So it would not surprise me if this has other defects beyond the empty BIOS battery.
I have bought from them (express_auctions) before. It was quite hard to get them to accept a price for the 54835A I was comfortable with. I think someone opened it because the stickers are missing but I also think it requires an AT keyboard (which preceeds USB keyboards by 2 generations) to get into the BIOS. So maybe the person gave up at that point. Anyway there is a decent amount of information about repairing these scopes and the maintenance manual can also be found on internet. My biggest fear is that the hard drive has been erased because I have not found the firmware yet.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on June 18, 2017, 10:52:32 pm
My fingers are crossed that it winds up being something simple!

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: MadTux on June 18, 2017, 11:09:16 pm
Funny thread  :clap:
I got a  :-BROKE AG8753ES at HKD2000 last year . repair HKD50, now  :popcorn:
HKD2000=>~250USD?!? Quite a nice score, for that price  ;D

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: macboy on June 19, 2017, 02:13:01 pm
I picked up a misbehaving Keithley 2400 SMU for $??? "a very good price".
It will output accurate (but noisy) voltages under 20 V, but goes into OVP mode at anything above that, regardless of OVP settings. The current measurement is bonkers. It shows a high offset and reads several times the actual current. I opened it up and eventually found that a comparator is missing along with a couple of pads/tracks leading to it (bad removal job by some previous owner). I'll replace that then go from there. It won't be trivial as one of the missing pads leads to a via under the IC  :palm: .  It's not the only fault I'm sure. The service manual is a complete joke, and there are no helpful built-in tests like the 200x meters have. No troubleshooting info except for a few voltage checks, and even for those, there is no additional information, e.g. what this signal is, where it is sourced, what it drives. Nothing  |O  At least the service manual has a parts list (about the only useful thing in there) so that I could identify the missing IC. The VFD is perfect, better than any of my other Keithley gear. Even broken, this is probably worth many times what I paid, so it qualifies as a "score". If nothing else, it will be a fun spare time fixit project.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: alm on June 19, 2017, 02:19:11 pm
A Keithley 2400 for under $100 US is an amazing deal! The unit uses different taps for the +/- 20 V and +/- 200 V rails (see also the simplified schematic of the output stage), so the obvious place to look would be the circuit driving the high voltage output transistors and the high voltage rails themselves. There is a service manual with full schematics for the earlier Keithley 236/237. It would not surprise me if many of the analog circuits and the theory of operation are fairly similar to the more modern SMUs.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on June 19, 2017, 02:20:41 pm
Woah Keithley 2400 for that price is an insane deal. :o I been looking for one for quite a long time.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on June 19, 2017, 06:54:33 pm
Yep, I'm jealous of your 2400 score.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on June 20, 2017, 02:42:58 am
Wow, that is an amazing score, macboy! Looking forward to your repair thread on it. :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: james_s on June 20, 2017, 10:01:21 pm
I have bought from them (express_auctions) before. It was quite hard to get them to accept a price for the 54835A I was comfortable with. I think someone opened it because the stickers are missing but I also think it requires an AT keyboard (which preceeds USB keyboards by 2 generations) to get into the BIOS. So maybe the person gave up at that point. Anyway there is a decent amount of information about repairing these scopes and the maintenance manual can also be found on internet. My biggest fear is that the hard drive has been erased because I have not found the firmware yet.

I filter them out of my searches, they sell overpriced junk and gouge you on the shipping. If they sell something non-working, they've already cannibalized most of the expensive parts from it to fix other units so you can pretty much guarantee it's not economical to repair unless you already have a parts unit.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on June 21, 2017, 02:30:10 am
I ran into listings of similar characteristics from one of the sellers that uses a red background for their photos. Since then, I just gloss over all listings with red photos. Red = stop, avoid. Painting with very large strokes. :-DD

Is there a way to filter out many specific sellers from followed searches? I recall there being a cumbersome or limited method of manually filtering by user (advanced search or something), but not for saved searches.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on June 21, 2017, 06:33:19 am
I have bought from them (express_auctions) before. It was quite hard to get them to accept a price for the 54835A I was comfortable with. I think someone opened it because the stickers are missing but I also think it requires an AT keyboard (which preceeds USB keyboards by 2 generations) to get into the BIOS. So maybe the person gave up at that point. Anyway there is a decent amount of information about repairing these scopes and the maintenance manual can also be found on internet. My biggest fear is that the hard drive has been erased because I have not found the firmware yet.

I filter them out of my searches, they sell overpriced junk and gouge you on the shipping. If they sell something non-working, they've already cannibalized most of the expensive parts from it to fix other units so you can pretty much guarantee it's not economical to repair unless you already have a parts unit.
Now you are making me even more worried! Are you writing from your own experience? I bought a piece of equipment from them before and that was complete & working as pictured. Looking at their listings I don't think they fix much themselves but just move stuff after a quick check. If the 54835A turns out to be incomplete they have another thing coming though.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: BravoV on June 21, 2017, 01:30:49 pm
My very 1st scope's active probe, from Ebay for few bucks, the popular Elektor's "Poor Man's 1-GHz Active Probe".  :P

Size compared with ordinary el-cheapo scope probe and a TO-220 chip. Yep, came with broken/snapped pogo pin.  :(
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on June 21, 2017, 03:28:55 pm
Today I received two of those active FET probes as well. I still need to think about how to supply power without getting huge mess of wires.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Neomys Sapiens on June 21, 2017, 04:12:04 pm
Had some luck regarding Oltronix lab power supplies, which I incidentally like very much.

First was a B703DT, which was sold as defective for around 20€. It needed exactly ONE component replaced: the output protection parallel diode on the primary output was shorted.

Next was even better in terms of necessary work: a B32-10R (32V 10A), going for 30€ as defective. The seller added the comment that the Output voltage breaks down at about halfrange, but works fine below.
I downloaded the pictures, zoomed in and took a look at the little pot for the OVP crowbar and found it set at about the mid of its rotation. When the PS arrived, I adjusted the OVP and: 0..32V!

Another spectacular grab was the BIG Xcelite toolkit (which came with 2 Weller Magnastat irons: 1 for 230V and one for 115V!), which was listed on Ebay titled 'old american toolcase' with a very blurred photo. Factually, it was mostly UNUSED and I got it for around 50€ including postage.

Also, a set of 8 Pomona QFP test clips for 1€ + postage. (Bad picture and fuzzy title too)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on June 21, 2017, 04:21:09 pm
Now you are making me even more worried! Are you writing from your own experience? I bought a piece of equipment from them before and that was complete & working as pictured. Looking at their listings I don't think they fix much themselves but just move stuff after a quick check. If the 54835A turns out to be incomplete they have another thing coming though.

Don't worry. If the item arrives not as described, just contact them about it and if they don't resolve it to your satisfaction, open an eBay case. Although it's better to minimize the risk of having to go through that process, it is there for you if you need it. As long as you have all the info showing why the condition isn't as described, eBay generally decides in your favor, which is why most sellers will try to resolve the issue rather than have you open a case.

For the several times I've received something not as described, so far all the sellers have taken care of it.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Silveruser on June 21, 2017, 05:55:41 pm
My first post to this thread, don't know if it's a score but I did pick a Motorola R1041 at a gov surplus action for $150. It mostly seems to work after sitting for some 20 years. Don't know what a 1041R is? Well neither did the internet until I found some picture that matched. It's a Fluke 6060A with some options added. The non-volatile ram fails the self test and on further inspection the battery is long dead - replace on order for Friday.
Some pictures for your entertainment (would the last one be the high stabilty (oven) reference option?:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: james_s on June 21, 2017, 08:30:19 pm

Don't worry. If the item arrives not as described, just contact them about it and if they don't resolve it to your satisfaction, open an eBay case. Although it's better to minimize the risk of having to go through that process, it is there for you if you need it. As long as you have all the info showing why the condition isn't as described, eBay generally decides in your favor, which is why most sellers will try to resolve the issue rather than have you open a case.

For the several times I've received something not as described, so far all the sellers have taken care of it.

But it's described as not working, so what can you say? It could be assembled out of all the broken parts they had from repairing other items and it would still be as described.

I haven't bought from them personally, the shipping charges are absurd, often as much as the equipment is worth even if it were free. I've heard enough about them from others that I wouldn't buy though. I know they repair equipment or used to at least and much of the "for parts or repair" stuff is equipment they gave up on, deemed not economical to repair or used as a parts source for repairing another one they sold at even more inflated prices.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xrunner on June 22, 2017, 12:36:26 am
Agilent 54622D. Nice crisp display.  :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on June 22, 2017, 12:41:26 am
But it's described as not working, so what can you say? It could be assembled out of all the broken parts they had from repairing other items and it would still be as described.

Sorry, I missed that it was described as not working. :palm:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: BravoV on June 22, 2017, 02:23:03 am
Today I received two of those active FET probes as well. I still need to think about how to supply power without getting huge mess of wires.

Please update or create a new thread if you mod it. Currently I'am still wondering on how to find or make a case for it, includes the power and coax wiring.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on June 22, 2017, 03:19:03 pm
Today I received two of those active FET probes as well. I still need to think about how to supply power without getting huge mess of wires.
Please update or create a new thread if you mod it. Currently I'am still wondering on how to find or make a case for it, includes the power and coax wiring.
I'm thinking about using heatshrink tubing for the probe itself. Power should come from some walt-wart. Ideally I'd like to use a cable which has coax + power combined.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TK on June 22, 2017, 09:38:13 pm
I just received an Agilent MSOX-2004A scope that I purchased on eBay for $1000... to my surprise it included WAVEGEN, all serial decode option (UART, I2C, SPI, CAN, LIN), Training Signals, DMV and memory upgrade that were not described by the seller... it even has 1 year of Keysight warranty left.

It is a 70MHz 2GSa/s 4 Analog Channels + 8 Digital Channels scope with 20MHz function generator.  I can unlock it to 200MHz when I need, but can work most of the time with the OFFICIAL licenses.

It did not include the logic probe, but I have one from the Agilent 54622D scope that I can use as they are 100% compatible.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on June 22, 2017, 09:45:37 pm
I just received an Agilent MSOX-2004A scope that I purchased on eBay for $1000... to my surprise it included WAVEGEN, all serial decode option (UART, I2C, SPI, CAN, LIN), Training Signals, DMV and memory upgrade that were not described by the seller... it even has 1 year of Keysight warranty left.

It is a 70MHz 2GSa/s 4 Analog Channels + 8 Digital Channels scope with 20MHz function generator.  I can unlock it to 200MHz when I need, but can work most of the time with the OFFICIAL licenses.

It did not include the logic probe, but I have one from the Agilent 54622D scope that I can use as they are 100% compatible.

How sweet it is to get free options!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on June 23, 2017, 02:53:21 am
What a bonus, TK. Congrats!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TerraHertz on June 24, 2017, 03:57:34 pm
At the cost of driving Sydney to Melbourne on Wed, and back to Sydney the next day (1666 km total), some nice things.
* A couple of very big vacuum gate valves. One is pneumatically operated, woohoo!
* A huge high rate rotary vacuum pump, Alcatel model 2033. Three phase 415V motor.
* A Tektronix 2232 scope. Only 100MHz but I've wanted a representative of this era for my collection for ages.
* A freq. reference board from a scrapped Varian NMR spectroscopy machine. 10.000000 MHz oscillator, with multiples to 80MHz.
* A discarded (broken glassware) NMR probe from an NMR machine, just to look at. Interesting bit of physics jewelery.

The scope is in very good cosmetic condition, but has an intermittent screen brightness/focus problem, and a few other minor issues. I've found a pdf manual set, and they are useable albeit painful. If anyone knows of a source for an original paper service manual, please tell me.

The pneumatic gate valve works beautifully. Operating on 80 psi air, and with a large actuating piston, I think it is a good idea to keep fingers well clear of the aperture when it's operating on the bench.
This and the pump were the main point of the trip. We were having trouble figuring out how to ship them (big, heavy, awkward, delicate, precious), and then my friend was going overseas for a month. So, best to just go get them before he left.

Edit to add: they have some funny road safety signs in Victoria.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Neomys Sapiens on June 25, 2017, 12:09:55 am
Whooaa! Possum Guillotine! >:D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PartialDischarge on June 25, 2017, 05:10:55 am
Edit to add: they have some funny road safety signs in Victoria.

Powerfap now? I don't get it. Ok, I looked it up.

How come feminist have not complained about this sign already???
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PTR_1275 on June 25, 2017, 07:03:49 am
It would have originally said "droopy eyes? Powernap now" but someone has gotten creative and added a few well placed stickers over the top I'm guessing.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TerraHertz on June 26, 2017, 12:29:00 am
Ha ha, photoshop actually. My twisted sense of humor.

While driving I'd wanted a drink of water. I had one of those 3 liter juice bottles full of water. Put it in my lap and unscrewed the cap. Then (still doing 110K) picked it up in one hand, holding it around the middle, to drink.
3 liters is pretty heavy so I had to grip it tightly. When I had it up to about face level, suddenly the plastic bottle collapsed under hand pressure. BLOOSH!
About a liter of water sprayed in my face and down my front. Completely soaked seat, crotch, shirt, jacket.
For a little while I thought I'd just keep driving while it dried out. But nope, cold day, too much cold water.
So that's where I pulled over to change clothes.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: mtdoc on June 26, 2017, 12:42:50 am

About a liter of water sprayed in my face and down my front. Completely soaked seat, crotch, shirt, jacket.
For a little while I thought I'd just keep driving while it dried out. But nope, cold day, too much cold water.
So that's where I pulled over to change clothes.

Aha. The dreaded shrinkage.  Now I understand the reason for the photoshoped sign... ;D

shrinkage (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEnKLhi83J8)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on June 28, 2017, 09:16:14 pm
After hunting for a 1GHz+ DSO for over half a year I think I finally got one for a reasonable price (way less than $1000). Today I paid for an Agilent 54835A (4 channels 1GHz 2Gs/s) in for 'parts condition' but it looks fine on the outside. This is a PC based scope and it is stuck in the BIOS screen saying 'CMOS checksum error press F1 yadda yadda'. It is a bit of a crap shoot but it has received a new motherboard after 2005 (VIN 033 sticker) due to a recall. The fans look really clean so I hope it has been sitting unused on a shelve for a long time and the only problem is the CMOS battery has gone flat. The hard drive is also recognised by the BIOS so that means it at least still spins. I hope to uphack it to an 54846A (4 channels 1GHz 4Gs/s / 2 channel 2.25GHz/8Gs/s) but more about that once I get it to work and pass self test.
It has arrived! After pressing F1 the scope boots fine and the software works. Unfortunately the encoders are a bit wonky but worst of all one of the ADC hybrids is bad. I swapped the attenuators and cross connected the ADC hybrids (there is a bit of semi-rigid between the attenuators and the ADC hybrids to a piece of SMA cable is all that is needed for the swap). So now on the hunt for a replacement!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: alm on June 28, 2017, 09:32:04 pm
So somewhere between just needing a battery replacement and half the boards missing. We will never know if the seller genuinely lacked a PS/2 keyboard and the scope did not recognize a USB keyboard, or if the seller used it as a convenient way to avoid showing failing self tests.

Are parts for these scopes at all common? Having to buy an entire parts unit might suck because of shipping costs and the hassle of having to resell/dump it.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: lukier on June 28, 2017, 09:45:58 pm
It has arrived! After pressing F1 the scope boots fine and the software works. Unfortunately the encoders are a bit wonky but worst of all one of the ADC hybrids is bad. I swapped the attenuators and cross connected the ADC hybrids (there is a bit of semi-rigid between the attenuators and the ADC hybrids to a piece of SMA cable is all that is needed for the swap). So now on the hunt for a replacement!

This sounds familiar: https://www.eevblog.com/forum/repair/agilenthp-54845a/ (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/repair/agilenthp-54845a/)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on June 28, 2017, 10:05:23 pm
It has arrived! After pressing F1 the scope boots fine and the software works. Unfortunately the encoders are a bit wonky but worst of all one of the ADC hybrids is bad. I swapped the attenuators and cross connected the ADC hybrids (there is a bit of semi-rigid between the attenuators and the ADC hybrids to a piece of SMA cable is all that is needed for the swap). So now on the hunt for a replacement!
This sounds familiar: https://www.eevblog.com/forum/repair/agilenthp-54845a/ (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/repair/agilenthp-54845a/)
Interesting thread. However in my 54835A the problem moves along with the ADC hybrid.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Muxr on June 30, 2017, 01:27:57 am
Got another E3611A (I love these linear supplies). Got it for $70 shipped. The unit was faulty, the displayed values were all over the place. Turns out it needed recapping.. some caps have leaked all over the PCB. Recapped it, but this didn't resolve the problem fully. Decided to clean the whole board in a bit of an IPA bath. Let it dry for a day.. turned it on, and everything works fine.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: GreyWoolfe on June 30, 2017, 02:13:32 am
I picked up a Tektronix 2465 at the local surplus store for $160.  They also had a 2465 CTS there, but it had major issues and mine worked fine.  Since they both were the same price, I took the working one.  That's 3 oscilloscopes now.  Still not a member of TEA as I only have 2 function generators, 2 bench meters, 2 hand held meters, an LCR meter and 3 power supplies.  Nothing is remotely high end or expensive so I guess I have a way to go to be even a TEA wannabe plus too poor to even try to catch up. 
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on June 30, 2017, 02:58:33 am
Agilent 53230A frequency counter - needed a quick repair to one of the internal supplies, working great now though.

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=327995;image)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xrunner on June 30, 2017, 03:36:32 am
Agilent 53230A frequency counter - needed a quick repair to one of the internal supplies, working great now though.

Nice! Looks accurate enough.  8)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: neo on June 30, 2017, 03:51:27 am
Well mine i cannot claim to be the deal in a lifetime but for a $50 "gate fee" and moving costs some guy sold me his deceased grandfathers stuff, an entire shed full. I made my money back immediately on scrap metal alone, i also got a HP 606b, Bel merit fc-200, a fluke 8010A, a beast of a table, a shelf, 2000 pounds of transformers, a very large collection of 7400 series chips, several drawers of panel meters, military grade electronic scrap, 5 audio receivers, several cb radios and so so much more. Even two 6' tall by 4' by 4' 18" vintage 60s sub-woofers. Overall it took me two weeks a near heatstroke and 3 u-haul loads.  EDIT: Recently, as in 5 minutes recently, i got a nixie tube version of the HP 5340A, with what appears to be every bell and whistle, for $100 on ebay. Shipping was murder at $50 bucks.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on June 30, 2017, 03:57:21 am
Agilent 53230A frequency counter - needed a quick repair to one of the internal supplies, working great now though.

Cool. I might have bid on that one. :-DD
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on June 30, 2017, 04:06:18 am
That's 3 oscilloscopes now.  Still not a member of TEA as I only have 2 function generators, 2 bench meters, 2 hand held meters, an LCR meter and 3 power supplies.  Nothing is remotely high end or expensive so I guess I have a way to go to be even a TEA wannabe plus too poor to even try to catch up.

Oh, you're doin' a good job there. Beware, it'll sneak up on you. :-DMM
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on June 30, 2017, 05:19:38 am
I picked up a Tektronix 2465 at the local surplus store for $160.  They also had a 2465 CTS there, but it had major issues and mine worked fine.  Since they both were the same price, I took the working one.  That's 3 oscilloscopes now.  Still not a member of TEA as I only have 2 function generators, 2 bench meters, 2 hand held meters, an LCR meter and 3 power supplies.  Nothing is remotely high end or expensive so I guess I have a way to go to be even a TEA wannabe plus too poor to even try to catch up.

Its not about how expensive your test equipment is, its about collecting as much equipment as possible so that you have just the right piece of equipment for the job at hand.

So cheap equipment is at an advantage since it means you can buy more of it, also the best deals are on slightly broken equipment so you also get the fun of fixing the old boatanchor while at the same time justifying the other piece of gear you bought last month.

So welcome to the TEA club >:D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on June 30, 2017, 05:22:19 am
Well mine i cannot claim to be the deal in a lifetime but for a $50 "gate fee" and moving costs some guy sold me his deceased grandfathers stuff, an entire shed full. I made my money back immediately on scrap metal alone, i also got a HP 606b, Bel merit fc-200, a fluke 8010A, a beast of a table, a shelf, 2000 pounds of transformers, a very large collection of 7400 series chips, several drawers of panel meters, military grade electronic scrap, 5 audio receivers, several cb radios and so so much more. Even two 6' tall by 4' by 4' 18" vintage 60s sub-woofers. Overall it took me two weeks a near heatstroke and 3 u-haul loads.  EDIT: Recently, as in 5 minutes recently, i got a nixie tube version of the HP 5340A, with what appears to be every bell and whistle, for $100 on ebay. Shipping was murder at $50 bucks.

Sounds like a sweet haul, congrats!  Nice hit on the 5340, too.

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: BU508A on June 30, 2017, 05:56:38 am
Agilent 53230A frequency counter - needed a quick repair to one of the internal supplies, working great now though.

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=327995;image)

Very nice.  :D   :-+

Where did you get this nice RG 400U coax cable from?

Thanks,

BU508A
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on June 30, 2017, 06:18:20 am
Agilent 53230A frequency counter - needed a quick repair to one of the internal supplies, working great now though.

Very nice.  :D   :-+

Where did you get this nice RG 400U coax cable from?

Thanks,

BU508A

A friend decommissioned an analog mobile phone site a while back(it had been sitting powered off for years) and brought me all of the BNC patch cables that were used at the site. There was over 30 pounds in cable. I am set with very nice BNC patch cables for life.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: HighVoltage on June 30, 2017, 07:34:32 am
Agilent 53230A frequency counter - needed a quick repair to one of the internal supplies, working great now though.

Congratulations!
Nice one, I have the same instrument.
Did you just calibrate it to your 10 MHz reference or how did you end up with such accurate reading?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: VK5RC on June 30, 2017, 11:59:28 am
Agilent 53230A frequency counter - needed a quick repair to one of the internal supplies, working great now though.

Very nice.  :D   :-+

Where did you get this nice RG 400U coax cable from?

Thanks,

BU508A

A friend decommissioned an analog mobile phone site a while back(it had been sitting powered off for years) and brought me all of the BNC patch cables that were used at the site. There was over 30 pounds in cable. I am set with very nice BNC patch cables for life.
Re 53230 "Issues"
I had Channel A go intermittent on my 53230 - I presumed due to a PCB crack, the front BNC is PCB mounted and I think the BNC isn't a tight fit into the chassis - allowing a bit of PCB flexing - keysight have very kindly placed a couple of unoccupied pads very close by - a small short fixes the problem. It can be done without even taking the PCB out of the chassis. :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: kirill_ka on June 30, 2017, 12:20:05 pm
Got  HP3478A for $8 from ebay. Early model (looks like 1984). It had broken transformer to pcb connections, non working front-rear input switch and broken keypad connector. Battery is dated 1994, calibration memory is still retained. All ranges seem to work ok, however I didn't have time to check everything. At least DCV is spot on.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: alm on June 30, 2017, 01:23:26 pm
That is a great deal. Sounds like it would not be particularly difficult to fix. You could just short the front/rear switch to the front terminals with little loss of functionality. It is not uncommon for the contacts of that switch to be corroded because many units will never have that switch operated after installation.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on June 30, 2017, 04:44:47 pm
Agilent 53230A frequency counter - needed a quick repair to one of the internal supplies, working great now though.

Congratulations!
Nice one, I have the same instrument.
Did you just calibrate it to your 10 MHz reference or how did you end up with such accurate reading?

The external reference was being used. As received the internal reference error was 17 milliHz. This unit has the ocxo option which is a Vectron C4550A2-0231.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: kirill_ka on June 30, 2017, 06:59:56 pm
You could just short the front/rear switch to the front terminals with little loss of functionality.
Yes, I already did that. Despite contacts looked clean, it doesn't connect neither front nor rear.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: HighVoltage on June 30, 2017, 10:27:57 pm

The external reference was being used. As received the internal reference error was 17 milliHz. This unit has the ocxo option which is a Vectron C4550A2-0231.

Oh, that explains an accuracy of 15 digits.
Looks really nice !

I am achieving 12 digit accuracy on a rubidium reference with my GPS reference as an external input.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: GreyWoolfe on June 30, 2017, 11:33:57 pm
That's 3 oscilloscopes now.  Still not a member of TEA as I only have 2 function generators, 2 bench meters, 2 hand held meters, an LCR meter and 3 power supplies.  Nothing is remotely high end or expensive so I guess I have a way to go to be even a TEA wannabe plus too poor to even try to catch up.

Oh, you're doin' a good job there. Beware, it'll sneak up on you. :-DMM

That's what I am afraid of  ;D

Its not about how expensive your test equipment is, its about collecting as much equipment as possible so that you have just the right piece of equipment for the job at hand.

So cheap equipment is at an advantage since it means you can buy more of it, also the best deals are on slightly broken equipment so you also get the fun of fixing the old boatanchor while at the same time justifying the other piece of gear you bought last month.

So welcome to the TEA club >:D

Happy to be here, I think!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Johnny10 on July 01, 2017, 01:41:10 am
5340 for 100 bucks!

That's a good deal!!!

Marked as only 250mhz  :palm:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: alm on July 01, 2017, 01:42:03 am
And the funny thing is that it does not even go that low, the lower limit is 10 Hz :P.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nanofrog on July 01, 2017, 01:58:13 am
That's what I am afraid of  ;D
It's bound to happen at some point...  :o  :-DD

Amazingly I've kept mine limited up to this point based on what I've seen in the Show your Lab thread, but that hasn't stopped me from acquiring 4x decent meters (+ a Harbor Freight DT830 clone or two), and 2x oscilloscopes (DS1054Z, unlocked of course  >:D, and a Tek 2445B) in terms of duplicate equipment. So far at any rate....  >:D

Plenty of other crap of course, but other than test leads, it's not duplicated. So far...  :popcorn: That said however, just give me enough time.  :box:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: neo on July 01, 2017, 03:07:33 am
5340 for 100 bucks!

That's a good deal!!!

Marked as only 250mhz  :palm:

And the funny thing is that it does not even go that low, the lower limit is 10 Hz :P.

What are either of you referencing? The seller of the 5340 i bought listed as 1hHz to 1MHz  which is of course inaccurate and why i said he probably  didn't know what he was selling.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: tautech on July 01, 2017, 03:30:47 am
5340 for 100 bucks!

That's a good deal!!!

Marked as only 250mhz  :palm:

And the funny thing is that it does not even go that low, the lower limit is 10 Hz :P.

What are either of you referencing? The seller of the 5340 i bought listed as 1hz to 1mhz which is of course innacurate and why i said he probably  didn't know what he was selling.
Please use unit signifiers correctly. Hertz is correctly abbreviated as Hz and mHz is milli Hertz. Megahertz is MHz !
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: neo on July 01, 2017, 03:34:19 am
5340 for 100 bucks!

That's a good deal!!!

Marked as only 250mhz  :palm:

And the funny thing is that it does not even go that low, the lower limit is 10 Hz :P.

What are either of you referencing? The seller of the 5340 i bought listed as 1hz to 1mhz which is of course innacurate and why i said he probably  didn't know what he was selling.
Please use unit signifiers correctly. Hertz is correctly abbreviated as Hz and mHz is milli Hertz. Megahertz is MHz !

Sorry i sometimes get the abbreviations confused.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: GreyWoolfe on July 01, 2017, 12:50:28 pm
That's what I am afraid of  ;D
It's bound to happen at some point...  :o  :-DDhttps://www.eevblog.com/forum/Smileys/default/bangheadonwall.gif

Amazingly I've kept mine limited up to this point based on what I've seen in the Show your Lab thread, but that hasn't stopped me from acquiring 4x decent meters (+ a Harbor Freight DT830 clone or two), and 2x oscilloscopes (DS1054Z, unlocked of course  >:D, and a Tek 2445B) in terms of duplicate equipment. So far at any rate....  >:D

Plenty of other crap of course, but other than test leads, it's not duplicated. So far...  :popcorn: That said however, just give me enough time.  :box:

I do have a couple of the HF meters which I didn't count.  One in my toolbag in my company van just in case I need to check some DC voltages and resistance and 1 on the work side of my workbench for the same reason.  I don't need absolute accuracy, I just need to be in the ballpark.  I also didn't count my Micronta true RMS meter either but it does work.  I am not sure yet if I am going to keep the GW Instek GOS_6112 scope since I got the Tek 2465.  I will see how that goes.  I will keep the hacked Hantek DSO-5102B.  At this point, I don't see me collecting anything else.  Room, money and need are the limiting factors.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: 0.01C on July 01, 2017, 04:17:49 pm
CNY850+HKD150shipping 2.7G SG

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Nx-1997 on July 05, 2017, 11:33:23 pm
Another HP 3478A for less than $100, calibrate by fluke, cal date unknown. Was going to repair it but when it arrived it was working perfectly. Its only missing a power button. And its bang on with my bottom one, calibrated near the end of 2015  ^-^.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on July 06, 2017, 03:06:22 am
I love HP3478As
They are good, cheap and reliable.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: alm on July 06, 2017, 12:47:00 pm
As long as you do not have to look at the display :P. Or need to compensate for some offset.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: kandrey89 on July 06, 2017, 05:13:56 pm
Scored a Keithley 2304A (20V 5A high speed power supply) for $125 off ebay. Seller listed it for $200 with 10+ stock but kept dropping the price, I offered $125 and he accepted.

The unit came:
1. very dusty, never cleaned for 20 years
2. last calibration 1997
3. overall looks OK, not banged up
4. missing connector on the back, so need to buy it
5. missing the handles/stand

I plan on converting it to a front access banana jacks, unfortunately I looked and it's too complicated to access the terminals on the PCB to draw current from. I think I'm going to have to drill a hole in the case and feed wires from the back connector through to the front banana jacks inside the unit.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: alm on July 06, 2017, 05:30:13 pm
I believe you could also solder wires to the bottom of the output connectors. Whether this is nicer or less nice than drilling holes in the case is up to you.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: kandrey89 on July 07, 2017, 05:52:09 am
I was thinking about that, while I might do that, I didn't really want to because there is a ground plane fill very close to each pin and just a solder mask insulator, mmmmmmm kind of shitsy.
But maybe, maybe...
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: 1Ghz on July 08, 2017, 05:30:22 am
Got this Tektronix 2712 spectrum analyzer for 286 USD include shipping.
I love it!  :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on July 08, 2017, 06:22:01 am
Got this Tektronix 2712 spectrum analyzer for 286 USD include shipping.
I love it!  :-+

Sweet!! Congrats!!   :-+

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xwarp on July 08, 2017, 07:27:49 am
Got this Tektronix 2712 spectrum analyzer for 286 USD include shipping.
I love it!  :-+

Nice!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: MineBartekSA on July 08, 2017, 07:47:25 am
You all have a awersome equipment but i have this
(http://i.imgur.com/RvPI6x3.jpg)
An Analog Oscilloscope and a Function Generator. I work with a Raspberry Pi, LandTiger and two Mbed's (there are on image).

BTW sorry for quality :-\
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: wkb on July 08, 2017, 06:49:25 pm
Bargain!  Congrats!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: deepskyridge on July 08, 2017, 07:01:23 pm
I picked up a HP 8082A 250Mhz Pulse Generator on Ebay for $85 with free shipping.

It was described as not powering up. I works just fine, pilot lamp is burned out.

Does anyone have a schematic or manual for the HP 15265A test box for alignment on these units.

I needed this to align my HP 5370B TI counter.

Gary
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: kirill_ka on July 13, 2017, 08:46:04 am
Another HP 3478A for less than $100, calibrate by fluke, cal date unknown. Was going to repair it but when it arrived it was working perfectly. Its only missing a power button.
Button cap for 3d printing.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on July 13, 2017, 10:08:28 am
Another HP 3478A for less than $100, calibrate by fluke, cal date unknown. Was going to repair it but when it arrived it was working perfectly. Its only missing a power button.
Button cap for 3d printing.

I wonder if this is the same power button cap as on my HP 4141B (4ch SMU) that is missing one.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: wkb on July 13, 2017, 12:48:19 pm
Tektronix CFG280 function generator.  Not that I needed it but the price was right (EUR 10).  Took a bit of tender loving care,
vaporised resistor and two duff transistors needed replacing. Design / servicability wise this Tek is a disaster zone though  :palm:

Title: Re: List your test equipment &quot;scores&quot; here!
Post by: JPortici on July 13, 2017, 12:51:45 pm
Oh yeah :D

There are a lot of interesting used probes these days, on ebay europe(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170713/e3afd1c4bd403396df55fd8338668567.jpg)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: rob.manderson on July 14, 2017, 12:50:40 pm
Got an HP 6205C linear power supply for US$15 + shipping.  (Shipping was US$20).  Vendor said that one channel worked and one didn't.  Went into some detail in his ebay post about how he'd done some diagnosis and determined that neither the power transformer nor the bridge rectifier were bad and concluded that it was somewhere in the downstream regulation.  I took a look at the manual and concluded that there were no special unobtainable parts and it was a reasonable gamble.  I also read the part about jumper configuration and remote programming of the supply and took a guess that it simply lacked a couple of jumpers. 

And sure enough, that's all it was.  Added the local programming jumpers for the non-working channel and there it goes!

Nice little supply and well worth the money!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on July 14, 2017, 09:35:08 pm
Nice score, Rob. Pesky little jumpers get 'em every time.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on July 14, 2017, 10:08:47 pm
Nice score, Rob. Pesky little jumpers get 'em every time.

Not that this is a bad thing from our point of view...   ;)

I snagged a pair of 'non working' 6284As for $15/ea at the TRW swap meet a few years back.  Sure enough, they didn't work...   ...until I read the POH and found out about and installed the missing jumpers on the back.   :-+

(Of course one of them is missing the little HP emblem.   |O )

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on July 14, 2017, 10:57:35 pm
Nice score, Rob. Pesky little jumpers get 'em every time.

Not that this is a bad thing from our point of view...   ;)

Nope, not a bad thing at all.

Quote
...
(Of course one of them is missing the little HP emblem.   |O )

Now this, this is a bad thing. I've passed up a bunch of gear because of it. *sigh* Empty holes on the face plate? Unacceptable! Since China is so good at counterfeiting ... err ... replicating brands, surely they could make replacement badges. Hmmm...
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on July 14, 2017, 11:31:21 pm
Now this, this is a bad thing. I've passed up a bunch of gear because of it. *sigh* Empty holes on the face plate? Unacceptable! Since China is so good at counterfeiting ... err ... replicating brands, surely they could make replacement badges. Hmmm...

Yeah, right?  I hate to say it, but that has been the deciding factor a time or five for me, too, though only on things that I was really on the fence about and/or that were very common and came up frequently. 

I'm sure there's a pallet of them sitting covered with dust in the corner of some warehouse somewhere.   |O

And at some point they'll be found, and promptly carted off to the dump.   |O |O |O |O

I just looked at a few of them on things here; it looks like a small chrome plated rimmed metal holder with a silkscreened metal label applied to it.  I'm tempted to try to figure out how to make some knock offs myself.  Maybe even a casting filled it epoxy ink or the like.   :-//

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on July 14, 2017, 11:45:28 pm
I'm sure a good cloisonne artist could probably make a nice stand-in for the color version. I wonder how well a 3D printer, sand paper, and some spray paint would work for the b&w ones.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on July 14, 2017, 11:50:28 pm
58503B with the original binders/manuals and an antenna with coax. Not sure I believe the power on hours. Has 10 MHz, PPS and PPS2 outputs. Was too cheap too pass up.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on July 15, 2017, 12:36:28 am
I'm sure a good cloisonne artist could probably make a nice stand-in for the color version. I wonder how well a 3D printer, sand paper, and some spray paint would work for the b&w ones.

Don't think that cloisonné hasn't crossed my mind.  I have an annealer that could be used for that, and could get the powdered enamel easily enough.  Just need to come up with the little castings...

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on July 15, 2017, 01:09:49 am
Another possibility might be a casting with manually applied powder coating powder.  That only needs to go to about 400* F to cure...

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on July 15, 2017, 04:27:57 am
Powder coating is a good idea! Not sure how to do precision application of it, but the area is so small it probably doesn't matter too much how you apply it.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: SeanB on July 15, 2017, 06:29:45 am
Powder coating is a good idea! Not sure how to do precision application of it, but the area is so small it probably doesn't matter too much how you apply it.

Toothpicks dipped alternately into a wet pad and then the powder will work, you just need a thin layer. Alternatively mix the powder with water to make a thin slurry and dip with the toothpick as well. Cheap and disposable, and you get good control of droplet size and placement.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on July 15, 2017, 07:04:02 am
Powder coating is a good idea! Not sure how to do precision application of it, but the area is so small it probably doesn't matter too much how you apply it.

Toothpicks dipped alternately into a wet pad and then the powder will work, you just need a thin layer. Alternatively mix the powder with water to make a thin slurry and dip with the toothpick as well. Cheap and disposable, and you get good control of droplet size and placement.

That's along the lines of what I was thinking.  Water and a toothpick or tiny artist's brush.  I've done cloisonné enameling that way.  Takes a while to build up, but it works well for control.

Now to learn to cast.....

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: HighVoltage on July 15, 2017, 12:51:51 pm
58503B with the original binders/manuals and an antenna with coax. Not sure I believe the power on hours. Has 10 MHz, PPS and PPS2 outputs. Was too cheap too pass up.
Wow, you got lucky for that price!
How complicated is is to get the software up and running?
Looks really good.

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: tablatronix on July 15, 2017, 01:30:07 pm
grabbed one of those Elenco f-1300 on ebay, ok price, cheapest fc I have found for months, other than the c&c 150u's

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on July 15, 2017, 10:48:58 pm
58503B with the original binders/manuals and an antenna with coax. Not sure I believe the power on hours. Has 10 MHz, PPS and PPS2 outputs. Was too cheap too pass up.
Wow, you got lucky for that price!
How complicated is is to get the software up and running?
Looks really good.

Super easy - grab version 5 of Lady Heather. Then run it with /rx5 to select a 58503 series GPSDO. The only other trick is you need to turn off echo on the serial port before running Lady Heather using a terminal program with this command :system:communicate:serial1:fduplex off
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: VK5RC on July 16, 2017, 12:38:26 am
Powder coating is a good idea! Not sure how to do precision application of it, but the area is so small it probably doesn't matter too much how you apply it.

Toothpicks dipped alternately into a wet pad and then the powder will work, you just need a thin layer. Alternatively mix the powder with water to make a thin slurry and dip with the toothpick as well. Cheap and disposable, and you get good control of droplet size and placement.

That's along the lines of what I was thinking.  Water and a toothpick or tiny artist's brush.  I've done cloisonné enameling that way.  Takes a while to build up, but it works well for control.

Now to learn to cast.....

-Pat
Recently I was trashing an "old" HP printer, Off came the badge - not the same style- a little bit big but much better than 2 small holes >:D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on July 16, 2017, 09:13:59 am

Recently I was trashing an "old" HP printer, Off came the badge - not the same style- a little bit big but much better than 2 small holes >:D

Oh nice trick. Im sure a HP enthusiast would notice the badge not being the authentic old style, but its certainly a lot less eye catching than with it missing.

Il keep it in mind when i see a good HP bargin with its badge missing.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: VK5RC on July 16, 2017, 12:15:43 pm
e.g.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on July 16, 2017, 06:10:28 pm
Certainly better than the holes!!

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on July 17, 2017, 04:50:28 am
Yeah, nice workaround Rob. :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ysjoelfir on July 22, 2017, 12:12:07 am
Not quite sure if it's a bargain, but the name catched me - scored a Thurlby Thandar PL310QMD for ~70€. Should arrive soon, I'm already quite excited how it performs!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: BravoV on July 22, 2017, 09:12:26 am
Bought a so called forking tool ... :-DD

Kyoritsu KEW 2300R, NCV (Non Contact Voltage) detector and DC/AC current "fork" current tester, as it doesn't need to clamp on the cable to measure the current (open fork), spec -> HERE (http://www.kew-ltd.co.jp/en/products/detail/00040/)

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/chat/test-equipment-anonymous-(tea)-group-therapy-thread/?action=dlattach;attach=334182;image)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: HighVoltage on July 22, 2017, 09:45:26 am
Bought a so called forking tool ... :-DD

Kyoritsu KEW 2300R, NCV (Non Contact Voltage) detector and DC/AC current "fork" current tester, as it doesn't need to clamp on the cable to measure the current (open fork), spec ->

Nice!
Where did you buy it and how much was it?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: w2aew on July 22, 2017, 12:53:43 pm
Keeping with the theme of the subject...   ...scored a really nice Boonton 92C RF Millivoltmeter with the original serial number matching probes:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fsy9j29EOSg (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fsy9j29EOSg)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: YU7C on July 22, 2017, 01:44:16 pm
Agilent U1732C from ebay. $189 + shipping. Looks like brand new. Has calibration label from 2013. f/w 00.24 and inside board rev. 002

Does anybody know  how to find out serial number?


Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on July 22, 2017, 11:51:00 pm
Keeping with the theme of the subject...   ...scored a really nice Boonton 92C RF Millivoltmeter with the original serial number matching probes:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fsy9j29EOSg (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fsy9j29EOSg)
I very good meter, I have a lot of time using one.  :-+ :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on July 22, 2017, 11:57:04 pm
Agilent U1732C from ebay. $189 + shipping. Looks like brand new. Has calibration label from 2013. f/w 00.24 and inside board rev. 002

Does anybody know  how to find out serial number?

You need to use the IR interface to read the serial number as far as I know.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on July 22, 2017, 11:58:28 pm
Keeping with the theme of the subject...   ...scored a really nice Boonton 92C RF Millivoltmeter with the original serial number matching probes:

Great score, Alan, and in beautiful condition. Someone must've valued it not only to keep it nearly pristine, but to have the matching probe and accessories, too. :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: IAmBack on July 26, 2017, 06:57:22 pm
BK Precision 9185 - 400/600V programmable PSU. required some repair, but now works OK. $100 + cost of stare parts (purchased in a volume "just in case" - 70USD). Not sure if I need such high voltage PSU, but for some reason I could not resist (GAS maybe)...
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Rbastler on July 26, 2017, 07:07:44 pm
I got a MV116 for 75€, working of course. The Fluke 8050A was 10€ but is damaged, the PE1540 needs it's 220n 300V~ MP cap replaced (30€), both resistor decades were 10€ and so was the amp.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PA4TIM on July 26, 2017, 08:45:11 pm
My latest additions on one photo. A Siglent SHS1062 portable scope, a Brymen BM869s and a Datron 4700 multimeter calibrator. I had already 2 repairs on my benches so I repaired this in the living room

The Datron was a gift, I'm the second owner and according my friend who worked at the company who owned it, it is almost never used.  It looks as clean on the inside as the outside. I had to replace a handful of tantalums before it worked again without smoke. I have not calibrated it yet but a quick test was very promising. It has the current/resistance option. It does VAC (upto 1 MHz) and VDC, both upto 200V, Resistance are 7 fixed values and current is also AC and DC. I am very happy with it.

The Siglent was not planned, I borrowed it from the Dutch dealer, Eleshop to evaluate, I made a youtube review about it and liked it so much I bought it. https://youtu.be/R5lTLuclk1M

I bought the Brymen as a second meter next my Agilent (to replace my old Fluke 77-III) I wanted to make a review of it at first but there are already plenty made on you tube.

The Datron came with 2 old HP's, a HP-5248L nixy equiped counter with 500 MHz plugin and a HP8640a with analog scale.  Not used for >30 years and also looking like new.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on July 28, 2017, 10:48:25 pm
Not sure if I need such high voltage PSU, but for some reason I could not resist (GAS maybe)...

It's for capacitor leakage testing, of course. So, now that it has a purpose, you can relax. ;D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: IAmBack on July 31, 2017, 08:48:13 pm
Not sure if I need such high voltage PSU, but for some reason I could not resist (GAS maybe)...

It's for capacitor leakage testing, of course. So, now that it has a purpose, you can relax. ;D
I also considered Geiger tube testing in a doomsday, so yes, it is must-have tool for many reasons :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bsudbrink on August 01, 2017, 07:17:02 pm
Offered with only the smallest amount of tongue-in-cheek because, if you need one of these (and I do) it is a very useful tool:

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ysjoelfir on August 01, 2017, 09:41:20 pm
What is that? Some way to test Signals at ISA Cards?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bsudbrink on August 01, 2017, 09:57:26 pm
S-100 bus extender with built in logic probe.  Plus you can insert test probes/fuses/etc. into the power rails.  The only more useful S-100 tool is the Jade bus probe which I don't have but would love to get:

http://www.s100computers.com/Hardware%20Folder/Jade/Bus%20Probe/Bus_Probe.htm (http://www.s100computers.com/Hardware%20Folder/Jade/Bus%20Probe/Bus_Probe.htm)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on August 01, 2017, 10:18:48 pm
Offered with only the smallest amount of tongue-in-cheek because, if you need one of these (and I do) it is a very useful tool:
NO Kidding, and I hate making my own.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: VK5RC on August 02, 2017, 10:52:29 am
I am a sucker for good 'ol HP Battleships, a 3326A dual tone/phase/pulse 13MHz freq gen;  all 27kg of her! Not a real 'score' in terms of price though.
Now when she arrives I really can do some 'two tone' testing - if I don't get a hernia first :scared:
Robert
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on August 03, 2017, 04:51:43 am
Looks like that 3326A would cause you to make two tones. :-DD
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: VK5RC on August 03, 2017, 10:55:34 am
I think i have more than 2 output channels though! HiHi!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on August 03, 2017, 03:17:03 pm
That's an impressive looking beast!  Cool!  Try not to bugger up your back moving it!

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Fungus on August 03, 2017, 05:26:21 pm
27kg freq. gen? WTF is inside it?

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: neo on August 03, 2017, 05:51:16 pm
27kg freq. gen? WTF is inside it?

I have a 50 kg VHF gen, it is of course tube based. So when it comes to the weight of somethings my guess is transformers and the like.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on August 03, 2017, 05:54:01 pm
27kg freq. gen? WTF is inside it?

A little tiny black hole.   ;)  Seriously, it's mid 80s HP gear - there's a whole bunch of stuff in there.  They didn't leave a whole lot of open space inside of things from that era, and what we now do with a single IC took a buttload of discrete parts.

I have a 5360A Computing Counter in the repair queue, and it weighs in at about 25 kilos.  Granted it's a generation or two older, but it's stuffed full with something like 300 (yes, that's HUNDRED) ICs.  It has a 5V power supply that puts out 10 amps.

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Electronics/HP-5360A-Computing-Counter/i-7MDkwmn/0/5704b00e/L/HP%205360A%20card%20cage%20overall-L.jpg)

One of about 21 boards in the logic section:
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Electronics/HP-5360A-Computing-Counter/i-wXcq9Lm/0/d6304e32/L/HP%205360A%20circuit%20board%20-%20A29-L.jpg)

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: neo on August 03, 2017, 06:44:09 pm
27kg freq. gen? WTF is inside it?

A little tiny black hole.   ;)  Seriously, it's mid 80s HP gear - there's a whole bunch of stuff in there.  They didn't leave a whole lot of open space inside of things from that era, and what we now do with a single IC took a buttload of discrete parts.

I have a 5360A Computing Counter in the repair queue, and it weighs in at about 25 kilos.  Granted it's a generation or two older, but it's stuffed full with something like 300 (yes, that's HUNDRED) ICs.  It has a 5V power supply that puts out 10 amps.

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Electronics/HP-5360A-Computing-Counter/i-7MDkwmn/0/5704b00e/L/HP%205360A%20card%20cage%20overall-L.jpg)

One of about 21 boards in the logic section:
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Electronics/HP-5360A-Computing-Counter/i-wXcq9Lm/0/d6304e32/L/HP%205360A%20circuit%20board%20-%20A29-L.jpg)

-Pat
That is candy for nerds like me,  :-+ so many pretty ICs...

Anyways, on an unrelated side note my 8800A is due to come today.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bsudbrink on August 03, 2017, 07:08:07 pm
Anyways, on an unrelated side note my 8800A is due to come today.

As in MITS Altair?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: neo on August 03, 2017, 07:23:24 pm
Anyways, on an unrelated side note my 8800A is due to come today.

As in MITS Altair?

As in fluke 8800A, i should have been more specific.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bsudbrink on August 03, 2017, 07:29:19 pm
As in fluke 8800A, i should have been more specific.

Ah, shows where my head is.  I have an Altair 8800a which (by production numbers) is a bit rarer than the original 8800 and much rarer than the 8800b.  I've only run into a few other collectors with 'a's.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on August 03, 2017, 08:23:15 pm

That is candy for nerds like me,  :-+ so many pretty ICs...


Yeah - and a wire wrapped backplane!!   :o :o

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Electronics/HP-5360A-Computing-Counter/i-xXPrhhD/0/d2adef64/L/HP%205360A%20backplane%20wiring%20and%20transformers-L.jpg)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Electronics/HP-5360A-Computing-Counter/i-pVC8FvN/0/d9251aa5/L/HP%205360A%20backplane%20wiring%202-L.jpg)

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: hendorog on August 03, 2017, 09:15:09 pm
Anyways, on an unrelated side note my 8800A is due to come today.

Just a random thought - was it this one? Really great deal if so.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/FLUKE-8800A-DIGITAL-MULTIMETER-/253052087084?hash=item3aeb146b2c:g:x~4AAOSwhMFZbnRQ (http://www.ebay.com/itm/FLUKE-8800A-DIGITAL-MULTIMETER-/253052087084?hash=item3aeb146b2c:g:x~4AAOSwhMFZbnRQ)

I had that on my watchlist but completely forgot to bid.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: neo on August 03, 2017, 09:18:29 pm
Anyways, on an unrelated side note my 8800A is due to come today.

Just a random thought - was it this one? Really great deal if so.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/FLUKE-8800A-DIGITAL-MULTIMETER-/253052087084?hash=item3aeb146b2c:g:x~4AAOSwhMFZbnRQ (http://www.ebay.com/itm/FLUKE-8800A-DIGITAL-MULTIMETER-/253052087084?hash=item3aeb146b2c:g:x~4AAOSwhMFZbnRQ)

I had that on my watchlist but completely forgot to bid.

I missed that one, but mine was only 8 dollars more.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: hendorog on August 03, 2017, 09:31:12 pm
Nice.

In case it is useful - I got two recently and both needed these filter caps replaced:

http://nz.rs-online.com/web/p/aluminium-capacitors/8506058/?searchTerm=850-6058 (http://nz.rs-online.com/web/p/aluminium-capacitors/8506058/?searchTerm=850-6058)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bsudbrink on August 03, 2017, 10:17:58 pm
Yeah - and a wire wrapped backplane!!   :o :o
Beautiful.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: neo on August 03, 2017, 10:19:25 pm
Nice.

In case it is useful - I got two recently and both needed these filter caps replaced:

http://nz.rs-online.com/web/p/aluminium-capacitors/8506058/?searchTerm=850-6058 (http://nz.rs-online.com/web/p/aluminium-capacitors/8506058/?searchTerm=850-6058)

Mine seems to work fine though thanks for mentioning.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: dos on August 06, 2017, 04:49:00 pm
Picked this Fluke 45 up from craigslist yesterday, $72. In great shape with a bright VFD and a cal sticker from 2016, only missing the stand/front brackets (which I'm looking for if anyone wants to sell theirs). Replacing an older Instek bench meter that I'm probably going to sell for more than I paid for this, it's my first piece of non-Chinese gear and I'm really happy with it. I know it's not super great these days but it's the best I can afford and works for my needs apart from missing capacitance, which I have a UT61E for now and plan to get an LCR meter for sometime anyway.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on August 06, 2017, 05:14:21 pm
Fluke 45 is great, especially the dual measurement DC+AC.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on August 06, 2017, 08:16:17 pm

That is candy for nerds like me,  :-+ so many pretty ICs...


Yeah - and a wire wrapped backplane!!   :o :o

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Electronics/HP-5360A-Computing-Counter/i-xXPrhhD/0/d2adef64/L/HP%205360A%20backplane%20wiring%20and%20transformers-L.jpg)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Electronics/HP-5360A-Computing-Counter/i-pVC8FvN/0/d9251aa5/L/HP%205360A%20backplane%20wiring%202-L.jpg)

-Pat
There is something that will scare the crap out of the new players. :D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: alm on August 06, 2017, 08:26:22 pm
The good thing is that most equipment from that age will have component level schematics to help you troubleshoot, I guess.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on August 07, 2017, 02:14:52 am
Yeah - and a wire wrapped backplane!!   :o :o

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Electronics/HP-5360A-Computing-Counter/i-pVC8FvN/0/d9251aa5/L/HP%205360A%20backplane%20wiring%202-L.jpg)

-Pat
There is something that will scare the crap out of the new players. :D

I dunno. I'm not a new player, but I'd think more than twice about diving into all that wire wrapping. :-DD
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on August 07, 2017, 03:43:42 am
Yes, I'd certainty prefer to admire it for the abstract art that it is ( I'm tempted to try to get a better framed and focused closeup of it and print it to hang on the wall) rather than to have to delve deeply into it for troubleshooting purposes.

The good thing is that properly wrapped joints (which I'm confident that these are) form gas tight connections where the post corners dig into the wire, so they seem as if they should be pretty reliable as long as no one monkeys with the,pm.

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xwarp on August 07, 2017, 08:24:34 am
That is a good picture, but I'd straighten those bent pins and then take another picture.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: basinstreetdesign on August 12, 2017, 01:28:51 am
THIS brings back memories from working for my university making custom modules for a PDP-11 in the Math faculty building.

1974.

Late nights with a scope and a wire-wrap gun ...

'nuff said.

I  didn't design that stuff but I had to build and debug it!  That was my first introduction into the belief that all engineers should "eat their own dog food" (build and debug what they design)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: GreyWoolfe on August 12, 2017, 01:41:09 am

I  didn't design that stuff but I had to build and debug it!  That was my first introduction into the belief that all engineers should "eat their own dog food" (build and debug what they design)

That's pretty funny.  As a field service tech, I regularly say the same exact thing. :palm:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on August 12, 2017, 09:32:10 am

I  didn't design that stuff but I had to build and debug it!  That was my first introduction into the belief that all engineers should "eat their own dog food" (build and debug what they design)

At work we have sort of a unwritten rule that any PCBs you design, you also have to assemble and test yourself. That way it comes back to bite you when the thing is a nightmare to assemble because of closely creaming together ridiculously tiny SMD parts. Or that there are no easy ways to test basic functionality by simply applying power, or things blow up upon applying power due to design mistakes etc.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: tooki on August 14, 2017, 05:13:10 pm
Picked up a nice Agilent U8001A lab power supply last week for about $125 shipped.

Some UV yellowing of the front panel and a little nick on it, otherwise looks like new after a thorough dusting inside and out. Date codes place it at the very end of 2011.

Really impressed by the high update rate of the display; the lag on many units, with their 3 updates per second, really annoys me.

The fan is really loud though; anyone got any experience with replacing the fan in one of these puppies? It looks to be a 60mm fan, with two speeds, controlled only by the current draw (switches to high speed at 2A). It's louder than all my other lab gear combined...
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: HighPrecision on August 14, 2017, 07:47:20 pm
Yeah - and a wire wrapped backplane!!   :o :o

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Electronics/HP-5360A-Computing-Counter/i-pVC8FvN/0/d9251aa5/L/HP%205360A%20backplane%20wiring%202-L.jpg)

-Pat
There is something that will scare the crap out of the new players. :D

I dunno. I'm not a new player, but I'd think more than twice about diving into all that wire wrapping. :-DD

I worked 37 years ago, to repair more complex wire-wrapped big boards of Nicolet 660x, was a real nightmare!

see here as well...
http://www.amplifier.cd/Test_Equipment/other/660b.htm (http://www.amplifier.cd/Test_Equipment/other/660b.htm)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on August 15, 2017, 02:18:24 am
I worked 37 years ago, to repair more complex wire-wrapped big boards of Nicolet 660x, was a real nightmare!

see here as well...
http://www.amplifier.cd/Test_Equipment/other/660b.htm (http://www.amplifier.cd/Test_Equipment/other/660b.htm)

Holy Crap!!  That is certainly a big board!  It looks like most of them are WW. We had some process gear at National Semi when I worked there in the mid-late 80s that had wire wrapped backplanes and cards in the control electronics.  Luckily I never had to delve into that part of them - they were PWS Coyote plasma deposition systems, and the issues tended to be vacuum related (like when second shift left an o-ring out, but used so much vacuum grease the thing sealed and ran for over 24 hours) rather than control related.

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: tautech on August 22, 2017, 10:40:17 pm
Some nice old HP gold.  :)
Ex member wilgil  :-*

HP 8654B 10-520 MHz sig gen with option 003.
(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=344046)
Teardown thread:
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/hp-8654b-10-520-mhz-sig-gen-light-teardown/ (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/hp-8654b-10-520-mhz-sig-gen-light-teardown/)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xwarp on August 28, 2017, 12:01:35 am
Picked up a Precision Apparatus Co. E-400 sweep generator from the 40's for a couple of bucks. Even has the cable and termination box with it. Pretty well made piece of equipment for it's time.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ysjoelfir on August 28, 2017, 12:17:12 am
I guess i got a score! Keithley 199 for 90€. Was described as broken as it only displays values using the ports at the back. I wonder if that could be caused by the visibly enabled "front/rear" switch...  :palm: :-//
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on August 28, 2017, 03:31:49 am
I wonder if that could be caused by the visibly enabled "front/rear" switch...  :palm: :-//

Woot! And if not that, then it might simply need a little workout to remove oxidation on the contacts.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Falkra on August 28, 2017, 06:56:43 am
Worth checking...  >:D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: DaJMasta on August 28, 2017, 09:23:47 pm
Here's a nice surprise.  Wanted a high bandwidth scope to look at some high frequency waveforms and found a LeCroy DDA-125 (1.5GHz bandwidth, 4GS/s or 8GS/s with external bridge) that was being sold as powered on but with no display or activity on the front panel.  Looking for a bit of a repair project, good price, schematics available, so I picked it up.

It arrived, powered on and nothing as expected, so i plugged in the video connection to see if anything was getting out.  A few power cycles in I had no luck, so I turned on my existing scope to see if I could find any signal at all on the output connectors before I cracked it open.... but this time it beeped and the relays clicked a bunch.

It works fine.  Apparently the years it spent in storage just meant that it took some time being plugged in before it fully booted.  Screen looks good, buttons responsive, channels active, and even the printer seems to be a-ok.  Not going to stop me from cracking it open, of course, but at least I know there's no requirement to buy any replacement parts  :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: hpbo on August 28, 2017, 09:35:18 pm
Long time ago i scored a vintage HIOKI 3520 lcr meter from the bay - it was listed as pulled from working environment - as the service manual was included, I decidet to bid on it and won it for little money - sure enough it was faulty - the display was dim, showed "8 8 8" and the keys where not responding. Later I scored Kelvin-Probes and Test Fixture on a local online auction site.
Today I started fixing by checkin voltages - as soon as i touched the internal power connector with multimeter probes i heared relay click and the sleeping Beauty woke up  :-*  After thorough cleaning she works like a charm - and her GP-IB socket is fun to play with  ;D

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on August 28, 2017, 11:28:34 pm
It works fine.  Apparently the years it spent in storage just meant that it took some time being plugged in before it fully booted.

Fascinating. I'll have to keep that in mind.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Neomys Sapiens on August 29, 2017, 12:16:59 am
Yes, I had a llok at it and thought the same. Given my Oltronix experience (told in this thread), I would give it at least 50%. Also bought a R&S Lab Power Supply at a Dortmund hamfest. When the seller made a face when I asked him if it works, I haggled him far down - Solution: set Sense switch correctly!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: GreyWoolfe on August 29, 2017, 02:15:51 am
It works fine.  Apparently the years it spent in storage just meant that it took some time being plugged in before it fully booted.

Fascinating. I'll have to keep that in mind.

And, as a bonus, it even has all its knobs. :-+ :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: DaJMasta on August 29, 2017, 02:53:16 am
It works fine.  Apparently the years it spent in storage just meant that it took some time being plugged in before it fully booted.

Fascinating. I'll have to keep that in mind.

Seems there's more to this than meets the eye.  I ran through a full set of tests with it for maybe 45 minutes of use, got the full 8GS/s on one channel with no adapter (haven't seen the PP096 for sale anywhere, maybe it was included in the acquisition board after the manual was published?), got used to the controls, tested some functions, let it build up a few hundred thousand waveforms worth of persistence on the color graded display, but after I shut it down, it hasn't powered up since.

Went in to disassemble (lovely metal work), had some trouble pulling the power supply and I found out why... one of the PSU to board interconnects was slightly melted and singed - but no smell.  Bad voltages on several rails direct from the power supply output, and when I popped the lid and took a look through the thermal camera, all of the power resistors in the power supply light up bright within seconds of turning on.

So there is real troubleshooting to be done, and the PSU is a bit cramped to try and work in, but the fact remains that briefly, it was just fine after exhibiting the same no-power-on failure.  This gives me some confidence that despite how the rails read, they probably haven't cooked anything on the mainboard, since that probably would have shown when it was working.  Still, chasing down the culprit could be tricky... I suppose the first order of business is checking continuity across main lines, but thankfully, the LC684 that has near identical hardware includes a full PSU schematic in the service manual bundle.

Probably a coming thread in the repair forum  ;)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: don.r on September 01, 2017, 03:02:10 am
Managed to find a Fluke 87V with probes for a shade over $100. Turns out its rev 10, firmware 3.00 so no cell phones in the lab, please!  :-DD Personally, I don't think they are worth more than $150 used now given the number of excellent $150-200 meters available new.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ysjoelfir on September 02, 2017, 02:11:35 am
I guess i got a score! Keithley 199 for 90€. Was described as broken as it only displays values using the ports at the back. I wonder if that could be caused by the visibly enabled "front/rear" switch...  :palm: :-//

Well, what should I tell you - I repaired it :) Wasn't the switch being switched to rear but rather the switch being beaten the crap out of it - cracked right in half that thing!
That thing is working flawlessly again - thinking about gettint that thing compared to a known good source or meter as this will be my most acurate meter now. Any suggestions in Germany? :)

https://youtu.be/3tNQtYuWTrs
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: innkeeper on September 17, 2017, 03:15:27 am
Does an isolation transformer count as test equipment?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on September 17, 2017, 03:20:35 am
Plug your device-under-test into it and you've qualified it. ;D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on September 25, 2017, 06:10:56 pm
Toploser struck again:
I just bought a GW Instek PSP603 PSU from him. Didn't really need it but then again the alternative I have are two very old HP6024As.
(http://img1.findic.com/psp-603-zwR3YcG9-2jwM6eE4q.jpg)
What I like is that the set points are visible and it also shows the power and it has power limiting (constant power?). I don't think I've seen that before on a PSU in this price range. I'll do a short teardown (open the cover and take a few pictures) and some tests when I get it.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PTR_1275 on September 25, 2017, 10:24:41 pm
I'm pretty sure those power supplies are made by Manson. I'd be interested to see the tear down of it and if that is a constant power preset.

I don't know why power supply manufacturers are insistent on the 3 terminals at standard spacing, but with the earth terminal in the middle. It renders all of my lovely Pomona double banana connectors unusable.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on September 25, 2017, 11:12:33 pm
I'm pretty sure those power supplies are made by Manson. I'd be interested to see the tear down of it and if that is a constant power preset.

I don't know why power supply manufacturers are insistent on the 3 terminals at standard spacing, but with the earth terminal in the middle. It renders all of my lovely Pomona double banana connectors unusable.

I would guess that's because with a fully floating output, you can easily tie either the positive or negative rail to ground with equal ease to make the reference point either polarity.  That being said, they could also do it with a triangular arrangement of posts, with the ground at the bottom - this would let the double banana plugs work, but might also take some creative thinking on the part of the designer, and a bit more panel real estate height-wise.

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on September 25, 2017, 11:15:59 pm
I'm pretty sure those power supplies are made by Manson. I'd be interested to see the tear down of it and if that is a constant power preset.

I don't know why power supply manufacturers are insistent on the 3 terminals at standard spacing, but with the earth terminal in the middle. It renders all of my lovely Pomona double banana connectors unusable.

Like so:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Electronics/HP-711/i-qQQfPQB/0/e0352667/L/IMG_7722-L.jpg)

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bjcuizon on September 25, 2017, 11:51:18 pm
Toploser struck again:
I just bought a GW Instek PSP603 PSU from him. Didn't really need it but then again the alternative I have are two very old HP6024As.
(http://img1.findic.com/psp-603-zwR3YcG9-2jwM6eE4q.jpg)
What I like is that the set points are visible and it also shows the power and it has power limiting (constant power?). I don't think I've seen that before on a PSU in this price range. I'll do a short teardown (open the cover and take a few pictures) and some tests when I get it.
Is it like the one Dave has? The BK precision one with the kind of horrible UI?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQbIj7JeIIQ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQbIj7JeIIQ)

EDIT: Oh no, I think its different.  |O
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: JustSquareEnough on September 27, 2017, 04:20:42 pm
Toploser struck again:
I just bought a GW Instek PSP603 PSU from him. Didn't really need it but then again the alternative I have are two very old HP6024As.

instek's website seems to indicate this is a switching based PS vs linear, is that accurate?


Edit: i answered my own question its clearly in their switching power supply category on their site... need more coffee today  |O
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on September 27, 2017, 04:50:42 pm
Toploser struck again:
I just bought a GW Instek PSP603 PSU from him. Didn't really need it but then again the alternative I have are two very old HP6024As.
(http://img1.findic.com/psp-603-zwR3YcG9-2jwM6eE4q.jpg)
What I like is that the set points are visible and it also shows the power and it has power limiting (constant power?). I don't think I've seen that before on a PSU in this price range. I'll do a short teardown (open the cover and take a few pictures) and some tests when I get it.
Is it like the one Dave has? The BK precision one with the kind of horrible UI?
EDIT: Oh no, I think its different.  |O
It is different from the BK Precision (which seems like a Manson rebadge). I already read the manual and the operation should be straightforward. It was quite funny to see Dave2 struggle with the BK Precision PSU though  >:D

@JustSquareEnough: yes, it is a switching PSU. Part of my testing will be the conducted output noise.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: tecman on October 04, 2017, 02:18:01 pm
Our company was closing down one of the labs.  I scored for free an HP 3478B meter, Tek 2330, Lecroy 9304 4 ch scope, couple of power supplies, Tek TM506 full with PS, counter, couple of DMMs and FG, and 4 shopping bags full of parts and hardware.

The price was certainly right

Paul
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on October 04, 2017, 02:24:34 pm
Our company was closing down one of the labs.  I scored for free an HP 3478B meter, Tek 2330, Lecroy 9304 4 ch scope, couple of power supplies, Tek TM506 full with PS, counter, couple of DMMs and FG, and 4 shopping bags full of parts and hardware.

The price was certainly right

Paul
Great Score looks like you hit the Lotto. :)   :-+ :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on October 04, 2017, 03:14:47 pm
Well, it remains to be seen if it will turn out to be a 'score' or a pig-in-a-poke, but I snagged a non working HP 8673C signal generator from a local evilbay seller for $103.  I figured it was worth a shot for that price, and local pickup saved $100 in shipping - the bloody thing weighs about 65 lbs (~30kg).  It powers up, but then does a waltzing decimal point thing on the frequency display.  I haven't gotten to poke at it and try anything so far, but from what the manual says there is a board that might be configured incorrectly, so I'll start with that.

Unfortunately, it is a special option version (H12) that apparently deletes the lowest band and modulation & sweep capabilities that most had, but the first order of business will be to try to get it working.  I can burn the other bridges as I get to them.

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nanofrog on October 04, 2017, 07:49:59 pm
Our company was closing down one of the labs.  I scored for free an HP 3478B meter, Tek 2330, Lecroy 9304 4 ch scope, couple of power supplies, Tek TM506 full with PS, counter, couple of DMMs and FG, and 4 shopping bags full of parts and hardware.

The price was certainly right

Paul
Great Score looks like you hit the Lotto. :)   :-+ :-+
Absolutely.  ;D You definitely earned the You Suck award for this one.  :-+

Well, it remains to be seen if it will turn out to be a 'score' or a pig-in-a-poke, but I snagged a non working HP 8673C signal generator from a local evilbay seller for $103.  I figured it was worth a shot for that price, and local pickup saved $100 in shipping - the bloody thing weighs about 65 lbs (~30kg).  It powers up, but then does a waltzing decimal point thing on the frequency display.  I haven't gotten to poke at it and try anything so far, but from what the manual says there is a board that might be configured incorrectly, so I'll start with that.

Unfortunately, it is a special option version (H12) that apparently deletes the lowest band and modulation & sweep capabilities that most had, but the first order of business will be to try to get it working.  I can burn the other bridges as I get to them.

-Pat
Best of luck getting it in working order.  :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: GreyWoolfe on October 04, 2017, 09:49:31 pm
Our company was closing down one of the labs.  I scored for free an HP 3478B meter, Tek 2330, Lecroy 9304 4 ch scope, couple of power supplies, Tek TM506 full with PS, counter, couple of DMMs and FG, and 4 shopping bags full of parts and hardware.

The price was certainly right

Paul
Great Score looks like you hit the Lotto. :)   :-+ :-+
Absolutely.  ;D You definitely earned the You Suck award for this one.  :-+

Well, it remains to be seen if it will turn out to be a 'score' or a pig-in-a-poke, but I snagged a non working HP 8673C signal generator from a local evilbay seller for $103.  I figured it was worth a shot for that price, and local pickup saved $100 in shipping - the bloody thing weighs about 65 lbs (~30kg).  It powers up, but then does a waltzing decimal point thing on the frequency display.  I haven't gotten to poke at it and try anything so far, but from what the manual says there is a board that might be configured incorrectly, so I'll start with that.

Unfortunately, it is a special option version (H12) that apparently deletes the lowest band and modulation & sweep capabilities that most had, but the first order of business will be to try to get it working.  I can burn the other bridges as I get to them.

-Pat
Best of luck getting it in working order.  :)

Yup, YOU SUCK   :-+ :-+, enjoy the toys, hope everything works.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: rob.manderson on October 06, 2017, 10:02:27 pm
Got an HP 3325A for $80 - includes option 1 High Stability Reference and option 2 High Voltage output.  I don't really need option 2 and I may disable it (instructions in the manual) but option1 was certainly nice to get.  Funny thing is I ordered it on Oct 1 and it was due for it's annual calibration on Sept 30th  :-DD

Of course there were problems - it lacked the power button and the shift button is not only missing - the entire switch has been smashed and bits of it floating around inside.  It's one of those heatstaked things and not really repairable.  So I ended up buying a *second* 3325A just to get the front panel assembly.  That one was $50!  The second one seems from the photos to be missing the output attenuator assembly.

Apart from the buttons issue the rest of the instrument (first one) works a treat.  So all in all I'm pretty happy and I now have a donor instrument to keep number 1 going.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Jay_Diddy_B on October 07, 2017, 04:14:06 pm
Hi,

Here are a few pictures of todays score.

I found a General Technologies CM100 AC/DC Low Current Clamp Meter in like new condition at a Garage Sale (Trunk sale or Car boot sale) for $25.00 Canadian ($20.00 USD).

Link to the manufacturers site:

http://www.gtc.ca/Products/CM100.html (http://www.gtc.ca/Products/CM100.html)

This appears to be the same meter as the AEMC CM605.


Link to the AEMC site:

https://www.test-meter.co.uk/aemc-cm605-low-current-dc-clamp-meter/ (https://www.test-meter.co.uk/aemc-cm605-low-current-dc-clamp-meter/)

Pictures

The unit came complete with leads, instruction booklet and soft case (not shown):

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=358295;image)

Testing

I am lucky enough to a have Fluke meter calibrator, 5101B and the 5220A Transconductance Amplifier. This setup is perfect for testing these meters:

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=358297;image)

Ohms Range

The meter is strange in that it has a single ohms range with a full scale of 100k \$\Omega\$. It includes a continuity buzzer, but it beeps at several k \$\Omega\$ and below. The Ohms range does not auto range.


Voltage Range AC and DC

Similar to the Ohms function, there is a single range 0-600V for AC and DC volts.
There is poor resolution for low voltages.

Here is the 10V reading:

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=358299;image)

100V reading:

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=358301;image)

DC Current Clamp

This is the reason that I bought the meter, the high resolution DC clamp meter. The meter can resolve 1mA. I found the meter was sensitive to orientation, probably the earth's magnetic field. Moving the meter caused the reading to change by +/- 6mA after zeroing. Not too bad, but you need to aware of this.

10mA Reading:

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=358303;image)

1A Reading:

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=358305;image)


10A Reading:

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=358307;image)

Conclusions

The DC Clamp meter, the reason I bought the meter, is very good. The other functions are a little disappointing.

For $25.00 CDN it was a bargain. ;D

Regards,

Jay_Diddy_B


Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Jay_Diddy_B on October 07, 2017, 04:38:55 pm
Hi Group,

Martin Lorton did a full review of the GTC CM100. It can be found here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?annotation_id=annotation_440874&feature=iv&src_vid=pWCDPBwEDXE&v=1sq2WRGPABw (https://www.youtube.com/watch?annotation_id=annotation_440874&feature=iv&src_vid=pWCDPBwEDXE&v=1sq2WRGPABw)

He draws similar conclusions about the functionality.

Regards,

Jay_Diddy_B
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ysjoelfir on October 09, 2017, 11:01:16 am
That's a rather interesting meter, even though it behaves somehow strange on everything except the amps range... Thanks for sharing!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on November 17, 2017, 03:28:20 pm
Oh, good, I thought I was gonna run out!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on November 17, 2017, 04:09:35 pm
Now that is a lot of infiniium scopes. How did you come across so many?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on November 17, 2017, 04:20:04 pm
Auction :D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on November 17, 2017, 06:20:30 pm
Auction :D
Any 54835/54845 in that stack? If yes then I know who to call for spare parts in case my one goes bad  ;D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on November 17, 2017, 07:54:04 pm
Nope, I've bid on some but didn't get 'm. Should still work for 'generic' Parts like PSU, display, procent board etc. And can't these  things be uphacked?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on November 17, 2017, 08:22:00 pm
Nope, I've bid on some but didn't get 'm. Should still work for 'generic' Parts like PSU, display, procent board etc. And can't these  things be uphacked?
Which models did you get? HP/Agilent seems to have made many different oscilloscopes in this housing.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on November 17, 2017, 08:42:31 pm
54825A and 54815A. Oh,and a 8560.And a R&S CMU200.

And a couple of probes. Two of which active 1.5GHz. And recovery diskettes still in the plastic!. And an old smelly keyboard.That too.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on November 17, 2017, 09:50:39 pm
Hmm 500MHz and only 32kpts. Perhaps the 54815 can be uphacked to 54825 (2Gs/s instead of 1Gs/s). IMHO these are nice scopes to look at high speed signals and perhaps EMC compliance testing to see which part of a signal has unwanted frequency content.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on November 21, 2017, 01:17:19 pm
Oh, good, I thought I was gonna run out!
Ya know, stock up while you can . :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on November 21, 2017, 03:40:36 pm
Picked up some new (to me) gear last week.
Top to bottom.
Simpson 260
B&K Scope
LG Spectrum Analyzer, Looking for an English manual for it.
Motorola Service monitor (needs a lot of work)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Neomys Sapiens on November 21, 2017, 11:42:16 pm
Well it seems that I extended my range of TM500-modules into the waveform displays - while at the same time aquiring my first own analogue storage scope! Advertised as working and a picture to prove it - if not mishandled by the parcel beasts it should be minor work only! At 122€ definitely ok.

Update: it seems to be in working order and not to need a major refurbishment. Maybe alignment of the storage/precharge circuit at some point, because it gets a bit blurry when operating in storage mode.
But that might be an error on my side - I have to play with the settings some more.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Johnny10 on November 22, 2017, 01:54:40 am
 :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: capt bullshot on November 22, 2017, 10:45:54 am
Motorola Service monitor (needs a lot of work)
Wow, this thing is old and crusty, but not as beaten up as my R2600B (http://wunderkis.de/r2600/index.html (http://wunderkis.de/r2600/index.html)). This one was one of the starters of my TEA  ::)

Quote from: Neomys Sapiens
Well it seems that I extended my range of TM500-modules into the waveform displays

I was looking at this particular one too. I didn't bid because I'm kinda overflowed by my TEA atm. The TM500 scope modules are pretty, anyway ...
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on November 22, 2017, 01:10:13 pm
Motorola Service monitor (needs a lot of work)
Wow, this thing is old and crusty, but not as beaten up as my R2600B (http://wunderkis.de/r2600/index.html (http://wunderkis.de/r2600/index.html)). This one was one of the starters of my TEA  ::)
It is old and crusty...
1982 vintage... Newer than my IFR FM/AM 1000S which spends more time broken than running.
It is going to be a project for next year, I have some Ham, and commercial gear I want to get on the air first. (Atlas 350XL and a Micom 2-ET).
For now I have enough to keep me busy....
I need to get the second HP-8569B going, the first is going to it's new home this weekend.
 
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: rob.manderson on December 01, 2017, 11:30:57 pm
Got an HP3456A for $100 including shipping.  It failed test 3, which is apparently a classic symptom of power supply problems.  Sure enough, the +5V rail was down to 3.5V (it did seem a little silly using an AN8002 to measure voltages inside this instrument!) and the ripple was horrendous.  Likewise for the +33V Rail - about 20V and horrible ripple.  The other rails seemed to be ok.

The new caps arrived an hour ago from Digikey and they're in.  I replaced all of the electrolytics in the power supplies.  The 3456A is now passing all tests.  Now to cobble up some way of verifying it's accuracy!  It never ends, does it?

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Macbeth on December 01, 2017, 11:50:25 pm
The new caps arrived an hour ago from Digikey and they're in.  I replaced all of the electrolytics in the power supplies.  The 3456A is now passing all tests.  Now to cobble up some way of verifying it's accuracy!  It never ends, does it?

Well done. Of course your progression will be to the 3457A to verify your 3456A. You won't be satisfied. You will finally progress to a 3458A. Even that is not enough...  :-DD
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: MadTux on December 02, 2017, 01:07:15 am
HP-3456A probably is more stable than 3457A, 3457A is low cost version of the HP345X meters, while the 3456A is like an old HP3458A (at least in terms of build quality). You'll need a DVM with LTZ1000 in it to reliably check a 3456A. Welcome to the world of volt-nuttery ;-)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ghislain on December 02, 2017, 11:08:52 am
An Agilent 53181A Frequency Counter with option 010, 030 and 060 in excellent working condition 8)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: NiaDebesis on December 02, 2017, 11:00:29 pm
Yesterday has arrived my krohn hite 3343A sold "as is" but it works just fine, scored for 38.50 bucks, am so happy
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: cncjerry on December 10, 2017, 07:30:13 pm
A new friend sent me an email stating he had 5 of the EGG TS-RFS Rubidium Frequency Standards he no longer wanted, one working and 4 that didn't lock.  I included a picture I borrowed from the web as I didn't have one handy.

On power up, all of them locked and the one that worked continued to stay locked whereas the others dropped.  I found a note that someone had replaced 5 of the electrolytics in theirs and I did the same to all of mine with great results.  They now all lock in less than 5 minutes and using the synthesizer switches I was able to set the frequency within 5E-11 on all of them.  This comes out to 10,000,000.0005 or less. 

The frequency settings are a little off, I wish I could get them a little closer, but these are clearly for timing only as the spurs are only about 70db down at best.  The can be cleaned up some by running them through some TTL logic as the close-in phase noise doesn't look that bad but the spurs at 2.1k and higher are the issue.

I am thinking of opening one up and taking the signal prior to their synthesizer if possible and running it into a DDS as this could drop the spurs to below 80db down.

Anyway, these are a steal at the price you see and they are very, very easy to fix.  They get hot, probably should have an external heatsink as I've measured them above 50C.

I've been into time and frequency-nuttery lately and have a Cesium beam coming between the holidays.  I received another note from the all-time Rubidium guru who has two Cesium Beam HP 5061B units he is letting go for a song.  So I will be fully configured by the time the next FMT comes around.  I need a better counter as I only have a 5335 and a 5371a TIA.  I read with jealousy the PM 6081 found a few pages back.

Anyway, if you are into Rubidium, take Mark up on his X72 boards as I have a set coming, Mark is just a ton of help (KE5FX takes the cake on support) and then look for the EGG TS-RFS and for less than $10 in parts you have a very nice standard.  The TS-RFS units I have all have greater than 10V of lamp light and a very large physics package so they will run a long, long time.  The run at 12W so they are power hungry, but my GPSDO units run at more than double that so I am going to keep the rubidium running and just use the DSO to check them.

One other note for those still reading, don't use switching supplies on any of these as I found out.  I found my problem that I had posted in the other forum as my 5V supply was noisy as hell.

Jerry

PS if the owner of the picture prefers, I'll remove it and replace with mine.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on December 11, 2017, 02:16:38 pm
26 (Twenty-Six) Rohde & Schwarz CMU 200

So, eh, if you ever think you might need one: send me a PM  :-DD

Also a HP 35670A Dynamic Signal Analyzer.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on December 12, 2017, 03:00:44 am
26! :o Now, if I was in your neighborhood...
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on December 12, 2017, 11:48:48 am
26 (Twenty-Six) Rohde & Schwarz CMU 200
I hope you got them very cheap because the market is pretty much saturated.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on December 12, 2017, 12:05:27 pm
As always: depends on what you call cheap, but: yes.

Not sure I understand why they are so cheap, though. Obviously, the cell phone communication test suites are not in high demand as they don't support the latest protocols but these units tend to be loaded with a GP power meter, SA and RF gen. That alone should fetch a pretty penny from a reputed brand like R&S.

I have one right now at home. Think I'm gonna do a quick review and drum up some interest  8)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on December 12, 2017, 12:12:50 pm
Well i always stayed away from them due to these things often being so specialized. Some even require a licence key to make it work outside the specific radio bands or even to let you use it like a SA. Even then the SA is usually limited to narrow spans etc.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on December 12, 2017, 12:41:34 pm
As always: depends on what you call cheap, but: yes.

Not sure I understand why they are so cheap, though. Obviously, the cell phone communication test suites are not in high demand as they don't support the latest protocols but these units tend to be loaded with a GP power meter, SA and RF gen. That alone should fetch a pretty penny from a reputed brand like R&S.
The problem is that they are signal analysers and not spectrum analysers. Their minimum RBW is 10Hz, can only show one line (which sucks because many times you need to have more lines on a spectrum analyser to compare measurements), the noise level isn't that great and they 'only' go to 2.7GHz. The same goes for the audio analyser (if fitted/enabled): it is made for telecom use and not hifi.  Add the boat anchor factor to that too.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on December 12, 2017, 01:35:29 pm
The problem is that they are signal analysers and not spectrum analysers.

I don't see how that is a disadvantage?

Quote
Their minimum RBW is 10Hz

Or do you mean it's a disadvantage because, as a result, the RBW is relatively poor? And is it? 10Hz is not that bad?

Quote
can only show one line

You lost me... can you explain? Would like to understand/learn...

Quote
The same goes for the audio analyser (if fitted/enabled): it is made for telecom use and not hifi.

No argument here.

Quote
Add the boat anchor factor to that too.


Don't agree. It's a decent SA and RF gen, all rolled into a high quality build instrument. The UI stinks, though...
[/quote]
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on December 12, 2017, 01:40:28 pm
I would have thought that being a signal analyzer would give it a very sharp RBW. I got a old HP vector signal analyzer that goes from DC to 10MHz and it has its RBW go down to 30 mHz (not Mega)

I would like to see a review of one of these CMU 200 tho.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on December 12, 2017, 01:50:57 pm
The problem is that they are signal analysers and not spectrum analysers.
I don't see how that is a disadvantage?
Quote
Their minimum RBW is 10Hz
Or do you mean it's a disadvantage because, as a result, the RBW is relatively poor? And is it? 10Hz is not that bad?
Quote
can only show one line
You lost me... can you explain? Would like to understand/learn...
Normal spectrum analysers can show 2 or more lines and you can also apply math to them. This allows to make one baseline measurement in one trace and then subtract the actual measurement using the second trace. Or just display the baseline measurement and the new measurement at the same time. That is pretty handy when fixing an EMC problems. You can have the result for the unmodified circuit on screen and see exactly how much progress you made (or not) with fixing the problem.

10Hz minimum RBW isn't bad but 1Hz RBW seems to be standard on the cheap Chinese spectrum analysers so you have to compete with that. Also the sweep time of the CMU200 is slow (>100ms) in comparison.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on December 12, 2017, 03:02:25 pm
Ah, ok. That makes sense. I mostly had/worked with old SA's (8560E and others) where comparing and math isn't an option anyways ;)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on December 12, 2017, 03:47:26 pm
Well a lot of spectrum analyzers don't go down to 1Hz RBW. Like for example the popular Rigol DSA8xx only goes down to 10Hz RBW. Not that its that big of a deal really since they slow down to a snails crawl across the screen when you use resolutions close to that fine. Tho funny thing is that for modern SAs it has become common to specify the noise floor at 1Hz RBW, when it can't actualy go down to 1Hz they extrapolate it down to 1 using math.

Math is a fair point there. Being able to have at least two traces and do things like subtract them is really useful when comparing things or when using it with a tracking gen where you want to zero out your generator and cables. Some of that can be fixed trough software tho. I use a Rigol DSA832 at work for EMI and its annoying to set up every time as not all of the setup can be saved to file and recalled. So i instead created a tool in excel using VBA (Yeah i know... horrible) that talks to it over LAN and sets it up for all the tests and pulls the traces off it in to a nice big graph that is then used in the test report. But yeah when fault finding its useful to have multiple traces right there on the screen of the instrument.

Doesn't the 8560E have multiple traces and math? I have a old boatanchor HP 8566B that has it. Well okay it has only 2 traces and can only add and substract but what more do you need really.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on December 12, 2017, 03:57:32 pm
I thought it didn't. Guess I'll fire her up again tonight ;)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: peertux on December 12, 2017, 09:37:21 pm
Just bought a Systron Donner PS50-1 power supply on eBay. If anyone has any info like accuracy or a schematic that would be great because I can't find anything about it anywhere :-DD

(http://i66.tinypic.com/axdtlz.jpg)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Vgkid on December 12, 2017, 10:48:28 pm
Your silver unit looks way better than my yellow/beige unit. I do have a manual for it , somewhere. No scanner :( , but I can take some pics of that when I find it.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: beanflying on December 13, 2017, 01:50:20 am
So I was looking and talking to a US seller on evilbay about buying a tidy Agilent 34970a DAQ and a single card for about $800 AUpesos. Some !@#$ brought it out from under me while I slept.  :=\

Time to trawl evilbay again for weeks I thought but 5 of them turned up 2 hours drive from me for $400 AUpesos with a choice of two cards fitted.

So being a responsible and budget minded person I brought two of them  :-DD

The seller made me do it by offering 3 gpib cables "free' with the second one
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PTR_1275 on December 13, 2017, 05:09:18 am
Good deal on the 34970

I got mine a few years back, was $150 buy it now plus $30 shipping. Bloke was in Brisbane and had make a offer enabled. I thought about making an offer but would have been kicking myself for years to come if I missed it, so I paid the $180 and got it a week later. Was a few months out of cal, but didn’t care.

I’ve been looking for more ever since and recently at work we are looking to improve our testing setup, so they are looking for one. I saw the ones you bought but being pickup only makes it a bit difficult from the other side of the country.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on December 13, 2017, 06:51:45 am
Whoops. Missed 3 CMU200's, which makes 29 in total. 2 CRTU-RU's as well.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on December 13, 2017, 07:54:53 am
Whoops. Missed 3 CMU200's, which makes 29 in total. 2 CRTU-RU's as well.
Stack 'm up like a wall and turn them on! It would make for a cool picture. That also gives you the chance to check each unit for the installed options. For your sake I hope they all have the same hardware/software options so you don't have to describe every single one of them.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on December 13, 2017, 09:15:47 am
Quote
For your sake I hope they all have the same hardware/software

That would be nice. But no.  :-DD

As for the wall: yeah, would look like a million bucks. New, they would be a million bucks.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Mr. Scram on December 13, 2017, 09:20:51 am
26 (Twenty-Six) Rohde & Schwarz CMU 200

So, eh, if you ever think you might need one: send me a PM  :-DD

Also a HP 35670A Dynamic Signal Analyzer.
I wouldn't even know what to use one for.

Do I see a spectrum analyser in there?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on December 13, 2017, 09:26:27 am
What do you mean? Most of them have an SA and RF gen integrated.

Or do you mean the 8560E I have for sale?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Mr. Scram on December 13, 2017, 09:31:47 am
What do you mean? Most of them have an SA and RF gen integrated.

Or do you mean the 8560E I have for sale?
I meant that I don't even know what this device is intended to achieve. The world of electronics is full of tools I didn't even know existed. Quite regularly that's followed by absolutely not being able to do without one any longer ;D

Just out of curiosity, what's a ballpark figure for one of those?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: peertux on December 13, 2017, 09:45:38 am
Your silver unit looks way better than my yellow/beige unit. I do have a manual for it , somewhere. No scanner :( , but I can take some pics of that when I find it.
That would be great. Thanks!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on December 13, 2017, 09:49:38 am
What do you mean? Most of them have an SA and RF gen integrated.

Or do you mean the 8560E I have for sale?
I meant that I don't even know what this device is intended to achieve. The world of electronics is full of tools I didn't even know existed. Quite regularly that's followed by absolutely not being able to do without one any longer ;D
There are some links to documentation here:
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/buysellwanted/fs-rohde-schwarz-cmu200-communication-analyzer-(bunch)/msg751607/#msg751607 (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/buysellwanted/fs-rohde-schwarz-cmu200-communication-analyzer-(bunch)/msg751607/#msg751607)
The CMU 200 is tailored for use in mobile phone development and production. Unfortunately this meant R&S cut a lot of stuff out so it is a bit of a poor man's spectrum analyser / RF generator solution with limited abilities.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on December 13, 2017, 10:14:29 am
What do you mean? Most of them have an SA and RF gen integrated.

Or do you mean the 8560E I have for sale?
I meant that I don't even know what this device is intended to achieve. The world of electronics is full of tools I didn't even know existed. Quite regularly that's followed by absolutely not being able to do without one any longer ;D

Just out of curiosity, what's a ballpark figure for one of those?

Ex taxes and shipping, 1k or so for the ones with SA and SG.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Mr. Scram on December 13, 2017, 10:30:19 am
Ex taxes and shipping, 1k or so for the ones with SA and SG.
I'm almost glad I literally would have to move house to have room for it.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on December 13, 2017, 10:33:18 am
Ex taxes and shipping, 1k or so for the ones with SA and SG.
I'm almost glad I literally would have to move house to have room for it.

Why do people keep saying that? It's 465.1 mm × 197.3 mm × 517.0 mm  :-// I have bigger stuff than that  :scared:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Mr. Scram on December 13, 2017, 10:35:43 am
Why do people keep saying that? It's 465.1 mm × 197.3 mm × 517.0 mm  :-// I have bigger stuff than that  :scared:
In my case it's more a matter or fearing that my stuff will reach critical mass and implode into a black hole.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: beanflying on December 16, 2017, 01:28:21 am
Got to love pre Christmas Saturday Postal deliveries. Weekend toys to play with  8)

Cambridge Resistor and Capacitor Decade boxes. $50 AUpesos

Unused Cambridge Panel mount 50 ohm FSD bridge meter. $15 AUpesos

HP 5381A Frequency counter $35 AUpesos

HP 4440B Capacitor Box $65 AUpesos

Quick check of the counter looks good for a stock XO but heading for an upgrade to OCXO and a couple of blown LED segments. Thread/Teardown/"Improvements" will be done.

HP Capacitor Box will get a teardown shot or two minimum. It looks less rough in person than the evilbay photos and looked like Repair of Plastic and maybe even a repaint but not needed.

Cambridge boxes switch clean and ready to use. Quick check of the Resistor one shows 0.017 Ohms at Zero and well under 0.1% across all ranges.

The Bridge Meter just looked cool  :-DD
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on December 16, 2017, 06:00:18 am
Nice score on those decade boxes!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on December 16, 2017, 10:46:48 am
I just bought a Dynaload DLF 100-100-1500 made by Transistor Devices (TDI). That is a DC load capable of dealing with up to 100V, 100A and a total power of 1500W. My other DC load which can handle more than 80V can only handle 500W so I have to put a (big) resistor in series when I need to get rid of more power.
(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=379521;image)
Ofcourse it has some issues but I offered way less than the Ebay seller was asking. The sticker says 'working, no display' but I think there will be some more issues. I'm probably going to make the fans temperature controlled. Fortunately the service manuals (with schematics) for almost all of the DC loads made by TDI are available online so maintaining/repairing this DC load shouldn't be hard.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on December 17, 2017, 01:29:37 am
Cool. I've been wanting to see inside one of these big electronic loads. Hope you make a thread on this one.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on December 17, 2017, 01:51:00 am
Cool. I've been wanting to see inside one of these big electronic loads. Hope you make a thread on this one.
I'll make a thread on it for sure but it first has to travel a couple of thousand kilometers from the Phillipines and be stuck in customs for a week (probably longer due to the holidays).
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on December 17, 2017, 04:32:58 am
No worries. Looking forward to it. :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on December 18, 2017, 06:06:45 am
Cool. I've been wanting to see inside one of these big electronic loads. Hope you make a thread on this one.
I'll make a thread on it for sure but it first has to travel a couple of thousand kilometers from the Phillipines and be stuck in customs for a week (probably longer due to the holidays).

I am just in the process of getting my HP scope plugin trough customs and yes expecting it to take even longer than usual due to the holidays.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: shakalnokturn on December 22, 2017, 08:43:56 pm
"New" handheld DMM turned up today, a Fluke 187 with original box, test leads and manual for 20€(+6€ postage) on the French Craigslist. Decent working meter for the price!
It's having a mV battle against a Metrix MX56 (about 35€) and rebadged Byrmen BM857 (about 50€). They are all 50k count meters with similar accuracy.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Mr. Scram on December 23, 2017, 10:40:17 pm
"New" handheld DMM turned up today, a Fluke 187 with original box, test leads and manual for 20€(+6€ postage) on the French Craigslist. Decent working meter for the price!
It's having a mV battle against a Metrix MX56 (about 35€) and rebadged Byrmen BM857 (about 50€). They are all 50k count meters with similar accuracy.
That's a steal. Almost literally, this guy is giving away his money.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: rob.manderson on December 24, 2017, 12:22:15 am
Today's new toy is an HP5315A universal counter.  Late 1985 model and it's as clean inside as the day it was manufactured.  Gotta love sealed boxes that don't need fans!  I'd forgotten just how loud an HP8568B is.

And the seller didn't mention it but it (the counter) has opt 001 - TCXO.  I was quite pleased to see that checkbox marked on the back but you never know, I had to crack it open to be sure it was still there.  It is.

Got it off ebay for $39 and ten bucks shipping - seller is in the same metro area.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on December 24, 2017, 12:24:36 am
Ah, I was wondering who snagged that one. Nice catch. :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: GreyWoolfe on December 24, 2017, 12:30:40 am
Today's new toy is an HP5315A universal counter.  Late 1985 model and it's as clean inside as the day it was manufactured.  Gotta love sealed boxes that don't need fans!  I'd forgotten just how loud an HP8568B is.

And the seller didn't mention it but it (the counter) has opt 001 - TCXO.  I was quite pleased to see that checkbox marked on the back but you never know, I had to crack it open to be sure it was still there.  It is.

Got it off ebay for $39 and ten bucks shipping - seller is in the same metro area.

Nice.  I just looked and there isn't anything under $95 shipped.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: rob.manderson on December 24, 2017, 12:57:10 am
Ah, I was wondering who snagged that one. Nice catch. :-+

Were you the one who gave up during the last half hour?  :D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on December 24, 2017, 01:09:07 am
No, I wasn't bidding on it, just watching how high it would go since it looked to be a nice one. Turned out even nicer that it appeared (since there were no photos of the rear).

I'm an old-fashioned sniper. A healthy max bid and itchy mouse finger at the last second is how I eBay. You won't know I'm there until it's too late. :-DD
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nfmax on December 24, 2017, 09:25:26 am
I'm an old-fashioned sniper. A healthy max bid and itchy mouse finger at the last second is how I eBay. You won't know I'm there until it's too late. :-DD
That's how I operate, too. No automated bidding software, just quality, hand-made artisanal eBay sniping.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: beanflying on December 24, 2017, 09:52:36 am
Yep, Go Hard, Go Late or Go without  >:D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: neo on December 24, 2017, 09:57:31 am
I'm an old-fashioned sniper. A healthy max bid and itchy mouse finger at the last second is how I eBay. You won't know I'm there until it's too late. :-DD
That's how I operate, too. No automated bidding software, just quality, hand-made artisanal eBay sniping.

I tried automation, i sat there and did it by hand anyways.  :-DD
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on December 24, 2017, 02:19:11 pm
I'm an old-fashioned sniper. A healthy max bid and itchy mouse finger at the last second is how I eBay. You won't know I'm there until it's too late. :-DD
That's how I operate, too. No automated bidding software, just quality, hand-made artisanal eBay sniping.
I used to do that but nowadays I very much prefer to just make an offer and I tend to ignore auctions.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Neomys Sapiens on December 24, 2017, 11:44:36 pm
No, I wasn't bidding on it, just watching how high it would go since it looked to be a nice one. Turned out even nicer that it appeared (since there were no photos of the rear).

I'm an old-fashioned sniper. A healthy max bid and itchy mouse finger at the last second is how I eBay. You won't know I'm there until it's too late. :-DD
Same for me. It turned out that those people egging me to try automation tools did not have 200+ items on their watchlist continually with multiple interdependencies (if I get this, I'll need that too, but not that....)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: ghpicard on December 27, 2017, 05:38:49 am
HP 54616A on eBay for USD167 plus 45USD shipping. Absolutely gorgeous sample. This was the last one at a reasonable price before Dave started the feeding frenzy with his repair video.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: rx8pilot on December 27, 2017, 09:57:24 pm
HP 54120B with 54121A
4 channel 20Ghz sampling scope with TDR.
Released back when Milli Vanilli was still being played on the radio.

All channels checked out and I first plan to use it for measuring PCB impedance and syncronizing 12gbps serial data. My guess is that the cables, adaptors, and other accessories are about to be the budget busters.

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on December 27, 2017, 10:22:22 pm
HP 54120B with 54121A
4 channel 20Ghz sampling scope with TDR.
Released back when Milli Vanilli was still being played on the radio.

All channels checked out and I first plan to use it for measuring PCB impedance and syncronizing 12gbps serial data. My guess is that the cables, adaptors, and other accessories are about to be the budget busters.



That's nice Drool worthy. :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: rx8pilot on December 27, 2017, 10:35:15 pm
That's nice Drool worthy. :)

Thanks! Let the learning curve begin. SOOOO happy it is not a repair project.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: hendorog on December 28, 2017, 12:21:14 am
A Marconi 2041 just arrived at my house :)

This is an ultra low phase noise signal generator.

Sadly there were about 1000 spare plastic parts in the packaging. One of the plastic (!) handles snapped off and both rear bumpers have shattered.
It wasn't packed as well as it could have been, and someone took out their Christmas frustrations on this package...

Fortunately though, it is working and seems fine in spite of the rough treatment.

(https://s14.postimg.cc/6pcwuzjzh/IMG_20171228_084528.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/6pcwuzjzh/)

(https://s14.postimg.cc/7rn3dji8d/IMG_20171227_170215.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/7rn3dji8d/)

(https://s14.postimg.cc/dfte4fual/IMG_20171227_170503.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/dfte4fual/)


Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on December 28, 2017, 02:30:32 am
That's nice Drool worthy. :)

Thanks! Let the learning curve begin. SOOOO happy it is not a repair project.
I understand; that is the usual mode I get gear in, it's okay; I can fix it.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: beanflying on December 28, 2017, 02:42:06 am
A Marconi 2041 just arrived at my house :)

This is an ultra low phase noise signal generator.

Sadly there were about 1000 spare plastic parts in the packaging. One of the plastic (!) handles snapped off and both rear bumpers have shattered.
It wasn't packed as well as it could have been, and someone took out their Christmas frustrations on this package...

Fortunately though, it is working and seems fine in spite of the rough treatment.


Well that's a proper job  :(

Time to look for another for 'parts'  ;D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: mtdoc on December 28, 2017, 04:31:19 am
That's nice Drool worthy. :)

Thanks! Let the learning curve begin. SOOOO happy it is not a repair project.
I understand; that is the usual mode I get gear in, it's okay; I can fix it.

I bet you have the "ultimate set of tools" and you can fix it!  ;D

I can fix it (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5cneCgNA9U)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nanofrog on December 28, 2017, 09:18:28 am
Please stop making my Pavlovian response kick in. :o  Replacement keyboards are too dadgum expensive IME. :-DD
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: hendorog on December 28, 2017, 07:28:04 pm
A Marconi 2041 just arrived at my house :)

This is an ultra low phase noise signal generator.

Sadly there were about 1000 spare plastic parts in the packaging. One of the plastic (!) handles snapped off and both rear bumpers have shattered.
It wasn't packed as well as it could have been, and someone took out their Christmas frustrations on this package...

Fortunately though, it is working and seems fine in spite of the rough treatment.


Well that's a proper job  :(

Time to look for another for 'parts'  ;D

Fortunately it does appear that the damage is limited to the external plastic parts. The frame itself is OK with just a bent mounting tab where the bumpers screw on. So I can get away with just replacing the broken parts.

I am quite amazed that that is all that is broken actually. It must have been dropped on its butt at least once to shatter both of the plastic bumpers. Then its taken another blow to the front to break off the handle. Judging from the indentations it was from something pointy. It does appear that the plastic parts breaking has saved it from further damage.

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on December 28, 2017, 08:07:04 pm
That's nice Drool worthy. :)

Thanks! Let the learning curve begin. SOOOO happy it is not a repair project.
I understand; that is the usual mode I get gear in, it's okay; I can fix it.

I bet you have the "ultimate set of tools" and you can fix it!  ;D

I can fix it (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5cneCgNA9U)
Not as many as I would like.
You know how it is, you never have enough tools. :D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: BravoV on December 30, 2017, 12:42:27 am
Moving coil "thingy" .. two Yokogawa, one Yamaki and a Philip Harris Galvanometer.

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/test-equipment-anonymous-(tea)-group-therapy-thread/?action=dlattach;attach=382746;image)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nanofrog on December 30, 2017, 01:11:25 am
I'm an old-fashioned sniper. A healthy max bid and itchy mouse finger at the last second is how I eBay. You won't know I'm there until it's too late. :-DD
That's how I operate, too. No automated bidding software, just quality, hand-made artisanal eBay sniping.
I used to do that but nowadays I very much prefer to just make an offer and I tend to ignore auctions.
Me too.  :o

I decide what I'm willing to pay, and that's it; win or lose. :-DD Their software takes care of my max bid, so I only need to wait for the listing to end.  >:D Sometimes I win, sometimes I lose. So be it.  8)

Best of luck to all bidders.  :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: SMB784 on December 31, 2017, 06:04:04 am
I've been fairly busy as of late trying to build up my baseline set of equipment from basic diagnostics to a more or less fully functional RF debug suite so that I can fix the random stuff I find on eBay.

I have a particular penchant for old HP gear, I love the reliability and build quality, and the fact that the devices are all user serviceable at the component level with available service manuals.

Anyway here are my scores over the past two months, some deals were great, others were merely good.

HP 5316B 100 MHz frequency counter with 1 GHz prescaler - $125 (https://www.ebay.com/itm/HP-Agilent-5316B-003-Universal-Counter-/302491485261?_trksid=p2349526.m4383.l4275.c5)

HP 3468A 5 & 1/2 Digit DMM - $80 (https://www.ebay.com/itm/HP-3468A-DMM-TESTED-/122777421573?_trksid=p2047675.l2557&_mwBanner=1)

LeCroy 9354M 500 MHz GS/s Oscilloscope with 4 Tek P6139A 500 MHz probes - $235 (https://www.ebay.com/itm/LeCroy-9354M-500MHz-Digital-Oscilloscope-4CH-w-4x-Tektronix-P6139A-10x-Probes-/232589861126?_mwBanner=1&_trksid=p2047675.l2557&nma=true&si=u5mvSMA3DIfHgDYFqhmTWx8sTss%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc)

HP 8561A 6.7 GHz Spectrum Analyzer (needs repairs) - $400 (https://www.ebay.com/itm/HP-Agilent-Keysight-8561A-6-5-GHz-RF-Spectrum-Analyzer-AS-IS-/132438983670?_mwBanner=1&nma=true&si=u5mvSMA3DIfHgDYFqhmTWx8sTss%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557)

I also snagged one of those cheapo 100 MHz USB logic analyzer clones for basic logic debugging. Still looking for a good GPS disciplined oscillator as a calibration reference.

Looking forward to getting some repair work done with this baseline of equipment!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on December 31, 2017, 06:11:15 am
More late night ebay searching paid off on this rare gem - ADCMT 8.5 digit DMM

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PTR_1275 on December 31, 2017, 04:18:41 pm
More late night ebay searching paid off on this rare gem - ADCMT 8.5 digit DMM

And after ebay searching for sold listings, that’s a damn good price you got it for. Never heard of that brand before, will you be doing a tear down to see what’s inside?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: HighVoltage on December 31, 2017, 04:33:37 pm
More late night ebay searching paid off on this rare gem - ADCMT 8.5 digit DMM
Wow!
What a good deal you got there, congratulations!
Is it working correctly?

I have not seen that one before.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nanofrog on December 31, 2017, 07:28:56 pm
More late night ebay searching paid off on this rare gem - ADCMT 8.5 digit DMM

And after ebay searching for sold listings, that’s a damn good price you got it for. Never heard of that brand before, will you be doing a tear down to see what’s inside?
+1  :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on December 31, 2017, 07:34:57 pm
More late night ebay searching paid off on this rare gem - ADCMT 8.5 digit DMM

And after ebay searching for sold listings, that’s a damn good price you got it for. Never heard of that brand before, will you be doing a tear down to see what’s inside?

Absolutely.

Is it working correctly?

Yes it is, so far DCV is within 1 ppm of the last cal value of my 732A.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: beanflying on January 02, 2018, 07:50:55 am
New toy because its former owner "Brought to learn to test stuff and never got around to it. . "

Cost = price of a box of beer  :D

Also resoldering 2 wires on the Kelvin clips and adding a few oring to put them back together.

A nicely working Quadtech 1880 millohm meter with % offset checking. Might look at improving the calibration a bit but it is within 0.02% across a wide range already.  :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: razberik on January 02, 2018, 10:46:25 am
More late night ebay searching paid off on this rare gem - ADCMT 8.5 digit DMM
And after ebay searching for sold listings, that’s a damn good price you got it for. Never heard of that brand before, will you be doing a tear down to see what’s inside?
ADCMT is renamed Advantest. It should share some parts with Godzilla of multimeters - 8.5 Advantest R6581T.
It definitely shares rubber lid for rubber buttons with 5.5/6.5 DMM series. Like 7351E, which I bought on ebay: https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/advantest-(adcmt)-7351e-dmm-teardown/ (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/advantest-(adcmt)-7351e-dmm-teardown/)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on January 03, 2018, 01:06:07 am
More late night ebay searching paid off on this rare gem - ADCMT 8.5 digit DMM

And after ebay searching for sold listings, that’s a damn good price you got it for. Never heard of that brand before, will you be doing a tear down to see what’s inside?

Absolutely.

Is it working correctly?

Yes it is, so far DCV is within 1 ppm of the last cal value of my 732A.

Amazing score, Steve! Looking forward to the thread.

ADCMT is renamed Advantest. It should share some parts with Godzilla of multimeters - 8.5 Advantest R6581T.
It definitely shares rubber lid for rubber buttons with 5.5/6.5 DMM series. Like 7351E, which I bought on ebay: https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/advantest-(adcmt)-7351e-dmm-teardown/ (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/advantest-(adcmt)-7351e-dmm-teardown/)

Ah, OK. Thanks for the info and link.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Vgkid on January 03, 2018, 06:04:44 am

A nicely working Quadtech 1880 millohm meter with % offset checking. Might look at improving the calibration a bit but it is within 0.02% across a wide range already.  :-+
Looking forward to seeing inside the unit.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: beanflying on January 03, 2018, 07:45:23 am

Looking forward to seeing inside the unit.

Looking at this one maybe I should turn mine over for $700USD with a 'free' set of refurbished Kelvin clips  >:D
https://www.ebay.com/itm/QuadTech-1880-Milliohmmeter-/253070334390 (https://www.ebay.com/itm/QuadTech-1880-Milliohmmeter-/253070334390)

1A current source for milliohms was part of the attraction. Effectively it should give me a nice range of stable accurate currents for testing with too.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: JonM on January 04, 2018, 10:41:17 pm
Browsing the Clearance section of suppliers, such as TEquipment, can pay off. I just got the last AEMC 400D-10  AC current meter with Rogowski coil for 86% off.

 https://www.tequipment.net/AEMC/400D-10/Clamp-Meters/ (https://www.tequipment.net/AEMC/400D-10/Clamp-Meters/)

It would have been nice if the probe was removable so I could use it on a scope, but for $33.46 I am not complaining. No, I did not try to get the EEVblog discount on top of the super clearance price...

Oddly, it came with AA batteries but uses AAA. It could have been a repackaged return but appears to be new.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nanofrog on January 05, 2018, 11:34:45 pm
Browsing the Clearance section of suppliers, such as TEquipment, can pay off.
Yes it can.  :-+

All-Spec has been good to me in this regard as well.  :)

FWIW, TEquipment no longer carries Keysight. Perhaps some other brands were dropped or even added as well.  :-//
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: JonM on January 06, 2018, 01:18:31 am
Browsing the Clearance section of suppliers, such as TEquipment, can pay off.
Yes it can.  :-+

All-Spec has been good to me in this regard as well.  :)

FWIW, TEquipment no longer carries Keysight. Perhaps some other brands were dropped or even added as well.  :-//

In fact, the reason I was on their Web site was to verify that they were no longer selling Keysight. They didn't get to sell me a 34465A, but at least I helped them clear out that last discontinued item.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: kelchm on January 11, 2018, 04:56:54 pm
I've picked up a handful of Fluke 8050A's over the last few weeks. I picked up the top three for $70 shipped. At least two of them have good batteries, but I haven't had a chance to examine them beyond that. Something about cleaning up and refurbishing old gear like this makes me really happy. I've also been blown away at just how in-spec these meters seem to be decades after they were last calibrated.

I was particularly surprised at how clear and readable the LCD is on the third meter up from the bottom. I'm guessing it's a much newer replacement.

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xwarp on January 19, 2018, 03:58:00 pm
That's a nice stack there.

I picked up one of those with the case and hardly any wear on it for 5 dollars from a local ham swap. I was pretty sure right away that the batteries were the reason for the "needs repair" post it note on it.

I replaced the cells with 4 ni-cads and all is good. I wouldn't mind have a couple more.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: hwalker on January 26, 2018, 02:13:23 am
I ran across an ebay auction titled, "KC901S 3GHZ 100KHz Network analyzer. Sweep Frequency.  I need to sell this!!!".  The auction had about a day to go and bidding was up to $129.00 + $17.00 shipping.  I'd seen this model go for around $1000 so I figured it would sell for around $400 and bid my Xmas gift of $300 to keep everyone else honest.  Bidding hopped up to $200 over the next 12 hours and then stopped.  I figured that, as usual, the snipers were waiting for the last few minutes to bid and kind of forgot about it.  When I checked on the bidding with about ten minutes to go, I was still the highest bidder at $229.00.  I re-checked the item description to see if maybe I had missed something about the item being non-functional or misread the shipping cost.  I then noticed that this was the seller's first listing and started wondering if no one else was bidding because they were worried that the seller did not have a history. Well I won the auction at $229.00 and it was hard for me to get excited because I really didn't believe the seller was going to deliver at that price.  I figured I would end up having to file a Paypal dispute to get my money back. 

A package from the seller arrived today and it was heavy enough to actually have the KC901S in it.  When I opened the box, sure enough there was the KS901S with case, power supply, and operating manual.  The KS901S was in excellent physical condition and I turned the unit on to see if it was operational and if the battery pack was charged.  The unit powered up without errors and, after reading the manual, I performed an S21 measurement on some known attenuators and an S11 measurement on some precision mismatches that I had previously bought.  The measurement results were beyond my level of expectation, but then again I had never had a chance to use anything like this unit before. All I can do is thank the seller (emericvarg_0) and make note to never sell a high dollar item on eBay until I have some seller history under my belt.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: GreyWoolfe on January 26, 2018, 01:10:06 pm
I got an HP  5314A universal counter for $20.  I bought it untested with 2 broken button caps from the local surplus shop for the caps to fix my 3312A function generator broken button caps.  Turns out it works just fine.  Now 2 pieces of equipment that needs button caps.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on January 26, 2018, 05:40:48 pm
I got an HP  5314A universal counter for $20.  I bought it untested with 2 broken button caps from the local surplus shop for the caps to fix my 3312A function generator broken button caps.  Turns out it works just fine.  Now 2 pieces of equipment that needs button caps.
That is how it usually works.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: rob.manderson on January 26, 2018, 10:58:55 pm
That is how it usually works.

Nope! That's EXACTLY how it works!  :D

I bought my first HP3325A and needed a new front panel assembly because the shift keyswitch assembly was smashed.  So I bought a second 'for parts' HP3325A and swapped the front panels.  Problem is the second one also works just fine so I STILL have an HP3325A that needs a front panel.  I've resisted the urge to buy a third one to repair the second one...
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on January 26, 2018, 11:35:32 pm
That is how it usually works.

Nope! That's EXACTLY how it works!  :D

I bought my first HP3325A and needed a new front panel assembly because the shift keyswitch assembly was smashed.  So I bought a second 'for parts' HP3325A and swapped the front panels.  Problem is the second one also works just fine so I STILL have an HP3325A that needs a front panel.  I've resisted the urge to buy a third one to repair the second one...
When I get done with the second 8569B I will have two (one 8569A one 8569B) that will need front panel switch rotors.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: rob.manderson on January 26, 2018, 11:41:29 pm
You have my undying admiration for persevering with the HP8569's - nice spectrum analyser but when I had to repair them (35 years ago) I absolutely hated them because of the time and patience needed to take them apart and get them back together again (and this was working for Hewlett Packard!).  *The* major reason I went with an HP8568B for myself - much easier to repair even if they do sound like a 747 taxiing!

And yes, I've been following along with your repair posts - just haven't had anything worth adding.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: VK5RC on January 27, 2018, 11:20:38 am
That is how it usually works.

Nope! That's EXACTLY how it works!  :D

I bought my first HP3325A and needed a new front panel assembly because the shift keyswitch assembly was smashed.  So I bought a second 'for parts' HP3325A and swapped the front panels.  Problem is the second one also works just fine so I STILL have an HP3325A that needs a front panel.  I've resisted the urge to buy a third one to repair the second one...

So true, at one stage I had 4 Tek 453s :palm:  One 'parts unit' I bought for not much more than the post came with a "spare". I then made 3 working units, one real parts unit which I gave away when I sold one, still have two that work.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Old Printer on January 27, 2018, 05:04:59 pm
Just picked up a GW Instek 3020 variable 2 channel power supply. $70 usd shipped. I think one of those ITT bankruptcy sale pieces. Works perfectly and is in good cosmetic condition. Kind of big and a bit noisy, but not too bad. My first "store bought" power supply, very happy  :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on January 27, 2018, 06:20:01 pm
You have my undying admiration for persevering with the HP8569's - nice spectrum analyser but when I had to repair them (35 years ago) I absolutely hated them because of the time and patience needed to take them apart and get them back together again (and this was working for Hewlett Packard!).  *The* major reason I went with an HP8568B for myself - much easier to repair even if they do sound like a 747 taxiing!

And yes, I've been following along with your repair posts - just haven't had anything worth adding.

I have a HP8566B and they are indeed nice and easy to take apart. The hardest part is moving the ridiculously heavy thing onto the workbench.

Actually the thought of having to get it out of the rack and on to my bench is the main thing that's holding me back from fixing mine again. All of a sudden something power related seams to have blown because the fan starts going as soon as you plug in the power, power switch does nothing and it doesn't do its blinky lights self test or show anything on the screen. Im hoping its just a bad capacitor in the PSU, i hear that the caps in these are not all that reliable and mine still has all original caps in it.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xwarp on February 11, 2018, 03:00:05 am
Picked up a decent shape, working 485 Tek scope for a whopping 25 bucks. I need to go through and replace all the old tantalum caps in it.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: rob.manderson on February 11, 2018, 04:23:26 pm
And my latest toy is an HP5335A counter with an HP 10811A OCXO and Option 40.  Got it for $90 including shipping.

The OCXO was about 300Hz low as received.  (Comparing it to the OCXO in my HP3325A and also against the OCXO in the HP8568B).  Since those two agreed to within 0.2Hz it seemed reasonable to believe it was the 5335 that was the odd man out.  (Of course this is the age old problem,  a man with one clock always knows the time, with two he's never quite sure!).

Ran the 5335 for an hour and the OCXO was still cold to the touch but it's output frequency slowly rose to about 90 Hz low.  So I followed the trouble shooting tree in the 10811 OCXO manual and the thermal fuse was open.

With that replaced the OCXO output after 15 minutes from cold was within 0.2Hz of of the 3325A and 0.3Hz of the 8568B.  Since the 3325A was last calibrated in Sep 2016 and there's no calibration date whatsoever on the 8568B I chose (after 24 hours warmup) to adjust against the 3325A.  Will do that again a couple of times over the next 12 months.

And so on to the next little problem  The Channel A input was working fine - not so the Channel B input.  There are two flatpack IC's, one per channel.  There's a hole in the PCB directly behind each IC and a post poking through from each IC onto which HP mounted a star shaped heatsink.  Both of those fell out of the unit when I turned it over.  I took the entire input PCB assembly out (not a trival task) before attempting to put them back on.  It seems someone had been there before me and tried to put the heatsinks back on without removing the PCB because the Channel B IC had been almost entirely ripped off the PCB traces.  Channel A seemed ok.  So I resoldered the Channel B IC, carefully refitted the heatsinks and reassembled.  Luck was with me; Channel B now works!  (Thankfully.  Those IC's look like HP custom unobtanium!).

I'm almost ashamed to admit the third problem.  This unit has the C10 option as well.  These are rear panel inputs.  I ran through some basic checks and the input sensitivity seemed odd.  The spec is 25mV RMS.  At 10 MHz it can read reliably down to 10 mV RMS.  At 50 MHz the same.  At 200 MHz it needs 11 mV RMS.  But at 100 MHz it needed 35 mV RMS.  So I did some basic troubleshooting but could see no good reason for a dip in sensitivity right in the middle of the range.  And then the penny dropped.  Hmmm option C10.  So I tried a 50 Ohm terminator on the unused rear panel input and bingo!  10 mV RMS at 100 MHz and the other frequencies abovementioned also 10 mV RMS.  Naturally there's nothing I can find anywhere (not on the Keysight site, not in the manuals at K04BB nor anywhere else) actually describing option C10.

It tops out at 260 MHz with 25 mV RMS input.  A fine counter.

Oh, I also replaced the fan with a much lower noise one from Digikey (Papst number 8414NGM).  That increased the overall price of the unit to $120 but I can barely hear it now.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: beanflying on February 12, 2018, 01:20:50 am
Answering the question of I wonder what is in the box  :)

Cambridge Voltage divider box. Hand wound wire resistor networks and air gap clearance high voltage binding posts  :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on February 12, 2018, 04:07:07 am
And my latest toy is an HP5335A counter with an HP 10811A OCXO and Option 40.  Got it for $90 including shipping.

Nice score! Those usually go for much more.

Quote
Naturally there's nothing I can find anywhere (not on the Keysight site, not in the manuals at K04BB nor anywhere else) actually describing option C10.

Yeah, there are some other HP counters that have option C10 as well. I couldn't find any published info for them either. :-//

Quote
Oh, I also replaced the fan with a much lower noise one from Digikey (Papst number 8414NGM).  That increased the overall price of the unit to $120 but I can barely hear it now.

Still a great deal. :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Vgkid on February 12, 2018, 07:22:41 am
Answering the question of I wonder what is in the box  :)

Cambridge Voltage divider box. Hand wound wire resistor networks and air gap clearance high voltage binding posts  :-+
Thanks for tearing it down , can we get some more pics, eventually.
Even better , its own thread.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: beanflying on February 12, 2018, 08:50:07 am
Answering the question of I wonder what is in the box  :)

Cambridge Voltage divider box. Hand wound wire resistor networks and air gap clearance high voltage binding posts  :-+
Thanks for tearing it down , can we get some more pics, eventually.
Even better , its own thread.

Having a bit more of a poke around in it I think it's own thread with some recalibration fixes (re winding bobbins) on the lower dividers as they are a bit out (quite possibly overloaded at some stage). Top 4 are digit perfect however  :) Also a circuit diagram of some sort will make sense.

My stash of decade resistor and cap boxes is growing and I have the bits arranged for a Harmon divider build too.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: beanflying on February 13, 2018, 12:54:05 am
And todays arrival.  :-/O Sitting low and out of cal range but otherwise everything else works great.

HP735A Btw  ;D

edit : Sometime later after stroking of gray beard while sitting naked in my shack with appropriate tongue angle  :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: HighVoltage on February 13, 2018, 03:57:48 pm
And todays arrival.  :-/O Sitting low and out of cal range but otherwise everything else works great.

HP735A Btw  ;D

edit : Sometime later after stroking of gray beard while sitting naked in my shack with appropriate tongue angle  :-+
Nice one!
They are not often available, probably too old now.
I used to have one from 1969.

The only thing missing would be the 10V output range.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: rx8pilot on February 13, 2018, 05:46:13 pm
For those looking for a real SCORE....free shipping on this one.

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: HighVoltage on February 13, 2018, 06:02:01 pm
For those looking for a real SCORE....free shipping on this one.
Probably because it is "out of stock" or why would sellers do that?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Neomys Sapiens on February 13, 2018, 09:46:50 pm
For those looking for a real SCORE....free shipping on this one.
Probably because it is "out of stock" or why would sellers do that?
Not even that makes sense, as they could find an flawless from the US for around 1k (and have it hand delivered for a fraction of the price asked).  :-// 
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: neo on February 14, 2018, 09:25:03 pm
A seemingly brand new, give or take 42 years, fluke 8300A. I think it rode a shelf most of it's life, due to a fuse holder, the reason being is that nixies look brand new and are all original.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAdqV37DDDU&feature=youtu.be (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAdqV37DDDU&feature=youtu.be)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Marvo on February 14, 2018, 09:30:48 pm
I picked up these two from my local gumtree website. Paid 200 bucks for both which is about 12 UK Pounds depending on the day. Both are in original condition inside and both work great. I use the standard insulation tester quite regularly.


Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on February 15, 2018, 09:35:50 pm
Whoops. Missed 3 CMU200's, which makes 29 in total. 2 CRTU-RU's as well.
Stack 'm up like a wall and turn them on! It would make for a cool picture. That also gives you the chance to check each unit for the installed options. For your sake I hope they all have the same hardware/software options so you don't have to describe every single one of them.
(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=395450;image)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on February 15, 2018, 10:41:36 pm
Whoops. Missed 3 CMU200's, which makes 29 in total. 2 CRTU-RU's as well.
Stack 'm up like a wall and turn them on! It would make for a cool picture. That also gives you the chance to check each unit for the installed options. For your sake I hope they all have the same hardware/software options so you don't have to describe every single one of them.
(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=395450;image)
This begs the question...
"Why does everybody have 20 oscilloscopes?"
:P
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on February 15, 2018, 10:56:48 pm
This begs the question...
"Why does everybody have 20 oscilloscopes?"
:P

So their dozen or two DMMs don't look excessive? :-DMM
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on February 16, 2018, 12:05:09 am
This begs the question...
"Why does everybody have 20 oscilloscopes?"
:P

So their dozen or two DMMs don't look excessive? :-DMM
I didn't say any of it looked excessive. :)
That stuff needs to go some place other than the land fill.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on February 16, 2018, 12:25:32 am
Whoops. Missed 3 CMU200's, which makes 29 in total. 2 CRTU-RU's as well.
Stack 'm up like a wall and turn them on! It would make for a cool picture. That also gives you the chance to check each unit for the installed options. For your sake I hope they all have the same hardware/software options so you don't have to describe every single one of them.
(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=395450;image)
Me and my big mouth. Too bad they put stickers on the screens. What kind of dumb-ass does that?  :palm:
I hope this turns out to be a good buy & sell for you.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on February 16, 2018, 01:00:45 am
The stickers will come off with some soaking and patience and a little plastic polish.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on February 16, 2018, 01:03:55 am
I didn't say any of it looked excessive. :)

I was just being facetious. ;)

Quote
That stuff needs to go some place other than the land fill.

Absolutely! There's so much good equipment out there.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: lowimpedance on February 16, 2018, 02:32:20 am
Whoops. Missed 3 CMU200's, which makes 29 in total. 2 CRTU-RU's as well.
Stack 'm up like a wall and turn them on! It would make for a cool picture. That also gives you the chance to check each unit for the installed options. For your sake I hope they all have the same hardware/software options so you don't have to describe every single one of them.
(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=395450;image)

 Nice stack there...but... what's with the one upside down ?! , taking Dave on for the biggest stack of gear !  :P.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on February 16, 2018, 08:48:33 am
This begs the question...
"Why does everybody have 20 oscilloscopes?"
:P
I don't. I only have about 15 right now. Communications analysers on the other hand though...
The stickers will come off with some soaking and patience and a little plastic polish.
Yeah, I know. Not the first time I received stuff like this. But it's such a waste of time...
Nice stack there...but... what's with the one upside down ?! , taking Dave on for the biggest stack of gear !  :P.
Heh... I was wondering if someone would notice. The outer shell (sleeve) of the housing apparently can be reassembled upside down. Which means the feet are upside down. In order to be able to stack them, I had to put the unit upside down :D
Title: Re: List your test equipment &quot;scores&quot; here!
Post by: plazma on February 16, 2018, 11:14:13 am
Scored some stuff from work for free. The scope was in daily use until it failed some minor annual calibration.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180216/d97f2f4af5da5eb4f4c30bc303969f50.jpg)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on February 16, 2018, 11:16:15 am
Holy crap! That's pretty damn nice for a freebee!
Title: Re: List your test equipment &quot;scores&quot; here!
Post by: plazma on February 16, 2018, 12:38:50 pm
Self diagnostics PASS! I have no idea why the scope wad dumped.

The stereo microscope also works fine. Just need a stand.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180216/67bd6596a977466da11650c2c0da7cb3.jpg)
Title: Re: List your test equipment &quot;scores&quot; here!
Post by: plazma on February 16, 2018, 12:58:17 pm
Well they have a low bar for dumping scopes. One co-worker got a scope with failed 50ohm  input on one channel.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: SMB784 on February 16, 2018, 04:27:34 pm
Just picked up this thing for about (US)$270 delivered:

HP 5343A 26.5 GHz Microwave Frequency Counter (https://www.ebay.com/itm/Hewlett-Packard-5343A-Frequency-Counter-Tested-/253418516721?_trksid=p2047675.l2557&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&nma=true&si=EQuGiE5udyZjFMCAMuYU%252FH4mvKA%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc)

Comes with GPIB option and the ovenized time base option 001.  Hopefully this will arrive in good condition, I'm looking forward to using it as my primary RF debug device.  Most seem to sell on ebay for over $500, so I might have even gotten a good deal.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on February 16, 2018, 07:58:36 pm
Just picked up this thing for about (US)$270 delivered:

HP 5343A 26.5 GHz Microwave Frequency Counter (https://www.ebay.com/itm/Hewlett-Packard-5343A-Frequency-Counter-Tested-/253418516721?_trksid=p2047675.l2557&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&nma=true&si=EQuGiE5udyZjFMCAMuYU%252FH4mvKA%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc)

Comes with GPIB option and the ovenized time base option 001.  Hopefully this will arrive in good condition, I'm looking forward to using it as my primary RF debug device.  Most seem to sell on ebay for over $500, so I might have even gotten a good deal.
Typical 80s HP broken or missing knob and all.
Nice score, been looking for one myself.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: SMB784 on February 16, 2018, 08:07:22 pm
Typical 80s HP broken or missing knob and all.
Nice score, been looking for one myself.

I saw that!  I'm looking for a knob replacement as we speak lol.  I love the 1980's HP gear.  All of my quality test stuff is 80's HP equipment.  I dont see a reason to get anything else, it's all in working order and outperforms much new equipment today.

I have it all in my garage which is subject to wild temperature/humidity fluctuations (classic texas weather).  At this point, I think I'm going to build an environmentally controlled cabinet or server rack for all of these items.  That way I can ensure a stable working environment for my test rigs.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PartialDischarge on February 16, 2018, 08:18:47 pm
Bought a latest model unused Tek 6015A high voltage probe for 50€
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on February 16, 2018, 08:32:24 pm
Nice score, been looking for one myself.

*cough*, would a 5351A do?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: HighVoltage on February 17, 2018, 12:55:00 pm
Bought a latest model unused Tek P6015A high voltage probe for 50€
What a nice score, they usually have one more zero in the price
Where did you find it for such a low cost?

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: VK5RC on February 17, 2018, 01:56:12 pm
Just picked up this thing for about (US)$270 delivered:

HP 5343A 26.5 GHz Microwave Frequency Counter (https://www.ebay.com/itm/Hewlett-Packard-5343A-Frequency-Counter-Tested-/253418516721?_trksid=p2047675.l2557&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&nma=true&si=EQuGiE5udyZjFMCAMuYU%252FH4mvKA%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc)

Comes with GPIB option and the ovenized time base option 001.  Hopefully this will arrive in good condition, I'm looking forward to using it as my primary RF debug device.  Most seem to sell on ebay for over $500, so I might have even gotten a good deal.
Great deal, I love LED displays, 5343 broke, I nearly went insane until I found a guy (on ebay - also a Ham)  selling the extender cards, the daughter boards are packed in tightly in a cast alloy frame. Was just a broken 7 series logic node.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PartialDischarge on February 17, 2018, 02:04:55 pm
Yep, local buy from someone I know that gets stuff from closed companies and labs. I also sourced last year  a couple of HP 3245A. I believe he gets most stuff for free so it’s all win for them
Title: Re: List your test equipment &quot;scores&quot; here!
Post by: plazma on February 17, 2018, 02:24:47 pm
Is a HP 8664A any good? I could get one for free. Also a faulty R&S 857.8008.02 power meter is available.
Title: Re: List your test equipment &quot;scores&quot; here!
Post by: Cubdriver on February 17, 2018, 06:59:13 pm
Is a HP 8664A any good? I could get one for free. Also a faulty R&S 857.8008.02 power meter is available.

Not for your back if you have to lift it, but otherwise, hell yes!  Even more so for free!

Here's a thread on the 8644B model I just got up and running; its from the same family but the max output frequency is much lower than the 8664A:
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/hpagilent-8644b-synthesized-signal-generator-bad-cap-repair/ (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/hpagilent-8644b-synthesized-signal-generator-bad-cap-repair/)

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on February 17, 2018, 07:02:12 pm
And for future reference, in general I think most here would agree with me - if it's a piece of old HP gear, and the offer price is 'free', the answer is yes.

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment &quot;scores&quot; here!
Post by: plazma on February 17, 2018, 07:06:25 pm
And for future reference, in general I think most here would agree with me - if it's a piece of old HP gear, and the offer price is 'free', the answer is yes.

-Pat
It is huge and heavy. I'll get it and see if I can sell it or swap for other more needed gear.
Title: Re: List your test equipment &quot;scores&quot; here!
Post by: Cubdriver on February 17, 2018, 07:13:43 pm
And for future reference, in general I think most here would agree with me - if it's a piece of old HP gear, and the offer price is 'free', the answer is yes.

-Pat
It is huge and heavy. I'll get it and see if I can sell it or swap for other more needed gear.

That it definitely is.  Back in the late 90s, that generator had a list price of just shy of US $30k without options.  You should have no trouble (other than physically packing and moving it) selling or swapping it - it is a very high end signal generator.

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on February 18, 2018, 12:22:27 am
And for future reference, in general I think most here would agree with me - if it's a piece of old HP gear, and the offer price is 'free', the answer is yes.

Yes! If nothing else, it can go to someone who can make good use of it or be exchanged for something else.

It's a shame how much good equipment is destroyed these days under the guise of "recycling." Not being wasteful goes in the order of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Unfortunately, recycling has been pushed so hard that it's gained first place in the public mindshare. Buy more and recycle it! :palm:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on February 18, 2018, 01:39:30 am
Went to the Clairemont ham swap meet today.
Among other places I picked up these directional couplers and this 30DB 100W attenuator.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/c8qSXZ5cWfr9slgIkUNyuTnGp0G4BwtcKaT4-Q4apiqWa6seeAPXgXvlidlIkpKzza8yXvkJmhm5zRoJTg4M0yRB59ttfD0QeE_WvBcFdIHkBgMvzjOmlpvBYv6rsZ3BWCvGVQ9aGXjRkjhbFc7aECbVdghn6AZQnkO_4ZFs9jwRsXDVIVwTXu6hsy6bCZhV0dgHP3XCs771dxejE7TKr_9GdkirpdZNJfu1Zci917mYPOiXn1IQH9JTrzY1DVk8LRhq3H864zFSJbRVv2itdRYnPMCjD6r8myVksWcf3lrpPgL-incfJLU2YvSE8pRspcnrMaiiwn_qb2TnuSN2QTJ5IcVpN4-r44vKAKGiHQGJtU5mc2hjo2zk7rsEIj6pdiqVMy5bmFBy6fQ975zbKh4UgPiJFSIDr5MKT0_G6iPPAtTZl1yihelffpLZCsAoqiim4ksfQTfHupr5Ndljxk2iJnyXysQ5crl01PxsAVbcLfAiXu1Io9CebIXs9IaiKH9HGd51CWYR33qAU1HyXya_twWDNRSF6YSeNc-8J-THrzyitm8JMPbrSpvkjqfwAXAa4KSvM9H0yjxnAPt-JmvSWu2SOCIIEnLfcWw=w1069-h601-no)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/84AlknvtA36mrED0mmO_llVV_REfOGwaNWFgsG4NqCfB2Nf9CwfQbILceyph8taA8APGPlg2cIjJdJdfKeROa8WPyBK5we52u-ao6A9vdHGZLJl6JdFsle0xrAPWaLGGQbxGP43iiKl7Pl4-X0lVShjWefWvafHEtBYiFj3jSUMMS42nSImSUaUIf605XpqLJEZFuz-ei1ko9RKh8PlxE4BrK40PVCN4twzr2iP5IZDC_Bb7wjkqrQxBOhEA4PJPaY2YDvYkBH1wARDOWkBVoY9jg3rGMKDGrirm9bGBzYguYqg5D8Vkmo-Rz3JtaBZ2P9DUC5ewxScR7WGDZTNnLoTT4vMD1-v2roxW3Pm84uQUKY6aUo5baIXsLpTouZ11Pab7jz1PxK72CqwJOpZp2jsaismJHiWZLYeKbF5rRVmgMKLBQSNv7gQJnuuMByWNZrOxiLUPXh5R84gWQu5v95HnXMZTbI9s7_GBVg4hSVW0uP0alqL7qo6-C58LbOOsd9U2k0Zh4udd_m6ZAFSag2nefQtfDYYHdcJ5scrNYzhk8LOXCbmxsl4SIWYcfVApmUWYWc3tY_oqmNYbwrR3WPa2x_GM6KGlEkSxOBQ=w1069-h601-no)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on February 18, 2018, 02:32:48 am
Do you have a way to test potential purchases at the swap meet?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on February 18, 2018, 02:34:50 am
Generally not, in my experience at least...

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Neomys Sapiens on February 18, 2018, 02:45:23 am
Do you have a way to test potential purchases at the swap meet?
When your car conforms to NSN 4940-01-110-7422, that should be not a problem.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on February 18, 2018, 04:06:50 am
Do you have a way to test potential purchases at the swap meet?
Directional couplers are easy.
The incident port (or reflected port) will be terminated in a 50 ohm resistor.
A simple ohm meter check will find gross faults. The other thing you do in the case of the Narda couplers is you look for broken or missing paint, to see if they have been disassembled.

With the Bird attenuator you are taking a chance; unless you bring an ohm meter and measure the input and output ports. a 30 or even a 20 DB pad should look like 50 ohms at the ports to ground. Again look for signs of tampering. The only thing wrong with my attenuator is it is missing the four rubber feet.
The Bird attenuator cost me $40.00 US
The two Narde couplers cost me $10.00 US each.
I tested the attenuator when O got back here and it is fine.
The couplers I will test later in the week.
As long as the Bird is within a DB I am happy, that is good enough for the boys I go out with  ;)
It will sit on my 8640 and provide protection since I do a lot of work on gear that can transmit.
I can test the couplers to my satifaction using my sweeper. (again good enough for the boys I go out with):)

I would love to have some of the HP dual directional couplers, however they are too hard to tell if they have been tampered with. The Narda couplers are good enough.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on February 18, 2018, 06:42:14 am
Thanks for the tutorial, Sue. I was curious if such go/no-go checks were possible without lugging a lab with you. Pretty straightforward. :-DMM
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on February 18, 2018, 12:54:01 pm
Thanks for the tutorial, Sue. I was curious if such go/no-go checks were possible without lugging a lab with you. Pretty straightforward. :-DMM

Here is a good video showing what is inside of a directional coupler.
https://youtu.be/r-OS3BlRWFs (https://youtu.be/r-OS3BlRWFs)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on February 18, 2018, 11:14:29 pm
Thanks, Sue. I actually just ran across his channel yesterday and started watching his back catalog. Good stuff.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Tony_G on February 19, 2018, 12:32:37 am
Glad you're enjoying the videos, thanks for the kind words.

Just as bit more info on testing the couplers, the actual load resistor can range from 48.75 to 50.25 ohms as they're selected to match the particular unit. They're also a 0.5% part so your DMM needs to be accurate in that range (this is surmised from the Keysight parts list for the unit, I can't find an official statement anywhere).

It doesn't take much change in that resistance to fall out of spec though so it is a bit of caveat emptor if being 100% in spec is important to you.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Neomys Sapiens on February 19, 2018, 12:54:20 am
Glad you're enjoying the videos, thanks for the kind words.

Just as bit more info on testing the couplers, the actual load resistor can range from 48.75 to 50.25 ohms as they're selected to match the particular unit. They're also a 0.5% part so your DMM needs to be accurate in that range (this is surmised from the Keysight parts list for the unit, I can't find an official statement anywhere).

It doesn't take much change in that resistance to fall out of spec though so it is a bit of caveat emptor if being 100% in spec is important to you.
That's right. And they are not so robust as one might think from their contents. I discovered by viewing installation photos that at 4 installations the directional couplers for reading back RF output were installed in the wrong direction. I had them exchanged and when they arrived I hooked them up to the VNA.
Two were bad, one was dodgy (but might have been me) and one measured ok.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on February 19, 2018, 02:45:05 am
Thanks, Sue. I actually just ran across his channel yesterday and started watching his back catalog. Good stuff.

Indeed.  New subscription added.  Thanks for the tip, Sue, bitseeker.  Good stuff, Tony.

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on February 19, 2018, 05:29:05 am
Glad you're enjoying the videos, thanks for the kind words.

Hi Tony! I was wondering what your username was on here since I saw you had an EEVblog DMM.  ;D

Did you get your 33120A calibration saved OK or is it really out of whack?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Tony_G on February 19, 2018, 05:36:23 am
Unfortunately no. It looks like it is outside the ability for the unit to compensate for it. I tried again just this weekend and it was still out even after I got the Cal settings to store. I need to see if there is a CLIP for it.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on February 19, 2018, 05:49:58 am
Ah, OK. I'll watch for an upcoming video on it. :) I have a couple of "parts" 33120's. One has a noisy fan and no errors (I have to run through the performance checks to know for sure) and the other either has bad RAM ICs or bad filter cap(s) across them.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nfmax on February 19, 2018, 08:57:24 am
The HP33120A has a 'proper' service manual with full schematics!  :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment &quot;scores&quot; here!
Post by: plazma on February 19, 2018, 09:02:35 am
Picked up the free 8664A. F*ck it's heavy. I have to check what the calibration code means.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180219/67154a949c51cbcae17f85e3de222165.jpg)
Title: Re: List your test equipment &quot;scores&quot; here!
Post by: PartialDischarge on February 19, 2018, 09:21:44 am
Picked up the free 8664A. F*ck it's heavy. I have to check what the calibration code means.

It means the equipment values itself as $8043311 worth
Title: Re: List your test equipment &quot;scores&quot; here!
Post by: scatha on February 19, 2018, 09:36:46 am
Picked up the free 8664A. F*ck it's heavy. I have to check what the calibration code means.

It means the equipment values itself as $8043311 worth

Nah, its the number of calories burnt lugging the thing up the stairs.
Title: Re: List your test equipment &quot;scores&quot; here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on February 19, 2018, 09:38:44 am
Picked up the free 8664A. F*ck it's heavy. I have to check what the calibration code means.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180219/67154a949c51cbcae17f85e3de222165.jpg)

Does it still have the sticker that says you need to carry it with 2 people? (not a joke...)
Title: Re: List your test equipment &quot;scores&quot; here!
Post by: plazma on February 19, 2018, 11:31:13 am
Picked the logic probes from three 1661A logic analysers.

Took a closer look at the microscope. Fully functional with good working distance. Zoom is stepped (changes some lenses internally) with good range. Russian (or Soviet era) quality optics. Just need a stand. I was looking for some monitor stands with a long arm.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180219/3f68b6556033a69a0e18d59cdad1aa8a.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180219/b0c8800644b51ed68fd91b28f460c20c.jpg)
Title: Re: List your test equipment &quot;scores&quot; here!
Post by: plazma on February 20, 2018, 06:18:16 am


Picked up the free 8664A. F*ck it's heavy. I have to check what the calibration code means.

Does it still have the sticker that says you need to carry it with 2 people? (not a joke...)
Yes it does. I have to check what the option 004 is.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180220/fe17bfae3013ddb3c3393beae8dd1e1d.jpg)
Title: Re: List your test equipment &quot;scores&quot; here!
Post by: hendorog on February 20, 2018, 06:20:52 am


Picked up the free 8664A. F*ck it's heavy. I have to check what the calibration code means.

Does it still have the sticker that says you need to carry it with 2 people? (not a joke...)
Yes it does. I have to check what the option 004 is.



004 is the low phase noise option. Good one.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: BU508A on February 20, 2018, 06:43:52 am
Bought a Guildline 9576 6 1/2 digit Microprocessor Voltmeter for U$ 40.- plus shipping (ca. U$ 76.-) plus import fee etc. (ca. U$ 12.-)

(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/QBEAAOSwNSxVIhVD/s-l300.jpg)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Vgkid on February 20, 2018, 07:26:36 am
I have a Solartron one.  I need to sell it , I hate it.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: beanflying on February 20, 2018, 07:38:58 am
Teardown/parts salvage coming up - obsolete goodness  :-+

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/test-and-measurement-obsolete-gear-teardown-and-salvage/#new (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/test-and-measurement-obsolete-gear-teardown-and-salvage/#new)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: GerryBags on February 21, 2018, 12:49:28 am
This arrived today. LG FG-7002C function gen. Between that and the TTi unit below it I can most of what I want, up to the low MHz range, anyway. Definitely need a scope with better FFT, or better yet a signal analyzer. I'd better stop buying and start saving if either of those are going to happen.  :-\
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: cluca1969 on March 14, 2018, 12:51:52 am
Hello to everyone,
I have a Xcelite TCMB150MT tool kit and I need some advice from you, does anyone know what I can clean the handles of the pliers with foam green-blue grips, a method or some clean substances ?
Thank you very much.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on March 14, 2018, 12:58:19 am
Like any cleaning, I'd start with something gentle - try soap and water, perhaps dish detergent and see if that helps.  From there, if needed, I'd escalate to window cleaner, and beyond that a citrus based cleaner.  If those don't do anything, then on to isopropyl or denatured alcohol, though test those in a small area first to be sure they don't attack the handle material.

Good luck, Xcelite makes good tools.

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: cluca1969 on March 14, 2018, 01:02:44 am
Like any cleaning, I'd start with something gentle - try soap and water, perhaps dish detergent and see if that helps.  From there, if needed, I'd escalate to window cleaner, and beyond that a citrus based cleaner.  If those don't do anything, then on to isopropyl or denatured alcohol, though test those in a small area first to be sure they don't attack the handle material.

Good luck, Xcelite makes good tools.

-Pat
Thank you very much for your advice.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: BU508A on March 14, 2018, 07:05:57 am
I have a Xcelite TCMB150MT tool kit and I need some advice from you, does anyone know what I can clean the handles of the pliers with foam green-blue grips, a method or some clean substances ?

Try an old tooth-brush and some tooth-paste. This is my first try when I have to clean something sensitive and had good experience with it.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: cluca1969 on March 14, 2018, 08:43:13 am
Thank you very much for your advice, I will try.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Barbouri on March 14, 2018, 08:28:37 pm
Latest test equipment score, a ESI Impedance Bridge 250DE sold "For Parts / Not Working Missing Meter Movement".
Overall in excellent condition, just need a new meter and a new 4 D-cell battery holder.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Neomys Sapiens on March 14, 2018, 10:07:08 pm
cluca1969:
But don't put too much effort in it - those handles are unduly sensitive to contamination.
To say it bluntly, they will attract any dirt in view.
I have a very fine needle nose pliers from this series in my main toolkit - it got it's smudge on first use many years (over 3 decades) ago - beside that, it's perfect.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Johnny10 on March 14, 2018, 10:13:16 pm
Love that LRC knob !!

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: beanflying on March 14, 2018, 10:17:39 pm
Brought my first Fluke anything in a 'cheap' 895A differential voltmeter.

However Freight cost on this dinghy anchor was nearly 3 times the cost of the unit  :palm:

eta 10-14 days from Albuquerque then hopefully turning right via a side trip to Erlanger and evilbays Slow GSP  :horse:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Tony_G on March 14, 2018, 11:16:21 pm
Brought my first Fluke anything in a 'cheap' 895A differential voltmeter.

Nice - Do these have the photochopper or the updated solid state version?

TonyG
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: cluca1969 on March 14, 2018, 11:32:06 pm
Neomys Sapiens:
Thank you very much for your kindness.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: beanflying on March 15, 2018, 12:04:08 am
Brought my first Fluke anything in a 'cheap' 895A differential voltmeter.

Nice - Do these have the photochopper or the updated solid state version?

TonyG

Not sure but the 1981 manual I downloaded still shows the photo chopper and an 11V heated ref. I am buying it as a plaything more than serious use (like most toys  >:D ).

Had a look at your video last night too  :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: EE-digger on March 15, 2018, 02:15:29 am
Double score of my life but have to rewind 6 yrs.  A coworker says he needs to clean out two storage units with old office equipment and the like.  He says there are two network analyzer boxes that have to go.  Not really interested in what I thought was a traffic analyzer system but it was a nice lunch break to visit the trailer.

Once inside, he pointed to the area and there sat two 8753C VNAs, each with an 85046A !.  Almost wet my pants.  A VNA was so far up on my dream list I never thought of owning not only one, but two.  I wanted to be sure they were cleared with management so took that route.  While the units were indeed free to be dumped, and no one knew what they were for to begin with (they came from a small RF company acquisition), I sensed uncertainty and had to sweeten the pot.  My proposition was to fully clean and test one unit and keep the other.  Smith charts had finally come to life !

Fast forward and I now have a PNA with the 8753C (now with 85047A) going on ebay soon.  I'll never forget the feeling of staring these two units straight in the eye(s)  :scared: :scared: :scared:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Barbouri on March 18, 2018, 03:30:34 am
Love that LRC knob !!
The back side of the LRC knob is also very interesting, along with the Function/Range switch.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Old Printer on March 20, 2018, 01:08:24 am
My best deal to date was yesterday. Scored an immaculate Simpson 260 7M and case for $20 from a Craigslist ad. It was hard to find using the usual search terms, so I just tripped over it. It had been listed for 18 days and I thought sure it would have been gone. I had to drive 90 miles each way to get it, but I wanted an analog multimeter and this was a beaut for dirt cheap.

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on March 20, 2018, 02:52:21 am
Excellent find! I like the RTFM label on it.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nanofrog on March 20, 2018, 08:31:18 am
My best deal to date was yesterday. Scored an immaculate Simpson 260 7M and case for $20 from a Craigslist ad. It was hard to find using the usual search terms, so I just tripped over it. It had been listed for 18 days and I thought sure it would have been gone. I had to drive 90 miles each way to get it, but I wanted an analog multimeter and this was a beaut for dirt cheap.
You did really well on this one IMHO. :)

Price wise, it's worth a YOU SUCK award  :o  ;), though this will be tempered a bit due to the 180mi. round trip to fetch it. But assuming your vehicle isn't a total gas hog (i.e. ~$20 - $25 round trip), I'd assume you got it for ~$50 door-to-door tops.  :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Old Printer on March 20, 2018, 01:54:29 pm
My best deal to date was yesterday. Scored an immaculate Simpson 260 7M and case for $20 from a Craigslist ad. It was hard to find using the usual search terms, so I just tripped over it. It had been listed for 18 days and I thought sure it would have been gone. I had to drive 90 miles each way to get it, but I wanted an analog multimeter and this was a beaut for dirt cheap.
You did really well on this one IMHO. :)

Price wise, it's worth a YOU SUCK award  :o  ;), though this will be tempered a bit due to the 180mi. round trip to fetch it. But assuming your vehicle isn't a total gas hog (i.e. ~$20 - $25 round trip), I'd assume you got it for ~$50 door-to-door tops.  :-+
You are right, of course :)  I have been watching 260's of all vintages on ebay for a while, so I know the going rate. But, It was out there for three weeks before I saw it, so it is not like I stole it from his widow. I stole it from him :) a retired electrician several years younger than me, and I am still doing 40+ hours a week :)  I slept just fine that night :). 
After I paid him, and had a firm grip on it, I told him how far I had come to pick it up. His jaw dropped a bit, but it was a Sunday afternoon and my wife rode with me so we had some good time together, though she thought I was nuts. BTW, he also has an very nice 87V with the protective sheet still on the window. Asking $250 but offered to move a bit. I just don't need a DMM that expensive.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ghislain on March 31, 2018, 10:17:14 am
Could have waited for another additional discount to be made available but just could not resist  :palm:
Picked this differential probe up for 140 us$ shipping included which is not a bad deal at all.

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on March 31, 2018, 04:40:52 pm
Nice storage case, too.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: JustSquareEnough on April 03, 2018, 02:06:58 am
for not much more than one of those red Chinese ones...
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on April 03, 2018, 04:09:45 pm
Cool
 :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on April 03, 2018, 06:27:57 pm
Very nice Staco. Those red ones make me nervous.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: beanflying on April 06, 2018, 04:28:54 am
So I brought my first Analogue Ocilliscope  ::)

Fairly tidy looking 15MhZ Dual Beam Philips Oscilloscope actually  8) No idea what it will get used for yet  :-DD

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on April 06, 2018, 01:40:47 pm
The door bell just rang and guess what got delivered?

(https://media.rs-online.com/t_large/R9064145-01.jpg)

The free Keysight U1282A from the 'big bench plus' promotion (I bought a Keysight PSU earlier this year)! My wife will be soooo pissed when she sees the DMM  :box: :scared: It will be hard for me to keep a straight face  :-DD
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: BillB on April 06, 2018, 01:56:29 pm
... My wife will be soooo pissed when she sees the DMM  :box: :scared: It will be hard for me to keep a straight face  :-DD

How can she possibly be upset?  It was free!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on April 06, 2018, 02:46:25 pm
... My wife will be soooo pissed when she sees the DMM  :box: :scared: It will be hard for me to keep a straight face  :-DD
How can she possibly be upset?  It was free!
But she doesn't know that... yet.  ;D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nanofrog on April 06, 2018, 03:11:29 pm
... My wife will be soooo pissed when she sees the DMM  :box: :scared: It will be hard for me to keep a straight face  :-DD
How can she possibly be upset?  It was free!
But she doesn't know that... yet.  ;D
Guess you like living dangerously.  :box:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: BillB on April 06, 2018, 03:45:25 pm
Agreed.  Though, I'm not sure how she would be part of the procurement process, at all? 

Am I the only one that makes sure that nobody intercepts my packages, so that I can secretly unpack them, and install the contents into a pile of test gear that no layperson could possibly recognize as being different from one day to the next?  :-//
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: pe1oxp on April 06, 2018, 04:16:01 pm
The door bell just rang and guess what got delivered?

The free Keysight U1282A from the 'big bench plus' promotion (I bought a Keysight PSU earlier this year)! My wife will be soooo pissed when she sees the DMM  :box: :scared: It will be hard for me to keep a straight face  :-DD

Nice!
Mine is scheduled for somewhere half May, they told me the promotion was big success. Waiting 3 months is .....
Title: Re: List your test equipment &quot;scores&quot; here!
Post by: Rolo on April 06, 2018, 04:27:28 pm
Nice, this brings back good memories. I had one, long time ago. Strange, I can't remember what happend to it.
Title: Re: List your test equipment &quot;scores&quot; here!
Post by: nctnico on April 06, 2018, 05:17:56 pm
Nice, this brings back good memories. I had one, long time ago. Strange, I can't remember what happend to it.
Is yours the one that Dave took on his hiking trip?
https://youtu.be/G9ChhjOKyLA (https://youtu.be/G9ChhjOKyLA)

At least I'm sure my wife won't be able to destroy it that easely  >:D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PTR_1275 on April 07, 2018, 12:32:36 am
Agreed.  Though, I'm not sure how she would be part of the procurement process, at all? 

Am I the only one that makes sure that nobody intercepts my packages, so that I can secretly unpack them, and install the contents into a pile of test gear that no layperson could possibly recognize as being different from one day to the next?  :-//

I have a PO box to get parcels sent to. The mrs is very inquisitive, but I am so enthusiastic to explain all aspects to her that she now doesn’t ask questions. If my bench increases by one “box that looks the same”, then she won’t notice. The new soldering iron was a bit hit and miss, but she hasn’t noticed yet (I hope)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Addicted2AnalogTek on April 07, 2018, 01:00:32 am
I recently acquired (for 95 USD including shipping) a Tek 465B, Three P6137 probes, and a P6139A probe.  All probes with ground leads and grabbers, All working!

In addition to that, I bought a working 7623A that has updated boards, seemingly good cal, and came with a 7A22 that seems to have a good cal - plus intact and undisturbed cal seals from Tektronix! It also came with a 7A26 and a dirty 7B50, both of which work quite well. All for 110.00 USD including shipping.

I know, not the scores of the century by any means... but I think I got a good deal!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on April 07, 2018, 02:13:01 am
The free Keysight U1282A from the 'big bench plus' promotion (I bought a Keysight PSU earlier this year)! My wife will be soooo pissed when she sees the DMM  :box: :scared: It will be hard for me to keep a straight face  :-DD

Yeah, she's sure to notice it given its size and bright orange color. It's a nice, hefty DMM.

The only thing that I wish I could change is the volume of the beeper. It's mighty loud for indoor use.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on April 07, 2018, 08:30:21 am
... My wife will be soooo pissed when she sees the DMM  :box: :scared: It will be hard for me to keep a straight face  :-DD
How can she possibly be upset?  It was free!
But she doesn't know that... yet.  ;D
Plus: you seem to assume logic has a place in a marriage. Funny.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: beanflying on April 10, 2018, 10:57:29 am
So my pre Easter Fluke 515A Portable Calibrator arrived late today. A little under $200 AUpeso's delivered.

This isn't a tear down by any means just 5 minutes with a screwdriver and 5 minutes against my 34401A. All basic ranges are good to 4 digits except 10 Ohms which is nearly 10.3? Frequency AC and Higher DC voltages seemed close to spec but some careful measurements needed.

WTF moment Two Bulbs at the rear of the top circuit board with no holes to the outside  :-//

Other than that plenty of Fluke Resistor and switch Porn  :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Tony_G on April 10, 2018, 07:15:35 pm
WTF moment Two Bulbs at the rear of the top circuit board with no holes to the outside  :-//

I don't know if this is the case here but whenever I see two bulbs like that I immediately think of a Wien bridge oscillator. The first HP product, the HP 200A Audio Oscillator was developed from Bill Hewlett's masters thesis and university. The bulbs are used to create a feedback effect that stabilized the oscillator output without introducing distortion.

I showed some photos of inside the HP 200CD here - https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/hp-model-200cd-wide-range-oscillator/msg1474127/#msg1474127 (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/hp-model-200cd-wide-range-oscillator/msg1474127/#msg1474127) so if you look at the 5th image you can see the two bulbs sitting between the voltage amplifier tubes.

TonyG
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Vgkid on April 10, 2018, 09:30:22 pm
WTF moment Two Bulbs at the rear of the top circuit board with no holes to the outside  :-//

I don't know if this is the case here but whenever I see two bulbs like that I immediately think of a Wien bridge oscillator. The first HP product, the HP 200A Audio Oscillator was developed from Bill Hewlett's masters thesis and university. The bulbs are used to create a feedback effect that stabilized the oscillator output without introducing distortion.

I showed some photos of inside the HP 200CD here - https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/hp-model-200cd-wide-range-oscillator/msg1474127/#msg1474127 (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/hp-model-200cd-wide-range-oscillator/msg1474127/#msg1474127) so if you look at the 5th image you can see the two bulbs sitting between the voltage amplifier tubes.
TonyG
It is part of the battery charging circuit , this is the schematic from my 510a.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Tony_G on April 10, 2018, 09:33:15 pm
I guess sometimes a bulb is just a bulb....
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: beanflying on April 10, 2018, 10:24:53 pm
Interesting. Maybe there is a different backplate fitted when the battery option is installed so they can be seen? I will give the switches a proper clean and a proper warmup/cal check over the next week or so then add it onto a logger to look at the stability.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Jay_Diddy_B on April 10, 2018, 10:41:11 pm
Hi,
The incandescent bulbs in this circuit:

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=411045;image)

These bulbs are a current limiter, PTC or positive temperature coefficient resistor. When the bulbs are cold they have low resistance, when glowing the resistance increases.

Regards,
Jay_Diddy_B
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: beanflying on April 11, 2018, 12:44:54 am
Philips PM3231 15MHz Dual beam scope fixerupper.

This one is heading for the 'shelf' for a while until I power it up. First need to remove the spider webs, dust and the feathers  :o

Should be really nice to work on, four 1/4 turn screws to drop both sides off the case and the seller had the full sized circuit diagram and manual for my $12.50  :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on April 11, 2018, 12:56:04 am
That would be a fun restoration
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: tecman on April 12, 2018, 12:10:33 pm
I was looking for a spectrum analyzer for quite a while, but didn't want to spend a lot.  Finally on ebay I saw and Advantest R3465.  It is a 10Khz ~8ghz range and has an LCD screen.  The R3265 is a bit cheaper but has a CRT, and the Advantest instruments are known to have CRT's that fade over time.  I do not remember the buy-it-now price, but I made an offer of $ 500.  I could not believe it but the seller accepted my offer !.  A day or two later I got an email from the seller saying that the instrument available was not as pictured, and they sent me a picture of the actual unit, and asked if I still wanted it.  I said I would take it but with a $ 100 reduction.  Again they said OKay (btw shipping was free!).  I received the analyzer several days later, and after unpacking it the two side guards on the front bezel were significantly more damaged than in the picture, mostly due to the shipping/packing (which was good-foamed-in but foam pressure broke more of it).  It was still a good deal.  I disassembled the unit to remove the front bezel and found the plastic to be very brittle (from age and vintage of plastic).  Just light handling the bezel caused more of the guards broke off.  I decided to just cut the guards off to try to make it more stable.  Also the bezel was cracked in several places.  Several days of epoxy repairs and fine grinding later I had a stable bezel for reassembly.  I mad a temp knob on the lathe until I can fine something more suitable.  The only other work it needed was to replace the CMOS RAM battery.  It self cal'ed and no errors.  In the end a great deal for $ 400, helping to round out my test gear.
first pic:  shown on ebay
second pic:  from seller actual
third pic:  final repair

paul
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: pe1oxp on April 14, 2018, 10:57:57 am
The door bell just rang and guess what got delivered?

The free Keysight U1282A from the 'big bench plus' promotion (I bought a Keysight PSU earlier this year)! My wife will be soooo pissed when she sees the DMM  :box: :scared: It will be hard for me to keep a straight face  :-DD

Nice!
Mine is scheduled for somewhere half May, they told me the promotion was big success. Waiting 3 months is .....

Grr my free U1282A is on his way, unfortunately never at home and they ship with DHL Express and the nearest pick-up point is more then 100km away (and only open at working days)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: JohnG on April 19, 2018, 12:53:22 pm
Here are my recent scores:

1. Agilent 34970A Data Aquistion/Switch unit with DMM and 34901A 20 channel card. Bought completely dead on the bay for $150. The problem was that the line voltage selector was set to 220V, but once I set it to 120V, it worked fine. Matches my 34401A to +/- 2 in the last digit.

2: HP 6030A 200V, 17A, 1000W autoranging power supply for $20 ( :-+) at an estate sale (thanks Jwalling for pointing the sale on this forum!). It needed a new line cord.

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: HighVoltage on April 19, 2018, 01:21:53 pm
The problem was that the line voltage selector was set to 220V, but once I set it to 120V, it worked fine.

Nice score and easy fix.
I had a few times the other way around, broken instrument, switch set to 115V but used in EU with 230V.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Mechatrommer on April 28, 2018, 12:26:06 pm
Recently got Advantest R3465 for $600 (original price $700, i made offer $500, seller made counter offer $600, i just grab it... another $200 for Fedex shipping Korea to Malaysia, $50 customs government tax, $20 paypal currency charge :palm:) the problem reported by seller, internal battery error (showing ???? date), cal output reading too low at -19dB (should be -10dB), and some button labelling disappear.

When i got it, i changed the dead ER3 battery with CR2 battery soldered in, hot glue the loosen knob and some aesthetics touch to the buttons. About the wrong reading, i verified the CAL ouput using KC901V to be actually -10dB, then all i did is re calibrate the unit and now cal output reading is showing the correct -10dB again. i love it when the seller doesnt know how to recalibrate what they are selling. now the date showing year 2044, great i just have to find in manual how to set the correct date...
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on April 28, 2018, 12:51:14 pm
I used to take the front panel apart and give it a thourough clean. It will look like new afterwards. Don't forget to clean the rubber buttons as well (at the user end) because they collect a lot of dirt from fingers.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: tecman on May 08, 2018, 06:31:31 pm
Recently got Advantest R3465 for $600 (original price $700, i made offer $500, seller made counter offer $600, i just grab it... another $200 for Fedex shipping Korea to Malaysia, $50 customs government tax, $20 paypal currency charge :palm:) the problem reported by seller, internal battery error (showing ???? date), cal output reading too low at -19dB (should be -10dB), and some button labelling disappear.

When i got it, i changed the dead ER3 battery with CR2 battery soldered in, hot glue the loosen knob and some aesthetics touch to the buttons. About the wrong reading, i verified the CAL ouput using KC901V to be actually -10dB, then all i did is re calibrate the unit and now cal output reading is showing the correct -10dB again. i love it when the seller doesnt know how to recalibrate what they are selling. now the date showing year 2044, great i just have to find in manual how to set the correct date...

I see a few of the buttons needed a marker refresh.  Also I am jealous of your display knob !

They are great units, especially when you can grab them for a good price.

paul
 
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: JenniferG on May 13, 2018, 12:00:29 am
Got this at the flea market for $3 today:  Analog Exerciser

I can't seem to add the image.. just get empty img tags.

I added an attachment of the image.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ysjoelfir on May 17, 2018, 11:21:27 pm
Not quite sure if it is a score but I got myself a Tektronix 556 in supposedly working condition for 160€, including a 1A2 and a 1A4. Just need to see how I can get that thing from Stuttgart to Frankfurt since my car broke down in a crash last week... However, I am very happy to have gotten a 556 finally, I have been looking for one of the bigger Tek moddels for a looooong time now. :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Old Printer on May 18, 2018, 01:19:41 am
Agreed.  Though, I'm not sure how she would be part of the procurement process, at all? 

Am I the only one that makes sure that nobody intercepts my packages, so that I can secretly unpack them, and install the contents into a pile of test gear that no layperson could possibly recognize as being different from one day to the next?  :-//
Absolutely not. Planning recieve dates around various schedules, hoping the delivery services meet their advertised transit times. It's a finely honed art :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Old Printer on May 18, 2018, 11:39:17 pm
Well, as long as I am here. My latest "score" just arrived via USPS Priority this afternoon, and the Mrs. just happens to be out of town :) but she is at an Orchid show buying orchids (her main vice) so I am covered. My "score" today is an Analog Discovery in primo condition for $54 shipped. That is a very good deal since Digilent raised the cost of the Student price from what had been about $100. These things have been going anywhere from $125 and well up, but for some reason the bidding on this one was stuck at $30 for several days and a last 30 seconds bid just got the job done. Last summer I had purchased the AD2 new for $280 from Mouser while I was/am waiting for the 4 channel scope wars to heat up. The difference between the 2 models is 95% cosmetic, and while I really like this tool, the older model will suite me just fine. I will sell the newer one as they are going pretty close to retail, and put that money towards whatever comes out on top in the hobby scope market. I just put my new toy through a good workout and it passes all the tests just fine. Happy camper I am :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on May 19, 2018, 01:35:58 am
Ah, so you snagged that one. Good deal. I was surprised it didn't go higher.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: hendorog on May 20, 2018, 07:57:46 pm
I got back from a roady to bring home a new (to me) vehicle. Look what I found in the back!

It came from an RF company who have a small office here and were offloading some of their older gear.

Also a picture of the SA 'family'. The SSA 3032X is visiting from tautech atm.

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: tautech on May 20, 2018, 08:04:53 pm
I got back from a roady to bring home a new (to me) vehicle. Look what I found in the back!

It came from an RF company who have a small office here and were offloading some of their older gear.

Also a picture of the SA 'family'. The SSA 3032X is visiting from tautech atm.
That HP SA is certainly a cool bit of gear....got up close and personal with it last weekend.  :)
22 GHz  :o  :scared:  :clap:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on May 21, 2018, 05:08:48 am
Nice condition you found it in too. You definitely wouldn't want to ship this boatanchor to Australia with how huge and heavy it is.

And now happy hunting for a RF synthesizer that can go this high.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on May 21, 2018, 11:24:59 am
Nice Catch!
Looks nice. :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: hendorog on May 22, 2018, 05:14:15 am

Nice condition you found it in too. You definitely wouldn't want to ship this boatanchor to Australia with how huge and heavy it is.

And now happy hunting for a RF synthesizer that can go this high.
Nice Catch!
Looks nice. :)


Thanks, yes it is in really nice condition. Was a long way away but luckily I was able to pick it up on a trip which was already planned, shipping would have been a risky expensive nightmare! It came to them from ValueTronics based on the stickers.

The display is a bit tired compared to pictures I've seen online though. I did whip the top off and found a couple of focus trimpots which didn't seem to change anything on the display so one or more are likely faulty.


Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on May 22, 2018, 05:31:30 am

Nice condition you found it in too. You definitely wouldn't want to ship this boatanchor to Australia with how huge and heavy it is.

And now happy hunting for a RF synthesizer that can go this high.
Nice Catch!
Looks nice. :)


Thanks, yes it is in really nice condition. Was a long way away but luckily I was able to pick it up on a trip which was already planned, shipping would have been a risky expensive nightmare! It came to them from ValueTronics based on the stickers.

The display is a bit tired compared to pictures I've seen online though. I did whip the top off and found a couple of focus trimpots which didn't seem to change anything on the display so one or more are likely faulty.

Actually these CRTs are a bit of an achilles heel of them. Something in the electron gun slowly degrades as its operating, so the units that have had lots of use behind them start developing a blurry image. They don't seam to get any burn in tho. Not that you should worry about it too much since the degradation is very slow, just that these things are old and some have racked up a lot of service hours.

Similar displays are used in some other gear so someone has created a LCD retrofit kit for it that they sell. It taps into the "graphics card" and pulls digital data from it to give you a pixel perfect image, even with separate colors for the traces.

I have one of these SAs and i thought about upgrading it to LCD but the CRT in mine is still in pretty good condition and the upgrade kit does cost a bit.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: hendorog on May 22, 2018, 06:06:51 am


Actually these CRTs are a bit of an achilles heel of them. Something in the electron gun slowly degrades as its operating, so the units that have had lots of use behind them start developing a blurry image. They don't seam to get any burn in tho. Not that you should worry about it too much since the degradation is very slow, just that these things are old and some have racked up a lot of service hours.

Similar displays are used in some other gear so someone has created a LCD retrofit kit for it that they sell. It taps into the "graphics card" and pulls digital data from it to give you a pixel perfect image, even with separate colors for the traces.

I have one of these SAs and i thought about upgrading it to LCD but the CRT in mine is still in pretty good condition and the upgrade kit does cost a bit.

Those LCD's do look nice, no doubt about it.

I did do a lite version of the KE5FX 'rejuvenation' process on on an 8753B VNA not long ago - which has the similar XYZ type display and it came up quite nicely. It had a few faulty pots as well which I fixed first.
 
So I'm thinking I'll try and fix any faults, and then, if needed, try the CRT recovery process on this. If it goes bad, or if the CRT dies quickly afterwards then I'll have no choice but to fork out for the LCD :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Oldtestgear on May 29, 2018, 10:38:37 am
Not sure if this really counts as a "score" but I was very pleased with the price paid.

Keysight were running a 30% (max.) trade in offer on their scopes until the end of March this year.  With a few days to go  I asked about trading in my Kenwood 5MHz two channel scope that I bought many years ago for a few £s.  After their initial reaction ( disbelief & possibly horror at such a thing being offered) they finally agreed to a 30% discount on a nice shiny new DSO4024A. I think there may have wanted to see IF I would actually splash the cash or was a time waster.

Anyway it arrived last week & I am very pleased with my new toy as well as the substantial sum I saved.

Score?

I think so but others may disagree. This does show that I bit of cheek can go along way though.

Phil
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on May 29, 2018, 10:42:08 am
Oh very nice trick you pulled there :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ysjoelfir on May 31, 2018, 07:51:35 pm
Today I picked up those two beauties for a reasonable price of 150€ each, including a nice car trip with beautiful sights from Frankfurt to Stuttgart  :-+. Both seem to work, they just need some cleaning and adjusting. Now I should start hunting down a "tripple nickel" 555 to complete the collection of the "big ones"...
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Gyro on May 31, 2018, 07:55:56 pm
That 3A5 plug-in looks interesting, could it be the first ever implementation of an 'Autoset' button (in a scope)?
Title: HP 54701A & HP 1143A
Post by: BravoV on May 31, 2018, 08:03:43 pm
Active probe HP 54701A + the probe's power HP 1143A
(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/test-equipment-anonymous-(tea)-group-therapy-thread/?action=dlattach;attach=445120;image)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xwarp on June 01, 2018, 08:18:00 am

So I'm thinking I'll try and fix any faults, and then, if needed, try the CRT recovery process on this. If it goes bad, or if the CRT dies quickly afterwards then I'll have no choice but to fork out for the LCD :)

Would be worth it in my opinion.

I picked up a nice 8568B for a low enough price a while back that if I had to do the LCD, I'd still be in the unit for less than $600.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: hendorog on June 01, 2018, 08:56:11 am

So I'm thinking I'll try and fix any faults, and then, if needed, try the CRT recovery process on this. If it goes bad, or if the CRT dies quickly afterwards then I'll have no choice but to fork out for the LCD :)

Would be worth it in my opinion.

I picked up a nice 8568B for a low enough price a while back that if I had to do the LCD, I'd still be in the unit for less than $600.

Nicely done. I just love using mine, it does lack the modern digital features, but the usability and performance is of the highest order.

I paid about $1050 USD for mine. No shipping was needed though, which might have cost me $500 more, it was a decent deal.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on June 01, 2018, 12:26:47 pm
Just pulled the trigger on this...
My Backman RMS-225 (pre production, beta issued for field testing. )
Took it;s last dive off the bench. 28+ years of reliable service, time for retirement.
https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/372-U1241B (https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/372-U1241B)

Note to Dave:
I would have bought one of your meters however, I need this NOW!, I want to get one of your meters for a spare.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on June 02, 2018, 02:26:43 am
Keysight were running a 30% (max.) trade in offer on their scopes until the end of March this year.  With a few days to go  I asked about trading in my Kenwood 5MHz two channel scope that I bought many years ago for a few £s.  After their initial reaction ( disbelief & possibly horror at such a thing being offered) they finally agreed to a 30% discount on a nice shiny new DSO4024A. I think there may have wanted to see IF I would actually splash the cash or was a time waster.

...

Score?

I think so but others may disagree. This does show that I bit of cheek can go along way though.

I think that's a massive score on selling your 5 MHz scope! :-DD Well done.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on June 05, 2018, 12:38:13 pm
Just acquired this from a friend in non working condition.
The +5V supply was repaired and in the process I managed to break the +40V supply.
Fixed. and all appears to be working.
Just a basic HP-8901A modulation analyzer.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/PAai0Q1sYnCD7ViZjTwmtQNqHTzcdaHVIhIDwilX_lN_fjRPwIZpSn7T6OsjMU5_2IIYuaqNgeEVwAJhrQ8fWH7_3ZLJamru7ix1qEUb5rSk-Tfatrxj4drgwIr9SlTZK5qDh_1ls5WVUrbpA5kqSEUTd76RcwDh7NhNLqrmmWVzo9BI5rmeWivbIC47xO16eeKPtnxoZTg0Rf2JUUGBici9bgn_BCu0qSKmYAI9FFiRcbKPnpIxGrOwP9BYcIRNd7K3akMu6QIKHSfO0Z0ut4IHS6fO1ELoiRXj2yT47VjE6MgYEjI5bA6W7vcfkPyTqEaA5lfniXogjUMOAToQVs5gdgYJECv-LPrMzYjCqJmmKgoGXJB076lEDOYxctuuFSC7WNWn1Z9nlyukyVCmHBqoPtcU-3SLXsaAhpnsLCzLl8oK6hs-NkqCy5Xv_3MYZrOYW_0xjiYG1a84-A_Byx7uNrZP0y2vaY5XivTu-pqAEJbsjmAmGQDrSqqulVgXYoDsGTa9s2J9ENozw311YGWHdEvLMYqf71M2HfevWfQGkPGbcP_B4J3anR9ttXr4BHUc1e-m-TAdDBsuJsEXfdDluv-raeLbe26ha7o=w1220-h915-no)

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/eJQy6PJVr7S0VIysEZEpQg_ry_WZKYykL9wZeKQiNjjZrxRtt2FNBW71qoZgg_H7s2GlAH8SZFdrBGurfhZGrTYNtgySEwGHT0vjo8cG3K3iaYyUYQ8blsGYGsgoCeW4KH1_h2XpbuMIHaqyCoDK17sRX6qt9sYgCe6D_mqKMjV9HoLxJmHbO3bbQq1qkvt8s-ToR-SsY5dLtVaIlV4Nsl9NyLTDtxEfNh3NPLckhjg0i0e7swSHoixbfbY9pTVqZVxOUpcQiMytfofvL5MFyKOVF5voBnetTF8y-8lG-_IRZVj6ceU6vjKtoKM-oCFTuA5MYQeP47hwf_MAzWiXQRNSov1hGSFzhXqCzbnIuPyubTe8kuUNSqGm1FMnQXora6x50Ao_qiF5hFd3UIDCLugmJq635j4qlkObVYP_mbr0fv1L6d6qaOdtIT4lGiGrpI5_6MN9Sjo6BNJs9Buo8pE0jeLzkGxK-43vaLYVxecz2xIWuziJ71QWfVXP2MqtFZuwqRG_2w2kVMQd1qXT2stmJ-m3mD_bKWBstFckpW0S80L5vSYkYVogUTix5OEunZj0SwonKb4dA_QJg9jKEm_n-iqjcoTXlHPMGM8=w1220-h915-no)

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/0PRpo5daFsXdGaSiDZH_AMPzC9RyyJYBt8O3RuUtcZJpoIzjYaLOGhgLvOLGbxmdb3bJld5-kEd0tSP7oPEhaQ85r7w87iII__RPpYzQenOEzyzlY5r5t9utvmKnj3sqtu8mBoLeQh6k6bRUWACpCJZ3rM5z84FycHjDHF-rlx6ccAfqoR1Vz3QU5cp9BvqZd0PlI2xF1aDNG0pGyfSHzOcSX805EF3Q1qX4HF9AO43r0m8Ip_07uBSji4JnDhILXei9KFyWDd9oFubdnGM6B9OXgLyZsY2_IcMK9nIWTrUpihwM9mrOywlzPcXFKbKNLTZRYQZdq2zr9BOrw2bAQKv2aUuoNOboouuiFdW3CJEsU0a5_dRNbAn1vy1p4XzWv0wkdJaPgP8-HHCrSOZGPzDWIjGbglJ3J0GizxP3QvlpxxWkBdFrgkj1NNRXJAoNOTt_afHBtTcplZx3FoVqooZNfxQ4o0b5mAyMv86gaz9hMeayf2CsBrlSwCke74d30xgZx6hbVfDbjxtgWbHmkRhNaXno3C9fEAFxkzztKjKk_HI7R5hwITzOvXvgPzAA_u47o243KqVo-0DavBzTpL1uRYZHiFpkphwo5UU=w1220-h915-no)

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oGYHTAbZYbJL1x3_Nlab5NNmQdljIbDSGAinDIhkPB4cqfshsiXn-jiZ_ty-AlZjX0g0FcO9c8XIEf-haCO6a2fcb8crCddA-6k0CNUBxtnh5diiveI9fl6lo7tXC570M-36ohYdaYIuQN8oVOsUj7n98U8R6njUG0r_57r2z1x5UGjGl4OhianPVkepBLH7t4L4yXvhuEih3ZTnPkqPZdhxZmchMQaUxz_jVJJv5SNkrS82tFBvTH1idZHH4vgZAfkvQ2HlbFQRdIGV6N8rcVr2hFuB8bW_Mk-TxcAczLGMLSKpcuyD2JllyKZ2bQBavvtQUayBM1fOU1NR9ZCbdbODz_c1avJ6w-MGAfTpeuSwUNaV9C73u1k5AMctyN-Itaxaoebet0bDIy2MUKRckyct8XtN40nKeqYG3RgPQYl3tEqsYi7uyls-rb4bowvvPLEYNKJ-JTlqiWYpH2O7ogWeRFQFd3rRXAHML2xJBHsBV4FMfspcGTICYgIxsK2new9ZTX1uqfoXl-9SJFX6mAYfpOI8aXrdRz00bppSU0uurvJLAoSfm58RCBFHLPMrJnaZrnHJug1oEAjcxdN42xFyr3n_8OtAV6p2Go=w1220-h915-no)

No you don't get top see the repair. No smoke got let out, however I don't consider a transistor bodged to the back of a PCB to be up to my standard of quality.
But Hey!
The SOB works!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: capt bullshot on June 05, 2018, 07:15:28 pm
Saved this stuff from beeing scrapped:

An ENI 13.56MHz / 300W RF generator, was probably used for some kind of plasma stuff,
Prema 2080 Scanners,
Some guts of another ENI 25kHz to 125kHz / 800W plasma generation power supply that someone else decided to take apart before. The controller board, containing some interesting ICs like the MPY634, the impedance matching output transformer and the driver amplifier stage.

The scanners appear to work, I haven't tested the RF generator yet, I don't have a suitable dummy load / attenuator. If it works, maybe one can build a plasma speaker driver from it? I've got little use for a 13.56 MHz CW source alone.

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: VK5RC on June 06, 2018, 10:09:06 am
A free 7603 non working mainframe.
A few hours of time found 3 dead electros (short)  had taken out two rectifiers and a PCB trace (hiding above the transformer). I had to buy the parts and the plug-ins. Those big electros aren't cheap.
She lives!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: tautech on June 06, 2018, 10:33:18 am
A free 7603 non working mainframe.
A few hours of time found 3 dead electros (short)  had taken out two rectifiers and a PCB trace (hiding above the transformer). I had to buy the parts and the plug-ins. Those big electros aren't cheap.
She lives!
Hell that looks tidy, congrats on your score.  :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on June 06, 2018, 12:04:46 pm
Lots of good stuff, our members have scored lately.
:)

I have acquired more, we will roll it out as time permits, and gaps in current project's progress will allow.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: wkb on June 06, 2018, 02:28:08 pm
Saved this stuff from beeing scrapped:

An ENI 13.56MHz / 300W RF generator, was probably used for some kind of plasma stuff,
Prema 2080 Scanners,
Some guts of another ENI 25kHz to 125kHz / 800W plasma generation power supply that someone else decided to take apart before. The controller board, containing some interesting ICs like the MPY634, the impedance matching output transformer and the driver amplifier stage.

The scanners appear to work, I haven't tested the RF generator yet, I don't have a suitable dummy load / attenuator. If it works, maybe one can build a plasma speaker driver from it? I've got little use for a 13.56 MHz CW source alone.

You could power 6 Metcal/Thermaltronics soldering irons from the generator  :-//
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: capt bullshot on June 06, 2018, 03:49:52 pm
You could power 6 Metcal/Thermaltronics soldering irons from the generator  :-//
Yes, but this would require an appropriate power splitter.

Anyway, I've got three of the low frequency Metcal (MFR single tool) supplies sitting in my pile of stuff, they came from the same scrapyard, but neither irons nor stands ???

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on June 06, 2018, 04:39:04 pm
A free 7603 non working mainframe.
A few hours of time found 3 dead electros (short)  had taken out two rectifiers and a PCB trace (hiding above the transformer). I had to buy the parts and the plug-ins. Those big electros aren't cheap.
She lives!

Looks great, Rob! Another one saved from the brink of destruction.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: beanflying on June 19, 2018, 12:58:51 am
HP 5340A - Nixie Version Option 003

$70USD + frt Score or just another millstone not sure yet. Internal oscillator works, Nixies light up :-+ Inputs non responsive  :--

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nanofrog on June 19, 2018, 03:29:57 am
Hopefully a good cleaning and re-seating the cards may be all it needs (unconnected input looks grungy to me).  ;)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on June 19, 2018, 07:05:08 am
Don't be terribly surprised if it turns out to be the big hybrid at the upper right corner of the fourth crosswise board from the rear in your second photo.  In my (admittedly limited) experience, that seems to be a weak spot in these counters.  :-\

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: beanflying on June 19, 2018, 07:50:56 am
Worst case with fault finding I could threaten to Clockise it's Nixies  >:D

This is mainly for fun as I don't do any RF stuff and the 5326A is working nicely. #becausenixie
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on June 19, 2018, 06:05:19 pm
I could threaten to Clockise it's Nixies  >:D

Woah! :o
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Haatveit on June 19, 2018, 06:33:30 pm
Does it count as a score if the price is 4 digits? Well, it's a score for me... Or the seller. I'm not quite sure.

54642D with brand new accessories included. I think I may need to head over to the TEA thread sometime soon, I've got my hands on 4 new (old!) pieces of equipment in the last 30 days  :-[
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on June 19, 2018, 06:42:30 pm
Nice one, i always liked the MegaZoom ASIC scopes. Its digital yet still feels so analog with its nice speed, responsiveness and intensity gradation.

So what are the other 3 pieces of gear?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Haatveit on June 19, 2018, 08:16:22 pm
Nice one, i always liked the MegaZoom ASIC scopes. Its digital yet still feels so analog with its nice speed, responsiveness and intensity gradation.

So what are the other 3 pieces of gear?

I already have a 54600B (older, no zoomies) and I love the interface and measurement functions of this era of HP scopes. So, one of the reasons I went for the 54642D was the familiarity and love for the interface. And I've heard so many good things about it "analogue-ness" that it seemed the obvious pick! The 16ch digital was the killer feature for me however. No decoding, but that's OK. I'll get a USB logic analyzer for that eventually, if I need it.

As for the other gear.... Well, I picked up a "not working" LeCroy WaveJet 314, according to the seller it failed a self-cal on Ch 3, but appeared to work perfectly well regardless. Going to fix it, and if I don't love it, I'll re-sell it (most likely). Could be nice to have a 4ch beater scope. Shipping cost more than the scope. Go figure.
Then I picked up a vintage HP 6825A Bipolar supply / amp, I made a restoration thread in the Repair forum for that one.
Aaaand I'm waiting for a Racal-Dana 1992 to arrive...

And I might have gotten a GPSDO, still in transit.

help.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on June 19, 2018, 09:15:56 pm
Cool stuff, Haatveit. You're welcome at the TEA house anytime. ;D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: capt bullshot on June 21, 2018, 03:06:22 pm
Got that neat guy from a colleague, saying "Better you take it before I'm gonna dispose it"
(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=460594;image)

It's in pretty good nick, and working.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: gnavigator1007 on June 21, 2018, 05:18:26 pm
This week saw 2 new additions to my bench. Purchased a Maynuo 9812 DC load and a Siglent SPD3303X-E both from eBay. Got one of those 20% off up to $100 coupons so finally snagged a load. Ended up paying $380 shipped which seems pretty damned decent. Decided I wanted another repair project so was looking through the "as is/for parts" listings and spotted the Siglent listed at $168.18 and immediately made an offer. I accepted their counter-offer. After thinking a bit about the description I wondered if it might be a matter of the wrong input voltage being selected. Went back had another look at the pics and sure enough, the switches were set for 220. It arrived today. I switched it to 120 and whaddaya know, absolutely nothing wrong with it. Thing is brand freakin new in original box and I got to be the lucky fella to power it up for the first time for $139.40 shipped. Didn't really need another power supply and I'm a bit disappointed to be robbed of yet another repair, but for the price I can't help being pleased  :)   
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: BillB on June 21, 2018, 07:11:07 pm
This week saw 2 new additions to my bench. Purchased a Maynuo 9812 DC load and a Siglent SPD3303X-E both from eBay. Got one of those 20% off up to $100 coupons so finally snagged a load. Ended up paying $380 shipped which seems pretty damned decent. Decided I wanted another repair project so was looking through the "as is/for parts" listings and spotted the Siglent listed at $168.18 and immediately made an offer. I accepted their counter-offer. After thinking a bit about the description I wondered if it might be a matter of the wrong input voltage being selected. Went back had another look at the pics and sure enough, the switches were set for 220. It arrived today. I switched it to 120 and whaddaya know, absolutely nothing wrong with it. Thing is brand freakin new in original box and I got to be the lucky fella to power it up for the first time for $139.40 shipped. Didn't really need another power supply and I'm a bit disappointed to be robbed of yet another repair, but for the price I can't help being pleased  :)

 |O  ARRRRGGGG!! I was looking at that very supply figuring it might be an easy repair!  I lingered for a little too long and, poof, it was gone!  Congrats, you lucky !@#/*  :-+ 
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Howardlong on June 21, 2018, 09:12:36 pm
Does it count as a score if the price is 4 digits? Well, it's a score for me... Or the seller. I'm not quite sure.

54642D with brand new accessories included. I think I may need to head over to the TEA thread sometime soon, I've got my hands on 4 new (old!) pieces of equipment in the last 30 days  :-[

I love the 54642D, the UI is the killer feature, super simple and intuitive to use, and the fastest response in any DSO I’ve used. Sure, it doesn’t have serial decoders (it does have some serial triggers), but unlike the 54622D, the 54642D is realtime throughout its timebase range, with a 500MHz bandwidth. Oh, did I mention the five second boot time?

Only downsides other than the serial decode are monochrome display and only two analogue channels, but it’s still a wonderful scope and a complete joy to use.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on June 21, 2018, 11:52:08 pm
This week saw 2 new additions to my bench. Purchased a Maynuo 9812 DC load and a Siglent SPD3303X-E both from eBay. Got one of those 20% off up to $100 coupons so finally snagged a load. Ended up paying $380 shipped which seems pretty damned decent. Decided I wanted another repair project so was looking through the "as is/for parts" listings and spotted the Siglent listed at $168.18 and immediately made an offer. I accepted their counter-offer. After thinking a bit about the description I wondered if it might be a matter of the wrong input voltage being selected. Went back had another look at the pics and sure enough, the switches were set for 220. It arrived today. I switched it to 120 and whaddaya know, absolutely nothing wrong with it. Thing is brand freakin new in original box and I got to be the lucky fella to power it up for the first time for $139.40 shipped. Didn't really need another power supply and I'm a bit disappointed to be robbed of yet another repair, but for the price I can't help being pleased  :)

Nice score! Sometimes you just have to take a risk.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on June 22, 2018, 04:57:02 am
This week saw 2 new additions to my bench. Purchased a Maynuo 9812 DC load and a Siglent SPD3303X-E both from eBay. Got one of those 20% off up to $100 coupons so finally snagged a load. Ended up paying $380 shipped which seems pretty damned decent. Decided I wanted another repair project so was looking through the "as is/for parts" listings and spotted the Siglent listed at $168.18 and immediately made an offer. I accepted their counter-offer. After thinking a bit about the description I wondered if it might be a matter of the wrong input voltage being selected. Went back had another look at the pics and sure enough, the switches were set for 220. It arrived today. I switched it to 120 and whaddaya know, absolutely nothing wrong with it. Thing is brand freakin new in original box and I got to be the lucky fella to power it up for the first time for $139.40 shipped. Didn't really need another power supply and I'm a bit disappointed to be robbed of yet another repair, but for the price I can't help being pleased  :)

Oh very nice one.

Unforcenetly i got things put on my repair queue due to my own gear breaking.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: _Wim_ on June 24, 2018, 06:13:52 am
Bought a "Keighley"  ;) current amplifier type 427 for 30£ (see https://www.benl.ebay.be/itm/Current-Amplifier/263768003868?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649 (https://www.benl.ebay.be/itm/Current-Amplifier/263768003868?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649))

 
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on June 28, 2018, 09:41:09 am
(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=464666;image)

IFR 6201B. 8GHz Microwave Test Set. Not entirely clear what it does  :o  Precision Scalar Network measurements. Integral Frequency Counter and Power Meter
IFR 2390A 22GHz SA
HP 8594E 2.9GHz SA. 2x
HP 8595E 6.5GHz SA.
R&S UPL audio analyzer. Already sold if buyer comes through
R&S SMH 2GHz RF gen. 2x. One probably already sold.
R&S SMIQ03B 3.3GHz RF gen
Marconi 4.2GHz SA set (with TG) 2x
Marconi 6500 automatic amplitude analyzer. SWR and stuff
Marconi 2305 modulation meter (500KHz - 2GHz)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Johnny10 on June 28, 2018, 11:59:40 am
I love all those buttons !
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nanofrog on June 28, 2018, 12:04:05 pm
If you don't mind, where'd it all come from?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on June 28, 2018, 12:11:46 pm
Auction ;)

Hobby-gone-bad-gone-pro. Or something.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on June 28, 2018, 02:50:20 pm
Nice Score.  :-+ :-+ :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on June 28, 2018, 05:17:37 pm
Oh hello! I missed that! The 22GHz SA has a tracking generator :-+ ^-^ :clap:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on June 28, 2018, 09:56:46 pm
Auction ;)

Wow, lots of neat stuff.

Quote
Hobby-gone-bad-gone-pro. Or something.

i.e., alias for TEA. Rather appropriate that you have it in your username. ;D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on June 29, 2018, 05:08:43 am
Now that is quite the haul! Hope the auction didn't end up costing you too much
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on June 29, 2018, 06:01:00 am
i.e., alias for TEA. Rather appropriate that you have it in your username. ;D

Lol. That was chosen in tempore non suspecto ;)

Quote
Now that is quite the haul! Hope the auction didn't end up costing you too much

Not saying I don't end up with the occasional lemon, but all in all I end up on top. And have some fun too!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on June 29, 2018, 06:37:51 pm
Crud. Buyer backed out of the UPL deal. Back on the market!  :popcorn:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: innkeeper on June 29, 2018, 07:34:30 pm
An American optical inspection station with a light table used by IBM. has both internal and external mirrors too to direct light on top of and underneath the item being magnified.
missing the light source, but, I don't see that as being a big deal as I can rig up something pretty easy with some white led's.  It came with 10x eyepieces and has a zoom range of x0.7-4.2 so the resulting range is 7x-42x in (( STEREO ))

I picked it up at a local surplus shop. A little dusty, but the optics look clear. a few lights scratches on the light table surface.  outdated for IBM I assume, but good enough for me!
the tape around the eyepieces was to just keep them from getting separated from the microscope while moving it around. I haven't cleaned it up yet, this is just how I got it.

I've tried to search the internet to see if i could find something like it, and though i easily found the optics on the internet, I haven't found the table anyplace. I wonder if it was some custom setup just for IBM.    anyway, always wanted a stereo inspection station..  :-+

(http://i.imgur.com/DXuI99Jl.jpg) (https://imgur.com/DXuI99J)
(http://i.imgur.com/Rq0WVdRl.jpg) (https://imgur.com/Rq0WVdR)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on June 29, 2018, 08:04:59 pm
You'll love it. Makes you look like a solder genious  ;D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: innkeeper on June 29, 2018, 10:07:18 pm
Think i'll leave the ibm sticker on it :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on July 05, 2018, 10:48:16 am
I'm guessing you've seen most of the gear I got in action already, so I won't bother you with it but this Marconi gear is pretty neat. I proudly present the Marconi 2383 4.2GHz SA!

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=469421;image)
(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=469415;image)

Notable facts:
- Proudly made in the UK.
- Old. Anyone any clue?
- Calibrated untill 2017 (I kid you not). With a waiver because it missed the targt by 0.04dB  ::)
- Tracking gen(shown active in the pictureover the full span. Kinda wonder where the dip comes from. Seems to shift frequencies too  :o)
- Heavy. Like a boat anchor. For the Titanic.
- None of this funny "menu" stuff. Everything has dedicated keys. Except for a few "shift" functions. But I imagine that once you get the hang of this thing you'd be twice as fast as on one of those newfangled menu pieces of gear.
- 100Hz (!) to 4.2GHz
- RBW 3Hz

EDIT: forum rotates the images. Don't know why.

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on July 05, 2018, 10:58:46 am
Gotta love those dedicated knobs and buttons for pretty much every function. :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: mtdoc on July 05, 2018, 02:14:50 pm
That is some beautiful bit of Macroni. Well done Ice-Tea. :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PA0PBZ on July 05, 2018, 02:23:00 pm
- Tracking gen(shown active in the picture over the full span. Kinda wonder where the dip comes from.

Probably in need of a normalize or an old normalize active?

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on July 05, 2018, 02:50:33 pm
Ah! Probably. Thanks for the pointer.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on July 05, 2018, 08:32:50 pm
Very cool SA, Ice-Tea! Quite the boat anchor(s) like the HP 8566/8568.

As for its age, perhaps the quickest answer is inside on some of the components unless there's a pull-out module that might give a hint.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on July 05, 2018, 09:27:12 pm
As for its age, perhaps the quickest answer is inside on some of the components unless there's a pull-out module that might give a hint.

You're just trying to trick me into taking it apart!  :-DD :box:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on July 06, 2018, 02:03:21 am
LOL. I'm sure if you wanted to take it apart, the photos would be up already. :-DD
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on July 06, 2018, 04:26:50 am
As for its age, perhaps the quickest answer is inside on some of the components unless there's a pull-out module that might give a hint.

You're just trying to trick me into taking it apart!  :-DD :box:

Oh, we KNOW you want to take it apart.  We're just being our usual oh-so-helpful selves by providing you with further justification for doing so.  Cuz, you know, we're good like that...

 ;D

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on July 06, 2018, 05:30:25 am
Well the guts of a HP 8566B are pretty impressive looking so one would expect some neat stuff to see in this one too.

The most difficult part in taking the off lid of a HP 8566 is lifting it on the bench, actually getting the lid off is just a single screw to slide it right off.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: med6753 on July 06, 2018, 05:56:35 am
$35 USD on Ebay. Works perfect.

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/923/YE355k.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/pnYE355kj)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on July 07, 2018, 04:15:37 pm
Been looking into that IFR 6201B a bit more.8G SNA, power meter
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: precaud on July 08, 2018, 05:55:31 pm
Just acquired this from a friend in non working condition.
The +5V supply was repaired and in the process I managed to break the +40V supply.

It's just the universe seeking balance...

Quote
Fixed. and all appears to be working.
Just a basic HP-8901A modulation analyzer.

Nice. They're still in demand, I see them on want lists all the time.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: precaud on July 08, 2018, 05:59:23 pm
Anyway, I've got three of the low frequency Metcal (MFR single tool) supplies sitting in my pile of stuff, they came from the same scrapyard, but neither irons nor stands ???

Hmmm... I have two of the irons sans base... been sitting on 'em for years... (well, not literally...)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on July 08, 2018, 06:23:30 pm
Just acquired this from a friend in non working condition.
The +5V supply was repaired and in the process I managed to break the +40V supply.

It's just the universe seeking balance...

Quote
Fixed. and all appears to be working.
Just a basic HP-8901A modulation analyzer.

Nice. They're still in demand, I see them on want lists all the time.

It's handy considering I am sitting next to not one but three broken service monitors.
I do have to stick a screw driver in it, and put the 10MHZ reference on frequency.
This one does not have the high stability oscillator option.

 
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: wkb on July 16, 2018, 08:41:15 pm
Neat!  That is the first scope I even had my hands on.  LIke when I was 9 years old :)  IIRC it has a ECC83 vertical amplifier input stage.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Neomys Sapiens on July 19, 2018, 10:39:59 pm
So, despite being only sporadically online (and having aquired a new used Lenovo hack), I nevertheless made some nice aquisitions:

The Tek TM500 list got longer by a PS505 and a spare PS501, a nice Hi-Z measurement amplifier (the hammer-effect enamel project box would have been worth the 12.-€) and a Philips PM9355 current clamp with amplifier for 40.-€! (it was labeled as amplifier for PM9355!!)
The latter two are still untested, although.

So far, so good - I will post an update when they are tested. More to expect.


Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: SteveOregon on July 22, 2018, 08:34:14 pm
Tek 475A with DM44 module. Free. The company I worked for (before retiring) was going to scrap it, because it failed the temp meter calibration, and the cal department didn't want to give it an exception. Told them I would take it (about eight years ago).  Still works perfectly to this day (I never tested the DM44 temp meter, and could care less). 

(https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/6890/irvkhicv4lcwl8c6g.jpg)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on July 22, 2018, 11:24:56 pm
Good thing you were able to grab it! :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on July 23, 2018, 01:39:36 am
Very nice and the price was right.  :-+ :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: mtdoc on July 23, 2018, 04:58:35 pm
Good score Steve. I like your green and airy lab space. Not much bench space though....
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AF6LJ on July 23, 2018, 10:39:48 pm
Good score Steve. I like your green and airy lab space. Not much bench space though....
Very nice; comes up short on bench space though, but the lighting is to die for.  :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: VK5RC on July 24, 2018, 11:26:49 am
That Lab has no fume problems either!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: rob.manderson on August 04, 2018, 02:55:32 pm
My latest aquisition is an HP59401A GPIB Bus Analyser.  Got it for US$15.35 - the shipping was $29.99  :)  (I await Bitseeker's comment of 'Ah, so that's who got it'!  :-DD)

Out of Seattle so my guess was it was from Boeing - and sure enough there's the Boeing sticker on the top.  The seller claimed it was taken from a working system.  Uh huh - I can't think of a single reason, in 2018, for a GPIB bus analyser being in a production line system (which is the implication I read into 'taken from a working system').

Anyway it doesn't work.  Front panel character display shows nothing (though the control line leds seem to be showing valid states).  I'm about to dive in and find out what's wrong.  I'm guessing power supply (fingers crossed).

I searched and searched but could find no online schematics.  Yep, there's an operators manual but no schematics.  Fortunately Artek have it so there's another 15 bucks.  I'm almost starting to think it might have been cheaper to buy the HP/Agilent usb adapter and have done with it.  But I'm into the money pit now.

So why, in 2018, would anyone actually buy this dinosaur (1975ish design)?  I'm trying to get Emanuele Girlando's arduino code working!  It works fine against my HP5335, HP3325 and HP3456 instruments, but my HP8568 doesn't want to play nice.  I'm convinced there's something in the arduino code that's not quite right.

The problem is that the HP8568 locks up after I send it a command with the REN line asserted.  By locks up I mean that the display freezes.  Switch back to local and it executes the command and the display becomes active again.  If I leave REN unasserted the HP8568 behaves properly except that it doesn't light up the REM indicator.  And leaving REN unasserted for the other instruments means they never go into Remote mode (but still respond to commands and return data).

Yes, I've considered the possibility that there might be something wrong with the HP8568 but it seems unlikely.  My reading of the HP8568 service manual doesn't show anything like a Listen or Talk only mode.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on August 04, 2018, 05:41:31 pm
Ah, so that's who got it! :-DD

Sorry to hear it's not a happy camper, Rob. Yeah, hopefully, it's just the power supply. If it becomes too much to fix, it's sure to have lots of nice GPIB parts and these old HP enclosures are great for repurposing. It'd be great to see it working again, especially for the Girlando interface debugging.

I look forward to hearing more about your findings on both fronts.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: rob.manderson on August 04, 2018, 06:27:15 pm
lol - glad you took that comment the way I meant it  :-DD

Nope - it's not the power supply.  Seems to be somewhere in the clocking.  I'm seeing no activity on any of the display multiplexer lines.  They don't seem to have used a crystal to generate the internal clock - it looks like a multivibrator fashioned out of a 7438 and a 7414 schmitt trigger.  However, it doesn't want to work on an external clock either so I'm digging around at the logic in that area.  It doesn't help that I'm dredging up 35 year old memories of working on TTL :-)

This beast is so old it's all TTL with a couple of MOS memory chips - it has a whopping 32 character memory!  There are a couple of PROMs, one for the character generator and I'm assuming the other forms part of a state machine.  The manual is somewhat light on details like that.  Surprisingly, the manual *does* list the contents, in octal, of the proms!  Also, quite surprisingly, most of the chips are marked with both the HP part number and the corresponding known to the rest of the world as... part number.  Even the transistors in the power on reset circuitry are marked as 2N3904's.

Ah, but it's all fun and a challenge.  I really enjoy repairing stuff of this vintage.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on August 04, 2018, 06:40:48 pm
lol - glad you took that comment the way I meant it  :-DD

No worries. I actually lol'd when I saw it as I didn't think I had posted it so much that it had become a meme. Too funny.

Quote
...snip...
Ah, but it's all fun and a challenge.  I really enjoy repairing stuff of this vintage.

There doesn't appear to have been a teardown or repair thread for one of these. If you're so inclined, it'd be cool to start one to document the old beast, share your findings, and see who else might have one or be familiar with it.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: precaud on August 04, 2018, 07:51:20 pm
I've had one for over 20 years, but never found it to be useful when troubleshooting a GPIB setup...    :-//

The problem was almost always my code  :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Tony_G on August 06, 2018, 02:07:26 am
Out of Seattle so my guess was it was from Boeing - and sure enough there's the Boeing sticker on the top.  The seller claimed it was taken from a working system.  Uh huh - I can't think of a single reason, in 2018, for a GPIB bus analyser being in a production line system (which is the implication I read into 'taken from a working system').

Taken from a working system my arse. I hate that BS phrase with a passion....

I bought one a while ago, still waiting to clear bench space to do a video of it. Fortunately I have some similar generation gear so I can run it through its paces if mine also works. Looking forward to your repair log/video.

TonyG
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on August 06, 2018, 05:25:11 am
The seller just didn't say when it was taken from that working system. ::) :-DD
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on August 06, 2018, 05:41:35 am
I had bought a big Fluke precision 10kV PSU before that was listed as fully working.

Its pretty old so it has a permanently attached power cord. Just to be sure i tested the plug for any shorts and that i can see the transformer resistance looks normal. However i couldn't get any resistance reading to anything, even to the case. That is until i grabbed the crocodile clip and wiggled it around enough for it to dig trough the oxide layer. The PSU seamed to belong to a school and it has been sitting so long that the power cord is so oxidized it doesn't even make contact, upon closer inspection the prongs on the plug had a consistent layer of oxide all around without any mating contact marks, so the seller has not even tried to plug it in in likely the last 10 to 40 years.

Oh and there is also the fact that the fuse was missing and the case cover interlock switch had oxidized too so it needed to be clicked a few times to clean its contacts.

Yeah it was working... maybe 40 years ago.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on August 08, 2018, 08:41:42 pm
Three HP8648C's.

1) Works, but outputs 3-4dB too much. Calibration?  :-// In addition, the screen is odd. From below it is unreadable, from above it is perfect. Not sure what's up with that, maybe aftermarket jobbie
2) No go. Swapped the PSU with another unit. Boots now, good display. But ain't nothing coming out of the damn thing. Even though it thinks it does. And some stuff gets *hot*. As in "that blob of rubber used to be a standof".
3) A few errors, seems linked to a dead backup bat. Unfortunately, my ATTEN crapped out on my today, so no soldering for me.

Three HP66332A's

Booted up the first two: no go. Both had bad fuses.

...

...

I then figured out these weren't auto-ranging. No selector switch either (I checked - at least I'm that smart). Just hardwired 110V units. Which I could have figured out if I had botherd to check the option code (yeah, no print or label or whatever). So, that's two that went up in smoke. I'll rewire the third one later.

Not the best day I ever had.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PTR_1275 on August 08, 2018, 10:59:26 pm
If you want to part out those 2 66332a, let me know. I’ve got a few here needing parts to get them up and running. Front pcba (well mostly the display but it’s a pain to get out of the board) and possibly 1 control board if it didn’t fry.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on August 09, 2018, 05:23:14 am
Now that is quite the bad luck, but im sure you can get the parts for at least 1 working one out of all 3.

I recently had quite a scare with a 110V situation. A bunch of gear came into the lab recently and i made sure to switch it all to 230V when going trough it and testing it, most of it worked, some of it mostly worked. But then there is the WaveCrest digital time system that has no selector switch and has a 110V sticker on the back. Weeks later when i got to do proper performance testing of it i forgot about it and just thought to my self "I switched it all to 230V anyway". So i plug it in and it turns on as usual and starts booting but then turns off after just a second or two. Also i thought i have heard a transformer hum when plugging it in that i don't recall hearing the first time around. I start checking for power and then see the 110V sticker on the back.... oh fuck i put 230 in it.

What seams to be half a million screws later i finally was in and half of the case was a pile of off the shelf PSU modules, some switching some linear. The switching supplies said they are universal input voltage, but the linear ones had 110V marked on the stickers. The primary wingdings on the transformers still seamed to have a few Ohms so that's a good sign. Applying 110V power this time around nothing happened, but also none of the transformers had power to the primary. Eventualy i found pretty hidden fuse socket in the IEC connector on the back to find 2 separate fuses (One for live one for neutral) that are both blown. Sticking new 5A fuses in got it back to life again. Phew... that sure had me going.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: capt bullshot on August 09, 2018, 05:32:26 am
Now that is quite the bad luck, but im sure you can get the parts for at least 1 working one out of all 3.
Powering up 120V TE with 230V may cause quit a lot of wrecking. Once I've got a bunch of five MG3633A, all of them set to 120V, one tried out by the seller using 230V, resulting in blown fuses. Total damage was a bit more than a blown fuse:
http://wunderkis.de/mg3633a/repair3.html (http://wunderkis.de/mg3633a/repair3.html)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on August 09, 2018, 06:25:23 am
If you want to part out those 2 66332a, let me know. I’ve got a few here needing parts to get them up and running. Front pcba (well mostly the display but it’s a pain to get out of the board) and possibly 1 control board if it didn’t fry.

Well, I actually sold one before I received the units. So, when I confessed I couldn't deliver the customer asked if he could have the dead units. As they are not worth enough to me to attempt repair I let him have both for a song. Seemed like  a good way to make up ;)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on August 10, 2018, 06:28:39 pm
Re. the odd screen: there's a contrast knob on the back. Fixed.  :-DD :palm:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: ArthurDent on August 10, 2018, 11:39:25 pm
Yesterday I bought a lot of instruments from Craigslist that were all guaranteed to have some problems. From what I’ve seen so far, that is correct, but some look like they are easier to repair than others.

A Dynaload electronic load had a meter that worked but showed a dead short across the terminals. Lubricant on a couple of switches had stiffened up and relubricating them solved that problem. The short was caused by 2 of the five paralleled 2N3055 load transistors being shorted.  It works for testing with 3 and replacements are on the way.

An HP 6032A 60V/50A 1000W system power supply has a broken switch and an electrolytic cap that blew but didn’t destroy anything else. Also a second 8V/20A HP 6541A system power supply that doesn’t look too bad.

One Fluke 887 differential meter that looks pretty good but needs batteries, five HP3478A meters that need batteries and calibration, Wavetek 164 and HP3314A function generators, and an HP 8657A synthesized 1Ghz signal generator,  and a couple of other items.

The seller was moving and just wanted to clear this stuff out quickly at $20 for each item. Repairs on this pile will keep me busy for a while.

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on August 11, 2018, 01:09:20 am
Wow, $20 a piece is great. :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on August 11, 2018, 06:58:28 am
Damn, you made out like a bandit!  Congrats, and post pics!

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on August 11, 2018, 07:10:59 am
Dang now thats a score!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Andrewausfa on August 11, 2018, 10:59:28 am
I'm guessing you've seen most of the gear I got in action already, so I won't bother you with it but this Marconi gear is pretty neat. I proudly present the Marconi 2383 4.2GHz SA!

Notable facts:
- Proudly made in the UK.
- Old. Anyone any clue?
- Calibrated untill 2017 (I kid you not). With a waiver because it missed the targt by 0.04dB  ::)
- Tracking gen(shown active in the pictureover the full span. Kinda wonder where the dip comes from. Seems to shift frequencies too  :o)
- Heavy. Like a boat anchor. For the Titanic.
- None of this funny "menu" stuff. Everything has dedicated keys. Except for a few "shift" functions. But I imagine that once you get the hang of this thing you'd be twice as fast as on one of those newfangled menu pieces of gear.
- 100Hz (!) to 4.2GHz
- RBW 3Hz

Announced in 1987
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: wolfy007 on August 11, 2018, 01:35:17 pm
Scored an Owon SDS8102 for AU$90, reported as 'turns on once if turned off need to wait to turn on again'. Turns out the PSU had issues, all repaired now and working fine.

PS: updated firmware, seems to work nice enough, I think its a score...

PPS: Also scored a 7L12 for my Tek 7603, FREE, this was a happy day!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on August 11, 2018, 06:21:36 pm
Yep, sounds like an SMPS. Nicely done.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: targit on August 31, 2018, 01:19:44 pm
I just bought a new U1282A for AUD$405 delivered (from eBay Singapore), the guy says he has a couple more to sell. It was a late night purchase and I may have had a few refreshments at the time, have to wait and see what arrives..

Update, it arrived well packaged and is indeed a brand new meter and works exactly as advertised. He has now raised the price to $670 though.. :D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on September 04, 2018, 09:16:55 am
(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=514526;image)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on September 04, 2018, 09:28:52 am
Quite the haul.

That HP Synthesizer down there looks rather interesting.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on September 04, 2018, 11:12:22 am
That HP Synthesizer down there looks rather interesting.

If you look closely you'll find it's two, actually ;)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on September 04, 2018, 03:30:22 pm
Nice!!   :-+ :-+

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Tony_G on September 04, 2018, 04:26:20 pm
Those 866x's weigh a ton. I have one that FedEx dropped and the whole 10MHz reference section broke free. They're great sig gens though.

TonyG
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on September 04, 2018, 04:36:45 pm
That HP Synthesizer down there looks rather interesting.

If you look closely you'll find it's two, actually ;)

Oh i see now. You lucky bastard.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on September 04, 2018, 05:28:15 pm
Oh i see now. You lucky bastard.

Eh, well, if you're interested drop me a line ;)

And yes, they are heavy. Tend to have a "2 man carry" sticker or some such.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on September 04, 2018, 05:59:37 pm

Eh, well, if you're interested drop me a line ;)

And yes, they are heavy. Tend to have a "2 man carry" sticker or some such.

Being a high performance piece of RF test gear from the 80s i would certainly believe it has quite a bit of gravity to it. At first i have mistaken it from the photos of being an even higher spec model, but after some more looking i now see that its probably a HP 8663A.

I could certainly be interested in one, but i would imagine the price of it being more of an issue.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on September 04, 2018, 06:14:38 pm
May well be. I'll send you a PM anyways. Should give you a chuckle at least ;)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: mtdoc on September 23, 2018, 09:37:48 pm
Scored a new Analog Discovery 2  on eBay for $100.  It was listed for $150 but thought I'd put in an offer of $100 and it was accepted.  :-+

 I already own an AD1 but I like it so much and am afraid it I will eventually kill it - so I couldn't pass up the chance to get a second one for a good price. 

Hmm - I wonder if the software will let me run 2 instances on the same computer? A 4 channel AD?  Probably not. But I do have 2 laptops I could run side by side... :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on September 24, 2018, 04:34:31 am
Nice score, mtdoc! That's the kind of price I see used AD1 sell for.

Yes, you can run multiple instances of the Wave software. Just choose the AD1 on one instance and the AD2 on the other. Then, utilize the external trigger input(s) to sync them up.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: mtdoc on September 24, 2018, 04:55:07 am
Nice score, mtdoc! That's the kind of price I see used AD1 sell for.
Thanks. Yeah, the funny thing is I offered $100 for this used AD1 (still available for $130) (https://www.ebay.com/itm/Digilent-Analog-Discovery-Circuit-Design-Kit/183431997879?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2055359.m2763.l2649) and was rejected.  That is still a reasonable price for a AD1 but I'm a stingy bastard - especially when I really don't *need* something.


Quote
Yes, you can run multiple instances of the Wave software. Just choose the AD1 on one instance and the AD2 on the other. Then, utilize the external trigger input(s) to sync them up.
  Cool! Thanks. :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: N2IXK on October 10, 2018, 12:46:38 am
A couple more recent scores from bottom-feeding on eBay.

An HP 8662A RF generator sold as "working", and it basically was, but a couple of the synthesizer loops were intermittently losing lock. A few adjustments cleared it up, and now working fine. $300.

A Tektronix 492 spectrum analyzer. Sold as "needs work", needs new PSU caps and has a touchy rotary encoder.  CRT nice and bright without phosphor burns, and mixer/attenuator working OK. $250.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on October 17, 2018, 02:49:09 am
Late night ebay shopping again. Had to reload the listing 5 times, just kept reading it over and over wondering what I was missing. The listing used a "stock" image and not the real product but the price was crazy low. I figured what the heck and clicked the buy it now button.

I was very pleased when this arrived today:

Agilent 85093C 300 kHz to 9 GHz 2 port E-Cal unit with male and female 3.5 mm connectors, the box, USB cable and both torque wrenches. Last cal was in 2016(not bad at all). All for the whopping price of $100 USD + $16.81 for shipping. I can only assume it was a pricing error as they are usually listed for 15 to 20 times that. I figured maybe they would just issue a refund but instead it was shipped. Not my best ebay deal, but it sure rates up there.

Once everything was warmed up I performed a cal using it and then connected my mechanical cal kit to both ports - the return loss looks excellent!
Now if only I can find a cheap one that happens to go to 26.5 GHz to match the full range of the VNA. :)


Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: rx8pilot on October 17, 2018, 03:05:25 am
I was very pleased when this arrived today:

Now if only I can find a cheap one that happens to go to 26.5 GHz to match the full range of the VNA. :)

That is awesome....those little gems are $$$$$$

What VNA do you have?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on October 17, 2018, 05:03:05 am
Now that's not a brain that's a steal!

Also curious about the VNA since the things are expensive even at a few Ghz and rapidly go up from there
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: HighVoltage on October 17, 2018, 08:45:30 am
Late night ebay shopping again.
You have been lucky many times.
Great catch!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: utopiated on October 18, 2018, 09:25:35 am
I'm rather new to the field having only a bit over a year at community college as an electronics technician, so I've been trying to collect some basic pieces for my home setup. I have a few pieces of older equipment that I got pretty cheap from my sister's university to fix up and resell to pay for some newer gear to keep.  I'll have to double check the model numbers in the morning for some, but I have
a tektronix logic analyzer for $40,
a nicolet 3091 oscilloscope for $35, but the CRT doesn't work in it and it's only 500khz,
a HP 4329A high resistance meter for $10 that only needed the glass reglued (it was sold because someone grabbed it, pushed the glass in and wedged the meter in place but otherwise works fine),
two Tektronix CFG250 2mhz function generators for $10/ea,
and a tektronix CDM250 multimeter for $10.  These will be listed on ebay soon to fund the gear I bought that I plan to keep for myself.

So far for myself I've purchased
an Extech EX623 handheld DMM for $70,
a Bitscope BS310 USB Oscilloscope ("BS310 combines a dual channel digital storage oscilloscope and 8 channel logic analyzer with an arbitrary waveform generator, real-time spectrum analyzer and data recorder in a virtually indestructible package") for $150 + a free raspberry pi,
a GW Instek GDM-8251A multimeter for $170,
a Siglent SDS1202X-E oscilloscope for $150,
a GW INSTEK GPS-3303 power supply for $100

Not amazing deals, but so far I'm still able to make profit off the sales I think lol
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on October 18, 2018, 05:36:46 pm
I was very pleased when this arrived today:

Now if only I can find a cheap one that happens to go to 26.5 GHz to match the full range of the VNA. :)

What VNA do you have?

The VNA is actually the subject of a story for another day - hopefully coming soon.  >:D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Neomys Sapiens on October 19, 2018, 12:22:52 am
Oh, it's only a cable.

But at 1.99+4.99€, I consider it a good grab.

Luckily, the seller did not mention 'triax' in the headline.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on October 19, 2018, 03:46:40 am
Oh, it's only a cable.

But at 1.99+4.99€, I consider it a good grab.

Luckily, the seller did not mention 'triax' in the headline.

Sweet!!!  That was a steal!  Congrats!

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on October 19, 2018, 05:04:53 am
Now that's a score! The connector on the end of that cable is worth more than the price and shipping combined.

How did you manage to find it then? Just happened to come across it while looking for some other cable?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on October 20, 2018, 03:50:27 am
Oh, it's only a cable.

But at 1.99+4.99€, I consider it a good grab.

Luckily, the seller did not mention 'triax' in the headline.

Sweet!!!  That was a steal!  Congrats!

Yeah, no kidding. Nice catch, NS!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Neomys Sapiens on October 20, 2018, 09:34:09 pm
Now that's a score! The connector on the end of that cable is worth more than the price and shipping combined.

How did you manage to find it then? Just happened to come across it while looking for some other cable?
By foot, so to say. While I use various searches, I go through the T&M section manually after selecting either 'auctions' or just 'anything except new'. In that way, I got a box full of PLCC clips for 1.- ('alte Pruefklammern' + blurry pic), besides other nice grabs.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: elecdonia on November 09, 2018, 05:34:04 pm
For all the people who work with audio/stereo gear:

For many years I've wanted a Sound Technology ST1701A oscillator/distortion analyzer unit.
Finally found one priced right ( < $150 USD) on ebay. Was listed as "not working/for parts or repair only"
It arrived yesterday.
Awesome piece of gear. Really well constructed. Nothing appears to be missing or damaged except for AC mains fuseholder cap
I will be giving it a thorough inspection and will replace electrolytic caps which have high ESR before I start using it.
I'm 100% positive that I can get this unit to perform perfectly.

(http://ST-1701A_01.jpg)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on November 09, 2018, 07:48:54 pm
Nice one, elecdonia. They're also known to have switch issues. So, you'll want to check all of them (there sure are a lot).
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: GregDunn on November 09, 2018, 09:25:55 pm
For all the people who work with audio/stereo gear:

For many years I've wanted a Sound Technology ST1701A oscillator/distortion analyzer unit.


Where's the "drool" emoji?   ;D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: macboy on November 10, 2018, 12:52:36 am
For all the people who work with audio/stereo gear:

For many years I've wanted a Sound Technology ST1701A oscillator/distortion analyzer unit.
Finally found one priced right ( < $150 USD) on ebay. Was listed as "not working/for parts or repair only"
It arrived yesterday.
Awesome piece of gear. Really well constructed. Nothing appears to be missing or damaged except for AC mains fuseholder cap
I will be giving it a thorough inspection and will replace electrolytic caps which have high ESR before I start using it.
I'm 100% positive that I can get this unit to perform perfectly.

(http://ST-1701A_01.jpg)
The price was certainly right, if you can restore it into prime working condition.
Can I ask what is the draw to this particular unit? It seems to be a stand-out model, I am curious to know why.
I had been using a HP 8903B, and upgraded to a Panasonic VP-7722A about 1 year ago (or was it two?). I sold the HP on the forum here just weeks ago. The Panny is quite capable, with a residual of 0.00023% THD+N or 0.00008% (0.8 ppm) THD only, first 20 harmonics.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Neomys Sapiens on November 12, 2018, 09:12:34 pm
Well, couldn't keep my fingers still, so I snagged an assorted lot of RF T&M modules,
comprising of 2 schottky detectors from Aertech and 3 tunnel detectors from TRW, a Wiltron modulator, a PIN attenuator and a DC block by Americon.

And I finally aquired a Anritsu Sitemaster S251B, with the main purpose to loan it to the company where I work. They will pay for calibration, new battery and will be responsible for repair/replacement when used, plus I get something for any usage, which means that it will have paid for itself in roughly a year.
Then I will have a Sitemaster with Opt.5A+Opt.10, current calibration etc. which was essentially free.

And no, I will not let the filthy paws of our field techies touch the Sucoflex leader that comes with it, but substitute something else which I will procure on the company.

BTW, the Philips PM9355 current probe, which I mentioned in July here, is working condition!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: GregDunn on November 12, 2018, 11:04:07 pm
(http://ST-1701A_01.jpg)
The price was certainly right, if you can restore it into prime working condition.
Can I ask what is the draw to this particular unit? It seems to be a stand-out model, I am curious to know why.
I had been using a HP 8903B, and upgraded to a Panasonic VP-7722A about 1 year ago (or was it two?). I sold the HP on the forum here just weeks ago. The Panny is quite capable, with a residual of 0.00023% THD+N or 0.00008% (0.8 ppm) THD only, first 20 harmonics.

The ST-17xx series was the go-to distortion measuring setup for audio magazines for literally decades; it was the first widely available meter to provide wideband measurements much better than 0.01% IIRC and was popular because it wasn't horribly expensive and could be used as a de facto standard for audio measurements.  You knew that if everyone was using a ST then you could compare numbers with confidence.  I'm sure there were other good meters, but the ST seemed to hit the sweet spot of cost, reliability and functionality.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: elecdonia on November 20, 2018, 09:25:24 pm
Quote
I had been using a HP 8903B, and upgraded to a Panasonic VP-7722A

I would love to have either of those!

My current THD analyzer is a HP 334A. In my opinion the ST1701A unit will be a big improvement.
I keep watching for HP 339A and 8903B on ebay, but haven't run across anything in my low-budget price range yet. I prefer buying gear in the "for parts or repair only" category because I'm pretty good at troubleshooting.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: elecdonia on November 20, 2018, 09:28:58 pm
Quote
Nice one, elecdonia. They're also known to have switch issues. So, you'll want to check all of them (there sure are a lot).

I agree it has way too many buttons to select frequency. Hopefully enough of them will work that I can generate/test at the frequencies I find most useful. In practice I tend to measure THD for most audio amplifiers at 2kHz rather than 1kHz.

Curious detail: There are 3 stickers inside my ST1701A that all say "DO NOT clean or lubricate the pushbutton switches"
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: wkt on November 21, 2018, 09:22:33 pm
Salvaged two DSO8064A from being trashed, both with power supply issues.
One of them I have managed to repair and get it to boot, second still ongoing.
Will post pictures and updates!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Rbastler on November 26, 2018, 05:09:11 pm
Gambled and got a Keithley 614 broken from America. Turned out to be a broken power supply. I changed the 2lug triax to this 3lug triax: https://www.mouser.at/ProductDetail/Pomona-Electronics/5219?qs=%2fha2pyFaduhz5J4cFT4TO4O8VWthzn%252b3qNg4X6resj0=. (https://www.mouser.at/ProductDetail/Pomona-Electronics/5219?qs=%2fha2pyFaduhz5J4cFT4TO4O8VWthzn%252b3qNg4X6resj0=.) I had to enlarge the mounting hole on the 614 to fit it in. For the new cable I made, I used RG316 coax and I put teflon tape under the heatshrink. I had gloves on all the time and cleaned the cable itself with isoprop. Tomorrow I will clean the board with some flux remover, because there is some flux left at the teflon solderpoints from the factory. Just for good measure. I also will calibrate it.
Also the unit was quite dirty. After veryfing that it worked, I took some time to really clean it up. Unfortunately some irreparable damage was done to the front panel.

PSU repair: LM317 and 7805 changed and batteries removed since the were completely discharged. Heatsink added to the 7805, becuase thermal stress might have been the cause of its failure. As recommended in the manual R147 was removed, since the 32V read below 29V. Around 28.5V. Removing that resistor brought it back up to 32V. Also the -32V is around that value. Before it was -29V. -5V lowered to -5.3V, but that should be fine.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: GreyWoolfe on November 26, 2018, 08:26:33 pm
I finally decided to take a picture of my $5 oscilloscope, the HP 54201D.  I was told that it wasn't working but it was money to my ham club.  Along with that, I got a Wavetek 186 5 MHz phase lock generator that was supposed to be working but isn't.  Trying to work with Erik at Wavetek to find a service manual for it.

I am displaying an approximately 13 MHz sine wave from my not warmed up HP 3312A FG.  The UI is.....................interesting.  I am starting to get the hang of it.  Quirky, like me.  My first thought was to see if I could sell it on and maybe make a bit of cash on it but the more I read the manual and play with it, the more I like it.  I think, for now, that I will keep it.  It also has the 3 10271A state data probes but no grabbers and only 1 connector with wires.  So far it has cleaned up well on the outside.  I do need to replace the velcro that holds the pouch closed.  I haven't peeked under her skirt yet.  If/when I do, I will post additional pics.

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=581327;image)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on November 26, 2018, 08:32:02 pm
Certainly can't argue with that for 5 bucks.

Looks in nice condition tho you may want to have a look at the CRT cirucitry a bit. That image looks a bit weirdly bent. Maybe its just some trimmers that need a tweak or there is something magnetic near the CRT screwing it up, or it could be a component on its way out.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: GreyWoolfe on November 26, 2018, 08:41:00 pm
I can safely say there is nothing magnetic nearby.  Just more TE.  I have to get up the energy to open it up--wait, should probably do some reading in the service manual first.  I was on vacation last week and am happy to be back to work to get a vacation from my vacation. |O  I am playing with it in between doing things for work.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: BFX on November 26, 2018, 09:33:37 pm
Some little accessories for my Marcony power  meter ;)
Not exceed my budget 250EUR ;)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on November 28, 2018, 03:16:03 pm
Sweet deal, that. Payed more for it some time ago.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: wolfy007 on November 28, 2018, 04:11:36 pm
Just scored a HP 5350B, it was going to be ewasted

Seen in attached photo with a 5315A I scored last year free, saved from ewaste

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: shakalnokturn on November 28, 2018, 06:51:13 pm
I finally decided to take a picture of my $5 oscilloscope, the HP 54201D.  I was told that it wasn't working but it was money to my ham club.  Along with that, I got a Wavetek 186 5 MHz phase lock generator that was supposed to be working but isn't.  Trying to work with Erik at Wavetek to find a service manual for it.

I am displaying an approximately 13 MHz sine wave from my not warmed up HP 3312A FG.  The UI is.....................interesting.  I am starting to get the hang of it.  Quirky, like me.  My first thought was to see if I could sell it on and maybe make a bit of cash on it but the more I read the manual and play with it, the more I like it.  I think, for now, that I will keep it.  It also has the 3 10271A state data probes but no grabbers and only 1 connector with wires.  So far it has cleaned up well on the outside.  I do need to replace the velcro that holds the pouch closed.  I haven't peeked under her skirt yet.  If/when I do, I will post additional pics.

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=581327;image)

I owned one of those a decade ago, didn't keep it long though.
6 bit ADC's I could just about live with but the UI was just too much to handle.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: rastro on November 28, 2018, 10:15:41 pm
Just scored a HP 5350B, it was going to be ewasted

Seen in attached photo with a 5315A I scored last year free, saved from ewaste

NICE!!  Looks like a pristine unit - very clean.  I just wish I had a dumpster like that.  :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: GreyWoolfe on November 28, 2018, 11:23:00 pm
I finally decided to take a picture of my $5 oscilloscope, the HP 54201D.  I was told that it wasn't working but it was money to my ham club.  Along with that, I got a Wavetek 186 5 MHz phase lock generator that was supposed to be working but isn't.  Trying to work with Erik at Wavetek to find a service manual for it.

I am displaying an approximately 13 MHz sine wave from my not warmed up HP 3312A FG.  The UI is.....................interesting.  I am starting to get the hang of it.  Quirky, like me.  My first thought was to see if I could sell it on and maybe make a bit of cash on it but the more I read the manual and play with it, the more I like it.  I think, for now, that I will keep it.  It also has the 3 10271A state data probes but no grabbers and only 1 connector with wires.  So far it has cleaned up well on the outside.  I do need to replace the velcro that holds the pouch closed.  I haven't peeked under her skirt yet.  If/when I do, I will post additional pics.

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=581327;image)

I owned one of those a decade ago, didn't keep it long though.
6 bit ADC's I could just about live with but the UI was just too much to handle.

I have been known to have an appreciation for the odd.  The UI is nothing else if odd and it simply tickles my funny bone.  I would love to know what the HP engineers were thinking smoking when they came with that.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on November 29, 2018, 02:09:12 am
Just scored a HP 5350B, it was going to be ewasted

Seen in attached photo with a 5315A I scored last year free, saved from ewaste

Excellent e-waste you've got there. Do keep rescuing all that test equipment goodness. :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: wolfy007 on November 29, 2018, 10:20:11 am
Just scored a HP 5350B, it was going to be ewasted

Seen in attached photo with a 5315A I scored last year free, saved from ewaste

NICE!!  Looks like a pristine unit - very clean.  I just wish I had a dumpster like that.  :-+

Just scored a HP 5350B, it was going to be ewasted

Seen in attached photo with a 5315A I scored last year free, saved from ewaste

Excellent e-waste you've got there. Do keep rescuing all that test equipment goodness. :-+

Some renovations happening and old equipment found in cupboards, some was taken to be reused, some was slated for ewaste. I cant watch lightly used equipment go to waste so between a couple friends and myself, we rescue it. This doesnt happen all the time, but Ill keep intercepting it before its binned while it lasts.

PS: all it needed was a wipe down, really was lightly used.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: shakalnokturn on November 29, 2018, 12:41:29 pm
Look what just turned up...
Another bloody DMM, as if I needed this! >:D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: rastro on November 29, 2018, 06:31:37 pm
Look what just turned up...
Another bloody DMM, as if I needed this! >:D

This looks like a re-badged fluke 87 EX.  Maybe a 87(II)EX ... I could only find a picture of an 87V EX for comparison.  Looks like the 87(II) standard also had the yellow back light button and no marking for high resolution(4-1/2);  Maybe a different model as the there are some variation in the LCD layout.  If you don't look directly at the vendor/model you would mistake it for a fluke 87.

rastro


Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: gnavigator1007 on November 29, 2018, 08:00:38 pm
This looks like a re-badged fluke 87 EX.  Maybe a 87(II)EX ... I could only find a picture of an 87V EX for comparison.  Looks like the 87(II) standard also had the yellow back light button and no marking for high resolution(4-1/2);  Maybe a different model as the there are some variation in the LCD layout.  If you don't look directly at the vendor/model you would mistake it for a fluke 87.

rastro

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/ecom-ex-dm-1000-a-rebranded-fluke-87-iii-ex/ (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/ecom-ex-dm-1000-a-rebranded-fluke-87-iii-ex/)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Neomys Sapiens on November 29, 2018, 09:34:58 pm

I owned one of those a decade ago, didn't keep it long though.
6 bit ADC's I could just about live with but the UI was just too much to handle.

.....
I have been known to have an appreciation for the odd.  The UI is nothing else if odd and it simply tickles my funny bone.  I would love to know what the HP engineers were thinking smoking when they came with that.
Well, that would explain it. But then I want to know under which influence the designers of the Createc Signalcomputer series aka Tek T201/T202 have been standing. Nothing I would endorse, so much is certain. And that is a feat.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: beanflying on December 02, 2018, 01:20:51 am
I really don't know why I brought this or if it is even a score but well TEA and it has been 6 months since I brought ANY test gear of any sort :-DD

Advantest R6871E-DC 6.5 digit (displays up to 7 1/2) DC V A and Resistance only Multimeter. Does some fancy storage and integration and has at lower voltages a 10^10 ohm input impedance. Currently set to run on 100V and I haven't found anything online to know if that is changeable internally or not so I may need to break out the variac.

So a fun plaything while the 3458 budget grows to where it needs to be (Unless TiN keeps buying them all). $300 AUD so about $210 USD ETA late next week.

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PTR_1275 on December 02, 2018, 03:22:42 am
Nice, I saw that but decided against it.

The seller is a member of the forum too, different username to his eBay name though. Haven’t seen him around for a while, so might not be active anymore.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: beanflying on December 02, 2018, 03:32:40 am
I brought a 6632b from him earlier in the year which was in excellent/mint condition. Chances are I will have a play with it test is against my gear and move it on when I get the $ for 8 1/2 digits.

If anyone else is interested this is the seller https://www.ebay.com.au/usr/silvia99gt?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2754 (https://www.ebay.com.au/usr/silvia99gt?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2754)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on December 02, 2018, 10:35:17 am
I really don't know why I brought this or if it is even a score but well TEA and it has been 6 months since I brought ANY test gear of any sort :-DD

Advantest R6871E-DC 6.5 digit (displays up to 7 1/2) DC V A and Resistance only Multimeter. Does some fancy storage and integration and has at lower voltages a 10^10 ohm input impedance. Currently set to run on 100V and I haven't found anything online to know if that is changeable internally or not so I may need to break out the variac.

So a fun plaything while the 3458 budget grows to where it needs to be (Unless TiN keeps buying them all). $300 AUD so about $210 USD ETA late next week.

I'm sure the price of HP 3458 should drop once Keysight finally gets around to making a successor to it and people start switching to those instead. That is if TiN dosn't end up also buying all of those too that end up for sale...

Fingers crossed
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: beanflying on December 02, 2018, 10:46:16 am

I'm sure the price of HP 3458 should drop once Keysight finally gets around to making a successor to it and people start switching to those instead. That is if TiN dosn't end up also buying all of those too that end up for sale...

Fingers crossed

Will be interesting to see if a 'significant' improvement can be made to call it a new model over say just a major overhaul and modernisation of the interface and such.

Hopefully TiN will be out of space before then  >:D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: LapTop006 on December 03, 2018, 02:24:32 pm

I'm sure the price of HP 3458 should drop once Keysight finally gets around to making a successor to it and people start switching to those instead. That is if TiN dosn't end up also buying all of those too that end up for sale...

Fingers crossed

Will be interesting to see if a 'significant' improvement can be made to call it a new model over say just a major overhaul and modernisation of the interface and such.

Hopefully TiN will be out of space before then  >:D

I'm honestly surprised they haven't at least made a B version replacing the UI etc. with that from their current devices.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: mtdoc on December 03, 2018, 06:21:47 pm
I'm not sure if it qualifies as a "score" but I just purchased 2  HP 6268B 40V 30A power supplies.  Both in "used" condition.  One for $210 shipped and another for $334 shipped.

Will be using these primarily to do some large capacity battery charging and testing.

At 76 lbs (34.4 kg) each. They definitely could be used as boat anchors.

(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/FKIAAOSwNexb22ec/s-l1600.jpg)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Neomys Sapiens on December 03, 2018, 10:43:24 pm
I was lucky again with TM500 gear: caught a DC503 timer/counter with Opt.1 (OCXO) for 40.-!
Listed as completely working (tested and aligned).
That is especially nice, as the defective one that did go before it yielded about the same!

Also, 5.5m of Keithley triaxial cable (without connectors) for 15.- and an older Neuberger catalogue for 1.-, which might help my research into the PKD4 modules and provide some info on the variants of the Unavo multimeter series.
And a pack of semiconductor spares, which are supposedly for HP gear. Even if they aren't, VN10KM FETs and Plessey matched pairs sound interesting and the remainder will be spares for whatever.
So, could be worse! 8)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: beanflying on December 03, 2018, 11:12:07 pm
I'm not sure if it qualifies as a "score" but I just purchased 2  HP 6268B 40V 30A power supplies.  Both in "used" condition.  One for $210 shipped and another for $334 shipped.

Will be using these primarily to do some large capacity battery charging and testing.

At 76 lbs (34.4 kg) each. They definitely could be used as boat anchors.


Anchors or even ships ballast  :D There is times I wished my Manson 15V/60A had a few more volts as adding a 12V AGM to boost the voltage is a bit of a bodge.

I'm honestly surprised they haven't at least made a B version replacing the UI etc. with that from their current devices.

Thinking about it some more the A in traditional looks, mystique, heritage etc combined with see Humans our company got it 'perfect' X years ago and our bs bs spin newer designs, equipment are built to the same insert more spin  bs bs .....
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: LapTop006 on December 04, 2018, 12:02:27 am
I'm honestly surprised they haven't at least made a B version replacing the UI etc. with that from their current devices.

Thinking about it some more the A in traditional looks, mystique, heritage etc combined with see Humans our company got it 'perfect' X years ago and our bs bs spin newer designs, equipment are built to the same insert more spin  bs bs .....

I think that's reasonable enough, until this latest generation of bench multimeters which truly do have new, extremely useful capabilities.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PaulAm on December 04, 2018, 03:12:26 pm
The cost of shipping is really killing me on getting more equipment  :-DD

I picked up a late model Tek 2465b for US $100  (+$50 sh) that was inoperative.  Seller said the HV was bad despite replacing the HV board but he included the old board.  Initial problem was the grid bias needed adjustment to get a display.  Now I think the Z hybrid is bad (NOS $150 + 40 SH from Canada, OUCH) and of course the SRAM and cap issues.  But it only has 8800 hours on it, the caps haven't started leaking yet and it had the cover and pouch.  Everyone loves these so I'm looking forward to putting it on my bench.

In view of that, I also picked up a TM503 with a TG501 and separately a PG506 to be able to callibrate it when I lose the callibration info in the SRAM   :palm:.  An SG504 would be nice, but I already have a couple SG503s

Not a test instrument, but to kind of offset that, I picked up an HP CP3525 duplex color laser printer for $25.  I can use it to print out the service manual.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PTR_1275 on December 04, 2018, 03:35:34 pm
Picked up 2 Keysight U1282B meters, brand new in boxes with factory cal certificates (that match the keysight website search) for AU$270 each after shipping, fees, currency conversion etc... to Australia.

A friend pointed them out to me and said the price has been dropping every few weeks, I said I’ll make an offer for both if you want one.

They arrived today and they are as described. Boxes look like they’ve been opened once (to take the photos on the listing)

Pretty happy with that
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on December 04, 2018, 04:18:05 pm
Its also possible they have been part of the "recall" of the U127x meters that had common mode issues on the amps range. Instead of doing the classical recall they just instead gave you a meter that doesn't have the issue. This sort of support is the reason why you pay a premium for Keysight gear versus say Rigol.

I still haven't found the perfect handheld meter yet but im pretty happy with Keysights ones so far. Calibration on all of them is still spot on to the last digit after years.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: BillB on December 05, 2018, 01:48:58 am
Picked up a new power supply for half-price because people don't seem to understand how voltage input selection switches work.  I saw the auction picture and knew this was going to be a score!   :-DD

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: tautech on December 05, 2018, 01:57:41 am
Picked up a new power supply for half-price because people don't seem to understand how voltage input selection switches work.  I saw the auction picture and knew this was going to be a score!   :-DD
:-DD   :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Hydron on December 05, 2018, 09:46:00 am
Picked up a new power supply for half-price because people don't seem to understand how voltage input selection switches work.  I saw the auction picture and knew this was going to be a score!   :-DD
This mistake doesn't normally end as well in 230V land!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bsudbrink on December 05, 2018, 04:16:18 pm
Good eye!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: tautech on December 05, 2018, 06:08:45 pm
Picked up a new power supply for half-price because people don't seem to understand how voltage input selection switches work.  I saw the auction picture and knew this was going to be a score!   :-DD
This mistake doesn't normally end as well in 230V land!
All the Siglents that use a linear supply are set to 230 ex factory (Shenzhen is 230VAC) and are shipped with a warning tape over the IEC socket so to warn the user to set the correct voltage.
Like Bill says, someone couldn't read.....and that's a real worry in electronics !  :scared:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on December 05, 2018, 06:42:15 pm
Recently blew up an R&S SMHU because I didn't check the selector.

Tally thus far: 2 glass fuses, one SMD fuse, one 7812, one 2n2222A, one UC2840, one 10V TVS.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Mr. Scram on December 06, 2018, 03:29:32 am
Its also possible they have been part of the "recall" of the U127x meters that had common mode issues on the amps range. Instead of doing the classical recall they just instead gave you a meter that doesn't have the issue. This sort of support is the reason why you pay a premium for Keysight gear versus say Rigol.

I still haven't found the perfect handheld meter yet but im pretty happy with Keysights ones so far. Calibration on all of them is still spot on to the last digit after years.
Of course, they were fairly reluctant to do anything at first. When the community here started making a fuss Keysight decided handing out new meters was cheaper than damaging the brand name.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on December 06, 2018, 08:10:09 am
Daves video from yesterday fits right in:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8itTKH5tj3s (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8itTKH5tj3s)

Yeah i did such a stupid thing too, but in that case all that blew was a glass fuse.

Oh and the Multimeter fiasco well yeah they will try to sweep it under the rug at first and just hope everyone forgets, but it instead got worse so they quickly had to do something about it. Keysight is a very valuable brand after all.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: beanflying on December 06, 2018, 10:19:33 am
Not so much a score but because of magic smoke potential and the posts above / Dave's pepcac I brought a 240V-100V 'fixed' 500W transformer to go with my Advantest above. No more worry about my Variac getting a stray tweak while in use :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: tooki on December 06, 2018, 12:35:09 pm
Its also possible they have been part of the "recall" of the U127x meters that had common mode issues on the amps range. Instead of doing the classical recall they just instead gave you a meter that doesn't have the issue. This sort of support is the reason why you pay a premium for Keysight gear versus say Rigol.

I still haven't found the perfect handheld meter yet but im pretty happy with Keysights ones so far. Calibration on all of them is still spot on to the last digit after years.
Er... so what is a “classic recall” to you, then? Replacement seems to be how everyone handles recalls with small gadgets.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PTR_1275 on December 06, 2018, 01:42:09 pm
I think he is meaning they didn’t even ask for the faulty ones back like in a “classic recall”
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: BillB on December 06, 2018, 02:18:27 pm
Picked up a new power supply for half-price because people don't seem to understand how voltage input selection switches work.  I saw the auction picture and knew this was going to be a score!   :-DD
This mistake doesn't normally end as well in 230V land!
All the Siglents that use a linear supply are set to 230 ex factory (Shenzhen is 230VAC) and are shipped with a warning tape over the IEC socket so to warn the user to set the correct voltage.
Like Bill says, someone couldn't read.....and that's a real worry in electronics !  :scared:
 

That's one plus for having the 120V system here!  This isn't the first item I've seen from some liquidator on eBay selling a "not-working" item with the selectors set for 220V/230V!

Is is wrong of me to not tell them that they could probably just change the switches?  What about if I try to negotiate even more off the price because it's a non-working item?  ;D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: tautech on December 06, 2018, 04:13:27 pm
Picked up a new power supply for half-price because people don't seem to understand how voltage input selection switches work.  I saw the auction picture and knew this was going to be a score!   :-DD
This mistake doesn't normally end as well in 230V land!
All the Siglents that use a linear supply are set to 230 ex factory (Shenzhen is 230VAC) and are shipped with a warning tape over the IEC socket so to warn the user to set the correct voltage.
Like Bill says, someone couldn't read.....and that's a real worry in electronics !  :scared:
 

That's one plus for having the 120V system here!  This isn't the first item I've seen from some liquidator on eBay selling a "not-working" item with the selectors set for 220V/230V!

Is is wrong of me to not tell them that they could probably just change the switches?  What about if I try to negotiate even more off the price because it's a non-working item?  ;D
No.
Yes.  >:D

Or there's some staff member having set this up hoping to get it cheap......beat them to it !  ;D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: rastro on December 06, 2018, 07:06:58 pm
Picked up a new power supply for half-price because people don't seem to understand how voltage input selection switches work.  I saw the auction picture and knew this was going to be a score!   :-DD
This mistake doesn't normally end as well in 230V land!
All the Siglents that use a linear supply are set to 230 ex factory (Shenzhen is 230VAC) and are shipped with a warning tape over the IEC socket so to warn the user to set the correct voltage.
Like Bill says, someone couldn't read.....and that's a real worry in electronics !  :scared:
 

That's one plus for having the 120V system here!  This isn't the first item I've seen from some liquidator on eBay selling a "not-working" item with the selectors set for 220V/230V!

Is is wrong of me to not tell them that they could probably just change the switches?  What about if I try to negotiate even more off the price because it's a non-working item?  ;D
No.
Yes.  >:D

Or there's some staff member having set this up hoping to get it cheap......beat them to it !  ;D

Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity.  (Hanlon's razor)  ;D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on December 07, 2018, 01:03:12 am
Hanlon's razor is very good for shaving prices. ;D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: beanflying on December 07, 2018, 01:07:30 am
Its also possible they have been part of the "recall" of the U127x meters that had common mode issues on the amps range. Instead of doing the classical recall they just instead gave you a meter that doesn't have the issue. This sort of support is the reason why you pay a premium for Keysight gear versus say Rigol.

I still haven't found the perfect handheld meter yet but im pretty happy with Keysights ones so far. Calibration on all of them is still spot on to the last digit after years.
Er... so what is a “classic recall” to you, then? Replacement seems to be how everyone handles recalls with small gadgets.

So we can expect a flood of secondhand slightly non working cheap U127x series meter coming to an Ebay near you soon :palm:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Specmaster on December 07, 2018, 01:27:38 am
Picked up a new power supply for half-price because people don't seem to understand how voltage input selection switches work.  I saw the auction picture and knew this was going to be a score!   :-DD


Hmm, interesting that they photographed it working though, or is that photo of the front one that you took?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: BillB on December 07, 2018, 02:08:10 am
Picked up a new power supply for half-price because people don't seem to understand how voltage input selection switches work.  I saw the auction picture and knew this was going to be a score!   :-DD


Hmm, interesting that they photographed it working though, or is that photo of the front one that you took?

No, the working photo was mine after it took me 1 minute to unbox and "fix" it.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: cdev on December 07, 2018, 02:29:18 am
That kind of distortion may be removable via an adjustment somewhere. It was normal for CRT equipment to develop that kind of distortion to some degree - as components aged, even when it was rotated/moved. So there are usually adjustments to cancel all those kinds of distortion out.

I can safely say there is nothing magnetic nearby.  Just more TE.  I have to get up the energy to open it up--wait, should probably do some reading in the service manual first.  I was on vacation last week and am happy to be back to work to get a vacation from my vacation. |O  I am playing with it in between doing things for work.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: mikron on December 07, 2018, 12:56:55 pm
What about an Agilent N9010A Analyzer for 5 EUR on EBAY?
Unfortunately I will never receive it, since the seller cancelled the deal after I sent him the money.

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=590488;image)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on December 07, 2018, 01:03:22 pm
Its also possible they have been part of the "recall" of the U127x meters that had common mode issues on the amps range. Instead of doing the classical recall they just instead gave you a meter that doesn't have the issue. This sort of support is the reason why you pay a premium for Keysight gear versus say Rigol.

I still haven't found the perfect handheld meter yet but im pretty happy with Keysights ones so far. Calibration on all of them is still spot on to the last digit after years.
Er... so what is a “classic recall” to you, then? Replacement seems to be how everyone handles recalls with small gadgets.

So we can expect a flood of secondhand slightly non working cheap U127x series meter coming to an Ebay near you soon :palm:

Well its not ideal, but you do take a risk in buying a used meter and its your own responsibility to make sure it works. The problem is patched with a firmware update for older units.

I think the eaby wave is well over by now, but i certainly wouldn't mind another U1273A on the cheap. I really like that meter.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on December 07, 2018, 01:04:06 pm
What about an Agilent N9010A Analyzer for 5 EUR on EBAY?
Unfortunately I will never receive it, since the seller cancelled the deal after I sent him the money.

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=590488;image)

Now that would have been the deal of a lifetime
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: GreyWoolfe on December 07, 2018, 04:34:23 pm
That kind of distortion may be removable via an adjustment somewhere. It was normal for CRT equipment to develop that kind of distortion to some degree - as components aged, even when it was rotated/moved. So there are usually adjustments to cancel all those kinds of distortion out.

I can safely say there is nothing magnetic nearby.  Just more TE.  I have to get up the energy to open it up--wait, should probably do some reading in the service manual first.  I was on vacation last week and am happy to be back to work to get a vacation from my vacation. |O  I am playing with it in between doing things for work.

I do have the service manual downloaded so I can see if there is anything in the manual about it.  That will be fun, moving it around to open it up.  It surely qualifies as a boat anchor.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: SoundTech-LG on December 07, 2018, 10:07:09 pm
Pretty good score considering they go for roughly $7K new, or $1500 - $2500 used.

https://prostudioconnection.com/collections/ntp-network-time-servers/products/spectracom-securesync-gps-10mhz-tcxo-ntp-network-time-server-w-triple-gigabit-new-other-see-details

Found one on the "dock of the bay" for $499 parts only, but did a best offer, and got a sizable discount, nearly half off. It was a risk, but...
Since it boots from the 1MB CF Card, and it wasn't booting, I popped in a good booting one, with the latest firmware onboard, and shazzaaam. Like new.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: cncjerry on December 07, 2018, 11:16:44 pm
Haven't been posting but you guys know I have a soft spot for old HP gear.  But what kicked-off this spate of spending was the recent Frequency Measuring Test.  I brought up my Cesium beam and had a problem which Corby (great time-nut, everyone should have a Corby) helped me fix quickly by sending me a -2500V power supply for $30.  Well in the process I started thinking about building a Dual Mixer Time Difference test set for doing ADEV work on oscillators.  So in looking around I found 2 x HP 10811 Oscillators for $65 per with shipping.  That's an OK price but they have to have good stability to be a deal...

So then on scanning Craig's list for old HP equipment to pull the 10811's out of, I found an HP 8770S/A 120Mhz arbitrary wave generator for $45.  This has an 10811 in it standard whereas a lot of HP equipment needs option 01 or 001 to signify that it has a high-stability generator.  Brought the 8770 home with the intention of gutting it for the oscillator and attenuator but tested it and it works great!  So now I might keep it for a while as I could use a net 50Mhz or so arbitrary generator.  I did some VB code to generate the waves and they are pretty cool for the age.

Then in looking for another 10811 as I need three for the test set (not mandatory) I found an HP 8350B with an 83525A .01 - 8.0 Ghz sweeper for $135 plus shipping.  Not wanting it to get away and fully expecting the price to take off in the next day or so, I offered $150 with local pickup and no returns and the gentleman took it!  I think it's a deal.  I brought it home, picture attached, and it is beautiful, works great, calibration was good to 2017, etc.  Love it.  I wanted one for a while to be able to test higher frequencies with my 8566B.  This is my new darling.  Nice and quiet as well.

Anyway, that's all for now.  Best of luck bin-diving as we go through the holidays.

Jerry

Anyway, Every time I say I am now "fully configured" I think of something else I "need."
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xrunner on December 08, 2018, 12:53:00 am
Then in looking for another 10811 as I need three for the test set (not mandatory) I found an HP 8350B with an 83525A .01 - 8.0 Ghz sweeper for $135 plus shipping.  Not wanting it to get away and fully expecting the price to take off in the next day or so, I offered $150 with local pickup and no returns and the gentleman took it!  I think it's a deal.  I brought it home, picture attached, and it is beautiful, works great, calibration was good to 2017, etc.  Love it.  I wanted one for a while to be able to test higher frequencies with my 8566B.  This is my new darling.  Nice and quiet as well.

You lucky dog! Congrats!  :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: cncjerry on December 08, 2018, 04:05:20 am
What I "need" now is a power meter, like a 436 or 437 with cable and sensor.  So I'll put that out there if anyone has one that is surplus to their needs or knows a source.  I've been hesitant to purchase one off eBay as I hear that the sensors are generally bad, burned out, stressed, etc.  I'm sure that person who told me this is painting with a broad brush though.  The 8350 setup can use an external meter for leveling to .1dBm accuracy. So not that I need that level of accuracy just that if it can be done, why the heck not?    I've seen the meters for less than $75, actually have a local here with a 436 for $15 that powers on so I might pick that up a scrounge for a sensor and cable.

Now that I have el sweeper, I can test all these filters and amplifiers I've acquired to a new level of precision.  I'll have to figure out how to use it with my 8566B if possible as a tracking generator.  I have external mixers, directional couplers, etc so worst case I could just put the spectrum analyzer in peak hold mode.

Anyway, lots of fun.

Jerry
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Neomys Sapiens on December 08, 2018, 04:20:34 pm
With a start like that, I thought there will be ANOTHER story of paleo-instrumentation, but WTF?

Haven't been posting but you guys know I have a soft spot for old HP gear.
 
..... I found an HP 8770S/A 120Mhz arbitrary wave generator for $45. .....

Then in looking for another 10811 as I need three for the test set (not mandatory) I found an HP 8350B with an 83525A .01 - 8.0 Ghz sweeper for $135 plus shipping. ...


Tales from a mythical country.  :'(
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: rastro on December 08, 2018, 04:26:43 pm
What I "need" now is a power meter, like a 436 or 437 with cable and sensor. 
...I've been hesitant to purchase one off eBay as I hear that the sensors are generally bad, burned out, stressed, etc.  I'm sure that person who told me this is painting with a broad brush though. ...
Jerry

I've had close to a dozen HP 8484A sensors from eBay over the last 5 years pass over my workbench and have had pretty good luck.  I can't remember receiving any from eBay's "used" category being bad.  I've also bought a few listed under "parts/repair" as unknown that also checked out OK.  In fact one was listed as "parts/repair - would not zero".  After fixing the cracked plastic clip that holds the sensor cartage cartridge wires to the PCB it zeroed and calibrated fine.  Yes you would need to have it re-characterized if you move or mess with the sensor cartage cartridge. 

I like the 8484's because they go down to -70dBm and you can use an18Ghz 30dB attenuator to bring it up from it's max -20dBm to +10dBm when needed.  You would also need to purchase the 50Mhz calibrated 30dB attenuator to perform meter calibration.  You can't use the 50Mhz for other frequencies so you would need a separate broadband 30dB attenuator for power levels up to +10dBm across the sensors frequency range.

When purchasing one of the 84XX series I would look under the 'used' category for one with the calibration chart attached.  You should be able to pick up a working 8484A for around $100.00.  I've run power level tests from the same signal source on several 8484A (from eBay) against their respective calibration correction charts an found they all tracked pretty close across their frequency range when using their correction coefficients.  So it seems like if it is working the calibration chart is still relevant. 

You may also lean toward the 437 since you can store the calibration coefficients in a frequency lookup table - some added convenience.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: cncjerry on December 08, 2018, 05:29:46 pm
I found a 437 last night with cable and sensor and after two offers that I've been turned down, I might just bite the bullet and buy the efing thing now.  I mean come on, why would someone put BO if they're only going to take the buy it now price?  Don't they know there are bottom feeders out there that need to be fed too?

The other question I have is how does one of these meters compare to a RYO using some of the AD chips?  If you use a good ADC to read the DC output and calibrate it against a table, I would think some of the AD5513 and the others, can't remember the number(s), would also give them a run for the money.  Wouldn't calibrating an AD5513 board with a scope and 50ohm standard be pretty accurate? Would also need multiple frequency tables I guess.   The output signal would have to be amplified to the correct scale to feed the 8350 system so maybe that's a lot of work for so-so results.

Another question here, and this might not be the place, is how do these meters compare to an 8566B SA which is good to .2dBm, I think?  I'll have to pull the datasheets.  I think the 8566B goes to +30dBm, I know my Advantest SA does which is a little higher than most of the sensors on the 437 system.  So do I really "need" the 437?  ha, maybe I should move this to the TEA forum...

Darn, I guess I will try one more offer on the 437...

Jerry

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: rastro on December 08, 2018, 09:27:39 pm
...  I mean come on, why would someone put BO if they're only going to take the buy it now price?
Jerry
eBay has recently changed their selling interface & structure.  As in the past they always have specials where you can 'list' for free but are required to pay a percentage when the item is sold.  Now when you choose to list, you must choose to accept Best Offer solicitations or else there is an additional opt out charge  (i.e. sell with a firm price).  It doesn't mean you have to accept these BO's - you just have to be open to these offers.  So if you want to 'list' for 'free' you have to take the BO option.  It's a stupid and petty requirement from eBay - they still make plenty with their seller fee. 

...
The other question I have is how does one of these meters compare to a RYO using some of the AD chips?  ...

...
Another question here, and this might not be the place, is how do these meters compare to an 8566B SA which is good to .2dBm, I think? 
...
Jerry

I think the AD chips may be limited on frequency range and repeatability.  They are a good value proposition for the price.  There are rf power meters modules/units sold on ebay utilizing these chips.  If I was going to rely on one I would characterize it against an HP power meter and then resell the HP if you are happy with the performance of the AD based measurements.

On the HP 8566/8 you may be confusing power resolution with its accuracy/repeatability.  The HP 436/7 with its power sensors are significantly more accurate and repeatable.  The RF path through an SA goes through RF switches and variable RF attenuators which creates mechanical repeatability issues that are not present in the 437 power meter.  The SA is more a 'qualitative' instrument like an o-scope.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: alm on December 08, 2018, 10:30:38 pm
I've had close to a dozen HP 8484A sensors from eBay over the last 5 years pass over my workbench and have had pretty good luck.  I can't remember receiving any from eBay's "used" category being bad.  I've also bought a few listed under "parts/repair" as unknown that also checked out OK.
The 8484A is a diode sensor. The thermocouple sensors like 8481A and 8482A may very well be different. Despite their higher maximum power levels, they appear to die more frequently (http://www.simonsdialogs.com/2015/11/hp-8481a-power-sensor-why-are-they-all-blown/). Probably because they are more sensitive to overloads. And there appears to be almost no chance of repairing them given the lack of spare parts and special skills available if the thermocouple is blown.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: rastro on December 09, 2018, 12:10:06 am
I've had close to a dozen HP 8484A sensors from eBay over the last 5 years pass over my workbench and have had pretty good luck.  I can't remember receiving any from eBay's "used" category being bad.  I've also bought a few listed under "parts/repair" as unknown that also checked out OK.
The 8484A is a diode sensor. The thermocouple sensors like 8481A and 8482A may very well be different. Despite their higher maximum power levels, they appear to die more frequently (http://www.simonsdialogs.com/2015/11/hp-8481a-power-sensor-why-are-they-all-blown/). Probably because they are more sensitive to overloads. And there appears to be almost no chance of repairing them given the lack of spare parts and special skills available if the thermocouple is blown.
That's a good point.  I think the thermocouple is also more sensitive to shock.

I would agree that the 8484A are pretty sturdy.  Even though they have a max of -20dBm; I believe they can tolerate +30dBm for short periods.  I probably wouldn't deliberately chance it. 

You bring up a good point regarding the themocouple sensor being a bigger risk.  I can't speak for the 8481/2A's however I have had at least three 8481D's from eBay without any trouble - the "D" version might be diode sensors also. 

rastro
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Neomys Sapiens on December 09, 2018, 12:50:12 am
After fixing the cracked plastic clip that holds the sensor cartage wires to the PCB it zeroed and calibrated fine.  Yes you would need to have it re-characterized if you move or mess with the sensor cartage. 


You may also lean toward the 437 since you can store the calibration coefficients in a frequency lookup table - some added convenience.
What is the assumed meaning of 'cartage'?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: orin on December 09, 2018, 02:20:57 am
I've had close to a dozen HP 8484A sensors from eBay over the last 5 years pass over my workbench and have had pretty good luck.  I can't remember receiving any from eBay's "used" category being bad.  I've also bought a few listed under "parts/repair" as unknown that also checked out OK.
The 8484A is a diode sensor. The thermocouple sensors like 8481A and 8482A may very well be different. Despite their higher maximum power levels, they appear to die more frequently (http://www.simonsdialogs.com/2015/11/hp-8481a-power-sensor-why-are-they-all-blown/). Probably because they are more sensitive to overloads. And there appears to be almost no chance of repairing them given the lack of spare parts and special skills available if the thermocouple is blown.


There is a company on ebay that will fix 8481As or sell you a fixed one for around $450.

Expect any 'untested' 8481A or 8482A to be broken.  Even those that zero may be compromised.  I've returned two 8481As - the first because it failed on SWR though it would zero and measure power, the second because although it would zero, it didn't actually measure power.  I did however manage to get a working 8482A.  I have an 8484A as well, but it tends to drift.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: cncjerry on December 09, 2018, 04:05:47 am
I thought the 'D' power sensor models were the diode type?  for instance 8481d, 8482d, etc.

Thanks for all the input.  This is all complicated but I'm starting to understand what I need.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: cdev on December 09, 2018, 04:44:03 am
If someone says "for parts or best offer" and then you ask them if it powers up and they tell you it does, but then it doesn't power up when you get it, instead it blows a fuse.. who is right? What to do?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: HighVoltage on December 09, 2018, 10:04:33 am
If someone says "for parts or best offer" and then you ask them if it powers up and they tell you it does but they cant test it further but then it doesn't power up when you get it, instead it blows a fuse.. who is right? What to do?
Then you make a claim with the seller and tell him it is not as described and make arrangements for a lower price (partial refund) or return it for a full refund. Most sellers will agree to a partial refund in my experience.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on December 09, 2018, 10:38:20 am
If someone says "for parts or best offer" and then you ask them if it powers up and they tell you it does but they cant test it further but then it doesn't power up when you get it, instead it blows a fuse.. who is right? What to do?
Then you make a claim with the seller and tell him it is not as described and make arrangements for a lower price (partial refund) or return it for a full refund. Most sellers will agree to a partial refund in my experience.
Then you are lucky. 'For parts' means what it means. Unless the description says 'powers up' ofcourse. However 'powers up' doesn't always have to be a good thing. If it powers up then there is usually a more complicated error. A power supply is easy to fix.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: rastro on December 09, 2018, 08:05:52 pm
After fixing the cracked plastic clip that holds the sensor cartage wires to the PCB it zeroed and calibrated fine.  Yes you would need to have it re-characterized if you move or mess with the sensor cartage. 


You may also lean toward the 437 since you can store the calibration coefficients in a frequency lookup table - some added convenience.
What is the assumed meaning of 'cartage'?

Sorry for the spelling error.  I meant to say 'cartridge'.  The front end after the RF connector that holds the actual sensor/diode in the case of the HP 8484A. 

rastro
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: rastro on December 09, 2018, 08:46:32 pm
I thought the 'D' power sensor models were the diode type?  for instance 8481d, 8482d, etc.

Thanks for all the input.  This is all complicated but I'm starting to understand what I need.

The 8484A is diode sensor; so their is at least one 'A' model that is an exception to a "D" naming convention.  It's my understanding that thermocouple sensors don't have sensitivity to reliably measure below -30dBm.  So if the lowest range on the datasheet is significantly below -30dBm (e.g. -70dBm) it's probably a diode sensor.   However, to confuse the issue more, there are some HP sensors that use both both diode and thermocouple to get a much wider range.  I believe this is only on newer models (E-series) that have the correction coefficients stored internally in each sensor.  I don't think these sensors are backward compatible with the HP 436/7/8 power meters.

As a side note the 8484A and 8481D seem almost identical except that the 8481D is smaller.  Maybe some one knows what the differences are?  Again I've had pretty good luck on both models but as they say "your mileage may vary"....

rastro
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: cncjerry on December 09, 2018, 10:14:44 pm
thanks again.  still debating.  Now I'm thinking I want a 438 instead of a 437.  I found sensors in the 150 range, cable in the $50 range and I can get a 438 for around 150 or less.  So for 350 I can get one channel configured and then work on the second at a later date.  The power sensors look like the are very band and range specific.  If doesn't look like many have more than about 50db of range.  So it looks like you have to have a stack of attenuators.

The problem I have is after picking up the 8350 for a song, I find it hard to pay double for a power meter, or more.  I pulled the plug-in out of the 8350 today and it is absolutely spotless.  Nice and clean - almost polished - rails.  I doubt it was used much.  The liquidator that sold it really doesn't have much equipment so it must have been a fluke.

I posted another thread asking if I can somehow mix it to use as a TG for my 8566b second band from 2.0 to 5.8Ghz.  I can use it with max hold, of course.

Thanks for all the info on power sensors.  Still looking.

Jerry
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: orin on December 10, 2018, 03:05:57 am
thanks again.  still debating.  Now I'm thinking I want a 438 instead of a 437.  I found sensors in the 150 range, cable in the $50 range and I can get a 438 for around 150 or less.  So for 350 I can get one channel configured and then work on the second at a later date.  The power sensors look like the are very band and range specific.  If doesn't look like many have more than about 50db of range.  So it looks like you have to have a stack of attenuators.

Mini-Circuits will sell you a stack of attenuators... I have a K1-UNAT+ - good to 6GHz.  I tend to keep the 30dB attenuator on the 8484A.

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: cncjerry on December 11, 2018, 07:41:21 am
And Orin, nice to hear from you, hope all is well up north.  I'm still taking good care of your Geller standard and will repay the favor someday I hope.  Playing with any 3456s lately?  I still have one in the garage a patient gentleman sent me to fix about 18 months ago and though I said "at my convenience" I think this is pushing it and I should get a move on.  They are fun to fix on a rainy day.

Jerry
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: orin on December 16, 2018, 07:21:04 am
And Orin, nice to hear from you, hope all is well up north.  I'm still taking good care of your Geller standard and will repay the favor someday I hope.  Playing with any 3456s lately?  I still have one in the garage a patient gentleman sent me to fix about 18 months ago and though I said "at my convenience" I think this is pushing it and I should get a move on.  They are fun to fix on a rainy day.

Jerry


Hi Jerry,

All is well up here - at least after getting a new furnace on Monday.  Glad that the Geller is still alive and well and has a good home.  I haven't been doing anything with the 3455 or 3456s.  I should get back to that nanoprocessor FPGA project.

Orin.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: cncjerry on December 17, 2018, 12:55:49 am
OK, I've had a run of good luck.  I picked up two 3586 Selective Level Meters for $50 per.  These are basically a radio that was used for testing channelized voice on T1 and other lines.  I can't remember what the voice technology was called but it was still around in 2001 when I was at cisco.  Very accurate for testing filters, etc. up to 30Mhz with some limitations above 20Mhz.  There are a number of boxes that look like this including the 3336 Synthesized Level generator, 3325 Synthesize/ Function Generator, 5325 Universal Counter, and I think one or two others.  I have one of each or so, ok, two of each or so.  I've had a 3586B that I've used for the Frequency Measuring Tests but the more desirable of the 3586's are the 'C' model as it has a true 50ohm input.  The two I bought today for their Option 004 ovenized 10811 oscillators are an 'A' and 'C' with the 'C' being in the better shape.  It has some hanger rash on the cases but not real bad.  You can see the front panel is in pretty good shape.  The issue with this line of products from HP were the white line across the front under the LED display always discolored.  But it can probably be fixed with the peroxide and sunlight trick. 

The 'A' unit didn't fully power on but the fans started and it went into standby, but no lights, etc.  Probably a power issue.  The 'C' model powered up with an error.  I wasn't going to fix it but when I opened it up to gut it, it was so absolutely gorgeous on the inside I thought I would take a crack at fixing it.  Turned out to be the fractional N VCO so I swapped it with one from the unwanted 'A' unit and off it goes.  Works perfectly.  I tweaked the oscillator to my Cesium beam and ran if for a couple of hours and I'm happy with it.  I'll put it on top of my 'B' unit and decide which to use in the future.

So take a look at how these are built.  The HP 8566B and 8568B spectrum analyzers were built the same way with bolt-down panels holding the cards sliding into a frame.  These units weight a ton.  The 8566B I know exceeds 140lbs with the two units.  This thing has to be over 60lbs.  It's a pain to get the cards out because of all the bolts but it is solid.  After removing the bolts you pull on the silver spindles to remove the cards

Anyway, that's all for now.

Jerry
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on December 17, 2018, 08:13:50 am
Ah yes this is classic HP construction of RF gear back then.

I had two repairs recently involving power issues on such era instruments. One was my HP 8566B that just needed a new fuse, no idea why it went(Looked fine in the glass but didn't conduct) and another was a HP 4191A (RF Impedance analyzer) that also had fans running but shown nothing on the front panel. Turned out it was a bent pin in a connector for the transformers 5V winding.

It was more work moving these heavy boatanchors onto the bench than actually fixing the trivial problem.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: cncjerry on December 17, 2018, 04:08:30 pm
On your 8566B, though I am against wholesale cap replacement, I had a leaky cap on one of the supplies so they do fail.  The supply was like the -10V or 10V, can't remember exactly, but the cap was a Sprague Powerlytic, 13000uf at 25V. The next time you have the RF unit it on its side you might want to check the ESR of some of the caps.  Mine just game me unlocks and other silly errors, fuse stayed ok.

Jerry
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on December 17, 2018, 07:11:36 pm
On your 8566B, though I am against wholesale cap replacement, I had a leaky cap on one of the supplies so they do fail.  The supply was like the -10V or 10V, can't remember exactly, but the cap was a Sprague Powerlytic, 13000uf at 25V. The next time you have the RF unit it on its side you might want to check the ESR of some of the caps.  Mine just game me unlocks and other silly errors, fuse stayed ok.

Jerry

I was mostly blaming the mains for that fuse. As the local area developed more houses ware added to the already long line to the transformer substation, additionally heat pumps became a popular way of heating homes here and that put a heavy load on the grid here. As a result i would get fairly low voltage in the mains of around 210 to 220V, this caused the HP 8566B brown out and reboot on a few occasions as it was set for 240V. To fix that i changed the mains selector to 220V and it was fine. In the mean time dad had a solar array installed and things got even worse, to the point where the solar inverter was throwing errors. So i set up a DMM to log the mains voltage over a few days and was shocked to find out it would at times dip to 180V while other times rise to 245V. I shown the graph to the power company and they hooked up there own voltage logger to indeed find the voltage is way out of spec. After some back and forth they finally ran a dedicated new line from the transformer station for this area. And that made the voltage rock solid.

So yeah id assume my unit didn't like being in 220V mode with those sort of swings. Who knows how big of a swing it saw since i was only logging for 3 days and saw overvoltage.

While i was in there troubleshooting the PSU i had poked around to check all supplies being correct and clean of noise, it looked fine, but id did not measure any caps. I have seen stories of the round silver polarized capacitors failing, but there are so many of those spread across pretty much all the boards that replacing those would take forever. Im always a bit intimidated by the complexity of this thing so i sort of hope i don't have to mess with it too much (Tho a lot of it is also due to the fact i hate moving this heavy bastard)

I don't use it all that often but so far it seamed reasonably reliable for how old it is. If i really needed a spectrum analyzer on a regular basis i would have probably went for something a bit more modern and convenient. Heck my 2nd Gigatronics 8GHz synthesizer still has a stuck solenoid in its mechanical attenuator that i still haven't got around to fixing.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Harfner on December 22, 2018, 04:00:19 pm
A few months ago, while going back to my office, I stopped dead in my tracks in front of a pallet cage full of T&M gear heading for disposal. Obviously they had to clear out an ancient electronics lab.
As I was limited in time (travel next day which still needed preparation) and am limited in space (rented flat, which I share with a female which inexplicably has other priorities) I had to severely limit my choices. So I did not take the 2 oscilloscopes (one 4-channel !) and did not even look up the specs or even remember the model, as that memory probably would have been too painful. I also did not rescue the 4 Fluke 8020A, as my TEA has brought several multimeters in my hands and I do not need another one, however unconvincing that may sound.
What I managed to rescue: HP3478A, HP8116A, Racal Dana 1991, Keithley 2410. You can see the stack before I moved it to the attic.
The HP3478A works as far as I can test, I had to get new button caps and had to replace the ram battery.
The HP8116A seems to work, the NiCd battery just started to leak.
The Racal Dana 1991 had the usual problem, nearly all switches dead, I had to replace them
The Keithly 2410 will definitely need much work. The power section does not work at all, perhaps the custom transformer is dead, it looks overheated.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Specmaster on December 23, 2018, 02:17:38 am
Not a bad score that, especially the 3478A.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: cncjerry on December 23, 2018, 04:19:47 am
Quote

I was mostly blaming the mains for that fuse. As the local area developed more houses ware added to the already long line to the transformer substation, additionally heat pumps became a popular way of heating homes here and that put a heavy load on the grid here. As a result i would get fairly low voltage in the mains of around 210 to 220V, this caused the HP 8566B brown out and reboot on a few occasions as it was set for 240V. To fix that i changed the mains selector to 220V and it was fine. In the mean time dad had a solar array installed and things got even worse, to the point where the solar inverter was throwing errors. So i set up a DMM to log the mains voltage over a few days and was shocked to find out it would at times dip to 180V while other times rise to 245V. I shown the graph to the power company and they hooked up there own voltage logger to indeed find the voltage is way out of spec. After some back and forth they finally ran a dedicated new line from the transformer station for this area. And that made the voltage rock solid.


Same issue.  New neighborhood, aluminum wire, poor connections, and the legs were out of balance.  One leg around 70 and the other 110.  When the neighbors would flip on their oven, my lights would dim. They ultimately pulled all new wire in my neighborhood which fixed it all.

Jerry
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: cncjerry on December 23, 2018, 04:34:12 am
By the way, many of the cylindrical silver caps are not electrolytic but tantalum, expensive little devices.  I picked up a couple of thousand of various values from a guy who repaired Tek and HP scopes.  Let me know if you need any by PM.

Jerry
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Smokey on December 23, 2018, 09:46:33 am
cool.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Epatsellis on December 30, 2018, 08:37:00 am
Loads of fun, especially for low band dxing. As an aside, the LO has exceptionally good phase noise performance, and I use mine as an RF signal generator below 32Mhz, with a step attenuator it really is useful on the bench.

Should you decide that the OCXO in you spare is surplus to your needs let me know, I've been looking for one half heartedly for a while.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on December 30, 2018, 10:16:06 am
By the way, many of the cylindrical silver caps are not electrolytic but tantalum, expensive little devices.  I picked up a couple of thousand of various values from a guy who repaired Tek and HP scopes.  Let me know if you need any by PM.

Jerry

I just remember them being polarized capacitors. While i was in there i randomly measured a few in circuit and they seamed fine. Some have said they are unreliable and start to fail horribly with age. But there are so many of them in there that i don't really want to recap the whole thing unless they do start to go bad.

Do you need to replace these with genuine parts? Wouldn't a modern electrolytic do just fine?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Neomys Sapiens on December 30, 2018, 11:33:56 pm
By the way, many of the cylindrical silver caps are not electrolytic but tantalum, expensive little devices.  I picked up a couple of thousand of various values from a guy who repaired Tek and HP scopes.  Let me know if you need any by PM.

Jerry

I just remember them being polarized capacitors. While i was in there i randomly measured a few in circuit and they seamed fine. Some have said they are unreliable and start to fail horribly with age. But there are so many of them in there that i don't really want to recap the whole thing unless they do start to go bad.

Do you need to replace these with genuine parts? Wouldn't a modern electrolytic do just fine?
I don't think that the colported problems apply to the hermetic ones. If the lead goes though a little glass bead, the should be ok if they measure ok.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: velik_kazakov on January 05, 2019, 04:34:17 pm
today I make my best deal till now. On the city bazaar I grab a NI GPIB-USB-HS+ for under 3USD (5 BGN)  ;). Now I test it with one of my DMMS. All work for now w/o any problems. It write date from 3+ hours.
In the future I will be at the bazzar every Saturday morning :).
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Neomys Sapiens on January 07, 2019, 02:52:49 am
today I make my best deal till now. On the city bazaar I grab a NI GPIB-USB-HS+ for under 3USD (5 BGN)  ;). Now I test it with one of my DMMS. All work for now w/o any problems. It write date from 3+ hours.
In the future I will be at the bazzar every Saturday morning :).
Ok, that is crazy good. Should we all visit Bulgaria?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on January 07, 2019, 03:23:09 am
Maybe velik will buy them all and resell in the Buy/Sell/Wanted forum. ;D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: sotos on January 07, 2019, 03:42:02 am
today I make my best deal till now. On the city bazaar I grab a NI GPIB-USB-HS+ for under 3USD (5 BGN)  ;). Now I test it with one of my DMMS. All work for now w/o any problems. It write date from 3+ hours.
In the future I will be at the bazzar every Saturday morning :).

What’s the name of your city?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: velik_kazakov on January 08, 2019, 06:43:03 am
There have only one pcs in a big lot of gsm/computer/playstation cables. I look to find something other (think will have some gpib cables) but no other interesting items in the lot.
I am in Stara Zagora, but the adapter come from Germany. There have a label on German and have some numbers on the NI logo.
I use one PCI to GPIB, but this adapter is very easy for use compared to my old one.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: GreyWoolfe on January 08, 2019, 06:47:47 pm
I have posted it to the TEA thread but I will share here.  I scored a 2nd HP 3478A multimeter.  It has a Keysight calibration sticker until April and seller states it passes self test.  $70 USD and $28 for shipping. :-DMM  I will be peeking under the skirt to see if I can determine age of the battery.  I will also be looking at the RIFA caps as I had to replace all 4 in my first meter.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xrunner on January 09, 2019, 12:30:06 am
Congratulations!  :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Specmaster on January 09, 2019, 12:44:18 am
I have posted it to the TEA thread but I will share here.  I scored a 2nd HP 3478A multimeter.  It has a Keysight calibration sticker until April and seller states it passes self test.  $70 USD and $28 for shipping. :-DMM  I will be peeking under the skirt to see if I can determine age of the battery.  I will also be looking at the RIFA caps as I had to replace all 4 in my first meter.
That is a meter that's perfectly possible to self calibrate, good score, I've got one and also a 3468A, the portable version  :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Neomys Sapiens on January 11, 2019, 10:24:44 pm
There have only one pcs in a big lot of gsm/computer/playstation cables. I look to find something other (think will have some gpib cables) but no other interesting items in the lot.
I am in Stara Zagora, but the adapter come from Germany. There have a label on German and have some numbers on the NI logo.
I use one PCI to GPIB, but this adapter is very easy for use compared to my old one.
It occured to me right after my last post that it might not be a good idea to buy back those things that were 'lost' here, so not to encourage it.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on January 23, 2019, 07:17:26 pm
Wall'O'Wavepro and other assorted LeCroys

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=632323;image)

HP4192A LF impedance analyzer

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=632329;image)

Too bad somebody removed some stickers on the frontplate with a chissel or something and the trigger buttons on the bottom left got knackered but otherwise in pretty good knick. Too bad I have no time for functional testing, this thing seems like a damn nice piece of kit...
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: wolfy007 on January 24, 2019, 05:11:24 am
@Ice-Tea, I was looking at my work room last night thinking that perhaps I had become a gear addict, clearly Im just a hypochondriac...  :-DD
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on January 24, 2019, 06:52:27 am
Heh, well, these are all to be sold. I think. Well, maybe not all...
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: beanflying on January 24, 2019, 07:09:53 am
Heh, well, these are all to be sold. I think. Well, maybe not all...

Can only see the HP Infinium's on our local evilbay. Missing the Spec Analyzers and the Lecroys if you want to consider tweaking your adds?

Trying to be restrained is sometimes very hard when bling is on show >:D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on January 24, 2019, 08:05:34 am
Odd.. just did a search through the Australian ebay.. seems to work just fine? Only thing is that the postage is not filled in. Difficult to ship heavy stuff to Aus, so I tend to get custom quotes for the shipment first...

https://www.ebay.com.au/usr/m.ice-tea?_trksid=p2047675.l2559 (https://www.ebay.com.au/usr/m.ice-tea?_trksid=p2047675.l2559)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: beanflying on January 24, 2019, 08:14:04 am
Odd.. just did a search through the Australian ebay.. seems to work just fine? Only thing is that the postage is not filled in. Difficult to ship heavy stuff to Aus, so I tend to get custom quotes for the shipment first...

https://www.ebay.com.au/usr/m.ice-tea?_trksid=p2047675.l2559 (https://www.ebay.com.au/usr/m.ice-tea?_trksid=p2047675.l2559)

Seems to go kablam when you look at 'items for sale' https://www.ebay.com.au/sch/m.ice-tea/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_ipg=&_from= (https://www.ebay.com.au/sch/m.ice-tea/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_ipg=&_from=) so it is most likely just your freight options. Only shows 14 items BTW not the 36 you have listed.

I will consult my fund (lack of) and see if it might get to 500Meg+ and drop you a line :palm:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Calvin on January 24, 2019, 08:34:58 am
Hi,

my best score so far was a Tek576 curve tracer for free ... my former boss even picked it up for me  :)
It´s almost in mint condition, with manuals, test sockets, camera light shield and even a automatic test fixture included.
Still though not sure if I will keep or sell it, as it is quite a big and heavy thingie

regards
Calvin
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: beanflying on January 24, 2019, 08:38:59 am
Started putting together the bits to make this (or very similar) curve tracer http://www.paulvdiyblogs.net/2017/12/building-curve-tracer.html (http://www.paulvdiyblogs.net/2017/12/building-curve-tracer.html)

Brought an old 20Meg Analogue last week and got the power supply sorted time for the real bits now. Don't really 'need' one I just think they are a cool bit of kit and I want one :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on January 24, 2019, 09:19:09 am
Odd.. just did a search through the Australian ebay.. seems to work just fine? Only thing is that the postage is not filled in. Difficult to ship heavy stuff to Aus, so I tend to get custom quotes for the shipment first...

https://www.ebay.com.au/usr/m.ice-tea?_trksid=p2047675.l2559 (https://www.ebay.com.au/usr/m.ice-tea?_trksid=p2047675.l2559)

Seems to go kablam when you look at 'items for sale' https://www.ebay.com.au/sch/m.ice-tea/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_ipg=&_from= (https://www.ebay.com.au/sch/m.ice-tea/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_ipg=&_from=) so it is most likely just your freight options. Only shows 14 items BTW not the 36 you have listed.

I will consult my fund (lack of) and see if it might get to 500Meg+ and drop you a line :palm:

I don't think I listed all items as 'australia capable'. Mostly because the logistics would make it difficult. There's a tax advantage on the more expensive items that offsets the horrible shipping.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: beanflying on January 24, 2019, 09:41:43 am
Shipping costs are just a fact of life. Our secondhand market is tiny for anything recent becomes way overpriced so importing from the USA is normal. In theory we do get slugged 10% GST over $1k (625 euro) too so up and down on the tax.

One of the not so current members has this one listed https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/HP-Agilent-Infinium-54815A-4CH-500MHz-1GSa-s/173755167897?hash=item28749d7499:g:4PAAAOSwxrJcRxeO:rk:1:pf:1&frcectupt=true (https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/HP-Agilent-Infinium-54815A-4CH-500MHz-1GSa-s/173755167897?hash=item28749d7499:g:4PAAAOSwxrJcRxeO:rk:1:pf:1&frcectupt=true) $1800 (+$55 post for me) yours works out to $1475 -VAT + postage so there is a chunk available for freight. Or there is a semi tested one ex USA for $1050 + post of $200'ish

Long and the short of it is don't worry about charging what the freight is we either want it or not :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on January 24, 2019, 10:41:09 am
Sending you a PM :D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Rémi on January 24, 2019, 12:34:24 pm
Do the Lecroy oscilloscopes suffer from the CL_measure_gain_and_offset error after a while when they are powered up ?
I have two of them suffering from that and I couldn't fix them until now....

Cheers

Rémi
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on January 24, 2019, 12:52:05 pm
The LC series you mean? No. One of them just blew up, though.. :palm:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Rémi on January 24, 2019, 12:54:19 pm
The LC series you mean? No. One of them just blew up, though.. :palm:

Yes I have this problem with two LC series oscilloscopes.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on January 24, 2019, 07:26:42 pm
The LC series you mean? No. One of them just blew up, though.. :palm:
Then they are probably not fitted with the manual mains voltage selector. Don't ever power a Lecroy scope like the ones you have before checking whether the auto voltage selector has been removed and a manual mains voltage selector has been installed.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: _Wim_ on January 24, 2019, 07:28:58 pm
Odd.. just did a search through the Australian ebay.. seems to work just fine? Only thing is that the postage is not filled in.

That is one of the VERY annoying recent "features" of Ebay. Even if you use an international website, it automatically detects your location and updates the "postage to" in the search (see screenshot). So if the seller does not add all of the shipping details to your country, you just do not see the listing any longer. Before you did get to see it, and could message the seller if he was willing to ship to your country also, but now you do not get the chance of that anymore and sometimes miss very good opportunities by that. And the worst is most sellers do not realize it, because they see their listing correctly.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on January 24, 2019, 08:07:52 pm
Hmm, well, actually you can set a few countries (such as AUS) specifically so that it shows up as available or whatever but that you're supposed to contact the seller for a shipment quote...
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PTR_1275 on January 24, 2019, 10:18:42 pm
I just had a look at your eBay store Ice-Tea. Clicking the link on my phone takes me to a site showing everything in Euros and I can see 36 items.

Copying a item number, searching that in the eBay app, seeing sellers other items, I can only see 14 items.

People have been confused that I’m happy to pay more for shipping than the item cost, but overall it was still better than other alternatives. Test equipment is really not that common down here, so we have to pay the premium. Of course, there are countries that have it a whole lot worse than us.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: beanflying on January 24, 2019, 10:25:01 pm
There is a reason I trawl ebay.de ebay.com and ebay.co.uk even doing a 'worldwide' search items don't turn up even when using exact matches for item titles. In some cases using the ebay number will allow me to add them to my local account it won't for all due to shipping settings.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: _Wim_ on January 25, 2019, 06:33:31 am
There is a reason I trawl ebay.de ebay.com and ebay.co.uk even doing a 'worldwide' search items don't turn up even when using exact matches for item titles. In some cases using the ebay number will allow me to add them to my local account it won't for all due to shipping settings.

Yes, I do this also, but it is frustrating this is "necesarry". TEA could be made alot easier (and more expensive) by Ebay
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on January 25, 2019, 08:21:01 am
Copying a item number, searching that in the eBay app, seeing sellers other items, I can only see 14 items.

I'll double check but in that could be right. I don't have everything listed for WW shipping in one form or another: for some items it's just not worth it. Or so I thought. But as I'm starting to realise: you guys are used to spending through your nose on shipping. I didn't want to include the option in some cases because I thought it would look bad: "100€ shipping for a 75€ display assembly?? DICK!!" Something like that...
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: beanflying on January 25, 2019, 08:26:38 am
I brought a $19USD HP Counter that cost me $72.25USD to ship. You really don't need to worry.

I dare anyone to top paying 400% frt cost on TEA items :palm:

The Dots made me do it  ;D

(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/ZHEAAOSwAKxWXi-t/s-l1600.jpg)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on January 25, 2019, 10:48:41 am
Those dots are nearly as evil as nixies, aren't they?

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on January 25, 2019, 04:55:28 pm
Saw these one Ebay. Would make total sense with that stack of Wavepros..

So I bought them :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: tooki on January 26, 2019, 01:24:46 pm
I brought a $19USD HP Counter that cost me $72.25USD to ship. You really don't need to worry.

I dare anyone to top paying 400% frt cost on TEA items :palm:

The Dots made me do it  ;D

(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/ZHEAAOSwAKxWXi-t/s-l1600.jpg)
Love that display!!

Th Chinese clone everything inexpensively. Why can’t they make cheap clones of those displays?  :'(
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: rastro on January 26, 2019, 08:44:36 pm
I think those dot-display LED's are hard to find and relatively expensive.  So the display is probably worth more than the rest of the counter.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on January 27, 2019, 07:17:13 am
I brought a $19USD HP Counter that cost me $72.25USD to ship. You really don't need to worry.

I dare anyone to top paying 400% frt cost on TEA items :palm:

The Dots made me do it  ;D

(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/ZHEAAOSwAKxWXi-t/s-l1600.jpg)

Well done. Don't deny the draw of the dotted diode display. :o
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: beanflying on January 27, 2019, 07:30:16 am
Don't all trip over one another but you will find a few HP dot displays here if you know the part numbers ;) https://www.eevblog.com/forum/buysellwanted/fs-new-test-equipment-repair-parts-hp-agilent-tektronix-fluke-etc/msg1238752/#msg1238752 (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/buysellwanted/fs-new-test-equipment-repair-parts-hp-agilent-tektronix-fluke-etc/msg1238752/#msg1238752) I could be more specific but where is the fun in that  ;D

While not as cute as the HP numeric ones I also have a bakers dozen of alpha numeric ones in need of a job at some stage TBD I guess  :-//
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on January 27, 2019, 07:39:42 am
Now that's not fair. :-DD But still nice to look at.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: sorenkir on January 27, 2019, 04:46:23 pm
Close-up on a HP34702A multimeter led display from 1976 with it's tiny sign display on the left:
(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=636103;image)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Gyro on January 27, 2019, 05:03:54 pm
Ooh, it's one of their Mil spec displays  8)  I was expecting a row of their 5082-7xxx single digit ones (like the polarity indicator).

For heavens sake, don't break that, I doubt you'd ever find another!


P.S. I notice they've mounted the polarity display upside down to get closer spacing - it's normally a +/- 1 display.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: MadTux on January 27, 2019, 07:36:44 pm
I brought a $19USD HP Counter that cost me $72.25USD to ship. You really don't need to worry.

I dare anyone to top paying 400% frt cost on TEA items :palm:

The Dots made me do it  ;D

(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/ZHEAAOSwAKxWXi-t/s-l1600.jpg)
That's a strange combination, perhaps the shittiest counter with the best display that HP had at the time. Usually only expensive, high end instruments had it, like HP 8340, 8350, 8662A/8663A and 8640B.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: beanflying on January 28, 2019, 01:37:09 am
That's a strange combination, perhaps the shittiest counter with the best display that HP had at the time. Usually only expensive, high end instruments had it, like HP 8340, 8350, 8662A/8663A and 8640B.

Bit strange to run a 6 digit display on a 50Meg counter too? I did also get it's better specced twin too from a different source because I have a plan  >:D

Photo below was as sent by it's former owner the day after both units were plugged together on my bench pile. The Oscillator adjustment SUX, when you go near it with a stick it flinches 20 counts making setting it good luck not correct tongue angle to set it accurately. A simple unclick to split the unit flick the internal/external reference switch and I have an accurate counter locked to the GPSDO. Insert the battery section from dotty when it arrives(with new LiPo's) and I have a portable UPS counter and GPSDO  8)

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Neomys Sapiens on January 28, 2019, 02:29:20 am
Well, it seems quite sure now that the little AC/DC-Electronics load will not stay with me. Why?
Because I scored a Transistor Devices DLP 50-60-1000. A bit on the massive side, but it will do until a compact H&H flies my way. That is, IF it is working or repairable. It was sold as 'untested' and was mine for 127.- all inclusive.

Maybe even better is a HP6825A 4-quadrant power supply, which is supposedly working and which did just cost me 75.- incl. postage. It is my first proper 4Q-unit and as such, it might start a series.

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: MaxFrister on January 28, 2019, 05:51:53 am
The DLP50-60-1000 is a cool unit.  I repaired one a while ago.  Mine need all the pots cleaned, the fan oiled, a couple of caps, and 1 power transistor. 

The entire base is a heavy aluminum heatsink with an amazing number of TO-3 power transistors.  I was impressed with how robust the design was.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: niner_007 on January 30, 2019, 12:04:34 am
Fluke 720A, got it today
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Johnny10 on January 30, 2019, 06:10:38 pm
I just looked on IET website

Direct replacement for Fluke 720A     KVD-700 Precision Kelvin-Varley Voltage Divider Priced at $29,875.00
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on February 07, 2019, 11:36:56 am
Bought a few Tek 11801C's with matching SD-24 sampling heads. Being a sampling scope, they're only good for repetive stuff but then they are still the ducks guts. 20GHz BW *and* they double as TDR *and* you can plop in 4 modules for a total of 8 channels.

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=646319;image)

Old tech, obviously, but color display *and* touch screen. Fancy. And more responsive than more 'modern' machines.

I'm seriously considering keeping one, so the lab has a TDR handy. All the others: off to The Bay you go!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on February 07, 2019, 12:03:02 pm
Now that is a score.

I been looking for one of these for a bit, the sampling modules are easy to come by but the scope mainframe is rare. What finally turned me away from it is seeing online that the mainframes are known to be very unreliable. To top it off fixing them is difficult due to cryptic error messages and hard to find parts.

Ended up instead with a bit newer HP sampling scope with a dual 20GHz sampling module.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on February 07, 2019, 01:28:49 pm
Well, this one seems in good shape. If the others are equally good, I'll be one happy panda. Need to test the outputs etc but looks good thus far.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on February 07, 2019, 03:58:22 pm
From what i hear the thing has a pretty extensive self test that takes a long time to run in order to test the stability of various parts. If it passes that and shows a waveform then its a good. If one of the sampling modules is busted then spare ones are easy to come by for a reasonable price.

Definitely a good idea to hold on to one of these.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Martin.M on February 07, 2019, 05:44:55 pm
49,- including postage  :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on February 07, 2019, 05:54:13 pm
I have heard of widescreen being a thing with scopes these days...but don't think that's the right way to do it.

But im sure a bit of poking around in the vertical deflection circuitry can sort it out. Nice price for it.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on February 07, 2019, 07:09:47 pm
I have heard of widescreen being a thing with scopes these days...

Pfftt.. Have you checked the 11801C? None of that widescreen rubbish. Ultra-narrow-screen FTW!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: shakalnokturn on February 07, 2019, 07:10:41 pm
@ Martin.M

Decent price if you were sure there was only the display problem, no bad surprises on inputs or acquisition stuff.
All the same considering sample rate and memory depth, this is the kind of scope I'd buy only to fix and play around with a few hours before reselling.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Martin.M on February 07, 2019, 07:27:46 pm
the repair was only 30 minutes.  :)

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: shakalnokturn on February 07, 2019, 08:10:18 pm
the repair was only 30 minutes.  :)

That leaves you a little more play time  :-+
I followed the repair on the TEA thread, BD139 almost had it fixed before you bought it  :-DD
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Specmaster on February 09, 2019, 11:45:09 am
Yep, what bd139 doesn't know about scopes isn't worth knowing, he's the man.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Neomys Sapiens on February 11, 2019, 11:15:04 pm
I got a case with 6 prehistoric Teledyne Philbrick op-amps (you understand immediately where the 'brick' comes in) and the circuit elements formerly used with them. Complete with the leaflet (i'll scan it later).
It must have been part of some educational breadboard or related.

Factually, I would have gladly spent the 30€ for the heap of Pomona double plugs with solder turrets on the side. Or for the 3  clean and 3 cleanable Pomona 2-pole cables. And that case might come handy too.
So now I can add ready-made combinations on 3/4"-spaced 4mm plugs to my kits (in addition to the 50R from Beanflying). For example a PTC like Fluke sold with the 025, or RCs, or antiparallel diodes....
Title: HP 5347A and Tektronix 2465
Post by: BravoV on February 13, 2019, 11:05:06 am
A 5347A with lots of dead LCD segments, and a dead 2465.  :P

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/test-equipment-anonymous-(tea)-group-therapy-thread/?action=dlattach;attach=651114;image)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: ascomm on February 13, 2019, 11:37:00 am
Hitachi analog 20MHz oscilloscope, 20€.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: beanflying on February 26, 2019, 02:26:05 am
So I have splurged in the last week or so. Agilent 34461A, Fluke 335D neither of which were particular scores but are in great condition.

This is the score I had more or less given up on ever getting one of due to their normal second hand price. Sika Temperature Calibrator complete with different diameter wells. Delivered to my door will be circa $150USD  ;D

One very very broke but happy Bean.

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on February 27, 2019, 01:09:52 pm
Hmmm...  :-/O :-/O :-/O

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=663270;image)

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: SoundTech-LG on February 27, 2019, 05:23:40 pm
An HPAK E3631A sold as parts only. Yes, it needed a rotary encoder...  not so bad. The display was pretty good, but I decided to replace it anyway, and keep the old one as a spare. Lots of floppy pins to deal with on that. All on the cheap. Wanted one of these for a long time, but was unwilling to pay even $300 for one.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on February 27, 2019, 06:28:24 pm
Aaahh...  :clap:

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=663501;image)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on February 27, 2019, 06:36:34 pm
 :o Damn!!

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Neomys Sapiens on February 27, 2019, 09:43:53 pm
@ice-tea: what is the meaning of the blue tape? It affects a device which I would be interested in (depending on subtype and options).
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: 0culus on February 27, 2019, 09:55:48 pm
Wow that's a lot of TEA in one box!  :-DD
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on February 27, 2019, 10:28:36 pm
Aaahh...  :clap:

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=663501;image)

Ice-Tea continues to live up to the TEA in his name. :-+

Wow that's a lot of TEA in one box!  :-DD

TEA in a box. I like it!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: LapTop006 on February 27, 2019, 11:15:12 pm
Aaahh...  :clap:

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=663501;image)

The R&S kit without the screen, is that a cover, or an option for no-screen purely GPIB/LAN control?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: 0culus on February 27, 2019, 11:22:36 pm
Aaahh...  :clap:

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=663501;image)

Ice-Tea continues to live up to the TEA in his name. :-+

Wow that's a lot of TEA in one box!  :-DD

TEA in a box. I like it!

Heh! A very very heavy box!  :-DD
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on February 28, 2019, 05:04:46 am
@ice-tea: what is the meaning of the blue tape? It affects a device which I would be interested in (depending on subtype and options).

Nothing or so it seems. Maybe an aide to help them sort different orders out or something. Some of these units are not ready (ie need service) others are fine and they all came with blue tape.

Aaahh...  :clap:

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=663501;image)

The R&S kit without the screen, is that a cover, or an option for no-screen purely GPIB/LAN control?

GPIB control only

Aaahh...  :clap:

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=663501;image)

Ice-Tea continues to live up to the TEA in his name. :-+

Wow that's a lot of TEA in one box!  :-DD

TEA in a box. I like it!

Heh! A very very heavy box!  :-DD

Carried it all up two flights of stairs. Including those HP8642B's that weigh over 30kg each.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on February 28, 2019, 12:52:49 pm
Aaahh...  :clap:

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=663501;image)

The R&S kit without the screen, is that a cover, or an option for no-screen purely GPIB/LAN control?

GPIB control only

[/quote]
Allow me to correct myself here... The frontpanel buttons still work and make it pretty easy to control the unit. Just no display to tell you what you set it to :D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: CJay on February 28, 2019, 05:07:48 pm
Interesting, how much are they worth without a screen?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on February 28, 2019, 05:49:49 pm
*points to signature*

Just put one on the bay. Outside of eBay it's 10% less. If you can do a bank transfer iso Paypal, that's another 3%.

21% VAT is included, if you have a VAT ID that can be dropped as well.

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Neomys Sapiens on February 28, 2019, 10:00:02 pm
@Ice-Tea:
The two generators in the left side of the picture: are they 8647 or 8648, if the latter, A,B, or C?
which options are fitted and what is their status?
and finally: how much do they cost?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on March 01, 2019, 08:33:37 am
They are C's. Haven't checked them yet (don't know options either yet). I know one has a dud screen but I have a spare for that so if that's it I don't expect much trouble.

Sold one last year for 1k€. Same disclaimer about ebay, paypal fees and VAT.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: vidya31 on March 01, 2019, 08:54:28 am
How it will  delivered?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: vidya31 on March 01, 2019, 08:55:05 am
How it will be delivered ?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Neomys Sapiens on March 01, 2019, 09:24:46 pm
They are C's. Haven't checked them yet (don't know options either yet). I know one has a dud screen but I have a spare for that so if that's it I don't expect much trouble.

Sold one last year for 1k€. Same disclaimer about ebay, paypal fees and VAT.
C would be right on spot. The option which I do not need is the OXCO, as this one is refittable or can be circumvented by using ext. ref.. Of the others, as much as possible - with 1E6 most needed and 1EA second. Preferred display would be VF.
So give me an update when you are done with it and before you list it elsewhere.
I need a RF signal generator which I can lift alone (and afford).
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on March 02, 2019, 09:39:01 am
I'll let you know. If I can sneak out: tomorrow.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on March 03, 2019, 09:06:38 am
Dug one up. Seems to do what it says on the tin. Only 1E5, though...

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=666471;image)

If PWM is important: also have an IFR2025, it seems to support PWM. It's at least as portable but only does 2.5GHz.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on March 03, 2019, 07:38:41 pm
@Ice-tea: any chance to open the front of one of those display-less SMIQs you have and take a picture of what it looks like inside? I'm planning on doing a TFT conversion for the SMIQ I have here and I'm wondering what is missing from the display-less SMIQs you have. This will be a long term plan though but maybe I can turn this into a product.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Neomys Sapiens on March 03, 2019, 08:12:10 pm
Meh. Rather not, as the other options are not refittable. I can peruse the SML from my work and someone is throwing SME's at the people, so if it were urgent...
I will try to find a 8048 in the all included config.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on March 03, 2019, 08:32:30 pm
@Ice-tea: any chance to open the front of one of those display-less SMIQs you have and take a picture of what it looks like inside? I'm planning on doing a TFT conversion for the SMIQ I have here and I'm wondering what is missing from the display-less SMIQs you have. This will be a long term plan though but maybe I can turn this into a product.

Sure. Wednesday probably.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: MadTux on March 03, 2019, 09:16:16 pm
HP 8714 VNAs on the bottom?
Nice find, if they work or are easily fixable.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on March 04, 2019, 08:16:24 am
Meh. Rather not, as the other options are not refittable. I can peruse the SML from my work and someone is throwing SME's at the people, so if it were urgent...
I will try to find a 8048 in the all included config.

No prob. Good hunting!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on March 04, 2019, 08:17:16 am
HP 8714 VNAs on the bottom?
Nice find, if they work or are easily fixable.

Yep. B's. They work and had relatively recent cals. Damn easy to use as well.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: utopiated on March 05, 2019, 09:19:45 am
I wanted something to repair for fun so I picked up a GW Instek GOS-6013C for $60 total on ebay. Sadly it arrived in perfect working condition, so I don't have anything to fix now :P
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on March 06, 2019, 03:13:51 am
That's not a bad problem to have. :-DD And a good deal, too.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on March 06, 2019, 01:11:06 pm
@Ice-tea: any chance to open the front of one of those display-less SMIQs you have and take a picture of what it looks like inside? I'm planning on doing a TFT conversion for the SMIQ I have here and I'm wondering what is missing from the display-less SMIQs you have. This will be a long term plan though but maybe I can turn this into a product.

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=669498;image)

If you need more, let me know. Or, feel free to drop by ;)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: GregDunn on March 06, 2019, 02:42:46 pm
Yeah, another boring handheld DMM.  For $100 (which is what it sells for around here) this is a mediocre example of the art; however, when you stumble upon a mint example in a pawn shop for $30 with case and leads, not so bad.  I checked it with my voltage and resistance "standards" and it's acceptably close; something to keep in my travel kit when helping out a friend or shopping for higher end stuff.  ;)

It also has low-Z mode, a 40 mΩ range, relative, min/max, µA and separate low/high current jacks, which is decent for a cheapie.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on March 06, 2019, 03:13:22 pm
@Ice-tea: any chance to open the front of one of those display-less SMIQs you have and take a picture of what it looks like inside? I'm planning on doing a TFT conversion for the SMIQ I have here and I'm wondering what is missing from the display-less SMIQs you have. This will be a long term plan though but maybe I can turn this into a product.

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=669498;image)

If you need more, let me know. Or, feel free to drop by ;)
This is the top panel. I'm interested in what is inside the front panel model (where the display and the buttons are).
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on March 06, 2019, 03:56:06 pm
Misread. Sorry. Hope this helps (more).
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on March 06, 2019, 04:48:07 pm
Can you remove the CPU board to take a picture of what is underneath it?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on March 06, 2019, 04:53:50 pm
Metal plate. Nothing much else.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on March 06, 2019, 04:57:55 pm
I forgot. You should remove that plate as well (just pull it out). There should be a board in there for the front panel keys. I'm interested to see how the display-less models are prepared for a display.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on March 06, 2019, 04:59:41 pm
I was afraid you might say that  :o

Give me a sec.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on March 06, 2019, 05:05:14 pm
There you go...
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on March 06, 2019, 05:33:52 pm
Thanks! It seems they just left the display and the backlight inverter out. The idea I have for a TFT conversion is to connect it parallel to the existing front panel board. The ribbon cable between the front panel and CPU board seems long enough to add an extra connector.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on March 06, 2019, 07:24:48 pm
Just wondering.. what are you missing by not having a display? Seems easy enough to use the keys for most functions?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on March 06, 2019, 09:28:54 pm
Just wondering.. what are you missing by not having a display? Seems easy enough to use the keys for most functions?
Without the display you don't see what you are doing. For example: the SMIQ can do sweeps. I don't see how you can set these up with just the keys. And then there is self-calibration. How are you sure there are no self test errors?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on March 06, 2019, 09:45:13 pm
I assume errors can be read through GPIB?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on March 06, 2019, 10:11:55 pm
I assume errors can be read through GPIB?
I don't know. If all is well your SMIQs should also have a serial port which might be easier to use. You can type commands using a terminal emulator (like Hyperterminal) on your PC. A common problem seems that the backup battery is flat which causes the SMIQ to lose the self adjustment values. In turn this can cause several other errors and weird behaviour.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on March 07, 2019, 06:07:43 am
Yeah, I have a SMIQ03 that probably has that issue. Might make a good test case to see if those problems can be read remotely.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: WackyGerman on March 07, 2019, 05:33:39 pm
An Electronic Load from Ebay for 25 € plus shipping . Sold as unknown status but works fine after cleaning the board from solder splatter and some small mechanical issues .  :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Neomys Sapiens on March 07, 2019, 06:38:48 pm
An Electronic Load from Ebay for 25 € plus shipping . Sold as unknown status but works fine after cleaning the board from solder splatter and some small mechanical issues .  :)
Deal of the month! Especially for an ET!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on March 08, 2019, 03:33:05 am
At least it wasn't in unknown status due to not providing power output. :-DD
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: giovannirat on March 08, 2019, 11:05:17 am
Vision Mantis with a 6x and a 10x lens for 50€.  :popcorn:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on March 08, 2019, 11:16:13 am
I love those! Great score that!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: WackyGerman on March 08, 2019, 05:00:20 pm
The seller didn t have the equipment for checking it so he sold it as unknown function .  :-// Gool luck for me  :phew: ;D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: 0culus on March 08, 2019, 11:57:48 pm
Very nice HP 8566A. My plan is to track down the parts I need to convert it into a B RF section.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Neomys Sapiens on March 09, 2019, 03:36:42 am
Very nice HP 8566A. My plan is to track down the parts I need to convert it into a B RF section.
Whoa! Weight of TWO fully grown pigs?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: 0culus on March 09, 2019, 03:37:41 am
Very nice HP 8566A. My plan is to track down the parts I need to convert it into a B RF section.
Whoa! Weight of TWO fully grown pigs?

About that.  :-DD I don't have a scale handy, but from a purely qualitative standpoint the 8566 RF section is MUCH heavier than the 8568 RF section.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on March 09, 2019, 09:44:14 am
Yeah the thing is hefty, i think i remember the thing being around 50 kg (110 lb) all together. So they had a very good reason to split it into two boxes, even just lifting half of it takes a good bit of effort.

The HP engineers that worked on it called it the "doomsday spectrum analyzer" and was for a good time among the highest performance spectrum analyzers in the world.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xwarp on March 09, 2019, 04:30:41 pm
Very nice HP 8566A. My plan is to track down the parts I need to convert it into a B RF section.

I've got an 8568b. Don't really use it for much over the FM band, but I am still on the lookout for an 8566 rf section.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xwarp on March 09, 2019, 08:06:43 pm
Local electronics supply store pick up. 43 dollars.....because I needed it less than I think..... :-DD

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Neomys Sapiens on March 09, 2019, 10:04:57 pm
Now this 'Modulation Meter' makes sense to me. Opposed to, for example, the Marconi  TF 2304. How can a modulation meter be a untuned instrument? Modulation of what? Or is it supposed to be fed with one signal only, like a transmitter monitor? But for FM, it must still be told somehow where the carrier is!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: 0culus on March 10, 2019, 12:05:47 am
Yeah the thing is hefty, i think i remember the thing being around 50 kg (110 lb) all together. So they had a very good reason to split it into two boxes, even just lifting half of it takes a good bit of effort.

The HP engineers that worked on it called it the "doomsday spectrum analyzer" and was for a good time among the highest performance spectrum analyzers in the world.

The 8568B system is 112 lbs I believe. The 8566A I just got...could be as much as 130 lbs. The RF section is definitely heavier than the 68B RF section.

Very nice HP 8566A. My plan is to track down the parts I need to convert it into a B RF section.

I've got an 8568b. Don't really use it for much over the FM band, but I am still on the lookout for an 8566 rf section.

Me neither at the moment...until I move I'm going to try to avoid digging into any serious projects. Makes band surveillance fun though. :) My plan eventually is to do ham work in the microwave bands, up to Ku band. Prices for connectors and things start to go up very fast above that.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xwarp on March 10, 2019, 03:22:13 am
Yeah, I'm almost tempted to offer up for trade an 8591e for a working 8566b rf section.

The FM/AM modulation meter I posted above works. Had to track down a failure that prevented the "Set FM Cal" function from working. Turned out to be a bypass cap being shorted.

Now to bench the Tek 485 scope that just crapped out on me....
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on March 10, 2019, 04:52:23 am
Local electronics supply store pick up. 43 dollars.....

Nice score!

Quote
because I needed it less than I think..... :-DD

also:  need < have < want  :-DD
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: sambonator on March 10, 2019, 06:28:04 am
If they work this would be a nice score.
https://www.shopgoodwill.com/Item/64632129 (https://www.shopgoodwill.com/Item/64632129)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: 0culus on March 10, 2019, 06:40:22 am
Yeah, I'm almost tempted to offer up for trade an 8591e for a working 8566b rf section.

The FM/AM modulation meter I posted above works. Had to track down a failure that prevented the "Set FM Cal" function from working. Turned out to be a bypass cap being shorted.

Now to bench the Tek 485 scope that just crapped out on me....

That would be a good trade in terms of performance, but not portability.  :-DD
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xwarp on March 10, 2019, 06:54:33 am
The portability of the 8591 is a big reason I've not parted with it, but the "two is one and one is none" philosophy is the bigger reason.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Neomys Sapiens on March 12, 2019, 01:26:19 am
It was a slow week in aquisitions. Especially regarding the ESVD fiasko.
But newly in: a Weston light sensor and a Electro-Metrics 'Electrostatic Probe' (E-field close range antenna).
And a spare for the Spitzzange (radio pliers) which I hold most dearly.
 
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: CJay on March 14, 2019, 12:14:45 pm
Now this 'Modulation Meter' makes sense to me. Opposed to, for example, the Marconi  TF 2304. How can a modulation meter be a untuned instrument? Modulation of what? Or is it supposed to be fed with one signal only, like a transmitter monitor? But for FM, it must still be told somehow where the carrier is!

Have a read of the Sayrosa 257 manual, it explains it all but those meters will lock to the strongest local signal up to 2 ish GHz and they are pretty damn accurate
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Neomys Sapiens on March 14, 2019, 10:17:27 pm
Now this 'Modulation Meter' makes sense to me. Opposed to, for example, the Marconi  TF 2304. How can a modulation meter be a untuned instrument? Modulation of what? Or is it supposed to be fed with one signal only, like a transmitter monitor? But for FM, it must still be told somehow where the carrier is!

Have a read of the Sayrosa 257 manual, it explains it all but those meters will lock to the strongest local signal up to 2 ish GHz and they are pretty damn accurate
In the specs of this instrument it is pointed out far more clearly. For example, the lock indicator and the 10dB requirement. The Marconi does not have a (visible) lock indicator, so nothing led me to think that it might lock. So it's akin to the Interceptor with precise measurement. Nice.
Aaaarghh, what have you done? It's well known that I suffer from TEA!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: CJay on March 15, 2019, 12:12:06 pm
Now this 'Modulation Meter' makes sense to me. Opposed to, for example, the Marconi  TF 2304. How can a modulation meter be a untuned instrument? Modulation of what? Or is it supposed to be fed with one signal only, like a transmitter monitor? But for FM, it must still be told somehow where the carrier is!

Have a read of the Sayrosa 257 manual, it explains it all but those meters will lock to the strongest local signal up to 2 ish GHz and they are pretty damn accurate

In the specs of this instrument it is pointed out far more clearly. For example, the lock indicator and the 10dB requirement. The Marconi does not have a (visible) lock indicator, so nothing led me to think that it might lock. So it's akin to the Interceptor with precise measurement. Nice.
Aaaarghh, what have you done? It's well known that I suffer from TEA!

Yeah, sorry, not sorry.

There's a Sayrosa 257 under my bench, lovely piece of kit, which agrees very closely with the modulation analysis functions of my CMU200 for FM, it's got the extra feature of being able to deal with AM, If you've a need for modulation measurement then it's a very nice piece of kit.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PaulAm on March 15, 2019, 12:41:24 pm
Picked up an HP 8754A VNA for around $100, then found a 8501a normalizer for $35.  The dang test set cost as much as those two pieces.

Everything appears to work, although there's a little vertical instability in the display I have to track down.  Have a few more RF bits to track down to get it properly set up.

Have an RF project coming up and needed a VNA but couldn't afford 2K+ for a more modern instrument.  Without the normalizer you're supposed to mark the reference trace on the graticle with a grease pencil  :-DD
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: velik_kazakov on March 21, 2019, 12:40:20 pm
In last month I grab a Fluke 5440 for 150 GBP +30GBP shipping. Now it is on my desk repaired and working. Wait to receive Fluke 845 (ordered for 50GBP) in few days.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: 0culus on March 21, 2019, 07:23:31 pm
Picked up an HP 8754A VNA for around $100, then found a 8501a normalizer for $35.  The dang test set cost as much as those two pieces.

Everything appears to work, although there's a little vertical instability in the display I have to track down.  Have a few more RF bits to track down to get it properly set up.

Have an RF project coming up and needed a VNA but couldn't afford 2K+ for a more modern instrument.  Without the normalizer you're supposed to mark the reference trace on the graticle with a grease pencil  :-DD

Wow, that's a steal. Even if you have to sink some money into it, still a great deal.  :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Johnny10 on March 21, 2019, 07:33:34 pm
velik_kazakov   Those were good buys!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Neomys Sapiens on March 23, 2019, 12:14:34 am
Pigged out on attenuators somewhat over the last two months.
Triggered by the prospect of having to travel with the brutish cast-casing types my company owns.

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: 0culus on March 23, 2019, 12:45:04 am
Damn, 30 watts. That thing will get HOT!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: ArthurDent on March 25, 2019, 03:15:20 am
Today I picked up an Analogic AN3100 10VDC voltage standard that was listed on Facebook Marketplace for $40. I plugged it in and tested it before I bought it and it looked good. The price wasn't too bad considering the condition.  Here's a couple of photos of it connected to my fluke 8842
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: velik_kazakov on March 27, 2019, 08:00:50 am
velik_kazakov   Those were good buys!
Sure - here have some pics from restoration of both. The fluke 5440 have other repairs, but no time to write some words with pictures for the full recaping and tests after repair.
http://multizet.com/index.php/2019/03/27/fluke-845/ (http://multizet.com/index.php/2019/03/27/fluke-845/)
http://multizet.com/index.php/2019/03/15/fluke5440/ (http://multizet.com/index.php/2019/03/15/fluke5440/)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: kahuna0k on April 01, 2019, 02:11:54 am
One of the mythical <$50 scopes ... $22.50 40Mhz Hitachi. Local pickup so shipping was $0. The bezel around the screen is broken but the thing seems built like a rock. Really amazing how it is completely silent, although I suppose that you could add a passive heat sink to a modern DSO and you will still get something smaller and lighter :D

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: SoundTech-LG on April 02, 2019, 02:52:04 pm
These are usually 2-3 times the price paid. A few minutes of repair...  VOILA! Alive and well.


WooHoo!


Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on April 02, 2019, 04:11:55 pm
It's awesome you got it going - but the seller offered it to me for hundreds less  >:D >:D >:D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Martin.M on April 02, 2019, 05:28:40 pm
 8) digital System.
Title: Re: List your test equipment &quot;scores&quot; here!
Post by: kevinf on April 02, 2019, 05:47:11 pm
I sold a fluke 85 during the week and the guy mentioned he's replacing a faulty 85 (dial issue ?). I'm on the lookout for an 85 LCD and have a unit for parts so say I'll take the faulty unit as a part exchange and posted off my one.
Well the part exchange unit arrived yesterday, cleaner than the one I sold just without a battery fitted so I banged one in (all original inside with no bodges) and all the scales look good, confused I checked the fuses and input protection no issues. I then checked all the common settings and all worked fine.
 I think I just took a mint 85 as a px for a not so mint (but still fully functional) one [emoji848]

Sent from my ONEPLUS A5010 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: SoundTech-LG on April 02, 2019, 06:11:22 pm
It's awesome you got it going - but the seller offered it to me for hundreds less  >:D >:D >:D

Hundreds less than WHAT???   :blah:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ysjoelfir on April 02, 2019, 06:18:08 pm
In the last time I scored quite an amount of used (and unused) reels of SMDs which got thrown away due to the recent moving of the factory. Well, and many other stuff, but right now I am going through the SMDs, taking them off the reels and placing them into those little SMD.... holder... things.

(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1MAu5OzOccHHfyy6n8YViCWlrKt10Fhni)

Also I got this nice 19" rack on wheels (50€), as well as the 2HE Server (without HDDs obviously, 10€) and the two empty 19" cases (5€ each). A question to those: what are they called in english? In german we say "Baugruppenträger", which translates to carrier for assemblies.

(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1J1eXFPcttaqiC5lvhGx9AmuC5bBh2W1F)

Also a pretty nice score: Two of those quad high voltage PSUs (one defective and missing one channel), both together for 25€.

(https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1WS-oP6I5m49OWpm6pyO_8G4CyigsOuoe)

Not in a picture but also something which got disposed at work: An isolation transformer, 230V to 115V - 0 - 115V, whith a whopping 5kVA. Cost me only 50€ and is right now in a corner of the room until I find a suitable case to put that thing into - preferably a case with wheels, that monster is heavy!

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: HighVoltage on April 02, 2019, 06:26:28 pm
These are usually 2-3 times the price paid. A few minutes of repair...  VOILA! Alive and well.


WooHoo!
How much did the seller accept?

And great that you got it working.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Neomys Sapiens on April 02, 2019, 06:28:00 pm
as well as the 2HE Server (without HDDs obviously, 10€)

FYI: 1 HE   =   44.45 mm
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: SoundTech-LG on April 02, 2019, 06:29:37 pm
Let's wait for The Steve to tell us...  apparently he has the answer  :-DD
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: SoundTech-LG on April 02, 2019, 06:33:09 pm
wow!!!  nice iso tranny. Sounds to be a better deal than the ebay price I got on this little baby...

https://www.amazon.com/Tripp-Lite-SU5000XFMRT2U-Rackmount-Transformer/dp/B0007DGFEU/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_5?keywords=tripp+lite+5000+watt+isolation+transformer&qid=1554229869&s=gateway&sr=8-5-fkmrnull (https://www.amazon.com/Tripp-Lite-SU5000XFMRT2U-Rackmount-Transformer/dp/B0007DGFEU/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_5?keywords=tripp+lite+5000+watt+isolation+transformer&qid=1554229869&s=gateway&sr=8-5-fkmrnull)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ysjoelfir on April 02, 2019, 06:42:04 pm
as well as the 2HE Server (without HDDs obviously, 10€)

FYI: 1 HE   =   44.45 mm

I know, thanks :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on April 02, 2019, 07:07:48 pm
Let's wait for The Steve to tell us...  apparently he has the answer  :-DD

$1500.00
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Neomys Sapiens on April 02, 2019, 07:08:56 pm
as well as the 2HE Server (without HDDs obviously, 10€)

FYI: 1 HE   =   44.45 mm

I know, thanks :)
Ok, now I see it too - I thought they were thicker from the first look. :-//
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on April 02, 2019, 08:48:08 pm
Let's wait for The Steve to tell us...  apparently he has the answer  :-DD
$1500.00
That is almost half the current list price when bought new. Quite risky for a piece of equipment with a defect.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on April 02, 2019, 08:51:27 pm
Let's wait for The Steve to tell us...  apparently he has the answer  :-DD
$1500.00
That is almost half the current list price when bought new. Quite risky for a piece of equipment with a defect.

That is why I didn't buy it myself even though it was offered to me for $1200.00. I was more interested at 400-600. However I didn't want/need another one as I already have one on the bench. I have sold a perfect one before for $2200.00.
End of the day, simple fix, 100% working @ 1500 is still a great score.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: HighVoltage on April 03, 2019, 09:13:52 am
That was a good price, since the repair was easy!

It seems like really good deals are disappearing more and more probably because the field of people buying defective instruments is growing. (Not everything is good about eevblog :-DD )

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on April 03, 2019, 09:23:33 am
Luckily i already have a decent collection of gear for personal use.

Also once you have enough old gear you still get to indulge in repairs without even buying broken old crap because eventually your own gear starts to break and need fixing.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on April 03, 2019, 10:10:57 am
Well...
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on April 03, 2019, 01:19:26 pm
Trap for young players (and me...)

Showing back and side towards the front...
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on April 03, 2019, 02:17:03 pm
(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=695184;image)

... and a stack of modules for those 70004's

But that's for another day.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nfmax on April 03, 2019, 04:13:19 pm
Also I got this nice 19" rack on wheels (50€), as well as the 2HE Server (without HDDs obviously, 10€) and the two empty 19" cases (5€ each). A question to those: what are they called in english? In german we say "Baugruppenträger", which translates to carrier for assemblies.

We used to call them 'subracks' back in the day
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on April 03, 2019, 07:19:38 pm
That was a good price, since the repair was easy!

It seems like really good deals are disappearing more and more probably because the field of people buying defective instruments is growing. (Not everything is good about eevblog :-DD )

It's even worse if a repair is shown on xdevs.com
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: HighVoltage on April 03, 2019, 07:46:04 pm
That was a good price, since the repair was easy!

It seems like really good deals are disappearing more and more probably because the field of people buying defective instruments is growing. (Not everything is good about eevblog :-DD )

It's even worse if a repair is shown on xdevs.com

Very true...
Sometimes broken Keithley gear sells for almost as much as the same instrument in working condition.
At least here in Europe.
I am glad, I started years ago with this addiction and the shelfs are filled up.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: SoundTech-LG on April 03, 2019, 08:36:42 pm
My old one (53230A) will most likely be up for sale in that same <$2k range as well...
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TERRA Operative on April 04, 2019, 01:32:08 am
Got myself a HP 3325A in working condition for 13000 yen ($120).

Needs a new fan and I'll probably replace a few capacitors for fun, but it works fine now I plugged in a few dislodged cables inside. Easy fix! :D


I can't have things be that easy, so I reckon I'll have a go at making my own 'Option 002 - High Voltage Output' board to give me 0-40v output on the 0-1MHz range.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: SoundTech-LG on April 05, 2019, 08:26:14 pm
I have a spare (parts mule) that just needs a few switches on the front panel replaced. It might even have the HV option in it.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: 0culus on April 06, 2019, 01:18:10 am
Nice grab! I like my 3325B but I wish it had the old style keys like the A model. Mine had the high voltage option retrofitted to it. If you do add it, just be really careful connecting it to sensitive things like oscilloscopes with 50 ohm impedance selected. It WILL blow it up if you got the wrong settings accidentally. The instrument preset button is a good safety net; it will set the output to 1000 KHz, -56.02 dBm.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TERRA Operative on April 06, 2019, 12:22:56 pm
Oooh, can you guys take a peek and if you do hae the HV option, can you take a few photos of both sides of the PCB and wiring? :)

And, yep, I'm already feeling a bit wary of that HV output hitting my scope.
I do have a Tek TDS210 and the inputs on that are good for 300v, but I can't say the same for my frequency counters, or the circuits I end up hooking it up to. :D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: 0culus on April 06, 2019, 06:24:10 pm
I can't do it this weekend, but I can probably get you some pics next week.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Jay_Diddy_B on April 07, 2019, 02:05:41 am
Hi group,

I know that the HV option for the HP3325A can be cloned. Here are a couple of pictures of my clone:

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=698280;image)

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=698286;image)


I did this several computers ago. I had a look for the files and I couldn't find them.

(We should probably make a separate thread?)

Regards,

Jay_Diddy_B
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TERRA Operative on April 07, 2019, 02:25:27 am
Yeah, let's make a thread.
I am starting to cross reference all the silicon now.

I'm just picking up my new car this afternoon, but I'll share what I have so far later today.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Jay_Diddy_B on April 07, 2019, 02:26:20 am
Hi,

I remember how I did the cloning. I entered the schematic into a CAD system. I then used the picture of the board in the service manual to place all the components in the same place as HP did. I then used the net list to figure out where to put the tracks.

I can remember having to use different phono (RCA) jacks than the original.


I have attached the section from the manual. I have an original paper manual. I think I  worked from the paper version.

I have started a new thread:

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/cloning-the-hp3325a-option-002-hv-output/new/#new (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/cloning-the-hp3325a-option-002-hv-output/new/#new)


Regards,
Jay_Diddy_B
Title: Rohde & Schwarz SML03 Signal Generator
Post by: BravoV on April 07, 2019, 07:13:50 pm
So sick & bored of my DIY 555 based signal generator for decades, got a better alternative now.  :-DD

An used R&S SML03 Sig-gen.  :P
Title: Re: Rohde & Schwarz SML03 Signal Generator
Post by: bitseeker on April 07, 2019, 10:52:32 pm
So sick & bored of my DIY 555 based signal generator for decades, got a better alternative now.  :-DD

An used R&S SML03 Sig-gen.  :P

Nice score! Let me know when you get sick & bored with it. :-DD
Title: Re: Rohde & Schwarz SML03 Signal Generator
Post by: Berni on April 08, 2019, 05:43:50 am
So sick & bored of my DIY 555 based signal generator for decades, got a better alternative now.  :-DD

An used R&S SML03 Sig-gen.  :P

As a 555 timer replacement i still like my old HP 8082A
http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/usedequipment/hewlettpackard/signalgenerators/8082a.htm (http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/usedequipment/hewlettpackard/signalgenerators/8082a.htm)

Essentially a digital output signal generator with an adjustable voltage level and rise/fall time. It has a impressive minimum rise time of under 1ns letting it generate perfectly clean and sharp 100MHz square waves.

Its kinda big for what it does, but its very nice for when you just want to quickly generate a clock or toggle something digital. The UI consisting of nothing but real clunking multiposition switches is also a joy to use.
Title: Re: List your test equipment &quot;scores&quot; here!
Post by: Famine on April 08, 2019, 06:20:08 am
I've had a spot of luck with fluke gear lately, wish it would catch on with other gear.

Fluke 725 Lot $380 USD
725
5kpsi module
Pump
Pelican case

Fluke 87v Lot $375 USD
3x 87v
3x tpak
3x semi complete sure grip accessory

Fluke 789 $100 USD
Kind of got taken on this one.

Listed as good condition but the Internal battery tab fingers broken so they soldered wires from the tabs to the pads.

selector knob and top case had junk between them that wore out both pieces of plastic.

Fluke 423A 0-3KV supply $45 USD

Fluke 1507 $60 USD

Fluke 179 $90 USD



Sent from my SM-G955W using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Rohde & Schwarz SML03 Signal Generator
Post by: BravoV on April 08, 2019, 08:35:29 am
So sick & bored of my DIY 555 based signal generator for decades, got a better alternative now.  :-DD

An used R&S SML03 Sig-gen.  :P

As a 555 timer replacement i still like my old HP 8082A
http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/usedequipment/hewlettpackard/signalgenerators/8082a.htm (http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/usedequipment/hewlettpackard/signalgenerators/8082a.htm)

Essentially a digital output signal generator with an adjustable voltage level and rise/fall time. It has a impressive minimum rise time of under 1ns letting it generate perfectly clean and sharp 100MHz square waves.

Its kinda big for what it does, but its very nice for when you just want to quickly generate a clock or toggle something digital. The UI consisting of nothing but real clunking multiposition switches is also a joy to use.

Damn, you did it again, don't tease me please.  :palm:

Too bad mine is plain vanilla version with no option installed, actually this R&S SML sig-gen series has an option that can do pulse generation & modulation, spec attached below.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on April 08, 2019, 09:29:59 am
There is always more test gear to be had on the used market  >:D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: beanflying on April 17, 2019, 10:30:13 am
Added some slightly more serious Linear oomph to the bench with this 22kg beasty. Aussie made and tough as old boots. 35V @ 5A x 2. My couple of beefy SMPS can go back to just R/C use. $100 AU pesos plus 1/2 a truckload of $ for freight or maybe a 5 hour round trip to pick it up.

(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/8poAAOSwZVpcrcE3/s-l1600.jpg)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: rastro on April 17, 2019, 12:51:25 pm
I like the dual suitcase handles.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: beanflying on April 17, 2019, 03:15:40 pm
The handles  were always strange on them you finish up with 22kg sitting under the belt line :o These and the matching era Scopes by the same local manufacturer were standard Secondary School gear 30-40+ years ago.

Added a slightly random (for most) bit of test gear to my collection as well at $20 AU pesos with postage. Impressive specs over my cheap one I have had for years for outdoor R/C flying use. Far more useful and accurate for low speed airflow in industrial work.

(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/t~AAAOSwSk9clLWz/s-l1600.jpg)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: markav2 on April 18, 2019, 01:46:35 pm
A few days ago I hit the mother load of equipment at auction. Paid a total of $205 for all listen equipment.

Fluke 45 Dual Display Multimeter $37
Hewlett Packard 66332A Dynamic Measurement DC Source $14
Agilent Technologies E3632A DC Power Supply $110
Kikusui PAB 18-1A Regulated DC Power Supply $7
HP 6825A Bipolar Power Supply/Amplifier Calibration:7/16/2013  $18.50
HP E3615A DC Power Supply, 0-20V, 0-3A; Calibration: 2/18/2000 $18.50

None of it was listed as nonworking so hopefully, when I'm able to get it in a home shop and do some testing it will all be good.

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Neomys Sapiens on April 18, 2019, 04:23:00 pm
A few days ago I hit the mother load of equipment at auction. Paid a total of $205 for all listen equipment.

Fluke 45 Dual Display Multimeter $37
Hewlett Packard 66332A Dynamic Measurement DC Source $14
Agilent Technologies E3632A DC Power Supply $110
Kikusui PAB 18-1A Regulated DC Power Supply $7
HP 6825A Bipolar Power Supply/Amplifier Calibration:7/16/2013  $18.50
HP E3615A DC Power Supply, 0-20V, 0-3A; Calibration: 2/18/2000 $18.50

None of it was listed as nonworking so hopefully, when I'm able to get it in a home shop and do some testing it will all be good.
Especially the second and the second-last leave me speechless.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on April 18, 2019, 09:42:50 pm
 :o
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: innkeeper on April 19, 2019, 12:12:01 am
Been so long since I posted my acquisitions, I'll have to trickle them out as I use them.

The current one I am cleaning up ... Tektronix 576 Curve Tracer :)

if anyone has tricks for removing that blob of aged epoxy off the aluminum, let me know

(http://i.imgur.com/mZWT1Gtl.jpg) (https://imgur.com/mZWT1Gt)

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: shakalnokturn on April 19, 2019, 12:43:05 am
Philips PM 3214
Hameg HM 203-6
Beckman industrial 9016

The lot for 50€, they all need repair and cleaning.

The PM 3214 has had a quick power-on so far, not looking too bad overall, but after a 5 min warm the traces loose intensity, the H.V. sags (trace length diminishes) this gets worse by turning the graticule illumination up.
I was hoping for a bad C203, that seems OK in circuit, the pottings looks atrocious, so now I'm starting to dread a leaky transformer or H.V. multiplier. Will have to make some measurements.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: GregDunn on April 19, 2019, 05:39:57 am
Been so long since I posted my acquisitions, I'll have to trickle them out as I use them.

The current one I am cleaning up ... Tektronix 576 Curve Tracer :)

if anyone has tricks for removing that blob of aged epoxy off the aluminum, let me know

Many kinds of epoxy will literally crumble to pieces when subjected to soldering iron temperature.  I had a circuit board on which someone had dropped an ugly blob of epoxy - which incidentally was covering up a couple of components.  I used a normal sized soldering gun with a thin spade tip and gently scraped it away.  At a high enough temperature the epoxy just fell apart; by being gentle, I was able to remove nearly all of it without damaging the board or components.  Yours being aluminum, it ought to be possible to get all the blob off pretty readily; I had to be careful with the glass-fiber board itself.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: 0culus on April 19, 2019, 08:24:33 pm
Tek 7904A with a 7A26, 7A19, 7B15 (hey might as well start getting stuff for a 7104  >:D ) and a 7B92A. I've got a few more plugins coming.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Neomys Sapiens on April 19, 2019, 10:33:01 pm
Tek 7904A with a 7A26, 7A19, 7B15 (hey might as well start getting stuff for a 7104  >:D ) and a 7B92A. I've got a few more plugins coming.
Do you intend to buy this strange comparator plugin? Please do, and then tell me for what it is useful really!
In this case a Tek document just managed to cause a capital WTF moment in me.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: 0culus on April 19, 2019, 11:02:00 pm
Tek 7904A with a 7A26, 7A19, 7B15 (hey might as well start getting stuff for a 7104  >:D ) and a 7B92A. I've got a few more plugins coming.
Do you intend to buy this strange comparator plugin? Please do, and then tell me for what it is useful really!
In this case a Tek document just managed to cause a capital WTF moment in me.

Which one are you talking about? Among the other plugins I'm going to be getting is another 7A26 dual trace amplifier. The 7A19 is a 600 MHz 50 ohm amplifier designed for reaching the rated bandwidth of the 7904A (500 MHz).
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Neomys Sapiens on April 20, 2019, 02:34:26 am
Tek 7904A with a 7A26, 7A19, 7B15 (hey might as well start getting stuff for a 7104  >:D ) and a 7B92A. I've got a few more plugins coming.
Do you intend to buy this strange comparator plugin? Please do, and then tell me for what it is useful really!
In this case a Tek document just managed to cause a capital WTF moment in me.

Which one are you talking about? Among the other plugins I'm going to be getting is another 7A26 dual trace amplifier. The 7A19 is a 600 MHz 50 ohm amplifier designed for reaching the rated bandwidth of the 7904A (500 MHz).
I was referring to the 7A13 differential comparator plugin.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: 0culus on April 20, 2019, 02:42:02 am
Ah. I think there is one in the box of plugins the fellow is sending me. No experience with it yet.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Neomys Sapiens on April 20, 2019, 02:49:06 am
Ah. I think there is one in the box of plugins the fellow is sending me. No experience with it yet.
When I read the app note for it, it seemed very drawn by the hairs to me. I could not see where the real purpose of the thing is.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: 0culus on April 20, 2019, 02:53:07 am
I'll let you know what I find once I have one...in the meantime, just for grins I tried pushing the 7A19 and 7B15 a little. While the 7B15 is really intended to go with a 7B10 in a 7104 mcp CRT scope, it works quite nicely and I was able to get a stable trigger at 1.1 GHz. Beyond that the frequency response of the 7A19 (rated at 600 MHz) drops off precipitously to nothing.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on April 20, 2019, 08:11:14 am
Now that is a pretty darn fast analog scope.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: siggi on April 20, 2019, 07:31:16 pm
When I read the app note for it, it seemed very drawn by the hairs to me. I could not see where the real purpose of the thing is.
It's a differential amplifier with decent bandwidth and a nice common mode range. At 1mV/DIV it'll cope with +-10V common mode, which comes out to 10000 DIV common mode.
You can also used it as a single-ended input amp with a massive offset. You could e.g. look at a 3.3V rail with DC coupling at 1mV/DIV in 100MHz bandwidth.
You'd be able to see minute ripple, but also slow "DC" drift, which you wouldn't be able to see with AC coupling.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Neomys Sapiens on April 20, 2019, 07:37:18 pm
When I read the app note for it, it seemed very drawn by the hairs to me. I could not see where the real purpose of the thing is.
It's a differential amplifier with decent bandwidth and a nice common mode range. At 1mV/DIV it'll cope with +-10V common mode, which comes out to 10000 DIV common mode.
You can also used it as a single-ended input amp with a massive offset. You could e.g. look at a 3.3V rail with DC coupling at 1mV/DIV in 100MHz bandwidth.
You'd be able to see minute ripple, but also slow "DC" drift, which you wouldn't be able to see with AC coupling.
So there is no threshold or switching involved - the 10-turns or digital adjustment is just for the offset?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: siggi on April 20, 2019, 07:40:50 pm
So there is no threshold or switching involved - the 10-turns or digital adjustment is just for the offset?

Yups - essentially you get to dial in a voltage and use it as input to either of the differential inputs, or you can both inputs for a differential measurement.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: eemil84 on April 20, 2019, 08:52:09 pm
I got this HP54645A Oscilloscope for 45 euros from our uni. Last calibrated in '09 but seems accurate enough.
Made in 1996 in USA. It has 2 channels, negazoom and a sharp CRT tube.
It was "Broken". I just needed to clean the keys and glue one pcb in and it worked like new. I modded an usb port to it(sorry)
And I got a Hameg 20Mhz analog scope for free. from the 80's. Made in West Germany. I opened it up and it was in top notch condition. Nothing has leaked or broken. German engineering!  :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: ArthurDent on April 22, 2019, 03:06:23 pm
This may not be a big score but I went to a ham fleamarket a couple of days ago. It was much smaller than I had hoped but there was one seller there who had, along with other goodies, several small SMPSs, most were new and still wrapped. I asked how much and he said $1 each so I just grabbed them all, not even checking their ratings. A lot of equipment uses small power supplies like this and sometimes it's easier to replace than to try to repair.

I was a little surprised when I opened one and saw the brand name. I'll have to check it out to see if it really meets specs!  8)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: kj7e on April 22, 2019, 03:19:44 pm
This may not be a big score but I went to a ham fleamarket a couple of days ago. It was much smaller than I had hoped but there was one seller there who had, along with other goodies, several small SMPSs, most were new and still wrapped. I asked how much and he said $1 each so I just grabbed them all, not even checking their ratings. A lot of equipment uses small power supplies like this and sometimes it's easier to replace than to try to repair.

I was a little surprised when I opened one and saw the brand name. I'll have to check it out to see if it really meets specs!  8)

I bet it has tremendous specs and its really great!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Neomys Sapiens on April 22, 2019, 05:36:37 pm
This may not be a big score but I went to a ham fleamarket a couple of days ago. It was much smaller than I had hoped but there was one seller there who had, along with other goodies, several small SMPSs, most were new and still wrapped. I asked how much and he said $1 each so I just grabbed them all, not even checking their ratings. A lot of equipment uses small power supplies like this and sometimes it's easier to replace than to try to repair.

I was a little surprised when I opened one and saw the brand name. I'll have to check it out to see if it really meets specs!  8)
Check twice. At least. And put the test records in a place where they can't reach them.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on April 22, 2019, 06:18:35 pm
Wow, that's a good source for lots of jokes. :-DD
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: shakalnokturn on April 23, 2019, 12:22:27 pm
Americanized Wun Hung Lo.... :bullshit:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Neomys Sapiens on April 23, 2019, 09:49:37 pm
Americanized Wun Hung Lo.... :bullshit:
Should they ever go bust, they can reform under the name 'Wun Hung Hai'.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xrunner on April 24, 2019, 03:09:02 am
Trumpower?

Obviously way overrated for their performance.  :-DD
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: mikron on April 24, 2019, 05:05:56 am
Adequate labelling on a part that is known for bloating and releasing an aggressive smear while heating up and losing its capacity...
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: beanflying on April 24, 2019, 05:22:23 am
Do the Caps release Orange smoke when placed under pressure and vent?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: mikron on April 24, 2019, 07:09:30 am
Trumpower?

Obviously way overrated for their performance.  :-DD


If that unit does not perform up to spec and the parts surrounding the big guy overheat and need to be replaced all the time, it may be due to bad design. Better replace it before it causes too much trouble. Good alternatives are readily available.
Whatever you do: Don't forget to discharge that fat "Trumpower" component before you touch it. Otherwise it might kill you.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Neomys Sapiens on April 24, 2019, 11:57:25 pm
Cannot keep those multimeters from multiplying!
Aquired a Gossen Mavo30 for a shabby 25.50€. If it works, it will be submitted for calibration with the next batch of company gear. ;D
I will then tell more about it under the 'show your multimeter' thread.

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: shakalnokturn on April 25, 2019, 08:28:38 am
Cannot keep those multimeters from multiplying!
Aquired a Gossen Mavo30 for a shabby 25.50€. If it works, it will be submitted for calibration with the next batch of company gear. ;D
I will then tell more about it under the 'show your multimeter' thread.

Nice! Correct me if I'm wrong but I think there are at least 2 rebrands of this model, one being Siemens, the other I have lost for now.
Who actually designed these?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Neomys Sapiens on April 25, 2019, 09:58:53 pm
Cannot keep those multimeters from multiplying!
Aquired a Gossen Mavo30 for a shabby 25.50€. If it works, it will be submitted for calibration with the next batch of company gear. ;D
I will then tell more about it under the 'show your multimeter' thread.

Nice! Correct me if I'm wrong but I think there are at least 2 rebrands of this model, one being Siemens, the other I have lost for now.
Who actually designed these?
The third brand is Norma from Vienna/Austria. There it was called Normameter MP13, while it 's lesser siblings were the MP11/MP12 and the top model MP14. At Siemens, it was the B1022 (and 1020/1021/1024). At least I think now that the Mavo30 equates to the MP13. I'm really after the B1024 due to a unique feature. But I am not sure yet.
Should that be the case, I have already a taker.
Who actually designed those is a bit puzzling.
The earlier line of Siemens handheld digital multimeters also had their Norma equivalents. The Norma which is equivalent to the B1010 (with phase rotation, min/max, type K temperature and 30A) is called D1218. I wrote about it in the 'show your multimeter' thread. Interestingly, there is NO Norma version of the ingenious analogue Multizet A1000 (same post). Also, the earlier class 1 Siemens instruments (Multizet S, T, etc) are not found in Norma guise. The earlier Siemens VMG3eff is the Norma digEff. It is a RMS capable multimeter (among the very first) looking like a miniature desk multimeter. The battery pack is exchangeable for a mains power module.
The Siemens VMG1 analogue mm is the equivalent to the 'Normatest' (queer simple/passive meter oriented sideways, but with an interesting lock for the instrument).
Same holds true for the Siemens desk multimeters up to the 5.5digit, IEC bus model with VF display.
Now it gets even more strange: where high quality analogue instruments are concerned, Norma obviously cooperated with Metrawatt. There are Norma versions of the large Unigor instrument, but here a Unigor 3N is a Unigor 3N.  There has to be a connection with Goerz (of Goerz Metrawatt) also being in Vienna.
Now to make it completely unresolvable, earlier on there were instruments which appear both under the Goerz brand and under Hartmann&Braun designations. Later H&B instruments are not seen under any other name.
 :scared:  :-//
So, I can't tell you but I am interested very much myself in the question who of the geman speaking area multimeter brands/manufacturers was in bed with whom at which time.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: MadTux on April 26, 2019, 03:52:01 pm
Which one are you talking about? Among the other plugins I'm going to be getting is another 7A26 dual trace amplifier. The 7A19 is a 600 MHz 50 ohm amplifier designed for reaching the rated bandwidth of the 7904A (500 MHz).
I was referring to the 7A13 differential comparator plugin.
New LED display version of 7A13 is one of the best general purpose plugins for 7000 scopes. Has often dodgy relays inside that are difficult to replace, however.
 It's like a 4digit DVM coupled with scope display, if one side of the differential amplifier is fed from internal voltage source with LED display. Great for checking power rails.
Or it can be used as a differential amplifier with both probes connected to DUT. Great to measure things like current or some signal with large voltage offset.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Neomys Sapiens on April 26, 2019, 09:06:04 pm
Which one are you talking about? Among the other plugins I'm going to be getting is another 7A26 dual trace amplifier. The 7A19 is a 600 MHz 50 ohm amplifier designed for reaching the rated bandwidth of the 7904A (500 MHz).
I was referring to the 7A13 differential comparator plugin.
New LED display version of 7A13 is one of the best general purpose plugins for 7000 scopes. Has often dodgy relays inside that are difficult to replace, however.
 It's like a 4digit DVM coupled with scope display, if one side of the differential amplifier is fed from internal voltage source with LED display. Great for checking power rails.
Or it can be used as a differential amplifier with both probes connected to DUT. Great to measure things like current or some signal with large voltage offset.
It's clear to me now. I was mentally led astray by the designation as a comparator. So I expected it to act like a variable threshold input, the output of which would be a digital signal on the scope. Then I wondered why someone would want that.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: med6753 on April 27, 2019, 09:33:39 am
This has already been posted in the TEA thread but I guess I'll toss it in here too because it is a true "score"

Tek 7904 with 7A24, 7A26, and 2 - 7B80. All for $100 USD. Caveat is that the 7904 doesn't power up but it's the famous "tick-tick" of the switch mode supply trying to come up. Should be an easy fix.

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/924/pKvht5.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/popKvht5j)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: rastro on April 27, 2019, 02:14:46 pm
This has already been posted in the TEA thread but I guess I'll toss it in here too because it is a true "score"

That is an extremely clean looking unit - must have been kept in a lab environment and well cared for. 
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Neomys Sapiens on April 27, 2019, 03:24:37 pm
On the first look this does not seem to be TE related, but I did make a cheap catch at 20€ for this assortment of crimp contacts for various Mil connectors. Most are 26482 and 38999 luckily, where I'm fully equipped with tooling.

TE related it is, because a lot of them will go into the production of adaptors, so that I do not have to sell someones organs because POMONA.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Neomys Sapiens on April 27, 2019, 08:47:16 pm
And Shakalnokturn did just prove that I was wrong. The one I'm after is not the B1024, but the B1023.
So we have the following Designations:
1st Series
B1020 (no buttons - no additional functions, no RMS) Gossen: ????, Norma: ????
B1021 (8 buttons - Hold, MinMax, manual range, RMS?) Gossen: MAVO20, Norma: MP12
B1022 (15 buttons - as above, +dB, Limits, frequency and type K temp., RMS) Gossen: MAVO30, Norma: MP13
B1023 (15 buttons - as above, + time recording, RMS) Gossen: ????, Norma: MP14

The B1022 and the B1023 are distinguishable by the second pushbutton from the right in the lowest row, which is only +/- on the 1022 and has a shift function 'Time' on the B1023) And 'Time' does not mean merely elapsed time, but you can set a RTC and any min/max event or limit violation will be recorded with the time of occurrence.
THAT is the function I'm after. And now we know that I don't get it with the MAVO30. :( :(

then came a second series in the same form factor:
B1024, which has 4 pushbuttons and no current range, but a special range for current clamps with voltage output. It could also do temperature by PT100 and AC voltage with 1kOhm/V.
B1025, which has 6 pushbuttons, normal current ranges and all of the above plus min/max, and a range for current clamps with current output.
B1026, with 7 pushbuttons, RMS, all of the above + frequency, capacitance and a backlight.
B1027, which I do not know
B1028, with 11 pushbuttons, TRMS, all of the above, plus relative, limits and a zoom function for the bargraph.

I do not know, whether there were Norma/Gossen equivalents to those later ones. There is a Norma DMM950 with the same form factor, which has 12 PB. Here is some additional info:
https://sigrok.org/wiki/Norma_DM950
but that can't be totally correct regarding the equivalencies.
Remarks:
The first series was listed in the Siemens catalogue of 1987, together with the new analogue/digital hybrid B1012.
The Gossen models were all BEFORE Gossen did go together with Metrawatt.
The later series is often seen with a rubber protector, the earlier ones not.

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TERRA Operative on April 28, 2019, 01:53:12 pm
Just nabbed two more boat anchors from Yahoo Auctions.

A HP 4140B pA Meter/DC Voltage Source just because it looked interesting, and a HP 3325A with options 001 (Ovenised Oscillator) and 002 (High Voltage output).

(Photos from the auction listings)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Neomys Sapiens on April 28, 2019, 08:11:05 pm
And the catch of the day is this Swiss-made E12 resistor sustitution box (not a 'decade' in the proper sense, but going to be useful anyway.) Especially as they claim it to be 2W and 0.5%.
Sadly, I missed out on a Tektronix differential preamp.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: 0culus on April 29, 2019, 01:33:19 am
After a bit of a kerfluffle with FedEx delivering it to the wrong house, a very nice HP 1727A storage oscilloscope. Had a chance to exercise it and everything appears to be in excellent working order. In the pouch is the print operating and service manual and user's guide too!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: 0culus on May 03, 2019, 04:26:09 am
Two consecutive TEA posts  :-DD

53310 Modulation Domain Analyzer purchased from kj7e.  :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: HighVoltage on May 03, 2019, 10:06:19 am
And the catch of the day is this Swiss-made E12 resistor sustitution box (not a 'decade' in the proper sense, but going to be useful anyway.) Especially as they claim it to be 2W and 0.5%.
Sadly, I missed out on a Tektronix differential preamp.
I saw that one on ebay and forgot to bid!
You got lucky with a good price for a good item, it seems
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: FuzzyOnion on May 03, 2019, 02:17:03 pm
I found a nice HP 438A power meter - refurbished and calibrated for US $115.  Now, if I could find a similar deal for those 84XX power sensors.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xwarp on May 03, 2019, 10:42:13 pm
I found a nice HP 438A power meter - refurbished and calibrated for US $115.  Now, if I could find a similar deal for those 84XX power sensors.

No kidding!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: syau on May 04, 2019, 04:56:52 am
Two consecutive TEA posts  :-DD

53310 Modulation Domain Analyzer purchased from kj7e.  :-+

Got infected by kj7e  :palm:
Will do a re-cap later, thanks kj7e for the cap listing  :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xwarp on May 04, 2019, 02:41:44 pm
Picked up an 8558b spec/an for $80 bucks. The fingers on the switches need repair, but otherwise a very clean unit. Don't hold your breath for immediate repair postings, this one is going on the "to do" shelf for a while.
Title: Fluke 80K-40 HV 40kV Probe
Post by: BravoV on May 05, 2019, 07:50:16 am
Probably NOS but not boxed, stored unused for years, a pristine condition Fluke High Voltage Probe (40kV) 80K-40.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Neomys Sapiens on May 08, 2019, 01:08:40 am
Oh well...some adaptors - and proper ones, so some crappy ones can be shed or relegated to the reserves.
And some splitter/combiners, with a frequency doubler coming as 'bycatch'. Only MiniCircuits, so no reason to be envious. ;)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TERRA Operative on May 11, 2019, 03:42:53 pm
More HP junk.....

Won an auction on a 4145A Semiconductor Parameter Analyzer with a 7475A pen plotter for 3700yen. (Photo is from the auction).

Both should provide hours of entertainment to restore.  :-BROKE  :-/O I'll have to figure out a measurement jig for the analyzer, or buy the official one from somewhere.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on May 11, 2019, 04:01:45 pm
Wow, that's quite a score. Less than US$35. :o

A month or so ago, I saw that you can still get pens for these plotters. I haven't tried any, yet.

Funny that someone substituted a black Teac floppy drive in the analyzer.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TERRA Operative on May 12, 2019, 02:34:05 am
Wow, that's quite a score. Less than US$35. :o

A month or so ago, I saw that you can still get pens for these plotters. I haven't tried any, yet.

Funny that someone substituted a black Teac floppy drive in the analyzer.

Yeah, should be fun to play with.
NOS pens are still available at good prices on ebay, so I'll probably pick up a set of colours soon.
Also, I plan to replace the disk drive with an SD Card emulator. I also saw a colour LCD display replacement, but at $400 a pop, they are a little too pricey....

I also have a Tek 577-177 curve tracer, to restore, so I'll have to decide on which to keep... The minister of finance is eyeing off the resale value of them. :D


We have a Sony-Tektronix 371 curve tracer. Absolute beast, and impossible to kill.

Dead mechanical switches? No worries, just replace with a new one.

Dead front panel? No problems, GPIB+LabView solves it.

Dead fixtures? Not a thing. We made our own Kelvin fixtures.

I'm building a higher voltage one to replace it, but before that, it remains to be its own legend.

I see those pop up on Yahoo Japan every now and then, one sold just the other week. They still sell for around $2k though..
Being able to get the data out via the disk drive is a handy feature though.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: artag on May 12, 2019, 01:22:57 pm
TIB a boxful of random bits from an auction. £50.
I bid on it because there was a national instruments gpib-usb-hs adapter, so that was a win to start with.
But I also discovered :
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Neomys Sapiens on May 17, 2019, 04:58:03 pm
And the catch of the day is this Swiss-made E12 resistor sustitution box (not a 'decade' in the proper sense, but going to be useful anyway.) Especially as they claim it to be 2W and 0.5%.
Sadly, I missed out on a Tektronix differential preamp.
This box just came in. Unbelievable how flat that thing is - the box is just 20mm high! The large and comfortable knob adds about the same. The switch positions are crisp and totally aligned with the panel marks. I like it already.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TERRA Operative on May 19, 2019, 04:03:11 pm
Just bought a Philips PM5518-TX colour TV pattern generator today for just under 3000yen.
I've already got one of these but it is missing the RGB-output option, which this new one has.
The new one is in a little more worn condition, so I'll make one good one with all the features from the two, and the other will be sold in working condition.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on May 19, 2019, 08:36:58 pm
That's quite a score. You're on a roll!

So, in the age of digital TV, what will you be using this for? I've been wondering for a while and now can ask someone who owns one (well, two).
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: 0culus on May 19, 2019, 08:49:05 pm
Useful for people who like to restore old TVs.


Couple of guys I sub to on youtube who I've seen using analog TV signal/pattern generators:

https://www.youtube.com/user/shango066 (https://www.youtube.com/user/shango066)
https://www.youtube.com/user/bandersentv (https://www.youtube.com/user/bandersentv)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: 0culus on May 19, 2019, 08:53:34 pm
I guess I should share my latest "scores" here as well.

1) Lucent RFTG frequency references, both OCXO (left) and rubidium (right). It's designed to fail over to the rubidium standard if GPS lock is lost for any reason. I need to find a suitable power supply for it as well as perform the relatively simple mod to get 10 MHz ref out directly on the front panel (old telecom stuff like AMPS, which is one place this might have been used, uses 15 MHz apparently).

2) HP 8405A Vector Voltmeter. Absolutely pristine condition. Came with a nearly complete and hard to find probe accessory kit. Probes are not burned up. Paper manual and schematics too! This is a direct predecessor to the first network analyzers HP made, and can be used for a lot of similar tasks up to 1 GHz.

3) HP 8640B sig gen. Also in amazing condition, fully functional front panel. Has Opt 002 (512-1024 MHz output with reduced RF power). Also came with manuals.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TERRA Operative on May 20, 2019, 12:24:51 am
That's quite a score. You're on a roll!

So, in the age of digital TV, what will you be using this for? I've been wondering for a while and now can ask someone who owns one (well, two).
Useful for people who like to restore old TVs.

Yeah, I like to collect old CRT's (small ones, like from portable TV's, camcorder viewfinders, etc) so I use this sig gen to test and align them.

I want the RGB output option so I can find and test direct RGB input into the colour CRT's I have, then my plan is to use one of those ebay HDMI or VGA to RGB converter boxes to convert old mini colour CRTs to HDMI/VGA/etc.
Will make for nice raspi screens for retropi or custom retro monitors for vintage PC's.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: 0culus on May 20, 2019, 12:42:04 am
In some parts of the US, there are actually still low power analog TV stations hanging on (definitely not mainstream networks though). Other than that, gotta have one of those converter boxes handy if you want to actually use the damn thing.  :-DD
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on May 20, 2019, 02:31:38 am
That's quite a score. You're on a roll!

So, in the age of digital TV, what will you be using this for? I've been wondering for a while and now can ask someone who owns one (well, two).
Useful for people who like to restore old TVs.

Yeah, I like to collect old CRT's (small ones, like from portable TV's, camcorder viewfinders, etc) so I use this sig gen to test and align them.

I want the RGB output option so I can find and test direct RGB input into the colour CRT's I have, then my plan is to use one of those ebay HDMI or VGA to RGB converter boxes to convert old mini colour CRTs to HDMI/VGA/etc.
Will make for nice raspi screens for retropi or custom retro monitors for vintage PC's.

Makes sense. Thanks, guys. I only have two CRT TV's left. When they need alignment, I'll know what to get.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: shakalnokturn on May 21, 2019, 11:58:27 pm
Some T.E. bought over the last months, which are scores?

Metrix MX240 clamp meter 60€ posted.
ECOM Ex-DM 1000 multimeter 45€ posted.
Fug lab supply 75€ posted.
Metra Hit 28S multimeter 150€ picked-up.
A couple of HM203-7 scopes needing repair.

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Neomys Sapiens on May 22, 2019, 12:51:47 am
Some T.E. bought over the last months, which are scores?

Metrix MX240 clamp meter 60€ posted.
ECOM Ex-DM 1000 multimeter 45€ posted.
Fug lab supply 75€ posted.
Metra Hit 28S multimeter 150€ picked-up.
A couple of HM203-7 scopes needing repair.
That FUG power supply is a nice catch.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Illusionist on May 26, 2019, 08:15:54 pm
1. New pair of LeCroy PP008 500MHz probes: £70
2. Stuart CB302 Hotplate/Stirrer: £36

The probes are for my new, unlocked SDS1104X-E.
I know the hotplate isn't really test gear, but it'll make a great preheat/reflow hotplate. Max temperature is 450 C. It was cheap because the stirrer doesn't work. It soon will though  8)

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: markav2 on May 29, 2019, 11:44:03 pm
Another good deal at auction today, driving to Indianapolis tomorrow to pick them up.

2 WaveTek 172B Signal source $25 ea.
1 Novex 3540 power supply $70
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: siggi on May 31, 2019, 09:48:37 pm
Power Designs 5020 for $107.50, though shipping was a bear. The thing outputs 7mV high across the range - what a disappointment ;D.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PaulAm on May 31, 2019, 10:26:22 pm
HP 8502A R/T test set for my 8754a VNA for the cost of shipping.  That was extremely lucky.

Now if only I could find an 8748A S parameter set that was less than your first born.  Why are those things so expensive?  This is a manual VNA that's been obsolete for decades.  Grease pencils anyone?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: sorenkir on June 06, 2019, 03:01:18 pm
BK Precision 2712 40000 count DMM for 30€ delivered (still 1 available on eB.. France).
PCB photo added there:
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/bk-precision-2712-dmm/msg2466324/#msg2466324 (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/bk-precision-2712-dmm/msg2466324/#msg2466324)
Michel.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on June 11, 2019, 09:03:24 am
So, uh....
(http://www.ftrnf.com/EEVBLOG/Stack.jpg)
19"Power (about 13kW of it..)
(http://www.ftrnf.com/EEVBLOG/Power.jpg)
2 Channel SDA. Stacked three high, that means 6 channel. Riggght?
(http://www.ftrnf.com/EEVBLOG/VNA.jpg)
Need BW?
(http://www.ftrnf.com/EEVBLOG/BW.jpg)
Do you need a probe with that order, Sir?
(http://www.ftrnf.com/EEVBLOG/Probes.jpg)

EDIT: Rotation whu???  :o
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: HighVoltage on June 11, 2019, 09:10:07 am

Do you need a probe with that order, Sir?


What a nice collection you got this time.

Any reasonable price for the tektronix current probe with amplifier?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Hydron on June 11, 2019, 09:17:04 am
Talking of the current probe amplifier, if you have need to open one up then some high res pics of the internal PCBAs would be very much appreciated...
(no service manual or high-res photos are available for the more modern amplifiers, and I am toying with the idea of making a DIY amplifier for my older generation probes given I have 4 probes and just 1 AM503 amplifier)

Edit: also congrats on the haul, that bottom power supply (and the collection of probes) looks especially tasty!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on June 11, 2019, 09:32:43 am
Any reasonable price for the tektronix current probe with amplifier?

Forum ate my post  :rant:

Anyways, already sold one pair on eBay for 1250€. That included:

- 10% eBay charges
- 3,5% Paypal charges
- 21% Belgian VAT. If you have a valid VAT registration number I don't have to charge it. Otherwise: no escaping death and taxes.

Discounts beyond that are possible but come directly out of my pocket so I'll need at least a good sob story and a declaration of eternal love.

TCP312, by the way.

Talking of the current probe amplifier, if you have need to open one up then some high res pics of the internal PCBAs would be very much appreciated...

Maybe HighVoltage can make some pictures after he buys it  :popcorn:.

Seriously, though. No cal stickers, just an odd screw in the way. I have about enough work to fill the next two weeks 5 times over but there's a Postit on the wall with your name on it.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Hydron on June 11, 2019, 09:48:44 am
Thanks, and that sounds like a reasonable price too based on what I've seen them go for in the past.

I'll also prod the boss at work about getting a probe/amp set from you if there are any left (we desperately need a good current probe); unfortunately there is a lot of bureaucracy involved but if I get any interest I'll send a PM. Probably a long shot though, they'll likely insist on buying new for 5x the price then the bean counters will say no because of the cost  |O

Edit: the "new for 5x the price" number was pulled out of the air, but I've checked and it's almost exactly right based on a TCPA300 and TCP312 from the usual rip-off merchants (RS/Farnell).
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on June 11, 2019, 10:00:27 am
I'll also prod the boss at work about getting a probe/amp set from you if there are any left (we desperately need a good current probe); unfortunately there is a lot of bureaucracy involved but if I get any interest I'll send a PM.

Thanks. If you have Agilent scopes: have some 1147A's as well (a bit cheaper too). Also have a P6022A that does 120MHz (AC only) that is good deal cheaper but is in a somewhat worse cosmetic shape.

Quote
Edit: the "new for 5x the price" number was pulled out of the air, but I've checked and it's almost exactly right based on a TCPA300 and TCP312 from the usual rip-off merchants (RS/Farnell).

Yeah, you can probably get them a bit cheaper if you negotiate or are listed in the  Fortune 500 list ;)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Neomys Sapiens on June 11, 2019, 08:30:33 pm
So, uh....
.
.
.

EDIT: Rotation whu???  :o
Nice haul. Any Info on the other Probes? (Hint: TekProbe II user).
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on June 12, 2019, 07:12:20 am
Aside from the stuf already mentioned: some P7240's, 2 x N2771 HV probes, 5 P5100's, a few TCA-BNC's, something-like-the PCA-BNC-but-with-more-plastic-of-which-I-cant-remeber-the-name
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on June 12, 2019, 08:23:45 am
Oh, and a few TCA-1Megs
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Falkra on June 12, 2019, 09:32:11 am
Ice-Tea, those power supplies are really sexy, nice catch !  :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: shakalnokturn on June 13, 2019, 05:34:48 am
BK Precision 2712 40000 count DMM for 30€ delivered (still 1 available on eB.. France).
PCB photo added there:
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/bk-precision-2712-dmm/msg2466324/#msg2466324 (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/bk-precision-2712-dmm/msg2466324/#msg2466324)
Michel.

The other one is on the way here, I saw your photos after buying it. From what I see there's nothing in the box that's worth more than 30€ shipped.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on June 14, 2019, 12:42:06 pm
19"Power (about 13kW of it..)

Just OT, but do you happen to know where to get cheap units of those things in USA (if you happened to acquired them from the US) or do you sell extras to US?

Our lab is in great need of them on a budget.

Looking for something like 100V+ output, preferably to 1kV, 1kW~10kW each, 3P208V or 1P240V/277V input. A pair of your 600V 2.6A units (presumably series connect capable) look delicious.

These are not from the US, sorry. But I don't mind at all selling to the US at and and have done so often enough in the past.

As for series connectability: 2 can be put in series according to the datasheet but also according to the DS:

- For models greater than 60 VDC rated output, no point on the Positive output shall be more than ± 600 VDC above or below chassis ground.
– For models greater than 60 VDC rated output, no point on the Negative output shall be more than ± 400 VDC above or below chassis ground.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: ArthurDent on June 16, 2019, 03:14:38 am
Fedex just delivered this GW INSTEK PSM-2010 power supply that was listed as-is for parts because the fan speed seemed to wander and they weren’t sure what else might be seriously wrong. New these go for about $1000 but can be quite a bit less used. This dual range model outputs 8VDC/20A or 20VDC/10A and has similar features to the HP e3632A but is newer. The manual lists one of the features as: “Intelligent control fan (Vary with different output power)” so what they thought was a fault, was a feature.

The front panel and display look like new and I re-calibrated it so it is within about 1mv and I paid well under $100 for it.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on June 16, 2019, 05:26:18 am
Ah, so you got that one. Nice score, indeed!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Vgkid on June 16, 2019, 09:36:15 pm
Not sure if it is a score , as shipping was 50% of the unit costs(went 3/4 buy it now)
a sad looking hp239a , my first useable(or easy to fix) oscillator.
Title: Re: List your test equipment &quot;scores&quot; here!
Post by: CJay on June 17, 2019, 08:51:54 am
Racal Dana 1998 Universal Counter, this one has the 04E option installed, the high-stability ocxo. It's not been calibrated in a while but I will use a friends gpsdo to adjust it. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190616/7ce973509e72c1e1d826b29359cbe97b.jpg)

Gesendet von meinem Nokia 6.1 mit Tapatalk

Mine hadn't been calibrated for well over a decade, when they say high stability, they mean it, it was millihertz off :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ysjoelfir on June 18, 2019, 08:36:36 am
Just scored a small Nicolet Scientific Corporation 444A "Mini-Ubiquitous Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer" for 35 Bucks. Doesn't switch on, so I hope for an easy repair.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on June 18, 2019, 09:01:06 am
Funny how we now use the term "Real time spectrum analyzer" for todays expensive fancy spectrum analyzers that do FFT on the IF for providing crazy fast sweep speeds.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: exe on June 18, 2019, 05:22:01 pm
Just scored a small Nicolet Scientific Corporation 444A "Mini-Ubiquitous Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer" for 35 Bucks. Doesn't switch on, so I hope for an easy repair.

Please post a photo when the device is on (if/when you fix it, you can use Russian flux :)). I'm curious to see what it can do.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ysjoelfir on June 19, 2019, 08:18:29 am
I may post a repair log for that thing :) Right now I am waiting for it to arrive.
Title: Re: List your test equipment &quot;scores&quot; here!
Post by: thinkfat on June 20, 2019, 11:52:51 am
Racal Dana 1998 Universal Counter, this one has the 04E option installed, the high-stability ocxo. It's not been calibrated in a while but I will use a friends gpsdo to adjust it. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190616/7ce973509e72c1e1d826b29359cbe97b.jpg)

Gesendet von meinem Nokia 6.1 mit Tapatalk

Mine hadn't been calibrated for well over a decade, when they say high stability, they mean it, it was millihertz off :)
I introduced "Dana" to Lady Heather and the girls were quite in tune. Just a smidgen under on the last digit [emoji6] Only took Dana an hour or so to warm up to her new acquaintance.

Gesendet von meinem Nokia 6.1 mit Tapatalk

Title: Re: List your test equipment &quot;scores&quot; here!
Post by: CJay on June 20, 2019, 02:19:22 pm

Mine hadn't been calibrated for well over a decade, when they say high stability, they mean it, it was millihertz off :)
I introduced "Dana" to Lady Heather and the girls were quite in tune. Just a smidgen under on the last digit [emoji6] Only took Dana an hour or so to warm up to her new acquaintance.

Gesendet von meinem Nokia 6.1 mit Tapatalk

Yeah, I like mine, good, solid counters.

One thing it took me a little while to find, press and hold the up arrow key and it'll select the 20S gate time for the extra accuracy if that's something you need.
Title: Re: List your test equipment &quot;scores&quot; here!
Post by: thinkfat on June 20, 2019, 02:29:44 pm



Mine hadn't been calibrated for well over a decade, when they say high stability, they mean it, it was millihertz off :)
I introduced "Dana" to Lady Heather and the girls were quite in tune. Just a smidgen under on the last digit [emoji6] Only took Dana an hour or so to warm up to her new acquaintance.

Gesendet von meinem Nokia 6.1 mit Tapatalk

Yeah, I like mine, good, solid counters.

One thing it took me a little while to find, press and hold the up arrow key and it'll select the 20S gate time for the extra accuracy if that's something you need.

Ah, that is a good hint. I was already wondering how that would work. Thanks a ton!

Gesendet von meinem Nokia 6.1 mit Tapatalk

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ysjoelfir on June 28, 2019, 08:31:14 am
Please post a photo when the device is on (if/when you fix it, you can use Russian flux :)). I'm curious to see what it can do.

I may post a repair log for that thing :) Right now I am waiting for it to arrive.

Yesterday it arrived "safely" (was thrown over the fence by DPD and dug itself 15cm deep into the ground. Idiots!). Initial very short test (it's just to hot in the lab to do any real work) showed the fans working and the High voltage for the CRT being generated, but no sign of life other than that. Not even the Power LED turned on. I am strongly thinking it may be just a power supply issue. Wish me luck :)

And by the way: The russian flux is great, I especially like the honey-like orange one.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: exe on June 29, 2019, 09:05:54 pm
And by the way: The russian flux is great, I especially like the honey-like orange one.

Ask-155-vc, the one that is water-soluble?? It's pure evil, must be thoroughly cleaned or it will destroy the board, wires, everything.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ysjoelfir on June 29, 2019, 11:49:38 pm

Ask-155-vc, the one that is water-soluble?? It's pure evil, must be thoroughly cleaned or it will destroy the board, wires, everything.

No, I was talking about FN-255 PRO. I have no idea about the specs though, it just works for me and cleaning is always done afterwards.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: exe on June 30, 2019, 08:58:09 pm
No, I was talking about FN-255 PRO. I have no idea about the specs though, it just works for me and cleaning is always done afterwards.

Cool, that one has the highest resistance, approved (by the manufacturer, no independent tests) for precision and high-voltage circuits. It's also the least active (=worst soldering), actually. E-700 Pro solders better. I mostly use fn-255 pro as it's sort of safe in all situations.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: GreyWoolfe on July 01, 2019, 01:43:36 am
Not really a score, but I did pick up a KKMOON 60 MHz function generator for $85 shipped from China.  That was cheap enough for me to try one.  Now I sit, thinking to myself, 'One must have patience, Grasshopper.'
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: GregDunn on July 01, 2019, 02:03:11 am
Is that the FY6800 based one?  I really like mine - it does enough things that my IG5218 and Wavetek don't, to find periodic use.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: GreyWoolfe on July 01, 2019, 05:16:11 pm
Is that the FY6800 based one?  I really like mine - it does enough things that my IG5218 and Wavetek don't, to find periodic use.

It is. I am looking forward to playing with it.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TurboTom on July 02, 2019, 04:56:02 pm
Since I must have acquired a really bad case of TEA, I placed a bid on a governmental sales of a TDS8000 sampling oscilloscope that supposedly had been used in a scientific research facility and was offered non-functional...whatever that means. I was quite surprised when I received a letter (yes, by snail-mail  :o) from the sales organization with an invoice, confirming that I got the deal! 300EUR plus tax.

I picked up the instrument which came with all the documentation, software CDs and one 50GHz sampling module included (this alone will outweigh the spendings substantially if I should decide to sell), and was clean as a whiste, not even "real" dust on the fans or inside, and as expected, found all of the three memory backup batteries to be flat. Batteries replaced, instrument calibrated, and still after power cycling I get the error of faulty NVRAM data integrity and another message that relates to calibration data incoherency. So probably I've got to replace that crappy Dallas / Maxim NVRAM module on the acquisition board which seems to fail just too frequently to be coincidence. Anyway, after calibration and without power cycling the instrument, it performs quite well.

Do I really need this monster? Surely not! But it's quite some fun to be able to enter these frequency ranges to actually qualify and quantify fast edges and high frequency signals. Since my version still came with the Windows 98 operating system, and there seems to be improved system software available for an XP O/S equipped version, this update will be next. Fortunately, the instrument came with the latest PC motherboard that should permit this update without too much hassle (I hope...).

Anyway, who can claim that he can measure rise times of 30ps... ?  8)

Cheers,
Thomas

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on July 02, 2019, 05:46:38 pm
Now that is an impressive deal for 300 bucks.

I had to pay that much just for the plugin module on my HP sampling scope.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xrunner on July 02, 2019, 07:12:10 pm
Do I really need this monster?

Yes.

Yes you do need it. If you don't believe me ask us here -

TEA Group (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/test-equipment-anonymous-(tea)-group-therapy-thread/)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on July 03, 2019, 12:42:25 am
Since I must have acquired a really bad case of TEA

Yeah, it happens. You'll live.

Quote
I placed a bid on a governmental sales of a TDS8000 sampling oscilloscope that supposedly had been used in a scientific research facility and was offered non-functional...whatever that means. I was quite surprised when I received a letter (yes, by snail-mail  :o) from the sales organization with an invoice, confirming that I got the deal! 300EUR plus tax.

Quite a deal, indeed! Nice one, Tom.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: beanflying on July 17, 2019, 01:20:24 am
So I rolled the dice and seems I need to do a little repair job or two. :-- $400 USD landed on my door from the USA and only $40 of that with evilbay global for freight instead of $120 cost (seller screwup) :-+ So off to the 'shelf' until I find it some time for a little loving and some power.

Valhalla 2500-EP Current Amplifier.

Relay Daughter board has broken stand offs and seems to have relied on the wire and tracks for one of the mounts regardless :horse: :palm:

Shipping hit to the side frame to be taken up with the seller or just suck it up but worst case some gentle heat and clamping will likely take it out. Much less work than my 740B Handle welding job.

[attachimg=4 width=1000]
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Neomys Sapiens on July 17, 2019, 10:30:07 pm
So I rolled the dice and seems I need to do a little repair job or two. :-- $400 USD landed on my door from the USA and only $40 of that with evilbay global for freight instead of $120 cost (seller screwup) :-+ So off to the 'shelf' until I find it some time for a little loving and some power.

Valhalla 2500-EP Current Amplifier.

Relay Daughter board has broken stand offs and seems to have relied on the wire and tracks for one of the mounts regardless :horse: :palm:

Shipping hit to the side frame to be taken up with the seller or just suck it up but worst case some gentle heat and clamping will likely take it out. Much less work than my 740B Handle welding job.

Does this mean that you have set your sights on a Valhalla multipurpose calibrator? Or is it already underway?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: shakalnokturn on July 18, 2019, 11:59:35 am
Another DMM (a GMC rebrand): LEM Unigor 350 with silicone sleeve, AC current clamp adapter, test leads, carry case and manual for 41€ posted. (+much much patience and determination!)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: beanflying on July 18, 2019, 12:06:45 pm
So I rolled the dice and seems I need to do a little repair job or two. :-- $400 USD landed on my door from the USA and only $40 of that with evilbay global for freight instead of $120 cost (seller screwup) :-+ So off to the 'shelf' until I find it some time for a little loving and some power.

Valhalla 2500-EP Current Amplifier.

Relay Daughter board has broken stand offs and seems to have relied on the wire and tracks for one of the mounts regardless :horse: :palm:

Shipping hit to the side frame to be taken up with the seller or just suck it up but worst case some gentle heat and clamping will likely take it out. Much less work than my 740B Handle welding job.

Does this mean that you have set your sights on a Valhalla multipurpose calibrator? Or is it already underway?

At 'this stage' the Fluke 335D and Valhalla 2703 with this one will do me to AC/DC and I calibration gear. In reality for anything I do now or am planning to make over the next few years is covered but a 3458A later in the year might be in my sights ;)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: capt bullshot on July 18, 2019, 08:39:22 pm
Got this Toellner Lab power supply from the evil bay. Description said "untested and for parts only", picture showed a pretty much beaten up unit.
Made a lowball offer, and got this:
(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=788397;image)
It's a dual channel 32V / 5A (each channel) supply - and yes it worked out of the box. Needs some slaps with a hammer to make the covers fit again, and new encoders. Will have to figure out how to remove the front panel PCB to see what type they are and then order some new ones.

From my experience, Toellner makes pretty good lab supplies, and some other interesting stuff, so I'm quite happy with it.

What I don't like - they mount a lot of parts using blind rivets. Hope I don't encounter one when removing the front PCB.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: shakalnokturn on July 18, 2019, 10:03:53 pm
Lucky you, I like the build of this supply. I hadn't heard of Toellner until recently when I stumbled on a F.G. looking for something else.
Would you say they're a kind of Bang & Olufsen of T.E?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Neomys Sapiens on July 18, 2019, 10:31:05 pm
Lucky you, I like the build of this supply. I hadn't heard of Toellner until recently when I stumbled on a F.G. looking for something else.
Would you say they're a kind of Bang & Olufsen of T.E?
No. Ok, I have no idea what Bang&Olufsen mean to you and I know only they do premium Hifi stuff.
If you mean 'gold standard' or high end - definitely not. They build solid gear, that did also appear under SIEMENS branding. You seem to think about Rohde & Schwarz (their real stuff, not the HAMEG line). Where Power Supplies are concerned, I would rate them along with Zentro, but not with Heinzinger, delta elektronika or R&S.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Neomys Sapiens on July 18, 2019, 10:33:57 pm
Another DMM (a GMC rebrand): LEM Unigor 350 with silicone sleeve, AC current clamp adapter, test leads, carry case and manual for 41€ posted. (+much much patience and determination!)
Good grab. The Gossen Mavo30 will leave me again into a lady engineer's hands, as I shot myself a TekMeter THM560 for 100.-
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: HighVoltage on July 18, 2019, 11:05:09 pm
Good grab. The Gossen Mavo30 will leave me again into a lady engineer's hands, as I shot myself a TekMeter THM560 for 100.-
That was a good deal.
I bought the THM565 a while back a little more.

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: tooki on July 18, 2019, 11:45:03 pm
Got this Toellner Lab power supply from the evil bay. Description said "untested and for parts only", picture showed a pretty much beaten up unit.
Made a lowball offer, and got this:
(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=788397;image)
It's a dual channel 32V / 5A (each channel) supply - and yes it worked out of the box. Needs some slaps with a hammer to make the covers fit again, and new encoders. Will have to figure out how to remove the front panel PCB to see what type they are and then order some new ones.

From my experience, Toellner makes pretty good lab supplies, and some other interesting stuff, so I'm quite happy with it.

What I don't like - they mount a lot of parts using blind rivets. Hope I don't encounter one when removing the front PCB.
This reminds me of a few years ago, when I saw a pair of Toellner PSUs (one AC, one DC) on a local classifieds, which I agreed to buy. But then the seller never showed up at the agreed upon time, and never replied back again.  >:(
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Neomys Sapiens on July 19, 2019, 12:17:20 am
Good grab. The Gossen Mavo30 will leave me again into a lady engineer's hands, as I shot myself a TekMeter THM560 for 100.-
That was a good deal.
I bought the THM565 a while back a little more.
See what I wrote in the TEA section....
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: HighVoltage on July 19, 2019, 07:55:55 am
Good grab. The Gossen Mavo30 will leave me again into a lady engineer's hands, as I shot myself a TekMeter THM560 for 100.-
That was a good deal.
I bought the THM565 a while back a little more.
See what I wrote in the TEA section....
You got lucky it was misspelled!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: capt bullshot on July 19, 2019, 08:41:22 am
Lucky you, I like the build of this supply. I hadn't heard of Toellner until recently when I stumbled on a F.G. looking for something else.
Would you say they're a kind of Bang & Olufsen of T.E?
No. Ok, I have no idea what Bang&Olufsen mean to you and I know only they do premium Hifi stuff.
If you mean 'gold standard' or high end - definitely not. They build solid gear, that did also appear under SIEMENS branding. You seem to think about Rohde & Schwarz (their real stuff, not the HAMEG line). Where Power Supplies are concerned, I would rate them along with Zentro, but not with Heinzinger, delta elektronika or R&S.

Toellner has for most units a really clear, simple and intuitive user interface. This particular one has digital encoders for the settings (older ones have 10-Turn pots), and a button to select the digit to adjust. It keeps all the settings when you turn it off and on, emulating the behaviour of an pure analog supply. Way much better UI than the Keysight E36312A, though I like the display and high accuracy of the Keysight.
Regarding other brands, I'd prefer this (or a similar) Toellner over Heinzinger or Delta Elektronica (of similar vintage) in that output voltage / power range.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: shakalnokturn on July 19, 2019, 04:55:46 pm
Good grab. The Gossen Mavo30 will leave me again into a lady engineer's hands, as I shot myself a TekMeter THM560 for 100.-

 :o Where did you find the lady engineer? I think I've seen even less of those around than Toellner T.E.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: yo0 on July 19, 2019, 06:10:22 pm
2 pieces hp 3478a  $29usd each, free shipping, one with u.c. rom fail but even with the reported error it works perfectly and still on calibration :)

best regards


Pio
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on July 19, 2019, 11:54:15 pm
Wow, $29 each. Nice score!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Neomys Sapiens on July 20, 2019, 05:19:01 am
Good grab. The Gossen Mavo30 will leave me again into a lady engineer's hands, as I shot myself a TekMeter THM560 for 100.-
That was a good deal.
I bought the THM565 a while back a little more.
See what I wrote in the TEA section....
You got lucky it was misspelled!
Sorry. I don't get it. What was misspelled?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: wolfy007 on July 20, 2019, 05:43:20 am
Nice score on the 3478a!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: HighVoltage on July 20, 2019, 08:42:55 am
Sorry. I don't get it. What was misspelled?

In the listing for your Tektronix THM560, it was spelled Tektronik , might be one reason why you got it so cheap.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: BravoV on July 20, 2019, 08:44:45 am
Sorry. I don't get it. What was misspelled?

In the listing for your Tektronix THM560, it was spelled Tektronik , might be one reason why you got it so cheap.

Hint ... textronix ... tektronik ... tektronics ... and so on ... scored few quality Tek cheap stuff while ago.  >:D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Kinkless Tetrode on July 20, 2019, 12:10:59 pm
Just scored an HP 3456A parts only on eBay for $36 USD. I just could not resist, TEA...  I powered it up and the self test brightly glowed the infamous -3 error.  Opening the lid, I found some ICs with green copper corrosion on the leads, so let the fixing begin... :-/O
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on July 20, 2019, 06:32:49 pm
Nice catch, KT. Hopefully, the corrosion isn't too bad. :-DMM
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Kinkless Tetrode on July 20, 2019, 07:04:31 pm
Nice catch, KT. Hopefully, the corrosion isn't too bad. :-DMM

Thanks, bitseeker.  The corrosion is on a couple of places, fortunately not everywhere.  Perhaps some moisture got into the unit over time.  Otherwise it is in good physical condition, so I just couldn’t pass it up.  :popcorn:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: GreyWoolfe on July 20, 2019, 08:54:53 pm
2 pieces hp 3478a  $29usd each, free shiping, one with u.c. rom fail but even with the reported error it works perfectly and still on calibration :)

best regards


Pio
And I thought I scored by getting one of my 2 for $45 US.   |O |O |O  Well done.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: kahuna0k on July 25, 2019, 05:40:20 am
HP 5345A Electronic Counter, $59.99 + $29.59 shipping

[attach=1]

This thing is heavy, but at least is full of other things :D Was listed as power on no further testing, and it works pretty well. It gets around 7 digits right, I'm waiting for a PLL-GPSDO to use as external reference and will see if it gets better.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: CJay on July 25, 2019, 01:47:47 pm
HP 5345A Electronic Counter, $59.99 + $29.59 shipping

(Attachment Link)

This thing is heavy, but at least is full of other things :D Was listed as power on no further testing, and it works pretty well. It gets around 7 digits right, I'm waiting for a PLL-GPSDO to use as external reference and will see if it gets better.

With that reference in it should be pretty good, far better than 7 digits, as long as the 10544A is working properly.

http://www.leapsecond.com/museum/10544/1972-Oct-hp-10544A.pdf (http://www.leapsecond.com/museum/10544/1972-Oct-hp-10544A.pdf)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: kahuna0k on July 28, 2019, 01:41:30 am
With that reference in it should be pretty good, far better than 7 digits, as long as the 10544A is working properly.

http://www.leapsecond.com/museum/10544/1972-Oct-hp-10544A.pdf (http://www.leapsecond.com/museum/10544/1972-Oct-hp-10544A.pdf)

In fact after half an hour of warming it is much better, this is from my $99 eBay PLL-GPSDO

[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on August 01, 2019, 07:40:14 am
Well...  8)

(http://www.ftrnf.com/EEVBLOG/Heap.jpg)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: dcbrown73 on August 01, 2019, 01:37:20 pm
I know a lot of you guys have the big higher end stuff, but I'm just a home hobbyist. 

I just picked up a GW Instek GPD-3303S for $199. (+$20 shipping) I was considering a brand new one at well over twice the price.  I'm pretty excited to have gotten it.

(https://snag.gy/VXr7ld.jpg)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: SometimestheDragonWins on August 01, 2019, 07:10:51 pm
Just picked up a Fluke Cal 5725a and a HP 54522a. Both like new. Kind of dont know what to do with it. ANyone know any good place to sell it. 

Dont really think this is technically test equipment, but also picked up a Yxlon WL 3002 Xray chiller.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: 0culus on August 02, 2019, 12:45:03 am
Well...  8)

(http://www.ftrnf.com/EEVBLOG/Heap.jpg)

Now that is some serious boat anchor action! (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=81471.0;attach=509951;image)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: rsjsouza on August 02, 2019, 01:31:20 am
I got a few weeks ago a Tektronix digitizer TWD120 for the price of shipping. Really nice kit, but hard to setup (uses SCSI2 interface, Win3.11 application) and noisy, but it is quite a journey to my past of SCSI expert among a sea of IDEs...

Photos and a few comments are shown at the post below.
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/tektronix-twd120-100mhz-dual-channel-digitizer-teardown-opinions/msg2548746/#msg2548746 (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/tektronix-twd120-100mhz-dual-channel-digitizer-teardown-opinions/msg2548746/#msg2548746)

At the moment I am trying to make it work on a laptop Dell Inspiron 2200 with a PCMCIA SCSI card APA1450 - no joy so far. I may need a BusToaster or a APA1480.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on August 02, 2019, 03:13:17 am
Well...  8)

(http://www.ftrnf.com/EEVBLOG/Heap.jpg)

What is that ginormous Keithley back there?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on August 02, 2019, 07:57:31 am
The Official Biggest Boy In Ice-Tea Town...

Keitley 707 with 3x 7076 cards ;)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Black Phoenix on August 02, 2019, 08:06:07 am
What's the use you intent to do with that datalogger?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on August 02, 2019, 08:15:19 am
Eh? It's a switch matrix?

Sell it ;)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: ArthurDent on August 02, 2019, 05:42:17 pm
I know a lot of you guys have the big higher end stuff, but I'm just a home hobbyist. 

I just picked up a GW Instek GPD-3303S for $199. (+$20 shipping) I was considering a brand new one at well over twice the price.  I'm pretty excited to have gotten it.

(https://snag.gy/VXr7ld.jpg)

By coincidence I also bought one of the GPD-3303S supplies on eBay from that same seller in Maryland and it arrived today. They are a nice supply and in good condition.

If you check the forums you will see that there are 2 versions of this supply where the newer one was redesigned so both the GPD-3303S three output and the GPD4303S four output could use a lot of common parts, including the same main circuit board. From what I read it appears that there was a bug that crept in with the new design that caused some problems. Both you and I got the older version that works like it should. My supply seems to be pretty darn close but I think I'll go through the long calibration procedure in the service manual and check everything out. 
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: YU7C on August 02, 2019, 06:11:34 pm
Well...  8)

(http://www.ftrnf.com/EEVBLOG/Heap.jpg)

Excellent composition, shades, light, ...,. Guy you have a talent!

Vojiskav
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: dcbrown73 on August 02, 2019, 06:44:12 pm
By coincidence I also bought one of the GPD-3303S supplies on eBay from that same seller in Maryland and it arrived today. They are a nice supply and in good condition.

If you check the forums you will see that there are 2 versions of this supply where the newer one was redesigned so both the GPD-3303S three output and the GPD4303S four output could use a lot of common parts, including the same main circuit board. From what I read it appears that there was a bug that crept in with the new design that caused some problems. Both you and I got the older version that works like it should. My supply seems to be pretty darn close but I think I'll go through the long calibration procedure in the service manual and check everything out.

Nice, mine arrived pretty tightly dialed in too.  I believe it said they were refurbishing them.   So far I'm very happy with it.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on August 02, 2019, 09:12:01 pm
I know a lot of you guys have the big higher end stuff, but I'm just a home hobbyist. 

I just picked up a GW Instek GPD-3303S for $199. (+$20 shipping) I was considering a brand new one at well over twice the price.  I'm pretty excited to have gotten it.

(https://snag.gy/VXr7ld.jpg)

By coincidence I also bought one of the GPD-3303S supplies on eBay from that same seller in Maryland and it arrived today. They are a nice supply and in good condition.

If you check the forums you will see that there are 2 versions of this supply where the newer one was redesigned so both the GPD-3303S three output and the GPD4303S four output could use a lot of common parts, including the same main circuit board. From what I read it appears that there was a bug that crept in with the new design that caused some problems. Both you and I got the older version that works like it should. My supply seems to be pretty darn close but I think I'll go through the long calibration procedure in the service manual and check everything out.

Correct. The newer model, which doesn't have any gaps between channels, has an overshoot issue. I don't recall any more which channel it was. The older models is fine. I do recall there was a thread with some potential fixes to the overshooting, in case anyone has the problematic variation.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: yo0 on August 09, 2019, 01:50:20 am
3 fluke dmms $66.90usd free shipping, they just needed cleaning. now i need find some good 8012a and  8010m-05 to complete the collection  ;D

best regards


Pio
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: artag on August 12, 2019, 07:46:22 pm
I think I spot a Marconi 2370 spectrum analyser. Seriously weird bit of kit with a very early storage technology. Didn't realise they'd got across the Atlantic. And maybe a Gould storage scope above the Keithley ?

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Neomys Sapiens on August 13, 2019, 08:46:16 pm
Good grab. The Gossen Mavo30 will leave me again into a lady engineer's hands, as I shot myself a TekMeter THM560 for 100.-
That was a good deal.
I bought the THM565 a while back a little more.
Do you have the computer adaptor for yours?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on August 14, 2019, 05:20:55 pm
Didn't realise they'd got across the Atlantic.

Apparently they did ;) Unfortunately without the connecting cable. |O

Quote
And maybe a Gould storage scope above the Keithley ?

Wiltron/Anritsu 5447A scalar 20GHz system. Doesn't boot yet, though.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Dek on August 14, 2019, 08:31:11 pm
My 3457a arrived and looks OK.
The mains filter had already spued its guts, not too much mess compared to some I've seen and now replaced.
Battery voltage OK.
Quick test using my basic hand DMM and the 3457 appears to work on DCV DCI and resistance. AC ranges to check.
So far so good :-)

Dek
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on August 14, 2019, 08:55:06 pm
Schafner with RIFA inside. Love those. Spill guts all over the place, sticky as hell.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ysjoelfir on August 23, 2019, 10:31:00 pm
Just scored this nice Thermo Hygrograph für a whopping 20€. It was "defective" and according to the seller the motor was "not working".
So, after I received it, I replaced the old, leaky battery and... well.. suprise suprise, it works. Needs to be calibrated though. I don't think that I have 15%rh inside here (and 70% after completely soaking the horse hair...).

(http://img.tinkertubes.de/forums/new%20stuff/IMG-20190823-WA0007.jpg)

(http://img.tinkertubes.de/forums/new%20stuff/IMG-20190823-WA0011.jpg)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: L_Euler on August 28, 2019, 01:33:37 am
Tek TM502A w/toolbox insert
Tek AM503B in perfect condition
Tek A6302 current probe

All functioning correctly and in really nice condition $225 shipped. Initially I just wanted the two slot chassis for calibration of other TM modules. With the outer cover removed the module internals are accessible without extender cards.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on September 20, 2019, 11:30:51 am
I just pulled the trigger on oscilloscope number 15 (if I got the count right)... this time it is a Lecroy Wavepro 7200A in 'for parts' condition for $400 on Ebay. Looks complete from the pictures but the front bezel is broken. See what the mailman drags in. This would be my first real (not rebadged) Lecroy oscilloscope.

[attachimg=1 width=600]

The display doesn't work so I hope the VGA output on the rear shows some signs of life.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Commander_Spock on September 20, 2019, 12:00:02 pm
Received this old 100 Ohms precision resistor bought on ebay (50usd + shipping).
This had been built by Rivlin Instrument Ltd and i found on the internet they closed in 1973.
Looking at the serial number appearing on the top i see it end with /70 so i guess this had been build in 1970.
I know that resistor precision evolve around time and saw somewhere that NIST consider that after 25 years their characteristics start to be very stable... if all this is true as this baby is now 48 years old it should be very stable and reliable over time...

If you look one of the screw is masked by somekind of red something that bear the initial of the company proving nobody ever opened it...
I tried to test it with a brymen bm869s give 100.86 ohms and a unit-t 61e shows 100.95 ohms (both measured made using the same wires) and even if this is not 4 wires measurement it looks good so far... will need to find somebody owning a better multimeter to try a 4 wire measurement... or will have to wait i buy one..

If anybody know more about this equipment or own one will be happy to get comments...

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on September 20, 2019, 12:35:47 pm
I just pulled the trigger on oscilloscope number 15 (if I got the count right)... this time it is a Lecroy Wavepro 7200A in 'for parts' condition for $400 on Ebay. Looks complete from the pictures but the front bezel is broken. See what the mailman drags in. This would be my first real (not rebadged) Lecroy oscilloscope.

(Attachment Link)

The display doesn't work so I hope the VGA output on the rear shows some signs of life.

I'm interested in that bezel, regardless of the state.

Display: got two of them (kinda) a while a go, both with bad CCFL tubes. Should have VGA in that case.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on September 20, 2019, 01:30:00 pm
I just pulled the trigger on oscilloscope number 15 (if I got the count right)... this time it is a Lecroy Wavepro 7200A in 'for parts' condition for $400 on Ebay. Looks complete from the pictures but the front bezel is broken. See what the mailman drags in. This would be my first real (not rebadged) Lecroy oscilloscope.

(Attachment Link)

The display doesn't work so I hope the VGA output on the rear shows some signs of life.
I'm interested in that bezel, regardless of the state.

Display: got two of them (kinda) a while a go, both with bad CCFL tubes. Should have VGA in that case.
If it is just the CCFL then it will be a simple fix. I have a few CCFL to LED conversion kits somewhere so I could put these to good use. Fingers crossed. I'm not looking for a big fixer-upper project right now but could use the bandwidth for an ongoing project.

Can't help with the bezel though; I'd like to keep it. I can probably glue it together.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: lukier on September 20, 2019, 02:04:13 pm
I just pulled the trigger on oscilloscope number 15 (if I got the count right)... this time it is a Lecroy Wavepro 7200A in 'for parts' condition for $400 on Ebay. Looks complete from the pictures but the front bezel is broken. See what the mailman drags in. This would be my first real (not rebadged) Lecroy oscilloscope.

Congrats! Recently I've also scored similar scope (DDA-3000 - essentially WP7300A), although not that cheap :) It came without the bezel entirely, so I had to go through the ordeal of 3D printing, gluing, poly putty, sanding, painting etc. Worked out, but not very pretty - my poor manual skills. (Big thanks to Mechatrommer for providing the 3D model).

I wouldn't worry about the display - you will probably want to upgrade the PC parts and put new XGA panel (like I did) or even iPad Retina panel anyway (see the big DDA3000 modding thread).
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on September 20, 2019, 10:45:50 pm
Why do I suddenly get the idea to mill a new bezel from wood?  >:D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: 2N3055 on September 20, 2019, 11:31:51 pm
Why do I suddenly get the idea to mill a new bezel from wood?  >:D

LOL!! Deluxe edition...
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on September 21, 2019, 12:03:56 am
Why do I suddenly get the idea to mill a new bezel from wood?  >:D

LOL!! Deluxe edition...

Add some harvest gold tassels to frame the display, and you can go full-on 70s era pimped-out scope!

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PartialDischarge on September 21, 2019, 02:34:16 am
That bezel is easily repairable, get some fine wire mesh (https://www.twpinc.com/80-mesh-t316-stainless-0037 (https://www.twpinc.com/80-mesh-t316-stainless-0037)), cut small strips with scissors, put them to red glow with a small torch, and quickly apply the srip at the back of the bezel with tweezers just where the crack is. If you do it properly the heat melts the plastic and embeds the mesh inside, giving you a durable and strong bond, unlike glues
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on September 21, 2019, 10:35:09 am
Why do I suddenly get the idea to mill a new bezel from wood?  >:D

I actually had the idea to have a batch of these bezels run and sell them for, say, 100€/pop. Might still do that some day..
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on September 21, 2019, 10:42:30 am
Why do I suddenly get the idea to mill a new bezel from wood?  >:D

I actually had the idea to have a batch of these bezels run and sell them for, say, 100€/pop. Might still do that some day..
For that price I expect a chrome trim  8)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: tautech on September 21, 2019, 10:45:56 am
I just pulled the trigger on oscilloscope number 15 (if I got the count right)... this time it is a Lecroy Wavepro 7200A in 'for parts' condition for $400 on Ebay. Looks complete from the pictures but the front bezel is broken. See what the mailman drags in. This would be my first real (not rebadged) Lecroy oscilloscope.

The display doesn't work so I hope the VGA output on the rear shows some signs of life.
A brave move after all your comments over the years about LeCroy's lack of Peak detect.
I'm sure it will serve you well.  :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on September 21, 2019, 11:27:00 am
I just pulled the trigger on oscilloscope number 15 (if I got the count right)... this time it is a Lecroy Wavepro 7200A in 'for parts' condition for $400 on Ebay. Looks complete from the pictures but the front bezel is broken. See what the mailman drags in. This would be my first real (not rebadged) Lecroy oscilloscope.

The display doesn't work so I hope the VGA output on the rear shows some signs of life.
A brave move after all your comments over the years about LeCroy's lack of Peak detect.
I'm sure it will serve you well.  :)
Well.. I didn't buy it as a general purpose oscilloscope but purely for the bandwidth / signal analysis capabilities. I don't expect to use it often. The price was just too good to let it pass.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on September 21, 2019, 11:48:07 am
Why do I suddenly get the idea to mill a new bezel from wood?  >:D

I actually had the idea to have a batch of these bezels run and sell them for, say, 100€/pop. Might still do that some day..
For that price I expect a chrome trim  8)

I payed more for one some time ago. 3D printing one is more expensive if you have it done and looks worse. What you have there is a machine of a few k€. If you want to sell it, you can probably up the price a few hundred 100€ with a decent bezel. Eh, well, don't have the cash for it right now. And maybe I'll add chrome trim  :-DD
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: lukier on September 21, 2019, 12:59:18 pm
I payed more for one some time ago. 3D printing one is more expensive if you have it done and looks worse. What you have there is a machine of a few k€. If you want to sell it, you can probably up the price a few hundred 100€ with a decent bezel. Eh, well, don't have the cash for it right now. And maybe I'll add chrome trim  :-DD

After I made mine I found this auction:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/273985841170 (https://www.ebay.com/itm/273985841170)

So that might be an option for you, no messy work needed and 48h of 3D printing.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on September 21, 2019, 01:02:33 pm
Sorry but I wouldn't pay $70 for that. Does anyone have a 3D model for the bezel? I can ask the company I outsource 3D design & printing to if they can print it in one piece and see how much it will cost.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Martin.M on September 21, 2019, 03:43:03 pm
P6042, for a handshake.

[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: lukier on September 21, 2019, 09:11:09 pm
Sorry but I wouldn't pay $70 for that. Does anyone have a 3D model for the bezel? I can ask the company I outsource 3D design & printing to if they can print it in one piece and see how much it will cost.

Courtesy of Mechatrommer:
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/upgrading-mainboard-in-lecroy-dda-3000-(aka-wavepro-7300a)/msg2060719/#msg2060719 (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/upgrading-mainboard-in-lecroy-dda-3000-(aka-wavepro-7300a)/msg2060719/#msg2060719)

I also wouldn't pay $70, that's why I printed it myself with PLA, but had to do in 6 parts, so then gluing, putty, sanding, painting, mess etc. I thought about "outsourcing" it as you say, it would be nice to have it SLS printed in one piece, but these outsource 3D printing shops charge min 40 GBP and probably much more for such big model and that's probably not even SLS, just FDM for that price.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on September 21, 2019, 09:43:53 pm
Sorry but I wouldn't pay $70 for that. Does anyone have a 3D model for the bezel? I can ask the company I outsource 3D design & printing to if they can print it in one piece and see how much it will cost.

Courtesy of Mechatrommer:
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/upgrading-mainboard-in-lecroy-dda-3000-(aka-wavepro-7300a)/msg2060719/#msg2060719 (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/upgrading-mainboard-in-lecroy-dda-3000-(aka-wavepro-7300a)/msg2060719/#msg2060719)

I also wouldn't pay $70, that's why I printed it myself with PLA, but had to do in 6 parts, so then gluing, putty, sanding, painting, mess etc. I thought about "outsourcing" it as you say, it would be nice to have it SLS printed in one piece, but these outsource 3D printing shops charge min 40 GBP and probably much more for such big model and that's probably not even SLS, just FDM for that price.
Thanks for linking to the 3D models. I just mailed the model to my '3D printing guy'. See what he comes up with...
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on September 24, 2019, 04:04:22 pm
Well the 7200A has arrived!
There is output on the VGA port at the rear but during boot it gives a blue screen and then resets. I'm going to try a fresh install on an SSD first.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: lukier on September 24, 2019, 06:26:02 pm
Well the 7200A has arrived!
There is output on the VGA port at the rear but during boot it gives a blue screen and then resets. I'm going to try a fresh install on an SSD first.

Remember to preserve D:\Calibration directory from the original HDD!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on September 24, 2019, 08:49:51 pm
Well the 7200A has arrived!
There is output on the VGA port at the rear but during boot it gives a blue screen and then resets. I'm going to try a fresh install on an SSD first.

Remember to preserve D:\Calibration directory from the original HDD!
That is going to be a problem... Meanwhile I managed to re-install Windows XP on an SSD and start the oscilloscope software but I have found some issues:

1a) The factory calibration data is missing. It seems there is an extra partition on the original drive but Windows XP says it is not formatted; I guess the calibration data is stored here. I have not made any attempts to restore the partition.
1b) I ran the self calibration routine. Is this enough to have some basic calibration or are the factory calibrations mandatory?
2) The oscilloscope keeps clicking relays and the waveform update is really slow. A new trace every few seconds.
3) Channel 2 seems to have a problem with the attenuation. Channels 1, 3 and 4 seem consistent
4) The traces appear to be very noisy (full bandwidth) coupled 1MOhm from the aux output (1kHz 1V)
5) I tried to run the self tests from the service menu but it says failed immediately without a message

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: lukier on September 24, 2019, 09:19:31 pm
1a) The factory calibration data is missing. It seems there is an extra partition on the original drive but Windows XP says it is not formatted; I guess the calibration data is stored here. I have not made any attempts to restore the partition.

Try some file/partition recovery with your favourite tool of choice. The directory is normally hidden.

1b) I ran the self calibration routine. Is this enough to have some basic calibration or are the factory calibrations mandatory?

Yes and no. In theory there is, on some scopes, a backup of these files in some EEPROM memory on the acquisition board. See more in this great thread:
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/lecroy-x-stream-calibration-data-and-storage/ (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/lecroy-x-stream-calibration-data-and-storage/)

2) The oscilloscope keeps clicking relays and the waveform update is really slow. A new trace every few seconds.
3) Channel 2 seems to have a problem with the attenuation. Channels 1, 3 and 4 seem consistent
4) The traces appear to be very noisy (full bandwidth) coupled 1MOhm from the aux output (1kHz 1V)

Without calibration files all bets are off - I had for example bad trigger threshold levels on one of my scopes when I forgot about Calibration.

In the service menu open the log viewer and inspect all the types of logs for errors, maybe some clue will be there. Maybe it is both messed up calibration and real HW faults.

5) I tried to run the self tests from the service menu but it says failed immediately without a message

I'm not aware of any tests in the service menu apart from FP tests - be very careful there anyway. AFAIR all self tests happen at app startup.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on September 24, 2019, 09:34:05 pm
Thanks for pointing to that thread. At least I know I have to get that partition recovered somehow.

Edit: Progress! I swapped the channel 2 attenuator with the aux attenuator and now the channels work. I took the opportunity to clean the contacts between the attenuators as well. Now all channels seem to work (at least in 1M Ohm mode). Getting the channel 2 attenuator out was a major PITA. There is a threaded standoff which got lose instead of the screw. In the end I managed to get it lose but I nearly got to the point to just try and break the screw. I'm not a fan of Lecroy's mechanical design 'skills'.

Edit2: In the process I have found a burned tantalum capacitor.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AngraMelo on September 25, 2019, 12:16:24 am
Following the kiss and tell spirit:

A Newtronics 200MSTPC AM-FM-Sweep/Pulse/ Function Generator for free. Guy sold to me and it didnt work on arrival. He was very nice and gave me the money back. I found a ton of cold solder joints and problems is fixed.

A Advantest Universal Counter TR5821 for $50. It was listed as needing 100Vac (Japanese model?). Here in Brazil is all 220Vac and 110/137Vac So I pulled the trigger anyway. When it arrived I opened it up and the main power transformer has all the taps necessary. Moved a couple of wires and now it is a 220Vac unit!

A Fluke 87-V, swapped a random old guitar pedal for it. Came broken, wouldnt turn off and displaying BATT. Fixed the damn thing with the help of you guys!

Yesterday was the last one. A Tektronix TDS-1001c-30edu. Nice 2 channels and 30mhz scope, looks brand new. Guy wanted $100 but was happy with $50.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: CJay on September 25, 2019, 09:11:54 am
Not completely sure this falls into the test gear category but:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Adalm-Pluto-SDR-Learning-Module-for-Ham-Radio-TX-RX-ESHail-BATC-DATV/333332616898?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649 (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Adalm-Pluto-SDR-Learning-Module-for-Ham-Radio-TX-RX-ESHail-BATC-DATV/333332616898?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649)

and a Nissei HF/VHF power/SWR meter.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on September 25, 2019, 09:50:37 am
Thanks for pointing to that thread. At least I know I have to get that partition recovered somehow.

Edit: Progress! I swapped the channel 2 attenuator with the aux attenuator and now the channels work. I took the opportunity to clean the contacts between the attenuators as well. Now all channels seem to work (at least in 1M Ohm mode). Getting the channel 2 attenuator out was a major PITA. There is a threaded standoff which got lose instead of the screw. In the end I managed to get it lose but I nearly got to the point to just try and break the screw. I'm not a fan of Lecroy's mechanical design 'skills'.

Edit2: In the process I have found a burned tantalum capacitor.

I have found worn RF relays to cause excessive noise in the past as well.

EDIT: On other LEcroys, I found slow updates to be cause by having a loth of math overlays/traces/calculations to be active.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: lukier on September 25, 2019, 10:13:46 am
Thanks for pointing to that thread. At least I know I have to get that partition recovered somehow.

Edit: Progress! I swapped the channel 2 attenuator with the aux attenuator and now the channels work. I took the opportunity to clean the contacts between the attenuators as well. Now all channels seem to work (at least in 1M Ohm mode). Getting the channel 2 attenuator out was a major PITA. There is a threaded standoff which got lose instead of the screw. In the end I managed to get it lose but I nearly got to the point to just try and break the screw. I'm not a fan of Lecroy's mechanical design 'skills'.

Edit2: In the process I have found a burned tantalum capacitor.

Good progress. By all channels work you mean all but aux? If reseating and cleaning fixed all (all!) of them I'd undo the swap - the calibration files are matched to each FE I think.

BTW, check the big DDA-3000 thread, maybe with Converter's help you can hack it to 7300A
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Neomys Sapiens on September 25, 2019, 08:48:04 pm
P6042, for a handshake.

(Attachment Link)
What did you use to shake the hand?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: ArthurDent on September 29, 2019, 08:52:48 pm
This is related to test equipment "scores" even though it isn't actually test equipment. We were at a antique/junk store today when my wife pointed out what looked like a large roll of steel wire but she noticed it said 'Kester Solder' on the spool. The spool was over 15 pounds of 40/60 alloy .081" (2mm) rosin core solder. While I'd prefer 60/40 and smaller diameter solder getting over 15 pounds of solder for $10 isn't something I'm going to pass up!

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: rsjsouza on September 29, 2019, 10:06:00 pm
This is related to test equipment "scores" even though it isn't actually test equipment. We were at a antique/junk store today when my wife pointed out what looked like a large roll of steel wire but she noticed it said 'Kester Solder' on the spool. The spool was over 15 pounds of 40/60 alloy .081" (2mm) rosin core solder. While I'd prefer 60/40 and smaller diameter solder getting over 15 pounds of solder for $10 isn't something I'm going to pass up!
That is certainly quite interesting. One detail, though: I always heard about soldering going "old" after some time and losing its best features. I have never seen any real "proof" about this, but I wonder if the drit/grime on is outer layer would be the main reason. What do you think?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ysjoelfir on September 30, 2019, 06:47:23 am
That is certainly quite interesting. One detail, though: I always heard about soldering going "old" after some time and losing its best features. I have never seen any real "proof" about this, but I wonder if the drit/grime on is outer layer would be the main reason. What do you think?

Right now I am using up a spool of at least 30 years old solder. (it already existed when I was born..) Works a treat if you keep your iron clean. sure, modern solder is better in many ways, but that stuff is definitely still useable.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: beanflying on September 30, 2019, 07:00:11 am
I found this crusty old spool of 5 core a few months back in one of Dad's toolboxes that would have been circa 40 years old or more. Smokey as all get out as it has a high flux content but works fine. I still have some on another formerly 2kg spool my Uncle gave me over 30 years ago that is my normal heavier solder.

Leaded all the way - sorry EU members >:D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: rsjsouza on September 30, 2019, 10:52:55 am
Thanks for the inputs - I guess the smoke is compatible with what I see when fixing old equipment. :-+

My main spool is almost 20 years old and it still does an excellent job - but it does not have the same crust and grime I see on the photographs here.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: beanflying on September 30, 2019, 10:58:50 am
Stay tuned there is a product due for release really soon ;) This is some of the crusty solder in the last shot as it is the smokiest I have.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSR3foSyaZg (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSR3foSyaZg)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: exe on September 30, 2019, 12:56:40 pm
modern solder is better in many ways

Why?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ysjoelfir on September 30, 2019, 02:02:59 pm
modern solder is better in many ways

Why?
Just personal perception, that wasn't meant as a generalisation.
Even though I could imagine that modern solder wires have other fluxes and additives which could in theory give a better soldering experience.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: ArthurDent on October 02, 2019, 02:00:02 pm
rsjsouza - "I always heard about soldering going "old" after some time and losing its best features."

The solder I bought isn't 'that' old and is standard rosin core Sn/Pb solder that may have some dust on it from storage but isn't corroded at all. I've tried it and see no difference between it and any other solder I have other than a slightly lower melting point. I certainly would use this over lead free solder with all the problems that could bring. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=reNA5iwcg-w (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=reNA5iwcg-w)

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: tooki on October 02, 2019, 04:52:14 pm
[...] I certainly would use this over lead free solder with all the problems that could bring. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=reNA5iwcg-w (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=reNA5iwcg-w)
While nobody is ever going to claim that lead-free is superior to leaded solder, that video is useless. He's comparing a vaguely decent leaded solder to crappy Chinese lead-free. And as it happens, people who've compared tons of different solders, both leaded and lead-free, both Chinese and high quality, find that Chinese solder usually sucks, no matter what its (claimed) composition. So in that video, the problems he's attributing to lead-free are actually just the issues with Chinese solder. (That and questionable technique.)

If one compares high-quality lead-free to high-quality leaded, the lead-free is really only minimally harder to work with, aside from needing a few degrees higher temperature.




As for old solder, I have a roll of Kester bought sometime around 1990. It went unused from probably 1995-2015, and in that time the outer layers tarnished a bit. This didn't seem to obviously affect its performance, though, and one option was simply to use a tissue with IPA to clean off the surface a bit before use. Inner layers are shiny like new, and perform great.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on October 02, 2019, 05:05:50 pm
If one compares high-quality lead-free to high-quality leaded, the lead-free is really only minimally harder to work with, aside from needing a few degrees higher temperature.
I agree with that. Always get high quality lead-free solder from a reputable brand. I'd like to add that lead free solder seems to have a much narrower temperature range over which it leads to good results so the temperature of the soldering iron is much more critical.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Addicted2AnalogTek on October 03, 2019, 12:40:34 am
I just landed a Tek 485 with options 4 and 78 for under $100 USD including shipping and taxes!  Option 4 is EMI shielding and Option 78 is P11 phosphor.

Now I wait to see what condition it is really in... it's shown powered up with a trace, but broken V/div knobs and the channel 2 impedance selector switch is not lit like it should be. I'm not too concerned, though, as I have a parts unit sitting on the shelf.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Dek on October 03, 2019, 05:04:37 pm
My Racal 1998 was delivered the other day, I'm happy with its 'bangonieness'...need to fire up the ole GPSDO for a better test.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Illusionist on October 03, 2019, 05:56:34 pm
I got an Agilent 34410A two days ago, and just got chance to get inside and check it out. Was due for recalibration in Jan 2018, so not too far away. I've nothing as accurate to check it against unfortunately; my next best multimeters are a GW Instek 8251A and an ancient but still working Thurlby 1905A. My only calibration sources (if I can call them that) are some Maxim MAX6126A references. As far as I can tell everything is good though.

The VFD display is as close to as new as I can tell and inside the unit was almost spotless. Mostly just a build up of dust on the fan. It all got a dusting anyway. The meter has clearly had a cozy life. The warranty stickers were intact until I peeled them to open it up. The advert photo (below) makes the marks on the rubber look much worse than they actually are, and the main body is almost flawless.

That fan though... it almost drowns out the vacuum cleaner! Well, it did. It now has a 100Ω resistor inline with it and is much quieter. My lab (repurposed bedroom) is kept quite cool so I doubt it's an issue. I might still change it out for a 15mm thick Sunon maglev though, and run that slower too.

Anyway, I'm chuffed to bits as they say, and here are some pictures:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: beanflying on October 05, 2019, 02:37:49 am
I got an Agilent 34410A two days ago, and just got chance to get inside and check it out. Cost £360 all-in from eBay, and was due for recalibration in Jan .....

snip

That fan though... it almost drowns out the vacuum cleaner! Well, it did. It now has a 100Ω resistor inline with it and is much quieter. My lab (repurposed bedroom) is kept quite cool so I doubt it's an issue. I might still change it out for a 15mm thick Sunon maglev though, and run that slower too.

Anyway, I'm chuffed to bits as they say, and here are some pictures:


Not all 34401A's had fans or even case ventilation. My late Agilent era has neither and is more stable as well as I can determine than my 34461A by a few PPM over a 10C temperatrure swing. Do some searching as I never have re fan or no fan?

Today's unneeded plaything is a Gertsch Decade Ratio Transformer. No particular use for it other than it will be a fun toy for the collection. I was watching it and the seller put out a reduced price offer and it had very low freight costs from the USA to Oz so I obliged  ;D

Will fit in with my Valhalla 2703 AC Cal. and 2500EP Current Amp. (when I get it repaired) but other than that just for fun.

(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/D9EAAOSw7ttccu0d/s-l1600.jpg)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Mr. Scram on October 05, 2019, 02:43:56 am
beanflying, it seems you fell for the classic switcharoo of the HP/Agilent number system. 34410A not 34401A. :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: beanflying on October 05, 2019, 02:46:39 am
oops I blame a lack of coffee  :-DD and HP for dyslexic numbering  :horse:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: don.r on October 06, 2019, 05:40:23 pm
Picked this up about 2 years ago for $100 as a parts unit. Works perfectly fine AFAIK.

[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Neomys Sapiens on October 06, 2019, 09:53:34 pm
Picked this up about 2 years ago for $100 as a parts unit. Works perfectly fine AFAIK.

(Attachment Link)
Didn't know that one before. Even without 4-wire connection, a Milliohmmeter (or microohm-meter) from a serious western manufacturer for 100.- is a laudable find.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: don.r on October 06, 2019, 10:05:16 pm
It uses a 100uV square wave and goes down to 1uOhm resolution. The connection is indeed 4-wire.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Neomys Sapiens on October 06, 2019, 10:13:15 pm
It uses a 100uV square wave and goes down to 10uOhm resolution. The connection is indeed 4-wire.
Is it a square wave or does it alternate polarity? When you say 4-wire, does this mean that the BNC outer conductor is not a screen, but the L/H drive signal, respectively?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Vgkid on October 06, 2019, 10:18:32 pm
Don.R do a teardown of your simpson 444. I always wanted one. I have a Ballantine 3205b instead(I think I paid a bit under 100 for it.) It  a teardown is floating around on the forum
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Neomys Sapiens on October 06, 2019, 11:00:02 pm
And the only aquisition of a otherwise busy weekend was a REVERSE IEEE488<>IEC625 adaptor (Amphenol on the device side, Sub-D25 towards the cable).
The other way round is found more often.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: don.r on October 07, 2019, 12:49:59 am
It uses a 100uV square wave and goes down to 10uOhm resolution. The connection is indeed 4-wire.
Is it a square wave or does it alternate polarity? When you say 4-wire, does this mean that the BNC outer conductor is not a screen, but the L/H drive signal, respectively?
Yes. Alternate polarity. Outer conductor is indeed a drive signal (or sense... not sure).
Don.R do a teardown of your simpson 444. I always wanted one. I have a Ballantine 3205b instead(I think I paid a bit under 100 for it.) It  a teardown is floating around on the forum
Ok... https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/simpson-444-micro-ohmmeter-teardown/msg2727236/#msg2727236 (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/simpson-444-micro-ohmmeter-teardown/msg2727236/#msg2727236)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: beanflying on October 07, 2019, 01:10:02 am
My Quadtech Milliohm meter runs unshielded leads two pairs twisted in separate sleeves with a independent ground lead from the box to an alligator clip. The set of cheap and cheerful Chinese ones I rehacked for my bench meters have shields finishing at the main clips but tied the shields together to a 4mm socket.

Side note the Quadtech kicks the but of my 34401A, 34461A and Advantest 6871E much below 10  \$\Omega\$

Depending on what/where you are testing it is worth the shielding IMO but not life ending if you don't have it.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Neomys Sapiens on October 07, 2019, 01:32:28 am
My Quadtech Milliohm meter runs unshielded leads two pairs twisted in separate sleeves with a independent ground lead from the box to an alligator clip. The set of cheap and cheerful Chinese ones I rehacked for my bench meters have shields finishing at the main clips but tied the shields together to a 4mm socket.

Side note the Quadtech kicks the but of my 34401A, 34461A and Advantest 6871E much below 10  \$\Omega\$

Depending on what/where you are testing it is worth the shielding IMO but not life ending if you don't have it.
I did not intend to judge on the merit or necessity of the screen in this application, still just collecting data.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: don.r on October 07, 2019, 02:02:56 am
My Quadtech Milliohm meter runs unshielded leads two pairs twisted in separate sleeves with a independent ground lead from the box to an alligator clip. The set of cheap and cheerful Chinese ones I rehacked for my bench meters have shields finishing at the main clips but tied the shields together to a 4mm socket.

Side note the Quadtech kicks the but of my 34401A, 34461A and Advantest 6871E much below 10  \$\Omega\$

Depending on what/where you are testing it is worth the shielding IMO but not life ending if you don't have it.
I did not intend to judge on the merit or necessity of the screen in this application, still just collecting data.

Ask any questions you want about it in my teardown thread. Without a schematic, my knowledge of its workings are pretty slim though.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: usagi on October 08, 2019, 08:05:45 am
If one compares high-quality lead-free to high-quality leaded, the lead-free is really only minimally harder to work with, aside from needing a few degrees higher temperature.
I agree with that. Always get high quality lead-free solder from a reputable brand. I'd like to add that lead free solder seems to have a much narrower temperature range over which it leads to good results so the temperature of the soldering iron is much more critical.

medical and aerospace have blanket exemptions from leadfree ROHS requirements. because leadfree puts people and safety at risk.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on October 12, 2019, 04:50:00 pm
Hmm, that makes lead-free solder a hazardous substance. :-DD
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Mr. Scram on October 12, 2019, 05:26:21 pm
medical and aerospace have blanket exemptions from leadfree ROHS requirements. because leadfree puts people and safety at risk.
I know there are exemptions for aerospace but that's mainly due to the lack of years of experience with the newer materials. The aerospace industry has been very busy figuring out if and how a switch to lead free will impact them for years now. It recognises the "leaded" supply chain is drying up. Leadfree may put "people and safety" at risk although I'm not quite sure those are actually different things.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: 0culus on October 12, 2019, 06:27:34 pm
Aerospace tends to move at a glacial pace on all things. Proven designs and materials only for production stuff.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: rsjsouza on October 13, 2019, 07:30:56 pm
I got this at a local market for a song ($82 "Texan pesos"). Despite the two scuffs at the front, it is pretty unblemished everywhere else, including its internals.

I really couldn't believe my luck, really. Also, it is spot on against the DMM Checkplus.

(edit) rotated the image.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on October 19, 2019, 11:40:46 pm
That's a nice score alright. :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: tooki on October 21, 2019, 11:33:48 am
If one compares high-quality lead-free to high-quality leaded, the lead-free is really only minimally harder to work with, aside from needing a few degrees higher temperature.
I agree with that. Always get high quality lead-free solder from a reputable brand. I'd like to add that lead free solder seems to have a much narrower temperature range over which it leads to good results so the temperature of the soldering iron is much more critical.

medical and aerospace have blanket exemptions from leadfree ROHS requirements. because leadfree puts people and safety at risk.
No, not any more. The blanket medical exemption ended 5 years ago, and the scope of the remaining exemption has continued to narrow since: https://www.tuvsud.com/en/industries/healthcare-and-medical-devices/medical-devices-and-ivd/restricted-hazardous-substances (https://www.tuvsud.com/en/industries/healthcare-and-medical-devices/medical-devices-and-ivd/restricted-hazardous-substances)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: teksturi on October 28, 2019, 09:20:23 pm
All of the following 875€

6x hp/agilent 34970A Data Acquisition unit with dmm

these come with these cards
3x 34901A
2x 34903A
4x 34908A

Also get Agilent 82357B USB-GPIB Interface cable.

But this is not all. Also get
HP 41800A Probe 5 Hz - 500 MHz.
HP 1153A differential probe.
HP 1152A 2.5 GHz active probe.
HP 1146A AC/DC current probe.
HP 11940A close field probe 30 MHz - 1 GHz.
hp 8447f opt h64 amplifier

And this very cool
Rohde & Schwarz MDS-21 absorping clamp
If someone can tell can if anyone use this in home lab please tell. Never seen something like this

Couple of other small things also. Some meters are almost brand new. Let the selling begins  >:D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Neomys Sapiens on October 28, 2019, 10:27:36 pm
All of the following 875€

6x hp/agilent 34970A Data Acquisition unit with dmm

these come with these cards
3x 34901A
2x 34903A
4x 34908A

Also get Agilent 82357B USB-GPIB Interface cable.

But this is not all. Also get
HP 41800A Probe 5 Hz - 500 MHz.
HP 1153A differential probe.
HP 1152A 2.5 GHz active probe.
HP 1146A AC/DC current probe.
HP 11940A close field probe 30 MHz - 1 GHz.
hp 8447f opt h64 amplifier

And this very cool
Rohde & Schwarz MDS-21 absorping clamp
If someone can tell can if anyone use this in home lab please tell. Never seen something like this

Couple of other small things also. Some meters are almost brand new. Let the selling begins  >:D
Hello, please clarify! Is this only available as one package?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: teksturi on October 28, 2019, 10:42:48 pm
Let the selling begins  >:D
Hello, please clarify! Is this only available as one package?

No of course not. And this is not yet sell add. But if someone need something he can send me private.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: wolfy007 on November 05, 2019, 12:03:22 pm
Just intercepted these two on their way to ewaste.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Gyro on November 05, 2019, 12:51:07 pm
Just intercepted these two on their way to ewaste.

Nice rescue.  :-+

http://bama.edebris.com/manuals/awa/ (http://bama.edebris.com/manuals/awa/)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xwarp on November 06, 2019, 01:37:11 am
Unbelievable the stuff that goes to "scrap".
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: wolfy007 on November 19, 2019, 02:13:20 am
Another save from ewaste, bit dusty but otherwise in very good condition.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Neomys Sapiens on November 19, 2019, 02:53:47 am
Unbelievable the stuff that goes to "scrap".
Yes. And most unbelievable are the cages some of those beancounters build around their 'scrap'.
I bet they get off on the sight of drooling engineers and technicians at those sites, sitting with pervert grins and telling off any offer of money with a ugly sadist 'noooOO!'. :box: :box: :box: :horse:
Octupledamnedmotherfeckingarchenemybrainlesstoadshitwankers!

I stood with a colleague in front of one such cage. On top of other stuff there were about ten immaculate CII (pre-Tyco!) vacuum relais freshly chucked in. Two days earlier, I saved the same company hundreds of bucks when that cage was open and I discovered that some other department threw away Pomona 4mm shorting plugs /bridges en masse that I was about to order anew.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: shakalnokturn on November 19, 2019, 11:38:20 am
Octupledamnedmotherfeckingarchenemybrainlesstoadshitwankers!

I can only agree... Although I have tongue cramps from trying to pronounce it out loud.

I've been at it for years, going where I shouldn't be because when I act like a civilised animal I (almost) always get a straight "NO". (That's without asking too often, the right approach could be to ask 4-5 times a day until the idiots give-up.)

I must admit ther's a little adrenaline involved in the "Fuck you too!" process of going for forbidden trash treasures, besides I do have a slight case of TEA and electro-junk addiction in general.

Where it really gets disgusting is that it's the same way with so many things other than T.E., a minority of wasteful idiots decide goods are going to be destroyed, while that happens the average consumer is being eco-brainwashed into thinking the planet needs saving. (That comes at a cost for the consumer of course... Let me laugh, who cares for ecology?)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: glinjik on November 22, 2019, 01:44:39 pm
got fluke 83 £55
iso-tech icm 2000 clamp meter rs stock no 697-3702 £18
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Neomys Sapiens on November 26, 2019, 12:45:18 am
POGO A GOGO!

My recent catch of pogo pins and associated parts. I consider that a nice grab for 45.-. ;D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: najrao on November 26, 2019, 08:33:55 am
I had to pay a princely 250 rupees ($3.45) for this gem. Just needed going over with isopropyl to make it gleam. Perfect!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: HighVoltage on November 26, 2019, 11:55:58 am
POGO A GOGO!

My recent catch of pogo pins and associated parts. I consider that a nice grab for 45.-. ;D
Nice !
INGUN pins are the best. I have a huge collection from over the years on ebay.
Sometimes we can get really lucky with these.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PaulAm on November 26, 2019, 03:05:43 pm
Not quite a piece of test gear but I  picked up a GE 8KVA UPS at a sealed bid auction for $37.50.  On this one, the inverter is always running and it just switches power sources when line conditions warrant.  You can also parallel up to 4 units to increase load.  For the money, this will be a nice unit to experiment with going offgrid.  This is a currently supported product and list price seems to be in the $6-7K range.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: rsjsouza on November 26, 2019, 03:25:06 pm
I had to pay a princely 250 rupees ($3.45) for this gem. Just needed going over with isopropyl to make it gleam. Perfect!
If everything works, that is quite a remarkable offer!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Miti on November 26, 2019, 11:51:23 pm
My updated collection of soldering irons. The first Hakko 936 from the left was declared defective and undesirable at work few years ago. I don't remember what was wrong with it, probably cold solder.
The next two 937 and the 951 were declared undesirable where I work just last month. I adopted them all as a TE lover that I am.
The one on the right was built, details here https://www.eevblog.com/forum/projects/unisolder-5-2-universal-soldering-station/msg2341236/#msg2341236. (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/projects/unisolder-5-2-universal-soldering-station/msg2341236/#msg2341236.)

I think I'll give some for adoption but I haven't decided which ones.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: sixtimesseven on November 28, 2019, 12:28:31 am
Two Teledyne X-Ray sensors - 48um pixcel size, ~23x49mm - and data aquisition board with Ethernet interface and what apears to be VGA.

http://www.rad-icon.de/Remote_RadEye_Family_DS.pdf (http://www.rad-icon.de/Remote_RadEye_Family_DS.pdf)

1x RM1263-01
2x RadEye1 E

Sold as is so will be interesting 300 pound bet.
I hope I get somhow access to their ShadoCam software or that their VGA works...
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Neomys Sapiens on November 28, 2019, 01:50:17 am
Two Teledyne X-Ray sensors - 48um pixcel size, ~23x49mm - and data aquisition board with Ethernet interface and what apears to be VGA.

1x RM1263-01
2x RadEye1 E

Sold as is so will be interesting 300 pound bet.
I hope I get somhow access to their ShadoCam software or that their VGA works...
Nice catch indeed if they work! Do you have a source already?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: sixtimesseven on November 28, 2019, 09:50:15 am
I have an old Russian 110kv 1kW stat. anode tube which I ran at 60kv and maybe 50W with my spellmann XLG X2364. However, spot size was huge and with the medical phosphor screen + camera it was just hopeless.

BUT, I bought one of these as well:
https://www.ebay.de/itm/113975474284 (https://www.ebay.de/itm/113975474284) (Bid was 200USD)

Which has a 55um window at 55kv which should be great :) It is also tiny (50W) which means oil bath + shielding will be much easier.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Inconel-oh-el on December 19, 2019, 01:42:31 am
Found two HP 5335As at the usual getting spot. I was only going to buy one, but very unfortunately... there was a 50% off sale. I bought both, I had too. The upper one has opt. 01, high stability time base. Lower one has no options, and unfortunately is missing the face plate. Otherwise, both are in great working condition, only out of cal as of this past August.

Anyone know a source for the faceplate? I'll probably end up selling the bottom one, hopefully I can find one or missing it doesn't subtract from the value too much.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on December 21, 2019, 05:33:45 pm
Can't blame ya. 50% off! ;D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: supperman on December 22, 2019, 03:33:01 pm
Tektronix 1103: Ebay for $75 (not working). I figured I'm buying it for the mechanical plugs and would change out the power supply.

I plug it in.. and it is fully working. No issues with anything. I was a bit disappointed actually....
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PaulAm on January 10, 2020, 10:52:52 pm
Just scored an HP 8748a S parameter test set.

These things are nuts.  This test set only works with the 8754a VNA which is a MANUAL VNA (unless you get a digital storage normalizer you're supposed to mark the reference level with a grease pencil on the CRT screen) and yet they're listed for $1K or even more.  I talked with one ebay seller and got one for $150 with shipping which is at least tolerable. 

Still need the reference plane set.  RF is a black hole  :palm:
Title: Kikusui PMC350-0.2A
Post by: BravoV on January 11, 2020, 05:07:05 am
Bench PSU Kikusui PMC350-0.2A, 0-350 VDC  200 mA

Tear down photos -> Kikusui PMC350-0.2A Teardown (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/test-equipment-anonymous-(tea)-group-therapy-thread/msg2866746/#msg2866746)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: BU508A on January 11, 2020, 12:17:25 pm
Just scored an HP 8748a S parameter test set.

These things are nuts.  This test set only works with the 8754a VNA which is a MANUAL VNA (unless you get a digital storage normalizer you're supposed to mark the reference level with a grease pencil on the CRT screen) and yet they're listed for $1K or even more.  I talked with one ebay seller and got one for $150 with shipping which is at least tolerable. 

Still need the reference plane set.  RF is a black hole  :palm:

 :scared:

Help is near:
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/test-equipment-anonymous-(tea)-group-therapy-thread/ (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/test-equipment-anonymous-(tea)-group-therapy-thread/)

 >:D  :-DD  :popcorn:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: eevcandies on January 17, 2020, 04:43:19 am
Took a chance & scored an A6312 Tek DC-100 MHz current probe for a very decent $175, in very good physical shape, but completely non-functional (as stated).

I know the probe wiring can be touchy/prone to breaking.  Sure enough, inside the huge chromed connecter (easily unscrews apart), three rather thin (26 gauge?) wire's solder joints were broken at the connector pins.  However, I was confounded by the matchup between the pins & broken wires.  I dug high & low to locate any service info showing a color code or connector hookup...but no luck (does anyone have this info/link?).  Restoring them improperly could burn up the probe!!

Finally, realized I own a working A6302 (50 MHz) probe...and opened its connector up.  While its colors didn't completely duplicate the A6312's, there was enough matching to easily determine where my wires should go.   Got them soldered in a few minutes & everything works perfectly!

I recommend these probes to anyone and everyone in the electronics arena
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: wolfy007 on January 17, 2020, 08:11:40 am
Another save from the eWaste bin. Never had or used a HPAK scope and from today I have two, the picture below being the eWaste save.

Has some vertical sweep shrinkage, but suspect a quick fix.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Shock on January 19, 2020, 05:57:26 am
More of a tool score, was picking up an item and the seller had a Weller regulated soldering station in nice condition, came with 3 lightly used tips. But the kicker was an unused 500g spool of 62/2Cu/38 rosin core solder. Brought it all for a whopping $7.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: wolfy007 on January 19, 2020, 07:57:18 am
The HP squashed screen is fixed, just changed the old electros for new ones and the would be eWaste scope is all good.

I rather like the user interface on this old HP. Just a quick screen adjustment and close it up.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on January 20, 2020, 10:51:22 pm
Nicely done, wolfy. Another one saved. Bad caps on the display board are very common in that series. I've got one that needs it, too.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ground_Loop on January 20, 2020, 10:58:28 pm
Picked up a couple more in the last couple weeks.  I got the AWG from a member here for $400. The Logic analyzer I got off ebay for $300.  Both work perfecly.  Well, I've only been able to test one pod on the LA, but I have no reason to believe the others wouldn't work.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on January 21, 2020, 06:33:19 am
Oh very nice core on the signal generator. I have a Tek AWG2041 and am very happy with it (Even if i did have to repair it twice already)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: wolfy007 on January 22, 2020, 09:02:37 am
Another eWaste save, rather chuffed as I dont have one of these in my BWD collection.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: beanflying on January 22, 2020, 09:49:55 am
I picked up a BWD 246B Dual Power Supply last year and am a bit tempted to add to it for nostalgia's sake as the Tech School system in Vic was populated by them in various bits. Space is one of the limiting factors that plus the BS test gear pricing in Oz most of the time :horse:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: tautech on January 22, 2020, 09:57:07 am
Another eWaste save, rather chuffed as I dont have one of these in my BWD collection.
Got a 170 here too but could never find a manual for it.  :(
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: wolfy007 on January 22, 2020, 10:28:03 am
Yeah, havent found a 170 manual yet either.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: wolfy007 on January 22, 2020, 10:29:30 am
Im still looking for a reasonably priced 246 for my BWD collection. They would still be quite useful too.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: tautech on January 22, 2020, 10:33:47 am
Yeah, havent found a 170 manual yet either.
If you do .....you’re in BWD land  ;) please give us a shout.

Now you need to update your sig.   :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: beanflying on January 22, 2020, 10:37:08 am
For the non locals want to see BWD Test Gear wankerisim at work  :palm: eBay auction: #121756792671 With a fault likely 30 and more likely 40 years old.....

or an A version for 'only' $550 AU pesos  :horse: eBay auction: #292994306640

I did get mine for around $100 and it needs a recapping at least but that is for winter this year at this stage.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: wolfy007 on January 22, 2020, 10:43:44 am
For the non locals want to see BWD Test Gear wankerisim at work  :palm: eBay auction: #121756792671 With a fault likely 30 and more likely 40 years old.....

or an A version for 'only' $550 AU pesos  :horse: eBay auction: #292994306640

I did get mine for around $100 and it needs a recapping at least but that is for winter this year at this stage.

Agreed, and they have been listed for a year or more at that same price...   lol

Definitely not a score at that price, but for $100 I would consider that a good deal.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Neomys Sapiens on January 23, 2020, 01:21:32 am
I have even seen  the one or other seen up here. First thought they were British. As you say, interesting gear, if the price fits the performance.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: beanflying on January 23, 2020, 01:28:08 am
I did put it in the TEA thread at the time. 22kg of Heavy Metal.  >:D

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Neomys Sapiens on January 30, 2020, 02:23:46 am
Today, I bought a Dodo.

[attach=1]

Until now, I did not associate YEW with 'outlandish and weird'. If you question this assessment, look at the 'error' display on the analogue auxiliary instrument. I will report more when it has made its way to me and shows any sighn of life. It did cost me 6.- including postage, so I have no expectations at all.

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on January 30, 2020, 06:59:30 am
Today, I bought a Dodo.

(Attachment Link)

Until now, I did not associate YEW with 'outlandish and weird'. If you question this assessment, look at the 'error' display on the analogue auxiliary instrument. I will report more when it has made its way to me and shows any sighn of life. It did cost me 6.- including postage, so I have no expectations at all.

That is a pretty interesting looking multimeter. Worth it for the novel looks alone.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: don.r on February 13, 2020, 11:41:24 pm
Related to "scores" does anyone remember a thread on easiest equipment "repair"? I remember reading about a piece of equipment that had the cal switch in the wrong position and it was fully functional in the right position. Things like that. Can't seem to find the thread.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: shakalnokturn on February 13, 2020, 11:50:27 pm
This one?
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/repair/what-was-your-easiest-repair-ever/ (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/repair/what-was-your-easiest-repair-ever/)


Today yet another ASYC II DMM.
For 35€ posted with protective sleeve and original leads I'd call it a score. (Although it doesn't beat my Fluke 187 grabbed for around 33€ posted.)
The fuses needed replacing and red lead has a soldering iron burn, the screen has a dent and scratch but... Hey! It's been wearing it's protective layer since y2k! That makes the scratch easy to peel although I'm not sure they should be parted after 20 years.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: don.r on February 14, 2020, 12:43:27 am
This one?
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/repair/what-was-your-easiest-repair-ever/ (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/repair/what-was-your-easiest-repair-ever/)


That's the one! Didn't come up in my search for "easiest repair".
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: beanflying on February 14, 2020, 12:45:34 am
It is one of the weakest point of SMF the Search function  |O If you are having trouble use the top right pulldown and run a Google site search on your keywords works much better almost always.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: don.r on February 14, 2020, 01:44:01 am
It is one of the weakest point of SMF the Search function  |O If you are having trouble use the top right pulldown and run a Google site search on your keywords works much better almost always.
haha! First hit!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Addicted2AnalogTek on February 14, 2020, 04:09:34 am
Managed to score a couple of viscometers. One with a calibration kit.  They are both fully functional and were saved from the trash heap. I have no use for them though, so I'll probably just sell them.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: beanflying on February 14, 2020, 04:21:42 am
Managed to score a couple of viscometers. One with a calibration kit.  They are both fully functional and were saved from the trash heap. I have no use for them though, so I'll probably just sell them.

Back when I had a real job I would have brought one from you  ;) Useful bit of kit when you play with Pumps/Pipes and lots of strange substances going through them. Local industrial Pump Sellers or specialty Chemical Companies would be candidates.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Neomys Sapiens on February 15, 2020, 11:25:37 pm
Here is what I got recently, and for a very civil price (around 25.- including postage): an immaculate TM500 DOUBLE WIDTH empty module.
 There are some left - I'll reconsider my needs and then post the source.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Addicted2AnalogTek on February 16, 2020, 12:06:49 am
Managed to score a couple of viscometers. One with a calibration kit.  They are both fully functional and were saved from the trash heap. I have no use for them though, so I'll probably just sell them.

Back when I had a real job I would have brought one from you  ;) Useful bit of kit when you play with Pumps/Pipes and lots of strange substances going through them. Local industrial Pump Sellers or specialty Chemical Companies would be candidates.

If you want one, I'm willing to consider offers, although I assume the shipping would be rather expensive.  I've got a Fann 35A/SR-12 and an Ofite 800.  Both B1/R1/F1, both fully functional.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: beanflying on February 16, 2020, 12:12:21 am
I have been out of the Pump industry for nearly 20 years and have no plans to get back in but thanks anyway :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: tautech on February 17, 2020, 06:52:21 am
Couldn't resist getting another Tek P6021 current probe for just $100 plus very reasonable shipping.  ;D
https://www.ebay.com/itm/362914149137 (https://www.ebay.com/itm/362914149137)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Calvin on March 14, 2020, 06:46:48 am
Hi,

while its no test equipment manufaturing equipment is probabely also allowed here.
Got me this Paggen RO250BF convection reflow oven for 100€ plus shipping ... and its in very good condition and works perfectly  :-+
It costed 4.500€ in 2008 and is still listed for 4.500€ in 2020.

regards
Calvin
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: wolfy007 on March 14, 2020, 07:05:55 am
Nice score on the reflow oven.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: wolfy007 on April 01, 2020, 09:56:37 am
Went to pick up a 3458A, came back with these also...   :palm:  ::)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: tautech on April 01, 2020, 10:02:32 am
Went to pick up a 3458A, came back with these also...   :palm:  ::)
Good haul !  :clap:

You wouldn't have an OM for your BWD170 would you ?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: beanflying on April 01, 2020, 10:03:55 am
Looks like you have well and truly joined Volt Nuttery and found the elusive BWD PS as well  :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: wolfy007 on April 01, 2020, 10:06:53 am
Went to pick up a 3458A, came back with these also...   :palm:  ::)
Good haul !  :clap:

You wouldn't have an OM for your BWD170 would you ?
Not yet, but dont worry still looking. Found one for the 835, will find one for the 170, eventually, will let you know when I do.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: wolfy007 on April 01, 2020, 10:14:21 am
Looks like you have well and truly joined Volt Nuttery and found the elusive BWD PS as well  :-+
Yup, could not help myself! Its not like I need or was looking for the Fluke 731B or 510A either nor another Keithley 197, but they were so cute. I walked into an Alladin's cave of old electronic test equipment and  I lost control. Walked away with more than I planned to.

Even called a work mate, to see if he wanted anything, and for whom I picked up a HP 3582A and another Keithley 197.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: beanflying on April 01, 2020, 10:21:44 am
The HP 419 null meter is a good thing if it is working condition too. Just watch out for the Mercury cell in it and most likely some very crusty NiCads in the back.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: wolfy007 on April 01, 2020, 10:24:00 am
The HP 419 null meter is a good thing if it is working condition too. Just watch out for the Mercury cell in it and most likely some very crusty NiCads in the back.
Yup tomorrows job, open and check the fluke and HP meters before power up. Also check the caps in the 7603 before power up.

The Fluke 732B and 510A batteries look ok and seem to work OK initially, though need to log over time to see if stable. Keithley 197 is good too. Looking good so far!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on April 04, 2020, 06:21:22 pm
Nice scores, wolfy! :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TERRA Operative on April 05, 2020, 01:57:04 pm
I just scored a HP 3708A for 1000 Yen (about 10 bucks, give or take). At that price I couldn't say no, no matter how full my room is with gear (I bought a 25U rack last week to stack stuff in and I already need another...  :palm: )

Now I just gotta figure out what to do with it. :D

It also apparently has option 030, but that isn't listed in the manual, so I wonder what it is.....



Photo from the auction I just won now.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on April 06, 2020, 08:54:28 pm
Wow, that's quite a score. Nice one, TO!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Neomys Sapiens on April 07, 2020, 12:34:16 am
I just scored a HP 3708A for 1000 Yen (about 10 bucks, give or take). At that price I couldn't say no, no matter how full my room is with gear (I bought a 25U rack last week to stack stuff in and I already need another...  :palm: )

April has just begone and with it the second quartal, but the Jammy Git Award for both will be hard to take from you.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TERRA Operative on April 07, 2020, 01:54:19 am
I do enjoy me a bit of a deal on Yahoo Auctions. :) That along with the junk stores in Akihabara here in Tokyo have my wallet looking sad (but not too sad on occasions such as this. :D )
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on April 15, 2020, 10:20:01 pm
An impulse buy:

[attachimg=1]

It is a GW Instek LCR-821 high precission LCR meter. Basic accuracy of 0.05%, measurement frequency up to 200kHz and it can measure very low values as well (resistance from 10 micro-Ohm which is nice when I need to deal with Li-ion cells). I was kind of eye balling a higher end LCR meter for a while without really wanting to buy one. However this thread https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/gw-instek-lcr819-and-the-mystery-of-password/ (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/gw-instek-lcr819-and-the-mystery-of-password/) triggered doing a search on Ebay. Just for kicks I low balled the LCR-821 and the seller accepted. The unit arrived today and after desinfection / decontamination I tested it. At first it didn't seem to work but it turned out the 'range hold' mode was enabled.

I want to clean it up (take the front panel apart to give the plastic and the rubber buttons a good cleaning) and maybe it makes for a nice TFT conversion project as well. The insides look pretty simple. A 68000 CPU seems to drive a whole bunch of Lattice CPLDs. The power supply is a standard Meanwell PSU.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: wolfy007 on May 02, 2020, 12:09:16 pm
Ive been told I need help, possibly true, been trying to forget I saw this a few weeks ago, but I caved....
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: The Soulman on May 02, 2020, 12:12:21 pm
 :scared:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Falkra on May 02, 2020, 07:01:51 pm
 :-+ :-+ :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on May 02, 2020, 09:59:38 pm
Ive been told I need help, possibly true, been trying to forget I saw this a few weeks ago, but I caved....

That HP 220A is cute - I don't recall ever seeing one, or even noticing it in the catalogs.  Interesting.  Nice haul!

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xrunner on May 03, 2020, 12:47:22 am
Ive been told I need help ...

If you feel you need help, follow the link in my signature. There are members there that can help people like you and me.  :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on May 03, 2020, 02:22:52 am
Ive been told I need help ...

If you feel you need help, follow the link in my signature. There are members there that can help people like you and me.  :-+

Don't you mean "help"?  We'll certainly "help" you in the TEA thread!   ;) 

>:D >:D >:D >:D

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on May 03, 2020, 04:11:03 am
Ive been told I need help, possibly true, been trying to forget I saw this a few weeks ago, but I caved....

Looks like you helped yourself quite well there. Nice scores!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: wolfy007 on May 03, 2020, 07:13:16 am
Ive been told I need help, possibly true, been trying to forget I saw this a few weeks ago, but I caved....

That HP 220A is cute - I don't recall ever seeing one, or even noticing it in the catalogs.  Interesting.  Nice haul!

-Pat

It was to cute to leave, never seen one before either, didnt need one but couldnt help myself....   :)

PS: its a fairly simple device inside, not much to it.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: wolfy007 on May 03, 2020, 07:22:52 am
Ive been told I need help, possibly true, been trying to forget I saw this a few weeks ago, but I caved....

Looks like you helped yourself quite well there. Nice scores!

I did sit there contemplating my TEA, as the 734a warmed up, but by the time I finished my cup of tea I figured it was all good...   :D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: wolfy007 on May 03, 2020, 12:12:47 pm
oops, one 732B blew the IEC line filter module (Schaffner FN376-2/22) during warmup (after about 3hrs). Time to buy 4 replacements (along with the four new batteries).

PS: Inlet module on the 732b (line filter/transformer) is enclosed in a small metal cube riveted together and not screwed. Date markings indicate 1992 manufacture.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Hydron on May 03, 2020, 12:26:10 pm
At least the inlet module case helped contain the filter guts maybe?

Given how awful they are when they let go, one wonders how Schaffner parts still get designed into anything by engineers who have experienced it.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Mr. Scram on May 03, 2020, 07:36:16 pm
At least the inlet module case helped contain the filter guts maybe?

Given how awful they are when they let go, one wonders how Schaffner parts still get designed into anything by engineers who have experienced it.
You probably answered your own question there.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: CalMachine on May 03, 2020, 08:27:40 pm
Ive been told I need help, possibly true, been trying to forget I saw this a few weeks ago, but I caved....

Lucky lucky man, you xD   :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: jastreb on May 04, 2020, 08:11:49 am
Ive been told I need help, possibly true, been trying to forget I saw this a few weeks ago, but I caved....
I was with him. We tried to help each other. Didn't really work. Only thing that helped was that the 4wd was full of haul and we could not fit any more in for the trip home. :-//
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Ice-Tea on May 04, 2020, 11:22:44 am
oops, one 732B blew the IEC line filter module (Schaffner FN376-2/22) during warmup (after about 3hrs). Time to buy 4 replacements (along with the four new batteries).

PS: Inlet module on the 732b (line filter/transformer) is enclosed in a small metal cube riveted together and not screwed. Date markings indicate 1992 manufacture.

RIFA inside. Looks pretty clean, they often spill some brown tar all over the place. Consider yourself lucky  ;)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PaulAm on May 06, 2020, 07:57:56 pm
I'm not sure this qualifies as a score, but I just picked up a Tektronix 555 dual beam scope, complete, for free.  I'm not a big fan of the 500 series and stay away from vacuum tube equipment, but this was something special.

I don't know of any other scope that had to separate the power supply from the main unit to keep the pieces to a reasonable weight.  It also consumes > 1KW so I can use it to heat my shop in the winter.  And it has all that lovely ceramic strip construction.  Now I'll have to see if I can find one of those SA plugins for it.  Clearly a project for next winter
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on May 06, 2020, 08:04:30 pm
I'm not sure this qualifies as a score, but I just picked up a Tektronix 555 dual beam scope, complete, for free.  I'm not a big fan of the 500 series and stay away from vacuum tube equipment, but this was something special.

I don't know of any other scope that had to separate the power supply from the main unit to keep the pieces to a reasonable weight.  It also consumes > 1KW so I can use it to heat my shop in the winter.  And it has all that lovely ceramic strip construction.  Now I'll have to see if I can find one of those SA plugins for it.  Clearly a project for next winter

Nice score - that's one on my list for some day.  There were a few Teks of that era that had separate power supplies - the 551 is another just off the top of my head.  Congrats on your new beast; take good care of it!

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: cdev on May 06, 2020, 10:51:05 pm
OMG, thats a hell of a good deal for that!

I had to pay a princely 250 rupees ($3.45) for this gem. Just needed going over with isopropyl to make it gleam. Perfect!

Please stay safe!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: 0culus on May 07, 2020, 01:25:44 am
I'm not sure this qualifies as a score, but I just picked up a Tektronix 555 dual beam scope, complete, for free.  I'm not a big fan of the 500 series and stay away from vacuum tube equipment, but this was something special.

I don't know of any other scope that had to separate the power supply from the main unit to keep the pieces to a reasonable weight.  It also consumes > 1KW so I can use it to heat my shop in the winter.  And it has all that lovely ceramic strip construction.  Now I'll have to see if I can find one of those SA plugins for it.  Clearly a project for next winter

(https://i.imgur.com/v6sCGiB.jpg)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PaulAm on May 07, 2020, 06:35:42 pm
I am NOT hauling it out to take a pic of the insides  :-DD

This thing has something like 110 vacuum tubes.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on May 07, 2020, 08:20:49 pm
I am NOT hauling it out to take a pic of the insides  :-DD

This thing has something like 110 vacuum tubes.

THAT was a hell of a score!  I am jealous!  Beautiful piece of kit!  (And we will eventually want pictures of the innards, too, but you've sated us for the moment.)

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: newto on May 13, 2020, 09:35:07 pm
Not quite as extreme as some of the scores on here, but:

Rigol MSO1074Z for 540 CAD delivered from the Rigol clearance section.

Came with all the probes, the 16 channel digital adapter, and all the software options enabled (no need to hack it!)

Considering it was 7$ more before tax than the DS1054 I was already looking at, I'd say it's at least a little bit of a "score"
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: duckduck on May 13, 2020, 10:49:35 pm
Didn't realize there was a separate topic. Already posted in TEA (with pics). A Topward TPS-4000 dual tracking DC power supply for US$40. Seems to be 100% functional.

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/test-equipment-anonymous-(tea)-group-therapy-thread/msg3055068/#msg3055068 (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/test-equipment-anonymous-(tea)-group-therapy-thread/msg3055068/#msg3055068)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: artag on May 25, 2020, 08:31:54 pm
Ive been told I need help, possibly true, been trying to forget I saw this a few weeks ago, but I caved....

There's somebody over in buy/sell offering an AC upgrade for those 192s, if they haven't already got one.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: artag on May 25, 2020, 08:34:11 pm

Given how awful they are when they let go, one wonders how Schaffner parts still get designed into anything by engineers who have experienced it.

Maybe they do it for the adrenaline ? It's like Russian roulette.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: ch_scr on May 27, 2020, 08:13:10 pm
From the local gumtree, something more GAS related. All from the same seller, got to make the trip count >:D
2 used kife edge squares 100x70mm, 1 new square 100x70mm and 4 Hirschmann grab probes.
All for 50€, not dirt cheap but no bad I reckon
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: yo0 on June 28, 2020, 09:30:33 pm
Four Fluke 87v dmms for the equivalent to  about 304.00usd free shipping. All four near mint.

Best regards

Pio
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Johnny10 on June 29, 2020, 01:20:45 pm
Now that is a great deal!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bitseeker on June 30, 2020, 01:53:26 am
Agreed. Well done, yo0.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: wolfy007 on June 30, 2020, 04:20:57 pm
Nice score yo0
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xwarp on July 23, 2020, 04:20:23 pm
SCORE!!!!!

A crt for my HP 8591E spec/an that doesn't appear to have any burn in for less than a hundo shipped!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Smith on August 01, 2020, 07:52:22 pm
Might not be the coolest stuff, but I got a like new Philips PM 6302 RCL bridge for less than 5 bucks from the local thrift store. Seems to work, only tried a few ranges. Not the most handy piece of kit, but I still wanted one for years  :-+

Update: Everything I threw at it (10pF up to 100uF) was withing 0,5% limits of our U1733C on 1kHz! Just one (10nF) range was a few % off. So much better than I thought. The "search" function is great too. Just connect a capacitor, set it to "search" and turn the range multiplier until you reach the range where the needle goes between min and max (too high, and the needle maxes out, too low and the needle returns to zero). It is actually quite fast using this thing. I guess a measurement from an totally unknown capacitor should take no more than 10 sec. Probably much less if used more frequently
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: wolfy007 on August 05, 2020, 03:21:25 pm
Latest old stuff (the two little HP 721A were just to cute)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Neomys Sapiens on August 05, 2020, 07:24:18 pm
Latest old stuff (the two little HP 721A were just to cute)
Ah, so those 721As are the precedessor series to the 6214A and related models. First time I see one of them. But the case seems to be compatible with the 466A amplifier.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: wolfy007 on August 06, 2020, 01:49:44 am
Latest old stuff (the two little HP 721A were just to cute)
Ah, so those 721As are the precedessor series to the 6214A and related models. First time I see one of them. But the case seems to be compatible with the 466A amplifier.

I must admit I havent seen the 466A nor the 6214A till you just mentioned them. The 721A I stumbled across while buying some equipment from a deceased estate, and the guy had hardcore TEA, it was an eye opener, literally a house chock full of equipment (and a shed in his back yard).

The internal layout of the 721A is almost a cross between a tube layout and circuit board. That is, most of it is on a circuit board but the power transistor, one of the adjustment potentiometers, a large capacitor, the fuse and a couple other components are all mounted on internal panels and connected via a couple tagboards like in valve based equipment. I think a nice example of crossover equipment from valve era to transistor era.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: eevcandies on August 09, 2020, 02:57:29 am
Got a couple of these 400 Watt four-quadrant (source/sink) beastly heavy supplies (so unfortunately, including the one I previously had ,now I have 3 total.  At least they are different 400W models).  For about $95 each, was hard to resist!

What made this impossible to resist, was the 55 pounder shipping was only $30  (I've seen others at shipping cost of $120--$170)...so I was forced to bite.
These include the optional RS-232 /488 interface, which allows some form of waveform "programming" (don't yet know any details).
Channel Programming resolution is 16-bits, positive and negative.

(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/vOwAAOSwxJVe81eg/s-l400.jpg)

Looks like these guys sold 4 or 5 units recently...there is one left (they seem to be listing one per week):
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Electronic-Measurements-Inc-The-BOS-S-Bipolar-Operational-Source-Sink/184372807091?hash=item2aed79c5b3:g:m7EAAOSwODZfGD07 (https://www.ebay.com/itm/Electronic-Measurements-Inc-The-BOS-S-Bipolar-Operational-Source-Sink/184372807091?hash=item2aed79c5b3:g:m7EAAOSwODZfGD07)

info
https://us.lambda.tdk.com/products/legacy-products/pdf/bos-s.pdf (https://us.lambda.tdk.com/products/legacy-products/pdf/bos-s.pdf)


A Bipolar Operational Source/Sink power supply that provides a dozen functions in addition to delivering DC voltage and current
Four modes of operation: A bipolar power supply, delivering a positive or negative voltage. An operational power supply A sourcing  power supply, delivering positive and negative current.  More than a dozen functions.DC power supply... Electronic load......Voltage source....Power-pulse generator...Current source...Power-function generator...Direct-coupled amplifier....Variable-gain amplifier...Fast-slewing power supply....DC amplifier...AC power supply...Differential amplifier...Signal-inverting amplifier



Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: JonM on August 10, 2020, 05:18:33 am
I am NOT hauling it out to take a pic of the insides  :-DD

This thing has something like 110 vacuum tubes.

I have been trying to stay away from this thread but was lured back...

In 1980-1983 I was working in a university building built in the 1800's that could get a bit cold when the steam heat was not doing the business. Luckily a Tektronix 555 on its original cart was available to use as an office heater whenever we needed it. It worked quite well for that purpose.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on August 10, 2020, 05:58:40 am
Got a couple of these 400 Watt four-quadrant (source/sink) beastly heavy supplies (so unfortunately, including the one I previously had ,now I have 3 total.  At least they are different 400W models).  For about $95 each, was hard to resist!

What made this impossible to resist, was the 55 pounder shipping was only $30  (I've seen others at shipping cost of $120--$170)...so I was forced to bite.
These include the optional RS-232 /488 interface, which allows some form of waveform "programming" (don't yet know any details).
Channel Programming resolution is 16-bits, positive and negative.

I would have totally picked one up too if the cost of shipping it over to Europe was not so huge.
... Then again i did buy things before where the shipping cost more than the actual item.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: tchiwam on August 10, 2020, 08:41:19 pm
HAMEG 20MHz , free, all working, still using it.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: wkb on August 10, 2020, 09:26:36 pm
HP 8642a, needs a new battery and the LCD backlight needs new bulbs. It will get white LEDs for obvious reasons. This is the 2nd unit I own.

HP8657a, fully functional afaict.

The bottom HP PSU I rescued from the scrap, a colleague of mine brought it into the office, it was private property, to have it join our regular scrap removal. Never hit the scrap pallet, straight into my car booth.

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Neomys Sapiens on August 12, 2020, 01:07:34 am
HP 8642a, needs a new battery and the LCD backlight needs new bulbs. It will get white LEDs for obvious reasons. This is the 2nd unit I own.

HP8657a, fully functional afaict.

The bottom HP PSU I rescued from the scrap, a colleague of mine brought it into the office, it was private property, to have it join our regular scrap removal. Never hit the scrap pallet, straight into my car booth.
Nice haul. You are aware that the HP PSU is modified? (the jacks between the instruments are probably an aftermarket mod to bring the fully rated output to the front).
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: wkb on August 12, 2020, 06:22:48 am
Yes, I know. The former owner put the black/red outlet on the front. Factory standard is outlets on the back. I have since installed some heavier gauge wiring between these outlets and the connection rail, it was a bit too flimsy to my taste.

Wilko
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: wolfy007 on September 15, 2020, 03:13:19 am
Latest haul!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TimFox on September 15, 2020, 05:39:38 pm
The -hp- 8012 is a good pulse generator.  I had a strange problem with mine:  the pulse outputs are current generators designed to drive one or two 50 ohm loads, one of which is internal and switched in by a DPST reed relay (on both positive and negative outputs).  Somehow, my DIP relay had been installed rotated 180 deg, so the contacts still worked but the internal coil diode was backwards—the relay almost worked but was unreliable.  No sign of previous work, so it must have been a factory error.  Easy fix.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: CalMachine on September 15, 2020, 07:06:33 pm
Latest haul!

How have those Fluke 732B's been since you got them? :P
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: 0culus on September 15, 2020, 08:11:47 pm
Latest haul!

Neat pulser. It looks like the little brother of my 8082A. Really great little bits of kit, and the controllable transition times is a killer feature.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: wolfy007 on September 16, 2020, 01:10:27 am
The pulse gen looked like a neat instrument, intercepted from a trip to ewaste. Trigger out appears to be working but main output doesnt, so might need a bit of repair and renovation (aka capacitor replacements  :P ).

Actually the 732B have been continuously on for couple months now, after replacing all the schaffner IEC inline filters and batteries. Just started logging to see how stable they are. I can say the 732A I got earlier is looking very good so far, hopefully the 732B's will be also. Then on to calibration if all looks good.   :D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: 0culus on September 16, 2020, 01:45:48 am
The pulse gen looked like a neat instrument, intercepted from a trip to ewaste. Trigger out appears to be working but main output doesnt, so might need a bit of repair and renovation (aka capacitor replacements  :P ).

Actually the 732B have been continuously on for couple months now, after replacing all the schaffner IEC inline filters and batteries. Just started logging to see how stable they are. I can say the 732A I got earlier is looking very good so far, hopefully the 732B's will be also. Then on to calibration if all looks good.   :D

CuriousMarc on youtube did a repair on an 8082A...might be some useful information in his video if there is commonality between the two.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: wolfy007 on September 25, 2020, 05:45:08 pm
More meters...
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: yo0 on November 27, 2020, 03:58:22 am
a perfectly working Genrad 1863 for the equivalent of about 35 usd, just needed cleaning

best regards

Pio
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Johnny10 on November 27, 2020, 12:23:18 pm
Wolfy007, What does your lab look like?
You have been accumulating some nice equipment!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: wolfy007 on November 27, 2020, 01:37:48 pm
Wolfy007, What does your lab look like?
You have been accumulating some nice equipment!

Still needs much more sorting out, bit messier than I would like Im afraid, but slowly getting through repairs. Need to sell some extras at some point, got carried away with some things I bought, because you know 'bargains'...   ::)

Heres a couple pics of it from a few months ago, thankfully a bit of spring cleaning has cleaned/sorted it up a bit (and an old bench photo before the clean up).
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: exe on November 27, 2020, 02:17:51 pm
My new bench power supply: eez bb3. Well, not exactly new, I got it a few months ago, but only now I managed to finish it to somewhat workeable state. Still missing a power supply for one channel, that's why it says "error" on the screen.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Johnny10 on November 28, 2020, 02:31:27 am
Wolfy007. Great looking Lab !
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xrunner on November 28, 2020, 03:01:15 am
Wolfy007. Great looking Lab !

Ditto - fantastic setup.  :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: uski on November 28, 2020, 03:32:24 am
Just scored a supposedly working Philips/Fluke PM6669 frequency counter on eBay for $20+shipping. Not bad.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: wolfy007 on November 28, 2020, 05:45:44 am
Just scored a supposedly working Philips/Fluke PM6669 frequency counter on eBay for $20+shipping. Not bad.

Bargain!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: beanflying on December 06, 2020, 12:49:54 am
I am hoping this will 'eventually' be a score. $2k AUD for a 3458A with 'issues' from the other side of the country :palm: Has the fairly typical ACal error and has been out of use for 8-10 years so a trip to Keysight will be in it's future. Also has an Error 202 to sort out. ETA late next week.....



Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: 0culus on December 06, 2020, 03:53:56 am
I am hoping this will 'eventually' be a score. $2k AUD for a 3458A with 'issues' from the other side of the country :palm: Has the fairly typical ACal error and has been out of use for 8-10 years so a trip to Keysight will be in it's future. Also has an Error 202 to sort out. ETA late next week.....

Nice. Personally, I got a 3456A for cheap, and I also have a 3455A (though I hate it now that I have the fan-less 56A). It's enough voltnuttery for me.  :-DD
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Miti on December 06, 2020, 01:11:18 pm
Saved this from a dumpster at work. Another cleanup day, a box covered in dust, on an obscure shelf, nobody knew what it was used for or when, so was declared garbage. Oy vey!!!  :palm:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: wkb on December 06, 2020, 01:17:29 pm
It says what it is on the bloody box   :palm:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Miti on December 06, 2020, 01:39:39 pm
It says what it is on the bloody box   :palm:

What’s a DMM?  ;D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: tautech on December 06, 2020, 01:42:45 pm
It says what it is on the bloody box   :palm:

What’s a DMM?  ;D
What’s NI brand ?  ;)  :-DD
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Miti on December 06, 2020, 01:51:10 pm
It says what it is on the bloody box   :palm:

What’s a DMM?  ;D
What’s NI brand ?  ;)  :-DD

Wait, is that the brand?  I thought it stands for non interlaced...
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PartialDischarge on December 06, 2020, 01:53:17 pm
It is all very obscure and cryptic , NI USB, 4 wire SENSE, 6 1/2 digit DMM, Input....
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Miti on December 06, 2020, 01:59:35 pm
It is all very obscure and cryptic , NI USB, 4 wire SENSE, 6 1/2 digit DMM, Input....

... no display. Can’t be anything good.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: wkb on December 06, 2020, 02:03:02 pm
NI? The H got loose, must be NIH..
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Miti on December 06, 2020, 02:36:54 pm
In all fairness, even if heartbreaking (for some of us), in an ISO production environment, such action may be justified. You can't keep uncalibrated equipment on the production floor and you don't calibrate it if it is not needed. So where do you keep it? Real estate is expensive. And if a test operator with "initiative" gets to it and thinks it is better than a (calibrated) Fluke177 to adjust a voltage reference on a production board, then is discovered that the instrument wasn't calibrated or worse, is defective... A quality engineer with bulgy eyes shouting "you should have thrown that POS" is not a pretty picture. Then the recall process of thousand boards is waaaay more expensive than that, otherwise expensive, instrument. It's all about the bottom line...
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: wkb on December 06, 2020, 03:14:05 pm
True. Still, the planet does not get into a better shape by throwing things in landfills like that  :-//
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: tchiwam on December 19, 2020, 03:34:08 am
Keithley 2002 with 128k ram
8665B 004 and 8665A 001 004 008 010 will try to merge them and get the +0 self test result ;)
8563EC 001 005 006 007 008...

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: tchiwam on December 26, 2020, 01:45:32 am
Find the mistake ... aka my scores
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: wolfy007 on December 26, 2020, 06:59:19 am
I am hoping this will 'eventually' be a score. $2k AUD for a 3458A with 'issues' from the other side of the country :palm: Has the fairly typical ACal error and has been out of use for 8-10 years so a trip to Keysight will be in it's future. Also has an Error 202 to sort out. ETA late next week.....

From eBay, Perth?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: beanflying on December 26, 2020, 07:55:31 am
I am hoping this will 'eventually' be a score. $2k AUD for a 3458A with 'issues' from the other side of the country :palm: Has the fairly typical ACal error and has been out of use for 8-10 years so a trip to Keysight will be in it's future. Also has an Error 202 to sort out. ETA late next week.....

From eBay, Perth?

Yep. Overall very tidy for its age. Hoping to get it on the bench in the next few weeks now my world has settled down a bit.  :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: wolfy007 on December 26, 2020, 08:20:28 am
I am hoping this will 'eventually' be a score. $2k AUD for a 3458A with 'issues' from the other side of the country :palm: Has the fairly typical ACal error and has been out of use for 8-10 years so a trip to Keysight will be in it's future. Also has an Error 202 to sort out. ETA late next week.....

From eBay, Perth?

Yep. Overall very tidy for its age. Hoping to get it on the bench in the next few weeks now my world has settled down a bit.  :)

Very nice, and now you have one, good purchase. Saw that one and did my best to ignore it, hoping someone else would buy it....    :P
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TAMHAN on December 26, 2020, 08:21:08 am
Two things:
a) the Danaher AWG2021 is a BW unit. How did you get the little effer to output color?
b) you are connected to the marker output rather than ch2
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: tchiwam on December 26, 2020, 05:48:23 pm
a) Was the main point, Just got lucky, I'll let the guy who did the magic come forward if he wants.

This may be the only unit with that screen, has the option 02 09 too...

b) I use the marker for my trigger, the goal is to phase code my 8665B with the AWG2021, but the BW of the phase input on the 8665B  is not as great as I though it would be. I was hoping for 1MHz, would be happy with 500kHz but it's not even there yet...

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TAMHAN on December 27, 2020, 01:39:52 am
a) Was the main point, Just got lucky, I'll let the guy who did the magic come forward if he wants.

This may be the only unit with that screen, has the option 02 09 too...

b) I use the marker for my trigger, the goal is to phase code my 8665B with the AWG2021, but the BW of the phase input on the 8665B  is not as great as I though it would be. I was hoping for 1MHz, would be happy with 500kHz but it's not even there yet...

Give me the contact details of the man. We have such an unit, too...
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TERRA Operative on January 11, 2021, 05:51:14 pm
Well, $50 or so invested in total ain't bad I guess. Works quite well after a few carbon comp resistors and Rifa caps were replaced in the PSU, the intensity pot was glued back together (Smashed after apparently being hit somehow), the rear feet were replaced and I gave it a good spit polish.

Now to figure out what to do with it, I won't need it once I get the 2467 working, and I won't need that once the 2467B is finished either.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: wkb on January 11, 2021, 06:12:14 pm
We call that a luxury problem here in the Netherlands  :o

Wilko
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: beanflying on January 21, 2021, 02:54:52 am
1, 10 & 100  \$\Omega\$ Leeds and Northrop Resistors for the collection. About $50 USD each landed in Oz. Now to find a 1k, 10, and ......  >:D

Quick 2W test shows them off to a good start. Cleaning and a more careful testing sometime later.  :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: cdev on January 25, 2021, 01:38:33 pm
It is all very obscure and cryptic , NI USB, 4 wire SENSE, 6 1/2 digit DMM, Input....

The https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knights_Who_Say_%22Ni (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knights_Who_Say_%22Ni)!%22 demand a sacrifice.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIV4poUZAQo (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIV4poUZAQo)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: nctnico on February 24, 2021, 08:57:08 pm
Today I received a new addition for my lab: a Tektronix FCA3100 frequency / timer / counter /analyser as a replacement for my old HP 5334A. I wanted more resolution and better single shot time interval accuracy. I looked at a whole bunch of frequency counters both old (like the Stanford research SR602 and several Philips/Fluke units) and new. In the end I came across a good deal for the FCA3100 at Instrumex (located in Germany): 1650 euro ex. VAT. Given the high asking prices on Ebay for older gear in decent shape I decided to buy the FCA3100.

The FCA3100 is an older design which has been sold as Fluke rebrands and seems to originate from Pendulum which sells the same model as the CNT-91 . Older model means no ethernet and no storage to USB. Only a (proprietary) USB interface (USBTMC) and GPIB. OTOH a Keysight counter like the 53230A which has all the modern I/O goodies is way more expensive and has the downside that it has limited ability to count 'negative' time intervals which is something that I have to deal with every now and then.

The unit I received came with the original packaging, calibration certificate, 2 years left on the factory warranty and still had the screen protector attached:
(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=1181468;image)

A quick check shows that it works:
(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/list-your-test-equipment-score-here!/?action=dlattach;attach=1181472;image)

I'm not sure the unit I got has ever been used. Why would the screen protector still be on if someone used it? Unfortunately I can't find a power-up or runtime counter. I had no problem registering the unit on Tektronix' website though. It also seems Instrumex has more of them because they didn't take the listing from their website.

Nice to see some more Tektronix gear getting into my lab!

edit: turns out the USB port is a USBTMC interface which accepts GPIB commands. This wasn't 100% clear from the documentation.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: rsjsouza on February 24, 2021, 09:34:50 pm
Beautiful unit, nctnico!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: 2N3055 on February 24, 2021, 10:44:16 pm
That was nice deal, congrats!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: eugenenine on February 26, 2021, 02:04:01 am
Probably not as fancy as a lot
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: 2N3055 on February 26, 2021, 09:07:57 am
Probably not as fancy as a lot
Looks clean and if it serves you well, it's a beauty....
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: wkb on February 26, 2021, 10:14:24 am
Probably not as fancy as a lot

From the picture it sure looks nice  :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: rsjsouza on February 26, 2021, 03:13:04 pm
Probably not as fancy as a lot
Congratulations! The interface of these HP digital oscilloscopes is sooooo smooth. I love them.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: 450bush on February 26, 2021, 03:35:09 pm
Hi Everyone...

Scored a few oscilloscopes a couple of months ago in an factory closing auction

Tek TDS3052 with the TDS3FFT module and Tek 500MHz probes
2x Tek TDS2012
Rigol MSO1074z with 4 Rigol probes
50 Tektronix 100MHz and 200Mhz probes

All the scopes are working as intended! No issues with them.. and all the probes are fine too.. only several of them missing the probe caps (already ordered replacements!)

All that was $1000.00

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on March 14, 2021, 07:49:12 am
Finally got a deal on something I've been wanting for several years - a Keysight 1147B 50 MHz 15 amp current probe. As is very common with these the original case was not included, so I treated it to a Pelican 1170.

Was having some fun probing current through a resistor using my B2901A SMU as a source.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: HighVoltage on March 14, 2021, 09:24:22 pm
Finally got a deal on something I've been wanting for several years - a Keysight 1147B 50 MHz 15 amp current probe. As is very common with these the original case was not included, so I treated it to a Pelican 1170.

Was having some fun probing current through a resistor using my B2901A SMU as a source.
Nice!
The 1147B is a really nice probe.
And the zero correct function does work much better than on the 1147A.

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on March 14, 2021, 11:44:52 pm
Finally got a deal on something I've been wanting for several years - a Keysight 1147B 50 MHz 15 amp current probe. As is very common with these the original case was not included, so I treated it to a Pelican 1170.

Was having some fun probing current through a resistor using my B2901A SMU as a source.
Nice!
The 1147B is a really nice probe.
And the zero correct function does work much better than on the 1147A.

Interesting - I don't know why but I thought the main difference was just RoHS compliance between the A and B.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: HighVoltage on March 15, 2021, 08:30:16 am

Interesting - I don't know why but I thought the main difference was just RoHS compliance between the A and B.

I am sure there was a redesign to correct the zero reference but I have no confirmation for this.
Because every 1147A I had was not correctable with the wheel and some had a large offset and needed repair.
And every 1147B I had was perfectly adjustable around zero amp with really good accuracy.

Here is where I show my first 1147B repair:
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/repair/agilent-1147b-current-probe-(2013)-repair-need-advise/msg748761/#msg748761 (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/repair/agilent-1147b-current-probe-(2013)-repair-need-advise/msg748761/#msg748761)

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bsodmike on March 19, 2021, 03:07:57 pm
Hey @nctnico - my local agent was asking for over £4,000 for the Keysight 53230A so I looked at eBay and went for this 53132A, which is a little over £1,000/-.  Will let you know how this pans out, thanks.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/122870192180 (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/122870192180)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PaulAm on July 28, 2021, 06:49:59 pm
Time to bump this one up again  :-DD

Finally bit the bullet and bought a LeCroy DDA120 off of ebay as a parts unit, no testing, no line cord etc etc.  I figured I could use the power supply to repair an LC584 that's been apart on my bench (also bought as a repair project).  If I got a power supply and the CRT I figured it was well worth it.

Plugged it in and turns out to be 100% functional.  I think the "Disk Drive Analyzer" moniker throws non-technical people and they have no idea what they're dealing with.  This one came from Maxtor by way of Dovebid.  The seller probably bought a pallet of them, they've been sitting on ebay for months.  Every month or so I'd do the rounds sending out offers and finally got a bite.

Now I can bundle up the 584 and put it on the shelf as parts and start looking for a set of probes (which will probably cost more than the scope).  That makes for one easy repair.

Yes it's big and heavy and a little loud, but I have the bench space, it has tons of math options + FFT and where else are you going to find a 8Gs/sec color scope for $300? 
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: shakalnokturn on July 29, 2021, 02:36:19 pm
The odds are that it suffers PSU / Acquisition board interconnect problems and the transport got you a temporary fix. I find it hard to believe that they didn't find at least a power cord to power it up.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PaulAm on July 30, 2021, 12:49:54 am
I'm well aware of that power supply rot and I'll be opening it up to take a look at it.

Still, it's not unusual to buy pallets off of a Dovebid auction when someone is clearing house and try to flip them for parts.  Well, I'm certainly not going to complain  :-DD
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: yo0 on August 17, 2021, 11:23:09 pm
A pristine Huntron tracker 2000, $120 usd


Best regards

Pio
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: LazyJack on September 16, 2021, 09:35:04 am
Just got a "doesn't power up" HP 5334B on eBay, with a really low offer accepted. It has the 10811A OCXO, but I paid much less than for what I could buy the OCXO itself.
And the nice surprise is that once I changed the blown fuse, it works. I also has the 1.3GHz channel C. Only question is what am I going to do with my 7th counter?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: wn1fju on September 16, 2021, 08:56:23 pm
Just got a "doesn't power up" HP 5334B on eBay, with a really low offer accepted. It has the 10811A OCXO, but I paid much less than for what I could buy the OCXO itself.
And the nice surprise is that once I changed the blown fuse, it works. I also has the 1.3GHz channel C. Only question is what am I going to do with my 7th counter?

I used the last counter I bought to count the number of counters I had!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on September 16, 2021, 09:09:06 pm
Just got a "doesn't power up" HP 5334B on eBay, with a really low offer accepted. It has the 10811A OCXO, but I paid much less than for what I could buy the OCXO itself.
And the nice surprise is that once I changed the blown fuse, it works. I also has the 1.3GHz channel C. Only question is what am I going to do with my 7th counter?

Nice score - congrats.  And as to what to do with your seventh counter, well, keep the top surface of it clear so you'll have a spot to rest your eighth when you get it, and get back to ebuy!

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: 1audio on September 16, 2021, 11:44:07 pm
Managed to get a full working HP 732A + HP 478 Thermistor mount. Price was very reasonable. Now I can meaningfully check a number of my instruments. Is there much info on change in HF response of these over time? Can I trust the efficiency plot on the mount?  I'll be using it mostly for applications below 1 GHz so it won't be that important.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: 0culus on October 07, 2021, 02:35:56 am
Managed to get a full working HP 732A + HP 478 Thermistor mount. Price was very reasonable. Now I can meaningfully check a number of my instruments. Is there much info on change in HF response of these over time? Can I trust the efficiency plot on the mount?  I'll be using it mostly for applications below 1 GHz so it won't be that important.

Well, if you're willing to pony up about 1.5k or so you can get 478 thermistor mounts calibrated and repaired by Keysight. They are still in use as primary rf power standards (if you dig around, you will find Keysight sells a modern rf power meter that uses thermistor mounts). When I considered having mine calibrated, the nice gentleman said they have hoarded a supply of spare parts for them so they are still fixable....for a price.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: wkb on October 07, 2021, 07:17:41 am
A close to "new" HP 6632a power supply

Nice addition to my bench

Wilko
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: beanflying on October 07, 2021, 07:25:16 am
A close to "new" HP 6632a power supply

Nice addition to my bench

Wilko

Now the obvious thing is you need to add a 6632B to go with it  >:D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: wkb on October 07, 2021, 08:13:18 am
It is already in good company  :palm:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AlfBaz on October 08, 2021, 10:05:05 pm
A close to "new" HP 6632a power supply

Nice addition to my bench

Wilko

Now the obvious thing is you need to add a 6632B to go with it  >:D
I did precisely that just last week. Found one in oz for just over 300 bucks, in very good cosmetic condition.

On powerup it had error 3, checksum failure of "non volatile RAM CAL".
Doing an initialization seem to get rid of the error but now I have to calibrate it.

The VFD is a little dim and uneven in brightness so I've pulled it apart to have a squiz and found a toasted and cracked tantalum.
Haven't measured the others but hopefully changing these out might improve the display

edit: typo
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on October 09, 2021, 12:32:32 am
A close to "new" HP 6632a power supply

Nice addition to my bench

Wilko

Now the obvious thing is you need to add a 6632B to go with it  >:D
I did precisely that just last week. Found one in oz for just over 300 bucks, in very good cosmetic condition.

On powerup it had error 3, checksum failure of "non volatile RAM CAL".
Doing an initialization seem to get rid of the error but now I have to calibrate it.

The VFD is a little dim and uneven in brightness so I've pulled it apart to have a squiz and found a toasted and cracked tantalum.
Haven't measured the others but hopefully changing these out might improve the display

edit: typo

The replacement VFD's on ebay are pretty good if you need one, likely from the same plant Keysight now gets them made.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Paceguy on October 09, 2021, 04:03:19 am
[attachimg=3]They were scrapping this where I work.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AlfBaz on October 09, 2021, 04:37:48 am
A close to "new" HP 6632a power supply

Nice addition to my bench

Wilko

Now the obvious thing is you need to add a 6632B to go with it  >:D
I did precisely that just last week. Found one in oz for just over 300 bucks, in very good cosmetic condition.

On powerup it had error 3, checksum failure of "non volatile RAM CAL".
Doing an initialization seem to get rid of the error but now I have to calibrate it.

The VFD is a little dim and uneven in brightness so I've pulled it apart to have a squiz and found a toasted and cracked tantalum.
Haven't measured the others but hopefully changing these out might improve the display

edit: typo

The replacement VFD's on ebay are pretty good if you need one, likely from the same plant Keysight now gets them made.
Thanks for letting me know that, I'll pick one up just in case :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on October 09, 2021, 04:38:29 am
(Attachment Link) They were scrapping this where I work.

I hope you managed to rescue it all!

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AlfBaz on October 09, 2021, 04:39:28 am
They were scrapping this where I work.
Will they let you take them home?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Neomys Sapiens on October 09, 2021, 05:01:39 am
They were scrapping this where I work.
Will they let you take them home?
Otherwise he could hardly show it as a 'score'!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AlfBaz on October 09, 2021, 08:14:02 am
They were scrapping this where I work.
Will they let you take them home?
Otherwise he could hardly show it as a 'score'!
For some reason I failed to take notice of the 'were' in his sentence
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Paceguy on October 09, 2021, 08:51:34 pm
They were scrapping this where I work.
Will they let you take them home?

Yes, I managed to get it out on a scrap pass along with a Agilent 34401A, another Agilent 53131A counter, a Fluke 45, a Keithly 177, a Lambda power supply and a big bag of test leads and cables.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: wkb on October 09, 2021, 09:04:39 pm
Looks like I work for the wrong company these days  :palm:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: wkb on October 14, 2021, 04:40:32 pm
Krohn-Hite model 7500 amplifier

We (our local ham repeater club that is) got this as a donation.
Seems to work fine, save for some dust that smelled funny
during amplifier powerup.

Now what to do with it?  :-//

Wilko
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: shakalnokturn on October 14, 2021, 05:14:07 pm
Use it as the line driving stage for a laser based video display?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: wkb on October 14, 2021, 05:33:45 pm
Use it as the line driving stage for a laser based video display?

The thought... /me wanders to the garage to look at my stash of HeNe laser tubes..
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on October 15, 2021, 06:20:51 am
I certainly wouldn't mind having such a an amplifier laying around, it allows you to basically power anything you want with a signal generator.

You can use it to generate weird mains frequency supplies like 16.6Hz 50Hz 60Hz 400Hz, simulate harmonic distortion on AC power, drive anything with a voice coil from a speaker to galvos. Can make a AM radio transmitter out of it. Can be used as noise injection into DC rails or into metal cases to see if a device is robust to interference. Could probably also drive some piezzo elements for ultrasonic things or sonar...etc
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: harrimansat on October 15, 2021, 05:26:19 pm
yes, I have something similiar in my bench, a bipolar power supply HP6827.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: oz2cpu on October 15, 2021, 06:00:20 pm
SCORED this.. in mint condition, and all things works 100%
3kW output DC supply, meters also read correctly
one happy camper
Glassman Europe Limited LV80-37
it is also known as : DCS series Sorens model 80-37
incase anyone ever need this : i got schematics and service manual (was hard to find)
mine is now hardwired to one phase 230V mains (it need 3phase for full outout, else i guess i blow a main fuse here)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Gyro on October 15, 2021, 06:44:30 pm
Nice.

You might want to dial back on the power a bit with that IEC connector though!  ;)  Something like a powerCon would be a safer bet.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: wkb on November 07, 2021, 03:18:41 pm
I certainly wouldn't mind having such a an amplifier laying around, it allows you to basically power anything you want with a signal generator.

You can use it to generate weird mains frequency supplies like 16.6Hz 50Hz 60Hz 400Hz, simulate harmonic distortion on AC power, drive anything with a voice coil from a speaker to galvos. Can make a AM radio transmitter out of it. Can be used as noise injection into DC rails or into metal cases to see if a device is robust to interference. Could probably also drive some piezzo elements for ultrasonic things or sonar...etc

It found a new caring home in Spain. Better in good hands/use than taking up space unused in my ham shack.

Wilko
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on November 08, 2021, 07:05:37 am
You might want to dial back on the power a bit with that IEC connector though!  ;)  Something like a powerCon would be a safer bet.

I don't see the problem with 3kW trough a IEC connector. They are rated for 16A so up to 3.6kW

If anything its better than what i do to these big PSUs where i tend to just wire up a spare cut off single phase power cord into the screw terminals and call it a day. Most of these big three phase input PSUs don't come with a connector on the back, but instead just have screw terminals for you to wire into (Much like a 3 phase stove). So getting a IEC connector to fit would often mean ripping out the screw terminal block and cutting the hole to fit a IEC socket. At least the voltage input specs on most of these 3 phase input supplies are usually such that you can wire them in single phase on 230V (Even the american ones as those seam to usually run in delta 3 phase).

But yeah i did also wire a 5kW one this way. That will definitely blow fuses if you try to go full beans with it. In my defense EU Schuko outlets are also rated for 16A so they always have max 16A breakers in the electrical panel, so in theory the breaker will pop before the power cord catches fire.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: wkb on November 13, 2021, 10:36:05 pm
Another pair of classical HP measurement instruments found their way to my ham shack from Germany.

Another HP3478A now sits next to the one I already owned  :palm:
And a HP5385A counter sits next to my HP5342A microwave counter.

Got a box full of HPIB cables for the price of a nice cake to interconnect the whole shebang.

Wilko
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Barbouri on November 16, 2021, 09:18:06 pm
New for me, a vintage HP 3470 Measurement System from 1976, with a 34750A 5-1/2 digit display module and a 37403A DCV/DCA/Ohm Meter section.
The display module needed some new electrolytic capacitors to operate, but works well now.

Blog post for the display module at: https://www.barbouri.com/2021/11/16/hewlett-packard-34750a-display-module-repair/ (https://www.barbouri.com/2021/11/16/hewlett-packard-34750a-display-module-repair/)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: wkb on November 16, 2021, 09:27:20 pm
Wow.. that looks nice!

Wilko
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xrunner on November 16, 2021, 09:51:54 pm
New for me, a vintage HP 3470 Measurement System from 1976, with a 34750A 5-1/2 digit display module and a 37403A DCV/DCA/Ohm Meter section.
The display module needed some new electrolytic capacitors to operate, but works well now.

Incredible shape!  :clap:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Neomys Sapiens on November 17, 2021, 04:58:50 am
New for me, a vintage HP 3470 Measurement System from 1976, with a 34750A 5-1/2 digit display module and a 37403A DCV/DCA/Ohm Meter section.
The display module needed some new electrolytic capacitors to operate, but works well now.

Incredible shape!  :clap:
I knew of it's existence, but never saw one before. Nice catch!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Berni on November 17, 2021, 06:54:18 am
Now that is a really cute looking oldschool DMM. That display is quite something too
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xrunner on November 17, 2021, 11:08:15 pm
Purchased 8482A power sensor from the field. Attached to hp 437B power meter, calibrated and checked entire range down to -30 dBm. Looks to be in good working order.

 :)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Oldtestgear on December 13, 2021, 10:52:24 am
I went to buy an HP 8566B spectrum analyser at the weekend. A nice, clean, & fully working instrument sold to me by a calibration lab. Apparently it was their own instrument that had been replaced a while ago. This was a fair price but not a "score".  The seller knows that I have trouble resisting a bargain and also knows how big my car is. This is what he also sold me, which is a score by my reckoning:

8 HP 3478A DMMs ( 6 are complete)
3 HP 3456a  DMMs ( 2 complete & working. 1 faulty & missing the line push button)
1 Tek 2712 SA
4 Tek 494P SA
1 Tek 492P SA
1 tek 475
1Tek 468
2 Tek 2465b ( lots of parts stripped but still useful)
2 Tek 465

This is christmas come early.

These will keep me occupied over the next couple of months.

Phil
[attachimg=2]
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: wkb on December 13, 2021, 11:11:42 am
I went to buy an HP 8566B spectrum analyser at the weekend. A nice, clean, & fully working instrument sold to me by a calibration lab. Apparently it was their own instrument that had been replaced a while ago. This was a fair price but not a "score".  The seller knows that I have trouble resisting a bargain and also knows how big my car is. This is what he also sold me, which is a score by my reckoning:

8 HP 3478A DMMs ( 6 are complete)
3 HP 3456a  DMMs ( 2 complete & working. 1 faulty & missing the line push button)
1 Tek 2712 SA
4 Tek 494P SA
1 Tek 492P SA
1 tek 475
1Tek 468
2 Tek 2465b ( lots of parts stripped but still useful)
2 Tek 465

This is christmas come early.

These will keep me occupied over the next couple of months.

Phil
(Attachment Link)


Uh oh... why do I never run into this "car too small" problem?  :-//  :-DD

Wilko
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: xmo on December 13, 2021, 03:36:33 pm
wn1fju wrote: "I used the last counter I bought to count the number of counters I had!"

If someone asks you; "How many multimeters do you have?"  and you have to answer "I haven't counted lately.", you are well on your way to becoming a test equipment addict.

If some one asks the same question about oscilloscopes - or counters - and you have to think about your answer - you are pretty much certifiable.  I know I am.

It's fun to read about people's scores.  A lot of times it's about being in the right place at the right time.

I have had some fun wins over the years.  One from two years ago was a pristine Rohde & Schwarz ZVB-8 network analyzer for less than 4000 USD.  Asking and selling prices on these are still much higher.

When I got it, I figured that, even if it had a problem, I could send it in for flat rate repair and still be OK , but it works perfectly and I also discovered a bonus - it's equipped with the time domain option.

Title: Possibly a good deal 8842A, score might be pushing it.
Post by: Jester on December 23, 2021, 04:35:12 pm
I picked up qty 2 Fluke 8842A's on eBay with make an offer  $180 for both.

Description was display intermittent, ac out of calibration / drifts no further testing done.

The display looks pretty good, definitely quite usable.

I have only had it up an running a couple of hours but so far looks pretty good, DC cal is right on (ran it up to 1000Vdc, and ac is pretty close compared to my three seasoned but uncalibrated 34401A's
34401A    10.0043V
34401A    10.0013V
34401A    10.0029V
8842A        9.9997V

-0.03%  I can live with that if it does not start drifting.   I will let this run for a few days. Hopefully unit #2 works, I do hear some mystery noise inside unit # 2. It has the exact same description.

Of all the non working for parts equipment that I have purchased only three pieces actually had a problem, one bad opamp, one leaky diode, one with two cables swapped. All the others worked perfectly. Total replacement parts cost < $10.

I sometimes wonder if they just want to get new equipment and write up a fake problem to get rid of the old stuff?

Title: Re: Possibly a good deal 8842A, score might be pushing it.
Post by: alm on December 23, 2021, 07:12:02 pm
I sometimes wonder if they just want to get new equipment and write up a fake problem to get rid of the old stuff?
Or it's just that the seller doesn't have the knowledge or doesn't want to invest the time to test them, so they list them as for parts / repair so they won't get any returns.

By the way, I have two 8840A parts units with AC/GPIB boards that are missing their front panel and mechanical parts. So I might be able to help you with parts.
Title: Fluke 8842A, okay now it's a score both working
Post by: Jester on December 23, 2021, 09:08:38 pm
First unit continues to work well.

I opened up the second unit, one of the black plastic board holders was damaged, so little piece of black plastic floating around.

No display on power up. Tapped it on the side and the display started working, tap-on , tap-off, tap-on, tap-off, this should be easy.....
Touched up the solder on pins 14 &16 of the transformer, no more tap-off. Passed the self test, still need to do full test. AC looks close at 10V, I will let it cook with the other one.

The ground screw was also missing on the bottom PCB shield, 4-40x1/4" if yours is missing and need to know what it is.

Front display lens is rough, will be looking for a nice replacement, so if someone has one, please let me know.



After 10 minutes both meters are within 2 counts of each other. I'm really glad I sold the GDM-8251, I'm already getting the warm and fuzzy feeling when taking measurements with this 30 year old fluke.


I now have 4 x Fluke DMM and 3 x HP/Agilent DMM, I think I may have a mild case of DMMitis, heading over to the group therapy thread. ;)


Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: J-R on January 01, 2022, 12:20:31 pm
I also recently snagged two 8842A units with both options installed for about $100ea delivered, listed for parts.

On the first the display would flicker and go dim after warm-up, re-soldering the transformer was the fix.  Very bright display, was probably replaced recently as a repair attempt.

The second was labelled "low value volts drifts", found some drift and inaccuracies in the 20mV and 200mV ranges as well as for very low value 4-wire resistance measurements in those ranges.  Was also getting some pretty high non-zero values with the inputs shorted.  All this after hours of warm up.  The internal wire connections to the front terminals were plastered with what I assume is dielectric grease.  Another failed repair attempt?
Ultimately found capacitor C611 was bad, out of circuit it reads a few dozen pF (supposed to be 100uF).  Replaced that and performed a calibration of the 20/200 ranges and things look very good for now.  Will let it cool off overnight and test again to see how it performs.  Maybe that was the culprit.

Checked C611 in the other unit and out of circuit it was ~35uF with ESR of 20 Ohms, so replaced that one too.  When in use the voltage across the capacitor was about 35V and it's rated for 50V.

On both units the small spade terminal connection on the main board going to the AC option board was extremely loose, gave it a little extra crimping force...

Eventually I did go ahead and clean/lube the front/rear switch and hit the transformer with a soldering iron on both units.

199,999 count.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: rsjsouza on January 14, 2022, 04:10:20 am
Not as fancy as the big boy test gear around, but I got this brand new sealed Greenlee DM-200A (Brymen BM251S) for less than half the price of a new one.

Since I live in the US, lifetime warranty from Greenlee is quite sweet. Being Brymen, the quality is top notch - this little meter feels incredibly robust and well put together. I risk saying it feels as sturdy as the 87V and the 179.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: scopeman on January 30, 2022, 10:27:30 pm
Well today I scored on my local Facebook marketplace a mint condition Tek 453A for $45.00 and a semi basket case PM3350 for $15.00.

Looks like the PM3350 is going to be a lot of work. It probably would have been an easy fix if the previous owner had not tried to fix it.

Oh well. Another day, another scope repair

Sam
W3OHM
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on January 31, 2022, 01:49:11 am
I've played "Power Sensor Gambling" before but this was my first time playing "ECAL Gambling".
 
I have been wanting a Keysight N7555A ECAL unit for quite some time now, it pairs nicely with a 26.5 GHz FieldFox. It also had one female and one male 3.5 mm connector which is the configuration I was looking for.
So when it came up on a well known auction site I tossed out a low offer, they countered at more then 10 times the amount but after another low offer they accepted. It was of course listed for "parts / not working" and they said it was untested. As the seller seemed to mainly have office electronics and furniture the untested part was likely true.
After waiting for what seemed like forever(bought this over Christmas) it finally arrived and I was thrilled that it worked perfectly.
I then decided to add the torque wrench, a fixed wrench and the required micro USB cable and tuck it all nicely into a Pelican 1170.

This will probably be my best score for 2021/2022 but I won't stop looking for more deals.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: HighVoltage on January 31, 2022, 04:10:31 pm

This will probably be my best score for 2021/2022 but I won't stop looking for more deals.

Don't look to much ... have mercy on the others...  :-DD

Congratulations on a Keysight N7555A ECAL.
You probably got it so cheap, you paid more for the original wench!
 
Sometimes we still can get lucky, but it was much easier 5 years ago.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Neomys Sapiens on January 31, 2022, 06:38:59 pm

This will probably be my best score for 2021/2022 but I won't stop looking for more deals.

Don't look to much ... have mercy on the others...  :-DD

Congratulations on a Keysight N7555A ECAL.
You probably got it so cheap, you paid more for the original wench!
 
Sometimes we still can get lucky, but it was much easier 5 years ago.
You always pay more for an original WENCH!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on January 31, 2022, 07:26:38 pm
That is my special wrench - an original HP. the front black portion is actually stamped "HEWLETT PACKARD".
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TekForever on January 31, 2022, 08:05:10 pm
Just saw this thread but I got my Tek TDS620B which I then promptly upgraded to a TDS680B for $95. Came with 2 P6139A probes. Keeping an eye out for an AFG and bench DC PSU to complete my setup.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: jjoonathan on January 31, 2022, 10:04:54 pm
Niiiiice score on the ecal!

It's probably your best score for 2021/2022? Optimism abounds -- that's one jammy git of a deal, it's gonna be hard to beat it  ;D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: 0culus on February 01, 2022, 03:59:56 am
I've played "Power Sensor Gambling" before but this was my first time playing "ECAL Gambling".
 
I have been wanting a Keysight N7555A ECAL unit for quite some time now, it pairs nicely with a 26.5 GHz FieldFox. It also had one female and one male 3.5 mm connector which is the configuration I was looking for.
So when it came up on a well known auction site I tossed out a low offer, they countered at more then 10 times the amount but after another low offer they accepted. It was of course listed for "parts / not working" and they said it was untested. As the seller seemed to mainly have office electronics and furniture the untested part was likely true.
After waiting for what seemed like forever(bought this over Christmas) it finally arrived and I was thrilled that it worked perfectly.
I then decided to add the torque wrench, a fixed wrench and the required micro USB cable and tuck it all nicely into a Pelican 1170.

This will probably be my best score for 2021/2022 but I won't stop looking for more deals.

That's a hell of a score, and I'm jealous of that made in USA wrench. I'm thinking I might eventually try to rig together the ecal setup for my 8510C. You need a fifth box in the system for it (85060C) as well as the ecal. That'll be a while though, still recovering from buying the 8510C and some port cables.  :-DD
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on February 01, 2022, 08:42:57 pm
I've played "Power Sensor Gambling" before but this was my first time playing "ECAL Gambling".
 
I have been wanting a Keysight N7555A ECAL unit for quite some time now, it pairs nicely with a 26.5 GHz FieldFox. It also had one female and one male 3.5 mm connector which is the configuration I was looking for.
So when it came up on a well known auction site I tossed out a low offer, they countered at more then 10 times the amount but after another low offer they accepted. It was of course listed for "parts / not working" and they said it was untested. As the seller seemed to mainly have office electronics and furniture the untested part was likely true.
After waiting for what seemed like forever(bought this over Christmas) it finally arrived and I was thrilled that it worked perfectly.
I then decided to add the torque wrench, a fixed wrench and the required micro USB cable and tuck it all nicely into a Pelican 1170.

This will probably be my best score for 2021/2022 but I won't stop looking for more deals.

That's a hell of a score, and I'm jealous of that made in USA wrench. I'm thinking I might eventually try to rig together the ecal setup for my 8510C. You need a fifth box in the system for it (85060C) as well as the ecal. That'll be a while though, still recovering from buying the 8510C and some port cables.  :-DD

I've seen the pair of ECAL's used with the 8510C to get 10 MHz to 26.5 GHz in the wood box with torque wrenches go for a couple hundred before. I almost bought it just to tuck it away for the future. Of course now I wish I had.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: 0culus on February 02, 2022, 12:32:41 am
I've played "Power Sensor Gambling" before but this was my first time playing "ECAL Gambling".
 
I have been wanting a Keysight N7555A ECAL unit for quite some time now, it pairs nicely with a 26.5 GHz FieldFox. It also had one female and one male 3.5 mm connector which is the configuration I was looking for.
So when it came up on a well known auction site I tossed out a low offer, they countered at more then 10 times the amount but after another low offer they accepted. It was of course listed for "parts / not working" and they said it was untested. As the seller seemed to mainly have office electronics and furniture the untested part was likely true.
After waiting for what seemed like forever(bought this over Christmas) it finally arrived and I was thrilled that it worked perfectly.
I then decided to add the torque wrench, a fixed wrench and the required micro USB cable and tuck it all nicely into a Pelican 1170.

This will probably be my best score for 2021/2022 but I won't stop looking for more deals.

That's a hell of a score, and I'm jealous of that made in USA wrench. I'm thinking I might eventually try to rig together the ecal setup for my 8510C. You need a fifth box in the system for it (85060C) as well as the ecal. That'll be a while though, still recovering from buying the 8510C and some port cables.  :-DD

I've seen the pair of ECAL's used with the 8510C to get 10 MHz to 26.5 GHz in the wood box with torque wrenches go for a couple hundred before. I almost bought it just to tuck it away for the future. Of course now I wish I had.

Wow that would have been a grab.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: wkb on February 07, 2022, 09:17:42 pm
This crystal tester. In really good nick and works just fine.

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Neomys Sapiens on February 08, 2022, 07:32:04 am
This crystal tester. In really good nick and works just fine.
Interesting find. Nowadays a rather strange designation. Would be called an RF diode tester now.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Barbouri on February 14, 2022, 01:36:26 am
Another HP 3470 Measurement System from 1977, with a Hewlett Packard 34740A 4-1/2 digit display module and a 37402A Multimeter section.
Quite a bit of troubleshooting and repair needed for the display module, and three new bi-polar capacitors needed for the multimeter module, but works fantastic now.

Blog post for the repair and pairing of both modules at: https://www.barbouri.com/2022/02/13/hp-34740a-display-and-34702a-multimeter-modules/ (https://www.barbouri.com/2022/02/13/hp-34740a-display-and-34702a-multimeter-modules/)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Barbouri on March 21, 2022, 02:39:22 am
Some more HP goodness from late 1974 arrived today. A 5300B counter system with a 5308A 75 MHz timer / counter, and a 5312A HP-IB ASCII interface center section.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: rsjsouza on March 21, 2022, 09:36:49 am
I have the same set, apart from the HP-IB interface. Quite nifty counters.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Barbouri on May 15, 2022, 03:38:42 pm
Latest new to me, 36 year old piece of Hewlett Packard gear.
A 8012B Pulse Generator built in 1986.
Blog post at: https://www.barbouri.com/2022/05/14/hewlett-packard-8012b-pulse-generator/ (https://www.barbouri.com/2022/05/14/hewlett-packard-8012b-pulse-generator/)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TimFox on May 16, 2022, 03:44:33 pm
Latest new to me, 36 year old piece of Hewlett Packard gear.
A 8012B Pulse Generator built in 1986.
Blog post at: https://www.barbouri.com/2022/05/14/hewlett-packard-8012b-pulse-generator/ (https://www.barbouri.com/2022/05/14/hewlett-packard-8012b-pulse-generator/)
I own one of those and really like it.  I had a very strange problem that needed repair.
The output stages are switched current sources designed to drive a low impedance, either 50 or 25 ohms, and the calibration on the slide-pots for output voltage has two scales.
The internal 50 ohm loads are switched in with a reed relay controlled by the panel switch;  the reed relays are DIP units with built-in diodes across the coils, and are constructed so that they can be rotated 180 degrees before insertion and still function, except that that reverses the diode polarity.  I noticed bad behavior of that function, and found that indeed the relay was inserted in the wrong rotation. 
There was no sign on the circuit board of previous repair, so it may have come that way from the factory.  With the diode reversed, it "sort-of-maybe-sometimes" worked, since that was well out of spec for the coil.
Replacing the relay solved the problem.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bingo600 on May 16, 2022, 07:22:37 pm
Been on the hunt for a long time ... Finally

/Bingo
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on May 16, 2022, 08:20:08 pm
Been on the hunt for a long time ... Finally

/Bingo

Me <--jealous

Nice!!!!!   :-+ :-+ :-+ :-+ :-+

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: slbender on May 19, 2022, 05:09:54 am
Been on the hunt for a long time ... Finally

/Bingo

I know that feeling…. I had wanted a certain expensive German box (like $50K new) for hmmm. maybe the past 27 years.  I finally got it for a price I felt I could afford.  Actually Got It!  Turned it on.  Blank white screen. Burned connector in power supply.

OK, better yet - a place in Texas had a full power supply (toroidal transformer, heat sink with regulators, cap board, IEC inlet, and power switch) for the German box, only - they were asking almost as much as I paid for the German box, and “make offer”.  As a joke, I sent in an offer of $125., (thinking they would have a big laugh) but a few minutes later, a window appeared on my iPad  “Pay It”.

The German box still is not working, but disassembled somewhat, soon I hope to find the time to switch in the other power supply to (hopefully) complete its repair?  If anyone is guessing as to what the German box is… let me just say it has a few options and it came with the rarely seen “Low Distortion Generator” module.  So those two were the deals that made my decade.

Steven
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bingo600 on May 19, 2022, 05:54:44 pm
I know that feeling….

Looks like a Nice audio analyzer R&S makes excellent equipment.
And Dr. Rhode knows hos OCXO theory

/Bingo
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on May 19, 2022, 07:39:50 pm
Been on the hunt for a long time ... Finally

/Bingo

Awesome find!
The jealousy is all on my side of the table.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: mapleLC on May 20, 2022, 12:35:35 pm
Rhode & Schwarz FSB 100Hz-5GHz Spectrum Analyzer

I got it pretty cheap, it looks like the one in this photo

Am I correct that I can do frequency response analysis on audio equipment with this unit?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PA0PBZ on May 20, 2022, 02:06:08 pm

...it looks like the one in this photo


Something's missing here
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bingo600 on May 20, 2022, 04:54:43 pm
Been on the hunt for a long time ... Finally

/Bingo

Awesome find!
The jealousy is all on my side of the table.

Soon to test it with "your" 53132 counter.
But I doubt i have anything better to test it against...
Well some kind of verifying i could do , but i have nothing w. a lower noisefloor  :-//

Sigh ... Prob ending up CS hunting  :scared:

/Bingo
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: mapleLC on May 20, 2022, 05:46:28 pm
Meaning?  I dont understand.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on May 20, 2022, 07:57:47 pm
Been on the hunt for a long time ... Finally

/Bingo

Awesome find!
The jealousy is all on my side of the table.

Soon to test it with "your" 53132 counter.
But I doubt i have anything better to test it against...
Well some kind of verifying i could do , but i have nothing w. a lower noisefloor  :-//

Sigh ... Prob ending up CS hunting  :scared:

/Bingo

And so it begins....

I still haven't found a CS myself. Close many times but it has never worked out.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: tautech on May 20, 2022, 08:25:39 pm
Meaning?  I dont understand.
Use the Quote button to capture a members question.  ;)


...it looks like the one in this photo


Something's missing here

PA0PBZ's asking just what we all want to know.....where's your missing photo ?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: mapleLC on May 20, 2022, 10:43:42 pm
Meaning?  I dont understand.
Use the Quote button to capture a members question.  ;)


...it looks like the one in this photo


Something's missing here

PA0PBZ's asking just what we all want to know.....where's your missing photo ?

Ah. I want to clean it up a bit before putting her out for show.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: edpalmer42 on May 22, 2022, 02:42:50 pm
Been on the hunt for a long time ... Finally

/Bingo

Congratulations!  It looks like it's in great shape.  Did it power up immediately or did it require some TLC?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: bingo600 on May 22, 2022, 06:05:32 pm
Been on the hunt for a long time ... Finally

/Bingo

Congratulations!  It looks like it's in great shape.  Did it power up immediately or did it require some TLC?

It powered up right away  :-+
Was from our "Italian friend", and had been well cared for.

/Bingo
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: mapleLC on May 27, 2022, 07:30:50 pm
Meaning?  I dont understand.
Use the Quote button to capture a members question.  ;)


...it looks like the one in this photo


Something's missing here

PA0PBZ's asking just what we all want to know.....where's your missing photo ?

Ah. I want to clean it up a bit before putting her out for show.

Here it is...


[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PaulAm on May 27, 2022, 09:39:16 pm
At the Dayton Hamvention I found an HP 339A distortion measurement set for $100 USD.  Has some problems, at the very least the switches need cleaning, but given the crazy prices on these recently, I was pretty pleased.  Been looking for one for a while.

My favorite on ebay lately is the one from Japan for $1500 with the $3000 (yes, that is the correct number of zeroes) shipping charge  :palm:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TiN on June 01, 2022, 04:56:35 am
DPO7354 "Smoked Edition"

(https://xdevs.com/doc/Tektronix/DPO7354/img/sdo_face_1.jpg)

Might require minor repairs  :-DD

(https://xdevs.com/doc/Tektronix/DPO7354/img/sdo_ports_1.jpg)

But hey, caliration is not required  :=\

(https://xdevs.com/doc/Tektronix/DPO7354/img/sdo_notcal_1.jpg)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: mapleLC on June 01, 2022, 05:39:11 am
I wager that DVD player still works if you toss it 12v on a bench supply.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: DH7DN on June 01, 2022, 05:50:26 am
Calibration not required  :-DD

Looks like thermal damage and soot residue from a house fire, corrosion maybe from extinguishing water?

TerraOperative did a similar cleanup on a oscilloscope which was operated solely by a Japanese chain smoker ;D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: wolfy007 on June 01, 2022, 06:57:56 am
Looking forward to the repair video....    :popcorn:
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Cubdriver on June 01, 2022, 07:11:41 am
Calibration not required  :-DD

Looks like thermal damage and soot residue from a house fire, corrosion maybe from extinguishing water?

TerraOperative did a similar cleanup on a oscilloscope which was operated solely by a Japanese chain smoker ;D

Caliration not required.  It's a special case.

-Pat
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: beanflying on June 01, 2022, 07:55:02 am
Don't let the smoke out Best you let it out maybe just in this case ;D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: alm on June 01, 2022, 08:54:23 am
At least there will be plenty of magic smoke (residue) inside :D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: AVGresponding on June 01, 2022, 10:22:56 am
DPO7354 "Smoked Edition"

(https://xdevs.com/doc/Tektronix/DPO7354/img/sdo_face_1.jpg)

Might require minor repairs  :-DD

(https://xdevs.com/doc/Tektronix/DPO7354/img/sdo_ports_1.jpg)

Ebay seller: Used, some cosmetic damage



But hey, caliration is not required  :=\

(https://xdevs.com/doc/Tektronix/DPO7354/img/sdo_notcal_1.jpg)

Well it's one less job to do. I always hate having to calirate anything.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TimFox on June 01, 2022, 08:07:32 pm
I have seen several eBay listings that emphasize that the gear came from a "non-smoking environment".
I have some old boat-anchors that didn't.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PaulAm on June 03, 2022, 08:38:43 pm
Well, not exactly test equipment, but I just scored 10 LED light fixtures at an auction for an average price of $7.50 each.  They were listed as 277V but they actually use a supply that is rated for 120-277V input so I can just fab some hangers and plug them into the existing wiring circuit in my shop.

These were ciru sc led ho  fixtures rated at 17K lumens each.

For non-Us folk, the 277V is the phase to neutral voltage for 480 3ph commonly found in industrial settings.  277 is commonly used for lighting.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: yo0 on June 08, 2022, 12:55:01 am
Meguro 2560, fully working for about 50 usd free shipping

Best regards

Pio
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: mapleLC on June 08, 2022, 10:57:44 pm
Nice glasses.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: TheSteve on June 28, 2022, 10:05:56 pm
I got a crazy deal on an ECAL a while back and recently picked up an as new Keysight branded torque wrench for 5% of its retail price.
I figure they look good together.
Despite Keysight's efforts to turn against the home/hobby user they are still my fav T&M company.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: wkb on June 29, 2022, 06:08:34 am
HP 54641D Mixed Signal Oscilloscope.  The colleague who is responsible for equipment  disposal saved it from the e-waste recycling  :-+ :-+ It now happily lives in my ham shack. Just need to swap the Li battery, everything else is A+

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: wkb on June 29, 2022, 06:11:56 am
Yesterday was T&M day, apart from the HP MSO these two electronic DC loads arrived.

They need work because they more or less unpredictably report a negative voltage being connected. Even when nothing is connected at all to their inputs. Suggestions welcome from those who might have seen that before.

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: HighVoltage on June 29, 2022, 09:32:25 am
I got a crazy deal on an ECAL a while back and recently picked up an as new Keysight branded torque wrench for 5% of its retail price.
I figure they look good together.
Despite Keysight's efforts to turn against the home/hobby user they are still my fav T&M company.

Over the years I was able to get a few original HP and Agilent branded torque wrenches.
I was always surprised for how much they sell, even used.
But once you have one in your own hands and play with the quality, it is not a surprise anymore

That is a nice looking set with the torque wrench.

I am lucky to have a business and still can buy parts from Keysight without any hassle.
They are also by far my favorite instrument company.

Sometimes we are lucky. I just got three 2000X series scopes for a bargain, needed a little repair and they are like new now.

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: harrimansat on July 19, 2022, 07:58:41 am
two bipolar power supply, for 400$


They works as power suppy or dummy load, four quadrants

One for 30V and other for 120

I can connect it to my curve tracer to test valves lamps

No more big capacitors filters at output!!!

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: jmw on August 05, 2022, 08:43:19 pm
My growing tower of used Agilent/Keysight gear. The latest addition is the E36312A, which is my first "paint it black" instrument. I was happy to score this for under $1K delivered since it's so new.

The U8001A was the first bench supply I bought for a bargain price, had a loose front panel but I did some plastic repair.

The 34461A I bought from blueskull, Godspeed wherever he is these days.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: tautech on August 05, 2022, 08:52:33 pm
The 34461A I bought from blueskull, Godspeed wherever he is these days.
In Shenzhen and doing quite well last time we chatted.
After getting banned too often for retaliating at anti Asian posters/stirrers he left these shores and asked Dave to delete all his posts.
Shame on those stirrers as we are all the poorer for his loss.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Shock on August 19, 2022, 06:15:56 am
I'll just point out he also posted his own anti west rhetoric as well and often contradicted himself. Considering some of your income is selling Chinese brand products you can't exactly claim you don't also have a horse in the race. I'm not wanting to go round in circles on this with you, just saying he isn't exactly innocent either.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: tautech on August 19, 2022, 07:34:28 am
Each to their own Shock and I can honestly say the Chinese have always treated me well as blueskull did whom I followed with interest in all the years he trained in the US finally gaining a EE Doctorate in Power Electronics before returning to Shenzhen to again be with his family that made significant sacrifices so to complete his education.
Say what you like about the man but the fact remains we as a EE forum are much the poorer for his absence.

The Chinese are a proud race that on the whole should not be tarnished by the actions of the CCP as they only want the same as us, an improving standard of living for each following generation.

However business dealings I've had with Aussies are at the other end of the scale where their history of the last couple of century's has certainly maintained the POME breeding and replicated it in the flesh.
For that I am sorry for you.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: beanflying on August 19, 2022, 08:05:47 am
Rabid Nationalism regardless of Country is the issue. Country X is superior to country Y because of 'reasons' is a complete crock of sh1t !

Where the Chinese have not yet found a balance of any sort is that a minor (or ANY for that matter) critique is a total affront to 'all Chinese' and let us rally around the fake non communist Party doctrine in defense. This is not unique at all and you can insert a bunch of Countries into that same hurt and offended mentality whenever they get called on item Z.

For the last 2-3 decades I have brought goods out of mainland China for others and for the last 15 or so years for my own Business and 'Nationalism' has never been a thing that has entered into commercial decisions or negotiations.

Everyone needs to go take a cold shower before chest beating, flag waving or flopping their phalluses out in public.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Shock on August 19, 2022, 11:32:41 am
However business dealings I've had with Aussies are at the other end of the scale where their history of the last couple of century's has certainly maintained the POME breeding and replicated it in the flesh. For that I am sorry for you.

I've never heard yorkshire pudding mentioned in a business setting.

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: beanflying on September 21, 2022, 01:37:06 am
I bought a 0.1 \$\Omega\$ Resistor for about $50 AU pesos. (under $35 USD)

It was 'Tested to 0.096 ohms with my old wheatstone bridge.' by the seller so pleased he used the old bridge rather than the new one  ;D

It fills a bit of a gap in my Standard Resistors (already have a 1, 10, 100, 1000) but purchased more for being made by a local Instrument maker in Melbourne https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Les_William

A plaything and one to sit on the shelf and keep dusted and cobweb free.

(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/ECkAAOSwTihi9FXt/s-l1600.jpg)

Edit: Quick post arrival check on the 34461A not to shabby on both counts (light clean of the posts and 100PLC) and time to get the Milliohm Meter out for a proper measurement. Firing my cleaner as well :palm:

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: n1ist on September 22, 2022, 03:06:43 pm
From the previous MIT flea - Tek 2336 with 3 sets of probes.  Works fine except for the LCD in the lid.  Didn't even bargain; got it for $5
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: wkb on September 22, 2022, 04:26:30 pm
That is a really neat, cute, scope!  :-+
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: PaulAm on September 28, 2022, 06:48:28 pm
Just picked up an HP 54620c 16 channel color logic analyzer.  Really nice for doing small projects.

Got it for about 100US and, although not indicated in the ebay listing, it included the logic pod (which are listed on ebay starting at around $100).  So it turned out to be a pretty decent deal even if shipping from Canada to the US is a bit pricey.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: danils on September 29, 2022, 11:22:07 am
Hello there!

A couple years ago I was looking for an audio analyser for my lab.
On "the bay" I stepped into the auction of a R&S UPL with full options, it also had the B1 - analog low distortion generator - option that is quite rare on the used ones you find around and turns it into something useful for modern audio electronics.

The seller shop was selling every kind of stuff: lamps, furniture, car parts etc. so he absolutely had no idea of what it was and he said he retrieved it from a dismissed company lab.

I make an offer and I took it home for 1000 eur. I removed dust, I cleaned old label stains from it and it was brand new and perfectly calibrated.

I used it and resold recently for twice the sum  8)

Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: rsjsouza on September 30, 2022, 01:42:21 am
In a recent auction, I scored several things and, among them, a few GPIB goodies: an NI GPIB ISA card, several HP GPIB cables and the crown jewel: a 82357B.

The 82357B was not working and had signs of being opened. I was afraid it was a brick but, upon inspection, the problem was that the internal USB cable was simply disconnected.  :palm:  :-+

All this was joined by a few other items (a couple of ancient industrial PCs, some beefy power supplies and a few other bits) for sixty Texan pesos. It was my lucky day!
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: wolfy007 on November 01, 2022, 10:35:16 am
Not exactly an equipment score, but just saved these two manuals from the paper recycling bin. Finally have a real manual to go with my two 2465...   ;D
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: wkb on November 01, 2022, 03:15:53 pm
This one followed me home from a ham fest last Saturday  :-//

Wilko
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: wolfy007 on November 13, 2022, 05:23:11 pm
A friend gave me his late fathers Fluke 8010a multimeter, which I gave a quick clean up and test. Oh and I removed the internal battery just in time it seems, had just started to leak, so dont forget to check for internal batteries if it has battery option.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Neepa on December 30, 2022, 01:15:23 pm
My biggest score was a brand new TTI CPX400DP power supply.

Minimum bid 600 Euros which I did just to test my luck and shockingly won. Just under half original price. Seemingly came from a dissolving business.

The seller even gratulated me to winning it at such an insultingly low price!

Recently I scored the HP16058A Test Fixture including the connector boards, almsot all of them, for a nice 150$. Shipping to Germany was 110$ alone and I still am unsure about customs....

Still considerably cheaper than the other offers over on the bay. Especially for the whole set once included with the 4145A Semiconductor Analyzer.
Gotta make a thread documenting my journey with that tombstone.
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Fungus on December 30, 2022, 04:08:18 pm
OK, not test gear, but... I know Dave collects calculators.

I just scored a CASIO Mini 40th anniversary calculator. Only 400 ever made, never sold to the public.  :)

Title: Probes!
Post by: BillyO on December 30, 2022, 11:28:27 pm
I managed to score 3 Tek probes in perfect working condition.  Two 500MHz P6139A (complete) and a 250MHz P6130 (missing hook) for less than $48 US.
Title: Re: Probes!
Post by: bingo600 on December 31, 2022, 06:47:22 am
I managed to score 3 Tek probes in perfect working condition.  Two 500MHz P6139A (complete) and a 250MHz P6130 (missing hook) for less than $48 US.

Congrats BillyO  :-+
I think i know where the 39A' probes will be used ....

Have been looking too , but the "good offers" are abroad.
And the shipping/import tax/fee are "killing" the deal
Title: Re: Probes!
Post by: BillyO on December 31, 2022, 04:11:34 pm

Congrats BillyO  :-+
I think i know where the 39A' probes will be used ....

Have been looking too , but the "good offers" are abroad.
And the shipping/import tax/fee are "killing" the deal
Yup. they are being used on chs. 1 & 3 of my "improved" SDS2104XP.  The color rings give it away.

I was lucky enough to find these in a store about 30 minutes drive away.  The deals on fleaBay I was seeing were all quite expensive with incomplete units asking $90 or more and complete ones going for well over $100 each.

I see some made in China 500MHz ones for about $60.  I wonder how well they actually work?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: HalFoster on January 15, 2023, 11:09:52 pm
I'd watched several Elgar CW801P programmable AC power supplies selling on ePay for around 1K lately, then they had one advertised as not having an output.  They did, however, show that it passed it's power on self test. So, I wound up getting it for $150 and simply used the front panel to change the voltage control from "Analog Input" on back to the front panel controls. Que Happy Dance  :popcorn:

Hal
Title: Re: Probes!
Post by: BillyO on January 16, 2023, 12:06:03 am
I see some made in China 500MHz ones for about $60.  I wonder how well they actually work?
I just ordered one tonight - $38 USD.  When it gets in I'll test it and make a post about it.

It's even called a "P6139" - LOL!  I wonder where they got that idea?
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: robert.rozee on September 16, 2023, 01:00:55 pm
this week scored a Fluke 45, with battery option but no GPIB. the price (on Trademe - https://www.trademe.co.nz/ (https://www.trademe.co.nz/)) was nz$50 buy-now, plus nz$22 shipping. this equates to a little under us$45 in total.

the condition was pretty ok, although was a tad dirty on the outside. it looked like it had been used in a garage, and indeed was listed under Motors -> Car parts & accessories -> Tools & repair kits -> Meters & testers. it came with a set of Philips branded test leads (shrouded plugs both ends) and, strangely enough, a 230v to 110v step-down transformer. i've verified this is not needed - we have 230v mains here in new zealand, powered directly with a 25w light bulb in series showed a mere 5v drop across the bulb.


there were some ghost segments lighting up on the VFD, but this was quite intermittent and faded completely after being turned on for a while. unfortunately, after turning off for a further while the ghosting returned when turned back on. i traced this ghosting down to light corrosion deposits near the top edge of the display PCB where the row of VFD leads were soldered, with corrosion visible between some pins.

i desoldered the VFD, thoroughly cleaned, and resoldered back in place with the envelope spaced 3-layers of paper away from the PCB. the ghosting is now gone, and the VFD is a good even brightness. i feel the likely source of the corrosion was from the aluminium case shell which sits extremely close to the top edge of the display PCB, and from which the PCB has minimal clearance/protection.


the batteries (4x 2v lead-acid cells) were extremely kaput. has anyone ever tried substituting 2x or 3x Li-Ion cells, with the charging levels (9.35v and 9.25v) adjusting up/down as appropriate? it looks like internally the meter is fairly happy with anything from 7.5v up to 35v.


cheers,
rob   :-)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: Veteran68 on September 17, 2023, 02:00:29 am
Forgot this thread existed until I saw it bumped today, so thought I'd repeat my recent score here.

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/siglent-new-bench-dmm-sdm3055/msg5036881/#msg5036881 (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/siglent-new-bench-dmm-sdm3055/msg5036881/#msg5036881)

Got the SDM3065X in today. Confirmed it was never powered up before (power on count was 1). Only one revision behind on firmware which coincides with its factory calibration date of last year; updated it to latest R12 release. All self-tests passed. DCV and resistance measurements against my Agilent 34401A are pretty much dead on as you can see below. Capacitance was dead on against my BM786 and BM869s handhelds. The 34401A has been powered up for days, the voltage standard and handhelds were just turned on. Using Probe Master probes in both (one set the springy needle probes, the other standard probes).

$510 delivered for a brand-new factory sealed SDM3065X only a year out of the factory is shaping up to be one of my better scores in this hobby, up there with my $250 very clean, late model Agilent 34401A (also bought off this forum). So I'm 2 for 2 with test equipment purchases off eevBlog!

(https://www.morrisonline.us/images/IMG-7741_1.jpg)(https://www.morrisonline.us/images/IMG-7742_1.jpg)
(https://www.morrisonline.us/images/IMG-7744_1.jpg)(https://www.morrisonline.us/images/IMG-7745_1.jpg)
Title: Re: List your test equipment "scores" here!
Post by: the Chris on February 01, 2024, 02:35:00 pm
If the search on this forum yields just 6 results for the HP model you picked up, you know that it is not the usual stuff.

HP 4280A. Self-test reports no errors. Built a probe out of a BNC cable and measured the input impedance of my Rigol DHO1070 at 19.4pF, spec'd 19pF +/- 3pF. Nice.