Test Equipment Anonymous (TEA) group therapy thread

[TERRA Operative]

Despite having the DE 5000 LCR meter the addiction wanted a 19" one.
The HP 4262A always looked very usable and nice.

I managed to shoot one from the well known bidding platform after months of waiting.

It's complete, not tinkered with, and will be in good shape after removing dirt and stickyness.

It shows some live: Start up shows all leds and displays and range switching seems to work ...

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/test-equipment-anonymous-(tea)-group-therapy-thread/?action=dlattach;attach=2630011

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/test-equipment-anonymous-(tea)-group-therapy-thread/?action=dlattach;attach=2630015

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/test-equipment-anonymous-(tea)-group-therapy-thread/?action=dlattach;attach=2630019

... but it shows no measurement values, only dashes.  Self test seems to switch for a first measurement and then stops, showing no result at all. No pass, no fail.

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/test-equipment-anonymous-(tea)-group-therapy-thread/?action=dlattach;attach=2630007

Overall it might become a nice project.   

Some of these LCR meters are finicky with how the test leads and grounds etc are connected.

Did you double check the user manual to see if there is any specific connection requirements?

[Robert763]

Yeah for £300 that's great is the DMM an NI PXI-4070? Even that alone is worth the price tag.

Not a PXI-4070, Even better, it's a PXI-4072. That adds capacitance and inductance measurement 

There were two bins of "extras". Scope probes, leads, I/F boxes etc. All with original packing documents etc. Cleary a well cared for system. Probably a single user. Not been through it all yet. Just the cards are over £15,000 worth.

Had a bit more of a dig in the software and boxes.
The licence is "Professional + Math" and is perpeptual. I'm confident that this was a single system and probably someones pet project. 
Additional hardware includes two 2110 BNC breakout boxes with 68W high density to SCSI leads. One set is still sealed in the package, A DC lead for the PXI1000B chassi,s three 'scope probes and a pair of NI SMD connection tweezers for the DMM. The odd AMP connector for the high current relay card is still sealed in the bag so I guess the relays haven't seen much work.

And in other news,  work have agreed to pay for me to take a NI LabVIEW course 

[Peter_O]

Are those right side modules in their own compartments?

Yes. There are aluminium sheets between the PCBs, reaching down flush to the base chassis aluminium. But there is no separate lid on top of the aluminium "box". I removed the overall standard HP top only, and there is a gap of some millimeters between the overall top and these aluminium walls.

[wkb]

I can't believe this thread is still going. There must be a cure!

Regrettably so far the literature indicates there is only an amelioration (not cure), one that comes to everybody sooner or later.

"You can checkin, but you can never leave"

Was that a deliberate misquote?
"You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave" (check out TE?) is the line.

Hotel California the Eagles.

That was, as you already guessed, an intentional "alternative quote" 

[wkb]

Been eye balling this one for over a year...
finaly i pulled the trigger.
does one really need 8 GPSDO's ? 

At least no need for an extra distributer and does not seem to have a rollover problem until 2038

(Attachment Link)


(Attachment Link)

(Attachment Link)

8? No you don't, I know, as I only bought my fourth GPSDO recently. In order to compensate for that, I own two Efratom Rb references. And a Meinberg DCF77 reference.

[Peter_O]

Some of these LCR meters are finicky with how the test leads and grounds etc are connected.

Did you double check the user manual to see if there is any specific connection requirements?

No, the unit has just arrived.

In this case they are simple binding posts and I remember curious marc using his one with two simple banana cables in his videos.
If you look closely you can see the shorting bars for 2 wire measurement.
So theres no special wiring as with bnc connectors on other LRC meters.

But I found a repair log where there was a problem with the internal wiring of the binding posts. So it's definitely worth a check. 



With different resistors connected, the 4262A steps through the ranges down to the right one with relais clicking and LEDs changing accordingly, but it shows no values.

[KrudyZ]

It would very likely show all segments on during a self check at boot.
If it doesn't, then I would focus on the LED display connections.
Just unplugging and re-seating often does the trick by removing surface oxidation.

[AVGresponding]

I can't believe this thread is still going. There must be a cure!

Regrettably so far the literature indicates there is only an amelioration (not cure), one that comes to everybody sooner or later.

"You can checkin, but you can never leave"

Was that a deliberate misquote?
"You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave" (check out TE?) is the line.

Hotel California the Eagles.

That was, as you already guessed, an intentional "alternative quote" 

For future reference, "misquote" refers to unintentional mistakes, or to intentional ones and misuses that are intended to deceive, or to misrepresent the quotee.

The term you are looking for is "paraphrase".

[tggzzz]

I can't believe this thread is still going. There must be a cure!

Regrettably so far the literature indicates there is only an amelioration (not cure), one that comes to everybody sooner or later.

"You can checkin, but you can never leave"

Was that a deliberate misquote?
"You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave" (check out TE?) is the line.

Hotel California the Eagles.

That was, as you already guessed, an intentional "alternative quote" 

For future reference, "misquote" refers to unintentional mistakes, or to intentional ones and misuses that are intended to deceive, or to misrepresent the quotee.

The term you are looking for is "paraphrase".

I rather like the term "alternative quote"

[Cyclotron]

I can't believe this thread is still going. There must be a cure!

Regrettably so far the literature indicates there is only an amelioration (not cure), one that comes to everybody sooner or later.

"You can checkin, but you can never leave"

Was that a deliberate misquote?
"You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave" (check out TE?) is the line.

Hotel California the Eagles.

That was, as you already guessed, an intentional "alternative quote" 

For future reference, "misquote" refers to unintentional mistakes, or to intentional ones and misuses that are intended to deceive, or to misrepresent the quotee.

The term you are looking for is "paraphrase".

I rather like the term "alternative quote"

Couldn't "statistics" be considered to be an "alternative quote"?

[Cyclotron]

Introducing my latest little RF helper. The KROHN-HITE Model 3550. She might be from the 1960s, that's my guess.
I've attached Glamor shots.

[wkb]

I can't believe this thread is still going. There must be a cure!

Regrettably so far the literature indicates there is only an amelioration (not cure), one that comes to everybody sooner or later.

"You can checkin, but you can never leave"

Was that a deliberate misquote?
"You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave" (check out TE?) is the line.

Hotel California the Eagles.

That was, as you already guessed, an intentional "alternative quote" 

For future reference, "misquote" refers to unintentional mistakes, or to intentional ones and misuses that are intended to deceive, or to misrepresent the quotee.

The term you are looking for is "paraphrase".

I rather like the term "alternative quote"

Couldn't "statistics" be considered to be an "alternative quote"?

Well, if the statistics do not fit the alternative facts the statistician gets fired these days. So there is a link somewhere.. 

[AVGresponding]

I can't believe this thread is still going. There must be a cure!

Regrettably so far the literature indicates there is only an amelioration (not cure), one that comes to everybody sooner or later.

"You can checkin, but you can never leave"

Was that a deliberate misquote?
"You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave" (check out TE?) is the line.

Hotel California the Eagles.

That was, as you already guessed, an intentional "alternative quote" 

For future reference, "misquote" refers to unintentional mistakes, or to intentional ones and misuses that are intended to deceive, or to misrepresent the quotee.

The term you are looking for is "paraphrase".

I rather like the term "alternative quote"

That sounds a little too like "alternative facts" for my comfort

[Robert763]

Introducing my latest little RF helper. The KROHN-HITE Model 3550. She might be from the 1960s, that's my guess.
I've attached Glamor shots.

Very nice filter in a small form factor. More likely 70's than 60's based on minature toggle switch and IEC 320 mains connector.
Manual including adjustment and theory of operation here:
https://manuals.repeater-builder.com/te-files/KROHNHITE/KROHNHITE%203550%20Operating.pdf
It appears to be the Australian version   

[tggzzz]

I can't believe this thread is still going. There must be a cure!

Regrettably so far the literature indicates there is only an amelioration (not cure), one that comes to everybody sooner or later.

"You can checkin, but you can never leave"

Was that a deliberate misquote?
"You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave" (check out TE?) is the line.

Hotel California the Eagles.

That was, as you already guessed, an intentional "alternative quote" 

For future reference, "misquote" refers to unintentional mistakes, or to intentional ones and misuses that are intended to deceive, or to misrepresent the quotee.

The term you are looking for is "paraphrase".

I rather like the term "alternative quote"

That sounds a little too like "alternative facts" for my comfort

It is meant to. Since this thread is all about numbers and measurement, clearly T'rump has decided to join in...

President Trump ordered his administration to fire the commissioner of labor statistics, Erika McEntarfer, after the July jobs report showed a sharp slowdown in hiring and a steep downward revision to May and June's hiring numbers.

"No one can be that wrong? We need accurate Jobs Numbers. I have directed my Team to fire this Biden Political Appointee, IMMEDIATELY," Mr. Trump wrote on social media.

He added, "She will be replaced with someone much more competent and qualified. Important numbers like this must be fair and accurate, they can't be manipulated for political purposes."

Anybody here fail to spot the irony?

If you don't like that source, there are many many others stating those alternative facts.

[Peter_O]

It would very likely show all segments on during a self check at boot.
If it doesn't, then I would focus on the LED display connections.
Just unplugging and re-seating often does the trick by removing surface oxidation.

It shows all segments at boot.

Checking PSU and board connections will bei the first steps after flying over the service manual.

BTW: The PDF at the internet archive seems to have a higher resolution and the content seem to differ from the nominally same document at the kesight website. Both are not the best.
https://archive.org/details/hp-4262-a-user-manual/mode
If there's a better scan somewhere, pls. post!

When starting the project, I might start a seperate thread.

[Cyclotron]

fail[/i] to spot the irony?

If you don't like that source, there are many many others stating those alternative facts.

I found a lot. I had made the connection to the thread from your signature previously when I added "Couldn't "statistics" be considered to be an "alternative quote"?".

Now a statistician is fired for being accused of alternate fact/quotes.

[med6753]

Careful boys, venturing into OT or politics may result in another 2022 August massacre. 

On topic....picked up this 485 about a month ago. My 3rd 485. Price was right and can't have too many of them. This pix is after cleaning up the front panel with a mild cleaner but unfortunately it took some of the printing off the button switches. Also, the vert mode switch directly under the CRT is jammed solid. I have a parts unit on standby as needed. Been a busy Summer so far and haven't had a chance to work on it further.   

[wkb]

I can't believe this thread is still going. There must be a cure!

Regrettably so far the literature indicates there is only an amelioration (not cure), one that comes to everybody sooner or later.

"You can checkin, but you can never leave"

Was that a deliberate misquote?
"You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave" (check out TE?) is the line.

Hotel California the Eagles.

That was, as you already guessed, an intentional "alternative quote" 

For future reference, "misquote" refers to unintentional mistakes, or to intentional ones and misuses that are intended to deceive, or to misrepresent the quotee.

The term you are looking for is "paraphrase".

I rather like the term "alternative quote"

That sounds a little too like "alternative facts" for my comfort

That is not unintentional 

[tverbeure]

Bought a HP 5370A time interval counter at last months electronics flea market. I emitted magic smoke after powering it up. It took a bit of effort, but it's fully repaired now: https://tomverbeure.github.io/2025/08/10/HP-5370A-Repair.html.

[Cyclotron]

I've got the power.

Hewlett-Packard 6012B from 1995 up in here to dim my lights.

[madao]

Back to topics.
My HAMradio-find HP 4270A is electric in very good condition.
(Attachment Link)

2 terminal  testfixture is hard getting, I have  couple set contact for HP 16047A -> I make 2 terminal fixture to using of 16047A-contact set.

Very stastified.

[TERRA Operative]

Picked up a TDS520C for 4000-ish yen shipped on Friday, it had an interesting display problem. 



It took no parts to fix and was simple in the end. 
It appears the scope must have been dropped on it's arse at some point, but only just enough to dislodge the yoke on the CRT by 5mm or so, but not enough to actually damage anything at all.
I can only assume the yoke fastning clamp must have been a little on the loose side from factory.



Once that was sorted and a set of new caps was installed on the CRT board just for fun, and now it's all working perfectly and passes the performance verification with flying colours.



So, it now has the latest firmware I could find (v5.3e), all applicable options unlocked, and is listed back up on Yahoo Auctions to make me some yens for my next TE purchase. 

[wkb]

Interesting, especially given that the silicone 'glue' had also come loose.

[TERRA Operative]

Yeah, that stuff is pretty hard, so I guess rather than flexing like a silicone rubber, it just cracked at the interface between the adhesive and the plastic.