Another test equipment museum piece. This time from the early days of logic systems analysis. A HP 1600A Logic State Analyzer, from around 1977. HP 1977 catalog pg 96, 1978 pg 124.
Really happy with this. I've been looking for one in reasonable condition and nice price for ages, but on ebay that's rare. This was US$70, and looked really clean. The seller prism_electronics7 packed it REALLY well, foam-in-place done right, plus the 1600A in it's own plastic bag. See pic 2 - I wish all sellers could pack right like this.
It had one pivot cover on the handle missing, but I had a spare. Only needed a little cleaning to get the unit looking pristine. Inside there's virtually no dust, so maybe it wasn't even used much.
None of the little HP buttons missing this time either.
AND IT WORKS (mostly.) A few minor problems but I already have the op/service manual.
The best surprise - the listing didn't show any probes although there appeared to be something inside the top pouch. Turns out it had all four probes, leads and clips. Amazing.
So of course I got too pleased with myself. While reattaching the clear cover of the EHT section I fumbled a small screw into the interior. It shook out of the unit easily enough, but bounced off the bench onto the floor. Then took another hour and a half to find. Well, I needed to clean the floor anyway. (Pic 3, spot the tiny screw.)
Next historical boatanchor goal: A HP 5000A. See the HP Journal, Oct 1973. (last pic)
Was that the first ever attempt at a 'logic analyzer'?