To Therm Mr. some remarks which might help:
2) Also there is a U3 listed I can not reference and I have no specs for. It is a LM336BZ any idea on what it is.
pls .see datasheet (TI.com etc.). It'S a shunt refetce (similar to a zener diode, but better specs).
3). The transformer shows 8 wires feeding three different bridge rectifiers how would I sort that all out? One controls high low range to pass trans, one to display power and one reference and bias supply. How can I spec the correct transformer.
The HP is already a quite clever design with some good engeneering practices used. For your projecte I'd recommend a 2x12V Transfomrer with 4A capabilty for the main power (based on if you go for the specs HP has in.
It is close to the ratings you need, but of course you have to keep in mind: HP has custom wound their transfomrer, which makes sense if you bulid 1000+ power supplies. for a single project, it's econimic to go for the parts RS etc. sell from shelf.
The other windings: well, you have the +/- reference - I'd take a 2x15V 200mA Transformer for my power supply projects for this part.
And you need power for the DVM/DAM displayd - I'd recommend you buy the digitla modules from shelf (available as 200mV and 20V Fullscale models).
And after the buy, get some transformer that powers these seprately - remeber to keep the auxiliary power separted, no common ground.
4) There also is no schematic for the LED display driver board. How can I find an alternative for that?
pls. take a set of 2 DVM moduels as above mentioned.
5) Do you know of a more modern alternative that you think may be a better power supply project? A schematic, parts list and maybe PCB design would be helpful?
Well, honestly spoken: The performance you will get out of the HP36 series is hard to beat (low ripple, low dissipation, low PARD) and still quite impressive.
I would not call it a "beginners project" to bult a clone (I buld lab bench supplies since more than 3 decades on my own) -- but you can learn a lot.
And, you can download the complete HP36 sevice manual for free -- it has a lot description on how to ansd why they build it the way HP build it.
If you like a more indrotion, I recommend the classic:
DC Power Supply Handbook (Agilent Technologies Application Note 90B)
It's stone old, but for the basic it shows and teaches all the does and don't on how to build an use a power supply .
Have fun!
PS: As you might have noticed, I did not give a remark like you oftne see in forum as "building makes no sense, buy is dead cheaper" etc.
Yes, you get these power supplies from Philips, Delta elektonika, Kepco, etc for 50 bucks on the used market/flea market.
But I think that's not at all you intention - build one is not cheap, but can be very intuitive .-)