Just uploaded some '"quick and dirty" teardowns, mosty HP gear

[intabits]

I've just uploaded a few "quick and dirty" teardown videos of equipment from a recent hamfest haul.
It's mostly HP gear, including a 3455A voltmeter, and a couple of more obscure items.

These videos are simple: Brief description, Open it up, Poke about, Look for simple problems, and See what happens when power is applied.
Hopefully, some will find them interesting...

HP3455A voltmeter.
Seller said it made a bang and lots of smoke when turned on earlier that day



HP3495A Scanner.
Routes connections via reed relays under HPIB control.



HP37201A HP-IB extender.
Carries HPIB communication over RS232 for long range connections.



Tait T348 15V/15A power supplies.
Made in NZ in 1988.

[intabits]

OOPS/DOH: Forgot to add links to the videos - Now added after the images in the first post

(My first thought when I awoke just now was that I'd forgotten to include the links. The value of sleep!)

[rob.manderson]

You just had to show off that Astor Mickey didn't you!   

[bitseeker]

Thanks for the teardowns. I look forward to seeing how that 3455A comes along.

Regarding the 37201A, it sounded like the mains filter cap(s) have blown. RIFA caps and Schaffner line filters are notorious for becoming incendiary and should be replaced. In the case of the RIFA caps, they're usually encased in plastic and any sign of cracks means a catastrophic failure is just waiting to happen. There are threads on the forum about them.

[intabits]

You just had to show off that Astor Mickey didn't you!   

Astor Mickey's are status symbols now? Lol, I better get some more!
No, it was pure coincidence. Mickey now lives at that end of the table. He was just an innocent bystander...

Thanks for the teardowns. I look forward to seeing how that 3455A comes along.

Thanks. It should be fun. Just a quick study of the manual for cal failure #11 points to (among other things) possible dud fets.
And these (5088-7028)  seem to be used in no other HP gear, and not mentioned in any  xrefs. A worry if they turn out to be the problem.

Regarding the 37201A, it sounded like the mains filter cap(s) have blown. RIFA caps and Schaffner line filters are notorious for becoming incendiary and should be replaced. In the case of the RIFA caps, they're usually encased in plastic and any sign of cracks means a catastrophic failure is just waiting to happen. There are threads on the forum about them.

That fits the evidence. I know what you mean, I had a (I believe it was a RIFA) mains cap explode in a Tek2465 recently.

[rob.manderson]

You just had to show off that Astor Mickey didn't you!   

Astor Mickey's are status symbols now? Lol, I better get some more!
No, it was pure coincidence. Mickey now lives at that end of the table. He was just an innocent bystander...

You should check out the antique valve radio scene.  A working Mickey in good condition is worth a few boat-anchor Test Instruments!

[intabits]

A working Mickey in good condition is worth a few boat-anchor Test Instruments!

The "Mickey" nameplate covers a range of models and eras.

The older, Art Deco types tend to fetch good prices:-
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/-/153105903705?nordt=true&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l10137


But the "breadloaf" style like mine, usually only sell in the AU$50 to AU$150 range:-
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Vintage-Retro-Astor-Mickey-Valve-Radio-from-the-50s-60s/113037051373?hash=item1a518885ed:g:noEAAOSwdkZbFP~t
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/-/113161726499?nordt=true&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l10137

Unless they're blue:-
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Blue-Astor-Mickey-Bakelite-Valve-Radio/123248226967?hash=item1cb22ab297:g:LJ8AAOSwLmlbSHKY
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Stunning-Early-1950s-Retro-Vintage-ASTOR-MICKEY-Blue-Bakelite-Valve-Radio/113111744107?hash=item1a55fc3e6b:g:ebMAAOSwRTtbNL-b

(you might have to scroll down a page, or click "listing ended" notice to see original item)

You should check out the antique valve radio scene. 

I have, and just recently joined The Historical Radio Society of Australia, and went to one of their auctions, where the belle of the ball was this beautifully restored item.
It went for AU$2800.
http://www.hrsa.asn.au/HRSA/auction/20180728VI/204-0.jpg

[bitseeker]

Thanks for the teardowns. I look forward to seeing how that 3455A comes along.

Thanks. It should be fun. Just a quick study of the manual for cal failure #11 points to (among other things) possible dud fets.
And these (5088-7028)  seem to be used in no other HP gear, and not mentioned in any  xrefs. A worry if they turn out to be the problem.

Yeah, the only thing I saw were 5081-7047 and 5090-0202 as possible equivalents, but doesn't help a lot being HP/Agilent part numbers also.

[time27]

Hi
I am interested in the cards plugged into this unit. I already own a HP3495a scanner but would like to increase its capability.
So I am after 2 part cards that operate relays, card that plugs in on a HP3495A bus and card that adds relays to the unit and connections to the outside signal. I have a HP3455A DVM and HPIB bus that works - just needs to extend its capability.
Regards Nick

[time27]

Cards - that are in that unit might be operational - since I have a HP3495A, HPIB-USB bus running and a HP3455A all in working condition it would be nice to test out if I can use relay cards. My HP3495A is fitted with thermal reference card No DAQ switch card. It would be nice to get hold of 3 parts that make up the relay switch send few commands down te HPIB bus for it to multiplex the HP3455A are read few voltages. Docs would be nice for selecting the bus card . You can tell I am retired.  , will pay for the postage and if it works will share the glory of working unit  :)Regards Nick

[intabits]

Hi Nick,
I've just sent you a PM...

[time27]

this is my setup - all working. The HP3495A is shown but it has no switches and cards fitted only thermal reference card. Would like to increase its ability so I am looking for options 001 through 00x . Mainly relay switch card.
Thank you //Nick