Test Equipment Anonymous (TEA) group therapy thread

[Kosmic]

Yes boot up and pass self-test multiple times. Will let it cook for the night.

The Tek 485 is still in the repair queue 

[Kosmic]

These days I'm trying to get some traction on my own projects. Got 2 boards to design in Kicad, got to get used to Kicad first, then there the data logger app I'm trying to write. Logging data via GPIB to a csv file look simple but it's super hard to find a software that will do that for multiple instruments.

Got the logger part done I'm now working on the UI.

[med6753]

I shy away from any sort of coding. It gives me headache AND an arse ache. 

[bitseeker]

It's alive! 



I ended up locating the problem to R58. The pot responsible for -12V adjustment. It was probably full of electrolytic. Even though the board was immerged in IPA for 15min the potentiometer was somehow still dirty. It was making the -12V rail higher than usual and the overvoltage protection was kicking in.



I just cleaned r58 with Deoxit and then readjusted all the power rails correctly.

Excellent! Congrats, it's looking great. Now, what are you going to measure first?

[bitseeker]

... then there the data logger app I'm trying to write. Logging data via GPIB to a csv file look simple but it's super hard to find a software that will do that for multiple instruments.

Got the logger part done I'm now working on the UI.

Yep, it's good to have your own code for logging. In addition to being able to support a variety of instruments, you can make them do other useful things such as display temperature, humidity and elapsed time.

[Kosmic]

Excellent! Congrats, it's looking great. Now, what are you going to measure first?

I'm working on 2 SA at the moment so I will probably use the 53310a to calibrate them.

I was also wondering how my gpsdo would compare to my rubidium standard. But I need to setup the GPS antenna outside first (I don't have a permanent setup).

[Kosmic]

... then there the data logger app I'm trying to write. Logging data via GPIB to a csv file look simple but it's super hard to find a software that will do that for multiple instruments.

Got the logger part done I'm now working on the UI.

Yep, it's good to have your own code for logging. In addition to being able to support a variety of instruments, you can make them do other useful things such as display temperature, humidity and elapsed time.

(Attachment Link)

Interesting usage of the string CMD  On my side I normally output a empty str to emulate a screen off CMD.

[bitseeker]

Yeah, I don't display status permanently. Normally, the displays are off during logging, but I can hit a key to see status info.

Some instruments, like the HP DMMs, can turn their displays off. The funny thing is that the 34401A turns everything off whereas the 34410A keeps the "Remote" annunciator lit.

[kj7e]

@Kosmic,  what options does your 53310A have?  Just curious.

[Kosmic]

@Kosmic,  what options does your 53310A have?  Just curious.

Opt 1 (mem) and 30 (input c).

[Brumby]

His stepson decided dealing with the gear was too much stress. A week ago he fired the auction house and sold everything in a 225 square foot garage  to a junk dealer for two or three hundred bucks. My friend described them tossing test equipment into the back of a dump truck.

Just makes me sad.

 

[Ero-Shan]

A big shout out and thank you to Nixiefreqq.  Here it is. Fluke 7260A. I got so many goodies today I don't know what to do next. 

But anyway, at some point I'll do a tear down.

Boy, is that thing ugly!

But I certainly wouldn't say no to one. 

You can be really grateful to Nixiefreqq Very generous. And don't forget the pictures!

[Mr. Scram]

Yeah, I don't display status permanently. Normally, the displays are off during logging, but I can hit a key to see status info.

Some instruments, like the HP DMMs, can turn their displays off. The funny thing is that the 34401A turns everything off whereas the 34410A keeps the "Remote" annunciator lit.

Doesn't it make more sense to display the data on the computer you're logging with? Or did you write a complete CLI with the DMMs being the display? 

[beanflying]

A big shout out and thank you to Nixiefreqq.  Here it is. Fluke 7260A. I got so many goodies today I don't know what to do next. 

But anyway, at some point I'll do a tear down.

Boy, is that thing ugly!

But I certainly wouldn't say no to one. 

You can be really grateful to Nixiefreqq Very generous. And don't forget the pictures!

He will need to be careful they mount each other and produce mega ugly babies 

[med6753]

A big shout out and thank you to Nixiefreqq.  Here it is. Fluke 7260A. I got so many goodies today I don't know what to do next. 

But anyway, at some point I'll do a tear down.

Boy, is that thing ugly!

But I certainly wouldn't say no to one. 

You can be really grateful to Nixiefreqq Very generous. And don't forget the pictures!

He will need to be careful they mount each other and produce mega ugly babies 

Yes, certainly not what you would call good looking. And that stack is hideous.  Bd described it as looking like the Star Trek Shuttle ready to take off. Good analogy.

I'll do a tear down as soon as 2 things happen. First, I find a manual. So far no joy. 2nd, I can't figure out how to get the damn thing apart. I tried with no success. So hopefully once I source a manual it tells me how to get it apart.

[Cubdriver]

I'll do a tear down as soon as 2 things happen. First, I find a manual. So far no joy. 2nd, I can't figure out how to get the damn thing apart. I tried with no success. So hopefully once I source a manual it tells me how to get it apart.

See my sig.   

-Pat

[bd139]

it youtube and enter "pug orgy". That's what that stack looks like 

[med6753]

In the meantime....how about some Tek 485 porn?

What I found amazing is that this guy is packaged completely differently than it's siblings 465/475. Probably a safe assumption that it was a different design team with much different ideas on packaging. And having an early SMS supply vs the 465/475 linear supply probably also a factor.

I gave it a quick look over to see if there was anything obvious. Nothing so far. Even the fuse is OK. But it is deader than a door nail. The fan doesn't even come on. I got other projects ahead of this one so it will be a while before I get to it.

[PA0PBZ]

In the meantime....how about some Tek 485 porn?

Is that the delay line rolled around the CRT?

[bd139]

Nice pictures 

Apparently the power supply is a dick on them so good luck.

In the meantime....how about some Tek 485 porn?

Is that the delay line rolled around the CRT?

That's the turbo encabulator that gets it up to 350 megs

[BU508A]

 

-Pat

What is that Fluke in the middle of this mess, err, genius arrangement?

[med6753]

In the meantime....how about some Tek 485 porn?

Is that the delay line rolled around the CRT?

Don't listen to bd139.  The correct answer is yes.

[bd139]

 

[Mr. Scram]

Don't listen to the Tek murderer. He lies!

[med6753]

The Fluke 1912A that I bought Tuesday afternoon was in Reno, Nevada. Last night it arrived at Newark Airport and it's already at local USPS Distribution Center. I just might get it today or definitely tomorrow. The scheduled delivery date wasn't until this coming Wednesday. 
I'm liking this!