Test Equipment Anonymous (TEA) group therapy thread

[Addicted2AnalogTek]

@BU508A - Thanks for the heads up on these, now I know what to look for in a 34401A.   

1) Red & Black connectors
2) "Agilent" instead of "Hewlett Packard" on the face plate
3) Lack of VFD display module

Anything else I should keep an eye out for before I purchase one (aside from the obvious condition factor and intact seals)?

Unless I'm misunderstanding you they all have VFDs. There obviously also are the more modern Keysight models with the rounded buttons. Those are fine too but not quite as pretty.

He's talking specifically about the "unobtanium" VFD driver that often fails when the VFD fails. IIRC, they are a pretty visible separate part as opposed to later models in which it is integrated into the VFD assembly.

Yes, what I meant is the lack of the "unobtanium" VFD driver and its accompanying VFD display. I did, however, forget to ask:  is there a specific indicator for units that do or don't have the old VFD driver/display arrangement? Is the old driver specific to only the HP units with all red jacks and the older button style?   I searched but haven't yet found this information specifically.

[mnementh]

He's talking specifically about the "unobtanium" VFD driver that often fails when the VFD fails. IIRC, they are a pretty visible separate part as opposed to later models in which it is integrated into the VFD assembly.

Agreed. Feels like something out of Logan's Run or somesuch... 

mnem
It's only money.

I assume I'm still not understanding what you lot are getting at as the VFD drivers shouldn't be visible from the outside.

True, but this is TE on eBay. While NOT "the usual", I've seen plenty of listings over the years where they do show covers off interior shots. So... 

I think maybe he was asking if there were other indicators as to the presence of said "unobtanium" component, aside from the all red 4mm jacks and the brand on the nameplate. 

mnem
*back out into Hell*

[Addicted2AnalogTek]

He's talking specifically about the "unobtanium" VFD driver that often fails when the VFD fails. IIRC, they are a pretty visible separate part as opposed to later models in which it is integrated into the VFD assembly.

Agreed. Feels like something out of Logan's Run or somesuch... 

mnem
It's only money.

I assume I'm still not understanding what you lot are getting at as the VFD drivers shouldn't be visible from the outside.

True, but this is TE on eBay. While NOT "the usual", I've seen plenty of listings over the years where they do show covers off interior shots. So... 

I think maybe he was asking if there were other indicators as to the presence of said "unobtanium" component, aside from the all red 4mm jacks and the brand on the nameplate. 

mnem
*back out into Hell*

Much better worded than my posts.. 

My communication skills don't reflect my abilities with tools and materials, I swear!! 

[med6753]

Another completed project. V-7A going through a burn-in. Utilizing the single combo probe connected to a AD584-M voltage reference. 15VDC range at 2.5V, 5V, 7.5V, and 10V. Excellent accuracy. Another neglected Heath saved from the junk pile. And again I need to thank bd139 for supplying the meter from his scrap unit. 

[Specmaster]

Looking very nice med, pretty good accuracy there, that blue looks so fresh and right on that meter enclosure, might have to copy that if I get something in a metal enclosure 

[bd139]

Looking good  .

Wish I had a good one on hand now 

[med6753]

Looking good  .

Wish I had a good one on hand now 

I thought you had at least one good one in your stash.  Did you sell it?

[med6753]

Looking very nice med, pretty good accuracy there, that blue looks so fresh and right on that meter enclosure, might have to copy that if I get something in a metal enclosure 

Tell mnem that.  He sez it don't look right on a Heathkit.  But He's forgetting that in later years Heath DID go to blue cabinets. 

[bd139]

Looking good  .

Wish I had a good one on hand now 

I thought you had at least one good one in your stash.  Did you sell it?

I've had two good V7's go through, three duff ones and an IM-13 so far. They tend not to stick around because as much as I like them I don't use the things. The last one nearly paid for the 5334B which I do use!

Looking very nice med, pretty good accuracy there, that blue looks so fresh and right on that meter enclosure, might have to copy that if I get something in a metal enclosure 

Tell mnem that.  He sez it don't look right on a Heathkit.  But He's forgetting that in later years Heath DID go to blue cabinets. 

Looks fine to me.

If you want anal attention to consistency with Heathkit, check this dude out! http://www.vacuumtubeaudio.info/project10.htm

[med6753]

Yea, I've seen that site before. That is totally anal...much more than I ever would be. 

[bd139]

I'm not so sure I wouldn't be. The killer is that I think he screwed up by standardising everything on the 70s Heathkit livery without the blue bar across the bottom.

I rather like the style of the IP-2718 etc as per: https://www.amateurradiosales.co.uk/product-page/heathkit-ip-2718-tri-power-supply

I am tempted by the above. They are nice power supplies. Used to own one. Quick flashback... 2012-2014-ish:



Look what you people have done to me!!!  . Only thing I own in that still is the cutting mat!

[med6753]

You can't blame us for your "seller's regret". You turn over equipment faster and more often than some of us change our underwear. That's on you pal! 

I also like the styling of those Heath supplies and other Heath TE from that era. 

[Specmaster]

What!, is that philips scope the one that you had before then? I'm guessing it is judging by the leader sig gen.

[bd139]

Yeah that was indeed the one before. That was my second PM3217. I'm on my 3rd now 

First one I got in ~1990 I think it was (cost me I think £200 then!). That got put in storage around 1997 then sold in 2000. Then I bought that one when I got back into electronics again after buying a Telequipment S61 for 2 quid and nearly dying inside at how shit it was. The above one went in early 2016 for a Tek 465B. That started the Tek fixing mission which I am soooo over now 

Edit: meant to say, the S61 was so bad you could smell the rat piss once it warmed up. Ugh

[med6753]

The above one went in early 2016 for a Tek 465B. That started the Tek fixing mission which I am soooo over now 

That's OK....I picked up the slack. 

[Specmaster]

Looking very nice med, pretty good accuracy there, that blue looks so fresh and right on that meter enclosure, might have to copy that if I get something in a metal enclosure 

Tell mnem that.  He sez it don't look right on a Heathkit.  But He's forgetting that in later years Heath DID go to blue cabinets. 

Yes, you're quite correct sir, they did go to blue later in life and I have on one here, the IG-4505 which I was looking for one of these for simply ages. It has been recapped and thoroughly checked out and the flying output lead chopped and replaced with a standard BNC socket for convenience. It also doubles as pretty sanity checker for DMM testing with its DC switched output. 

[mnementh]

Looking very nice med, pretty good accuracy there, that blue looks so fresh and right on that meter enclosure, might have to copy that if I get something in a metal enclosure 

Tell mnem that.  He sez it don't look right on a Heathkit.  But He's forgetting that in later years Heath DID go to blue cabinets. 

BLASPHEMER!!! If it doesn't come all in grey and crinkle-finish, it isn't proper HeathKit!!!

Yea, I've seen that site before. That is totally anal...much more than I ever would be. 

Ditto... disturbingly anal. And worse yet, he paints HP gear in that same horrible "Blasphemy Blue" just to have "consistency" with his *BLEEP!*Kit gear... 

That said... good work, med. I'd still rather see it earning its keep wearing "Blasphemy Blue" than in a landfill.   As long as it's on your workbench, not mine. 

mnem
I'd better shut up... lest med take the B&K gear I'm sending him and paint it to match...   

[Specmaster]

I'd better shut up... lest med take the B&K gear I'm sending him and paint it to match...   

Now that is a real possibility as I understand he has plenty of the blue paint left.   

[med6753]

I'd better shut up... lest med take the B&K gear I'm sending him and paint it to match...   

Now that is a real possibility as I understand he has plenty of the blue paint left.   

And if I run out a quick trip to the home improvement store for more. 

[xrunner]

Good TE day today. 34401A dispatched via a carrier ...

Well I can't let you guys have all the 34401A fun, just got one ordered on Ebay. 

It's hard to keep up with this group any more!

Aaaand now I'm broke 

Oh shit - me too. 

[bd139]

Congratulations on your TE purchase . So much goodness in those meters. Can't wait 'til mine turns up. I have some work for it to do 

Random project: clearing out final parts boxes, I just found enough gubbins lying around to build a simple Z80 computer. Need some hex displays though so off to ebay to get mugged for some  . Edit: found LEDs. Altair style it is

[BU508A]

These are ridiculously easy with even the cheapest hot-air setup; they're few enough pins you can either pre-tin the pads with an iron/paint with rosin or apply paste manually with a toothpick. The part will literally self align as long as you don't crank the air up so high you blow it off the board. I'm not seeing your problem...?

I do have a hot air station, an AOYUE int 852


I tried to solder some SMD components, some TSOP-16 stuff and found it hard to place it correctly so that
i will get nice solder joints. And TSOP is much easier than VQFN, where one have to place it to 1/100th mm
And you can't see it, if all solder joints are good. I dislike this kind of soldering. Usual SMD stuff is no problem,
but this brings me to my limits. Probably I need more practise.

If you don't have a hot air station, now's the time; this is JUST the sort of project to practice on. Just remember to populate these parts FIRST on a bare board if you're a noob. Or you can get a cheap breakout and plug it into a DIP, but that'll make your end product pretty big: eBay auction: #382865350172 For other outlines, this experimenter's kit is cheap but very interesting (doesn't have specifically QFN24): eBay auction: #272931785519

Thanks for this, I'll have a look at them. 

And I've found also something for you:



T-Shirt @ EMP



"Reality is something for people who are afraid of dragons" 

[Mr. Scram]

Well I can't let you guys have all the 34401A fun, just got one ordered on Ebay. 

It's hard to keep up with this group any more!

Oh shit - me too. 

Congrats! Looks like a lot of people were aching to pull the trigger. 

[BU508A]

@BU508A

Thanks for the heads up on these, now I know what to look for in a 34401A.   

1) Red & Black connectors
2) "Agilent" instead of "Hewlett Packard" on the face plate
3) Lack of VFD display module

Anything else I should keep an eye out for before I purchase one (aside from the obvious condition factor and intact seals)?

You are welcome. 

A word about the VFD: the VFD aren't the problem.  The drivers for them in the old models are. They are unobtainium
and sometimes they get leaky. When this happens, a change of the VFD will not help, you have to replace the whole display section.
Otherwise these old meters are very fine. But if you can get an Agilent branded one for the same money, I'd take this one.
The oval/round knobs are a matter of taste.

And I would take one with the bumpers and the handle. Very handy.

Edit:
Regarding the indicator:
"On older issue 34401a meters (fw version 06-04-01 and prior) have a custom HP designed micro controller with integrated high voltage VFD driver which is not obtainable, unless bought as a whole front panel assembly, which again is not cheap."

Source:
https://github.com/openscopeproject/HP34401a-OLED-FW

[xrunner]

Congrats! Looks like a lot of people were aching to pull the trigger. 

Thanks. This thread is dangerous if you are "thinking" about buying any test equipment.

Kindof like walking into the Humane Society "thinking" about maybe getting a cat or dog. Don't even go in there unless you want to come out with a new pet LOL.