Hi Thomas, this is almost top condition, I have always been fascinated by the perfection of the execution. I can't even imagine what kind of knowledge is needed to create these devices, when I saw these in the research lab for the first time, I couldn't even set them up properly and just the idea that someone could create this scared me 😁. I used to own an HP 8903 audio analyzer and it took me more than half a year to bring it back to life, but I've probably aged ten years with it 😂 I love these devices and thanks for showing me, it's a bit nostalgic for me, congrats to such an amazing catch of measuring technique. Nice day 🙂 Tom
Thanks for this Thomas! I just picked one up. The fan wasn't working so I replaced it. I do see clipping on the top of the output at lower frequencies and it increases with amplitude. By 5000Hz it is good. Perhaps a thermal issue happed before the fan was replaced. Any thoughts on this?
According to the 1989 HP Test & Measurement Catalog, the Synthesized Signal Generator was meant for "the most demanding out-of-channel RF receiver measurements," and the 1GHz 8642A listed for $24,050, while the 2GHz 8642B listed for $33,050, plus another $2,100 for the "High stability time base." "On-site repair kits" listed for $20,500 and $27,000 respectively . . . !!.
I'm not familiar with the 8642 , I've used the 8656 years ago ...... Does the 42 do what the 56 can do but at higher frequencies ? Modulation is not shown on the display in any pictures I have seen and you have the only video on the 42 on YT ....
I think you should look into those power up test failure messages. The "unlocked" one probably explains why you are measuring 102MHz. Even a non-precision master oscillator would be orders of magnitude better than 2% off. I have a HP8672 with options to cover 10MHz...26GHz, and when I got it, the "unlocked"" light was on. I could fix that by just adjusting the trimpots on the YIG driver board, the procedure is in the manual. I guess yours is probably not YIG based, but maybe a similarly simple solution exists. It would be a pity for such an exquisite generator not to function properly.
writing on pcb is very good to do in case of lack of silkscreen the information is very helpfull during my debug test and repair, i normally leave it, so future people can be happy to save time and trouble in case some one else need to repair it again.
Hi Thomas, this is almost top condition, I have always been fascinated by the perfection of the execution. I can't even imagine what kind of knowledge is needed to create these devices, when I saw these in the research lab for the first time, I couldn't even set them up properly and just the idea that someone could create this scared me 😁. I used to own an HP 8903 audio analyzer and it took me more than half a year to bring it back to life, but I've probably aged ten years with it 😂 I love these devices and thanks for showing me, it's a bit nostalgic for me, congrats to such an amazing catch of measuring technique.
Nice day 🙂 Tom
Thanks for this Thomas! I just picked one up. The fan wasn't working so I replaced it. I do see clipping on the top of the output at lower frequencies and it increases with amplitude. By 5000Hz it is good. Perhaps a thermal issue happed before the fan was replaced. Any thoughts on this?
According to the 1989 HP Test & Measurement Catalog, the Synthesized Signal Generator was meant for "the most demanding out-of-channel RF receiver measurements," and the 1GHz 8642A listed for $24,050, while the 2GHz 8642B listed for $33,050, plus another $2,100 for the "High stability time base." "On-site repair kits" listed for $20,500 and $27,000 respectively . . . !!.
wow thanks it is quite easy to use online inflation calculator to make this value into todays money :-)
I'm not familiar with the 8642 , I've used the 8656 years ago ...... Does the 42 do what the 56 can do but at higher frequencies ? Modulation is not shown on the display in any pictures I have seen and you have the only video on the 42 on YT ....
not exactly the same front layout too, minor conmetic differences but they both do AM and FM
I think you should look into those power up test failure messages. The "unlocked" one probably explains why you are measuring 102MHz. Even a non-precision master oscillator would be orders of magnitude better than 2% off.
I have a HP8672 with options to cover 10MHz...26GHz, and when I got it, the "unlocked"" light was on. I could fix that by just adjusting the trimpots on the YIG driver board, the procedure is in the manual. I guess yours is probably not YIG based, but maybe a similarly simple solution exists.
It would be a pity for such an exquisite generator not to function properly.
exactly the unit will under go a much more detailed trim and check,
And some wondered why I went for the Marconi 2024 instead 🤣🤣.
Lighter, cheaper, easier to fix.
Wish I could find one
I have one of these, reminds me I need to fire it up. Been a few years. Worked the last time I used it, so....
it worked last time i tested it.. is a line i heard many times when purchasing defective instruments.. just saying :-)
@@TeardownOZ2CPU LOL, yes I agree. Might pop a cap or two having not been powered up for a few years.
I wish I hadn’t gained weight since 1985 as well
he he,,
If it is a blown cap or similar it should be possible to locate it by smell. ps: I'm a bit shocked about you writing on that power supply PCB .
writing on pcb is very good to do in case of lack of silkscreen the information is very helpfull during my debug test and repair, i normally leave it, so future people can be happy to save time and trouble in case some one else need to repair it again.