[Microwave] RE: HP / Agilent 8505A Scale Overlays.. UPDATE

[Dr. Gerald N. Johnson]

On Mon, 2006-09-04 at 19:36 -0400, J. Forster wrote:
> The HP 8505A Vector Network Analyzer uses a set of Smith Chart and other screen
> overlays that are VERY hard to find. I've had a complete set of 16 for a while
> and am willing to get reproduction sets made on a ONE TIME basis. I will NOT be
> supplying them to order indefinitely.
> 
> The originals are photographs on a high contrast Graphic Arts sheet film, like
> the now discontinued Kodalith, with a roughly 0.007" thick base, which is
> thicker than is in common use now.
> 
> I tried several places with various Xerox machines and digital scanners and they
> all produced results with Moiré patterns, since the originals are half tone
> screened. IMO, the results are not satisfactory.
> 
> After a fairly extensive search, I've found a place that is willing and able to
> reproduce the overlays by contact printing the originals onto film. However,
> there is a catch....  they only stock the 0.003" film and the result is quite
> flimsy.
> 
> To cut to the chase, the 0.003" overlays can be made for about $22.00 per set of
> 16. They would be made on 12" x 18" sheet film and cut in half for mailing in a
> 9" x 12" envelope. Each of the 4 sheets would have 4 overlay images. You will
> have to cut out the individual overlays yourself, but that is pretty easy.
> 
> The second option is to special order a box of 12 x 18 film, 0.007" thick, BUT
> it only comes in hundred sheet boxes for about $350.00 per box. Each box is good
> for roughly 45 sets of overlays, allowing for a bit of scrap. This would add
> about $8.00 per overlay set to the cost (total $30.00 + Postage), but I'm not
> willing to wind up with a big pile of unsold stock sitting on my shelf.  I will
> only be providing one or the other thickness, not both.
> 
> If you are interested in these overlays, please email me at the above address
> and include your thickness preference and how many set(s) you'd want, but PLEASE
> do NOT say you want them if you are not SURE. I'd anticipate delivery in mid
> October some time. I do NOT want money at this time. I will be able to accept
> PayPal or USPS Money Orders.
> 
> Thanks,
> -John

Couldn't the thin films be laminated easily to gain stiffness and to
improve longevity?
-- 
73, Jerry, K0CQ,
All content copyright Dr. Gerald N. Johnson, electrical engineer