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

[J. Forster]

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 incluse 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