[R-390] HP 8640B Question

[Barry]

>I went through two 8640b's several years back and ended up with the same 
>gear and output attenuator problems as everybody else before I threw up my 
>hands and bought a clean used HP 8656B (from a defunct New York TV studio, 
>no less), and it has been the best test equipment money I've ever spent. 
>Even though it's relatively old technology, it's like stepping up from a 
>Yugo to a Lexus for receiver work when compared to the 8640B. I especially 
>like being able to quickly program sets of IF and RF alignment freqs and 
>output levels for a bunch of different receiver bands, and recall any of 
>them instantly with a couple of button punches during an alignment 
>procedure. That is a HUGE time saver for bench work on R-390A's and such. I 
>hate cranking signal generator knobs.
>
> 8656B's aren't what I would call expensive, but aren't being given away, 
> either--maybe $400-$600 for a decent one with a money-back return 
> privilege, admittedly not pocket change but worth every penny. The best 
> part is what they DON'T have, which is nylon and plastic parts that are 
> absolutely guaranteed to shrink, crumble, and self-destruct with age. I 
> applaud efforts to resurrect piles of defunct 8640B's with new replacement 
> metal gear trains, but for lots of reasons (speed/ease of use, 
> programmable memory, and a much nicer display) I personally would never go 
> back to an 8640B again even if somebody gave me one. There are too many 
> better affordable options out there.
>
> 73, Jerry W5KP

Although it doesn't go down below 10MHz, I would have liked to have had this 
one:

eBay # 320473707073

It appears to be in extremely nice condition but I was at work and I don't 
bid on eBay at work.

I bid on a broken 8640B but someone else has outbid me and after reading 
some of this, I'm going to let someone else have it.

I have an HP-606A, but not really thrilled with it.  It is pretty hard to 
get it calibrated and still don't have it quite right and I've pretty much 
set my sights on a synthesized generator.

Maybe one day I'll find one I can "afford"...

Thanks guys,
Barry - N4BUQ