[Test-Equipment] HP equip questions

[Gary Chatters]

>
>It seems odd that there would be an L version preceeding a B version, but
>it sounds like the B is the later model.  It just opposes HP's normal A/B/C
>version scheme -- the only other L variant I know of is the 5245L counter,
>which was also available in a (presumed-later-model) M version.
>

I have never seen any official explanation of how HP used
suffix letters.

In many cases they used A, B, C, etc for newer versions of
the same instrument.  Sometimes the step was rather large as
when the 410 multimeter went from the 410B, which was the
large old style vacuum tube version to the compact 410C 
which still used a vacuum tube.  Later 410's went to solid state,
but were still referred to as 410C.

Suffix letters were also used for variations in features.
The HP400 AC voltmeter had the 400E, 400F, and 400G versions.
That might be the order they were introduced, but the suffix
signified different features and they were all in the catalog
at the same time.  These meters also had L suffix versions,
400EL, 400FL, and 400GL where the L referred to logrithmic meter scale.

The 5245M may have come out later than the 5245L, but it also
has different specs (high stability time base) and was in the
catalogs at the same time.

In an earlier message I noted that the 5245L could have the
10544 high stability time base.  I think this is as good as the 5245M,
but I don't know anyway to tell that you have it except to open the
cover and look.  Anyone know about this variation?


Gary