[Test-Equipment] Opinions on HP-8660C (D?)

[Pete Lancashire]

I have two D's and in the garage and 3 C's two of which cost me $25
for the pair. One D the front is cracked in half and the rfg was bad
it was basically free from a barter.

For me the two repairs (not counting the damn rfg lamps) I have done
where initially swaps but one of the failures could have been
deduced and fixes with out extenders etc.

My call is if you can get a late s/n C or a D take the risk, you
may have to get two before you have one that fully meets spec.

Someday I too will get a service kit, but have been lucky enough
not to need one.

-pete

PS DO NOT RUN A 8660 w/o the fan turning at speed !



> The 8660Cs shipped with a set of extender boards which addresses the
> mainframe side of maintenance if you can find them.  They've appeared
> periodically on eBay very inexpensively.
>
> The orderable additions were one or two coax cables (nothing fancy but
> have
> SMA or SMB connectors on them) and either one or two really ugly extender
> cables which are used to extend the RF, Modulation and Frequency Extender
> Module (Option 100) plug-ins to provide access to them out of the
> mainframe.
>
> Show up periodically for $150 - $200 or so.  One could make them.
>
>
> -
> Greg
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: test-equipment-bounces at mailman.qth.net
> [mailto:test-equipment-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Dennis Wade
> Sent: Tuesday, May 05, 2009 11:22 AM
> To: jfor at quik.com; Discussion of Electronic Test Equipment
> Subject: Re: [Test-Equipment] Opinions on HP-8660C (D?)
>
> Thank you John.  I saw the Service Kit on the HP product sheets (it
> retailed for $1,000...yikes!).  Just what is it, and would I have to
> search out the particular HP product?  Could someone fabricate it?
>
>           Dennis
>
> On Tue, May 5, 2009 at 11:14 AM, J. Forster <jfor at quik.com> wrote:
>> The 8660 is a very good unit, when working. It can be serviced w/o
>> needing
>> piles of unobtainable custom hybrids. However it is 10 pounds of stuff
>> in
>> a 5 pound bag. You NEED the service kit to access almost anything.
>>
>> FWIW,
>> -John
>>
>> =========
>>
>>> Good morning.
>>>
>>>         I need to get a lab quality signal generator for use in my
>>> shop.  My objective would be to be able to make repeatable, useful
>>> measurements of receiver performance (MDS, IM, selectivity, both AM
>>> and FM), rf circuit parameters, filter characteristics and so on.
>>>
>>>          One system I've been considering focusing on is the HP 8660C
>>> with appropriate plug ins.  I've also seen reference to an HP 8660D.
>>> It would seem to offer the accuracy I need, and I would run it from a
>>> GPS disciplined source. I have the HP data sheet outlining the plug
>>> ins available, necessary options given a particular plug in and specs.
>>>
>>>           I'd be happy to hear your comments and advice on the 8660C
>>> (as well as how the 8660D relates) .  Please feel free to suggest
>>> other pieces of equipment that would meet my needs.  Basic
>>> requirements would be at least a 1.3 ghz top end, calibrated output,
>>> AM/FM modulation and ability to run from an external 10 mhz clock.
>>>
>>>          Thanks in advance for your input.
>>>
>>>                Dennis
>>>
>>> --
>>> Dennis L. Wade
>>> KG6ZI
>>> Carmichael, CA
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>>
>>
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>
>
>
> --
> Dennis L. Wade
> KG6ZI
> Carmichael, CA
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