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

[Dennis Wade]

How is the 'D' version different from the 'C' version?

       Dennis

On Wed, May 6, 2009 at 9:03 AM, Pete Lancashire <pete at petelancashire.com> wrote:
> 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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>>
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>>
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>>
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>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>>
>
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>
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>



-- 
Dennis L. Wade
KG6ZI
Carmichael, CA