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

Greg Werstiuk greg_werstiuk at msn.com
Thu May 7 03:32:30 EDT 2009 

>From a user perspective, the only difference is the operator interface panel
on the front.  The "D" uses a membrane switch keypad for data entry.  The
"C" uses full travel switches (I can't recall which technology).

>From construction, service, performance standpoints:

The hardware is interchangeable between them.

HP made many running changes to improve performance, reliability, stability
over the lifetime of the instrument.  One of the advantages of acquiring a
"real" 8660D (as opposed to an 8660C upgraded to the newer operator panel)
is it will, at a minimum, incorporate all changes made throughout the
lifespan of the "C".

It's an amazing, programmable, sweep capable, precise frequency signal
generator.  It does have spurs and high phase noise compared to something
like an 8657B.

-
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: Wednesday, May 06, 2009 12:18 PM
To: Discussion of Electronic Test Equipment; Pete Lancashire
Subject: Re: [Test-Equipment] Opinions on HP-8660C (D?)

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
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> Test-Equipment mailing list
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>
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>



-- 
Dennis L. Wade
KG6ZI
Carmichael, CA
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