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

Thu May 7 11:08:43 EDT 2009

the C used the keys from the 9100A/B calculator. If I could have
a C frontpanel on my D I would, somehow the Chiclets just dont
say 'quality', I keep thinking of the IBM PCjr.

for me I will only replace the pile of them when I get a 8662/3/4.

oh .. if you have never had one on your bench, you may want to think
about a good pair of headphones :-).

-pete

>>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
>>> ______________________________________________________________
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>>
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>
>
>
> --
> Dennis L. Wade
> KG6ZI
> Carmichael, CA
> ______________________________________________________________
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