[Test-Equipment] Test-Equipment Digest, Vol 143, Issue 2
bonddaleena at aol.com
bonddaleena at aol.com
Mon Apr 25 20:33:09 EDT 2016
Hi to everyone,thanks for the tips. I had a nice chap help me through some tests. The attenuator was ok, it appears that the preamp Hybrid (and maybe the amp Hybrid) have died. I have a pair coming. Also found a replacement slide (FM) switch.
While trying to repair the FM slide switch, I had a horrible time with the counter, or rather those 3 mini connectors on the bottom.
Here's a repair 'hint' for the 8640B...when removing the counter assembly, disconnect the 3 connectors from the bottom of the counter. I made 2 'crowfoot' wrenches for the hard lines. Connector #3 is a slip-on. Then, the screws mounting the counter can be removed from the top and the counter lifts right off. While messing with the counter from the top, I managed to break both the center pin in the counter where the flex line mates and the sheath of one of the hard lines. Both were fixed.
There sure are a LOT of parts in one of these babies! Although I have a 8656B coming, I'm gonna get this one fixed.
ron
N4UE
-----Original Message-----
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Today's Topics:
1. Re: HP 8640B questions (Barry)
2. Re: HP 8640B questions (Pete Lancashire)
3. Re: HP 8640B questions (Barry)
4. EXact 566 function generator manual (Glenn Little WB4UIV)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Message: 1
Date: Thu, 21 Apr 2016 12:37:00 -0400 (EDT)
From: Barry <n4buq at knology.netn4buq@knology.net>
To: Discussion of Electronic Test Equipment
<test-equipment at mailman.qth.netequipment@mailman.qth.net>
Cc: bonddaleena at aol.combonddaleena@aol.com
Subject: Re: [Test-Equipment] HP 8640B questions
Message-ID:
<916491351.213710753.1461256620540.JavaMail.zimbra at knology.net916491351.213710753.1461256620540.JavaMail.zimbra@knology.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
Hi Ron,
FWIW, I don't think the signal goes through the counter on its way to the output. In fact, I don't think the counter is actually sampling the output but only the basic range of frequencies and the appropriate multiplier controls the value seen on the display.
Sound like you might have a damaged attenuator? There was on on eBay recently for a reasonable price but I don't see it anymore. There are a couple out there, but they're a bit expensive (for me) and, of course, it's hard to guarantee they're good.
I'd check the signal going into the attenuator and if that's good, then you might have a bad attenuator. If there's no signal there, then you'll have to look elsewhere.
That's sort of generic, but maybe it will get you towards a fix for it.
The HP group would be another great place for advice.
Thanks,
Barry - N4BUQ
----- Original Message -----
> From: "Ron Bussiere via Test-Equipment" <test-equipment at mailman.qth.netequipment@mailman.qth.net>
> To: test-equipment at mailman.qth.netequipment@mailman.qth.net
> Cc: bonddaleena at aol.combonddaleena@aol.com
> Sent: Thursday, April 21, 2016 11:19:59 AM
> Subject: [Test-Equipment] HP 8640B questions
>
>
> Hi. I have a pretty nice 8640B. Don't use it much, but last year while using
> it, I broke the FM slide switch. I thought it was an easy fix. NOT!
> After removing the 'counter module', and not being able to even see the
> broken switch, I reinstalled the counter.
> This was very difficult with my large hands! Must have been designed by
> Lucifer himself.
>
> Now, I have another problem. I have NO output from the front N connecter on
> ANY setting of the attenuator. Nothing.
> The counter works and I have a big, fat signal out on the rear BNC RF out
> connector. It is of course not adjustable in amplitude.
> The output on the rear indicates the correct frequency (with an external
> counter) the same as the 8640B's counter.
> I do have some nice attenuators that are good to over 1 gHZ, but would rather
> the generator function correctly.
> I don't care about the FM mode, probably never use it anyway.
>
> I was wondering if one of the miniature connectors on the bottom of the
> counter unit could have been damaged? 2 are the 'rigid' type and I tried
> many, many times to reinsert the counter assy, but had problems with the
> flexible coax connector preventing the unit from sitting flush. Wondering if
> the signal path went through the counter to the attenuator. Yes, I have a
> manual, but it's in a spot I can't get to right now, darn!
>
> I have a very nice chap up in Mass. helping me on line, but thought I'd ask
> here as well.
>
> Sorry to be so wordy, but...............
>
> ron
> N4UE
> ______________________________________________________________
> Test-Equipment mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/test-equipment
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:Test-Equipment at mailman.qth.net
>
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> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>
------------------------------
Message: 2
Date: Thu, 21 Apr 2016 09:50:13 -0700
From: Pete Lancashire <pete at petelancashire.compete@petelancashire.com>
To: Discussion of Electronic Test Equipment
<test-equipment at mailman.qth.netequipment@mailman.qth.net>
Cc: bonddaleena at aol.combonddaleena@aol.com
Subject: Re: [Test-Equipment] HP 8640B questions
Message-ID:
<CAA-F0u83ZXtqXPo-QS1o=rnm9so19EULto3UCTxabHLe27Qo4A at mail.gmail.comrnm9so19EULto3UCTxabHLe27Qo4A@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
one note I want to make sure everybody that owns an 8640.
before you take any of the covers off make sure your generator is sitting
on something that can catch anything that will fall out. for example a
sheet of butcher paper. the failures that are starting to show up now days
are the rotary switch contacts breaking off. they are extremely small and
delicate. they are heat staked to a clear plastic disc. if they get damaged
they are almost impossible to repair. the fixes the disk has unused posts
180 degrees over. I use an electronic grade RTV since the force is
extremely small and it allows me to repair if things go wrong
On Apr 21, 2016 9:37 AM, "Barry" <n4buq at knology.netn4buq@knology.net> wrote:
> Hi Ron,
>
> FWIW, I don't think the signal goes through the counter on its way to the
> output. In fact, I don't think the counter is actually sampling the output
> but only the basic range of frequencies and the appropriate multiplier
> controls the value seen on the display.
>
> Sound like you might have a damaged attenuator? There was on on eBay
> recently for a reasonable price but I don't see it anymore. There are a
> couple out there, but they're a bit expensive (for me) and, of course, it's
> hard to guarantee they're good.
>
> I'd check the signal going into the attenuator and if that's good, then
> you might have a bad attenuator. If there's no signal there, then you'll
> have to look elsewhere.
>
> That's sort of generic, but maybe it will get you towards a fix for it.
>
> The HP group would be another great place for advice.
>
> Thanks,
> Barry - N4BUQ
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> > From: "Ron Bussiere via Test-Equipment" <test-equipment at mailman.qth.netequipment@mailman.qth.net>
> > To: test-equipment at mailman.qth.netequipment@mailman.qth.net
> > Cc: bonddaleena at aol.combonddaleena@aol.com
> > Sent: Thursday, April 21, 2016 11:19:59 AM
> > Subject: [Test-Equipment] HP 8640B questions
> >
> >
> > Hi. I have a pretty nice 8640B. Don't use it much, but last year while
> using
> > it, I broke the FM slide switch. I thought it was an easy fix. NOT!
> > After removing the 'counter module', and not being able to even see the
> > broken switch, I reinstalled the counter.
> > This was very difficult with my large hands! Must have been designed by
> > Lucifer himself.
> >
> > Now, I have another problem. I have NO output from the front N connecter
> on
> > ANY setting of the attenuator. Nothing.
> > The counter works and I have a big, fat signal out on the rear BNC RF out
> > connector. It is of course not adjustable in amplitude.
> > The output on the rear indicates the correct frequency (with an external
> > counter) the same as the 8640B's counter.
> > I do have some nice attenuators that are good to over 1 gHZ, but would
> rather
> > the generator function correctly.
> > I don't care about the FM mode, probably never use it anyway.
> >
> > I was wondering if one of the miniature connectors on the bottom of the
> > counter unit could have been damaged? 2 are the 'rigid' type and I tried
> > many, many times to reinsert the counter assy, but had problems with the
> > flexible coax connector preventing the unit from sitting flush.
> Wondering if
> > the signal path went through the counter to the attenuator. Yes, I have a
> > manual, but it's in a spot I can't get to right now, darn!
> >
> > I have a very nice chap up in Mass. helping me on line, but thought I'd
> ask
> > here as well.
> >
> > Sorry to be so wordy, but...............
> >
> > ron
> > N4UE
> > ______________________________________________________________
> > Test-Equipment mailing list
> > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/test-equipment
> > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> > Post: mailto:Test-Equipment at mailman.qth.net
> >
> > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> >
> ______________________________________________________________
> Test-Equipment mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/test-equipment
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:Test-Equipment at mailman.qth.net
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>
------------------------------
Message: 3
Date: Thu, 21 Apr 2016 13:49:39 -0400 (EDT)
From: Barry <n4buq at knology.netn4buq@knology.net>
To: Discussion of Electronic Test Equipment
<test-equipment at mailman.qth.netequipment@mailman.qth.net>
Cc: bonddaleena at aol.combonddaleena@aol.com
Subject: Re: [Test-Equipment] HP 8640B questions
Message-ID:
<1075275649.213772696.1461260979804.JavaMail.zimbra at knology.net1075275649.213772696.1461260979804.JavaMail.zimbra@knology.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
Some older models (like mine) use rotary switch with old-style contacts so they don't suffer from that problem.
Thanks,
Barry - N4BUQ
----- Original Message -----
> From: "Pete Lancashire" <pete at petelancashire.compete@petelancashire.com>
> To: "Discussion of Electronic Test Equipment" <test-equipment at mailman.qth.netequipment@mailman.qth.net>
> Cc: bonddaleena at aol.combonddaleena@aol.com
> Sent: Thursday, April 21, 2016 11:50:13 AM
> Subject: Re: [Test-Equipment] HP 8640B questions
>
> one note I want to make sure everybody that owns an 8640.
>
> before you take any of the covers off make sure your generator is sitting
> on something that can catch anything that will fall out. for example a
> sheet of butcher paper. the failures that are starting to show up now days
> are the rotary switch contacts breaking off. they are extremely small and
> delicate. they are heat staked to a clear plastic disc. if they get damaged
> they are almost impossible to repair. the fixes the disk has unused posts
> 180 degrees over. I use an electronic grade RTV since the force is
> extremely small and it allows me to repair if things go wrong
> On Apr 21, 2016 9:37 AM, "Barry" <n4buq at knology.netn4buq@knology.net> wrote:
>
> > Hi Ron,
> >
> > FWIW, I don't think the signal goes through the counter on its way to the
> > output. In fact, I don't think the counter is actually sampling the output
> > but only the basic range of frequencies and the appropriate multiplier
> > controls the value seen on the display.
> >
> > Sound like you might have a damaged attenuator? There was on on eBay
> > recently for a reasonable price but I don't see it anymore. There are a
> > couple out there, but they're a bit expensive (for me) and, of course, it's
> > hard to guarantee they're good.
> >
> > I'd check the signal going into the attenuator and if that's good, then
> > you might have a bad attenuator. If there's no signal there, then you'll
> > have to look elsewhere.
> >
> > That's sort of generic, but maybe it will get you towards a fix for it.
> >
> > The HP group would be another great place for advice.
> >
> > Thanks,
> > Barry - N4BUQ
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > > From: "Ron Bussiere via Test-Equipment" <test-equipment at mailman.qth.netequipment@mailman.qth.net>
> > > To: test-equipment at mailman.qth.netequipment@mailman.qth.net
> > > Cc: bonddaleena at aol.combonddaleena@aol.com
> > > Sent: Thursday, April 21, 2016 11:19:59 AM
> > > Subject: [Test-Equipment] HP 8640B questions
> > >
> > >
> > > Hi. I have a pretty nice 8640B. Don't use it much, but last year while
> > using
> > > it, I broke the FM slide switch. I thought it was an easy fix. NOT!
> > > After removing the 'counter module', and not being able to even see the
> > > broken switch, I reinstalled the counter.
> > > This was very difficult with my large hands! Must have been designed by
> > > Lucifer himself.
> > >
> > > Now, I have another problem. I have NO output from the front N connecter
> > on
> > > ANY setting of the attenuator. Nothing.
> > > The counter works and I have a big, fat signal out on the rear BNC RF out
> > > connector. It is of course not adjustable in amplitude.
> > > The output on the rear indicates the correct frequency (with an external
> > > counter) the same as the 8640B's counter.
> > > I do have some nice attenuators that are good to over 1 gHZ, but would
> > rather
> > > the generator function correctly.
> > > I don't care about the FM mode, probably never use it anyway.
> > >
> > > I was wondering if one of the miniature connectors on the bottom of the
> > > counter unit could have been damaged? 2 are the 'rigid' type and I tried
> > > many, many times to reinsert the counter assy, but had problems with the
> > > flexible coax connector preventing the unit from sitting flush.
> > Wondering if
> > > the signal path went through the counter to the attenuator. Yes, I have a
> > > manual, but it's in a spot I can't get to right now, darn!
> > >
> > > I have a very nice chap up in Mass. helping me on line, but thought I'd
> > ask
> > > here as well.
> > >
> > > Sorry to be so wordy, but...............
> > >
> > > ron
> > > N4UE
> > > ______________________________________________________________
> > > Test-Equipment mailing list
> > > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/test-equipment
> > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> > > Post: mailto:Test-Equipment at mailman.qth.net
> > >
> > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> > > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> > >
> > ______________________________________________________________
> > Test-Equipment mailing list
> > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/test-equipment
> > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> > Post: mailto:Test-Equipment at mailman.qth.net
> >
> > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> >
> ______________________________________________________________
> Test-Equipment mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/test-equipment
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:Test-Equipment at mailman.qth.net
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>
------------------------------
Message: 4
Date: Mon, 25 Apr 2016 19:55:11 -0400
From: Glenn Little WB4UIV <glennmaillist at bellsouth.netglennmaillist@bellsouth.net>
To: test-equipment at mailman.qth.netequipment@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Test-Equipment] EXact 566 function generator manual
Message-ID: <571EAE5F.20806 at bellsouth.net571EAE5F.20806@bellsouth.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed
Does anyone know where I can find a service manual for this function
generator?
It was also sold to the military as a SG-1152/U.
Thanks
73
Glenn
WB4UIV
--
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Glenn Little ARRL Technical Specialist QCWA LM 28417
Amateur Callsign: WB4UIV wb4uiv at arrl.netwb4uiv@arrl.net AMSAT LM 2178
QTH: Goose Creek, SC USA (EM92xx) USSVI LM NRA LM SBE ARRL TAPR
"It is not the class of license that the Amateur holds but the class
of the Amateur that holds the license"
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