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#testequipment

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Gary @N8DMT<p>Last check on the repaired Agilent/HP 8447E amplifier - check gain and noise figure using the NoiseCom/SATSAGEN test system. Performance is good (and a little better with this older amplifier than today’s lead free products according to the current ZFL-2000+ data sheet). Repair complete! 5/5<br><a href="https://mastodon.radio/tags/HamRadio" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>HamRadio</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.radio/tags/TestEquipment" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>TestEquipment</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.radio/tags/ReuseRepairRecycle" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ReuseRepairRecycle</span></a></p>
Gary @N8DMT<p>Replaced the temporary black tie wrap with proper screws to firmly mount the Mini-Circuits ZFL-2000 amplifier module inside the HP8447E chassis. Added a copy of the amplifier module’s data sheet to the top of the chassis for quick future reference. Plan to run a final RF performance check — then calling this project 100% completed. It’s ready for general lab use. 4/<br><a href="https://mastodon.radio/tags/HamRadio" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>HamRadio</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.radio/tags/TestEquipment" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>TestEquipment</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.radio/tags/ReuseRepairRecycle" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ReuseRepairRecycle</span></a></p>
Gary @N8DMT<p>Completed repair of the inoperative HP8447E RF Amplifier with PS modification from +20VDC to +15VDC (1 added trim resistor) and installation of a Mini-Circuits ZFL-2000 amp module replacing the failed 5086-7768 hybrid. The “HP8447E”chassis now has good gain over the 10-2000 MHz range. A few mechanical mounting steps needed to wrap up this project but 95% complete at this moment. 3/<br><a href="https://mastodon.radio/tags/HamRadio" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>HamRadio</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.radio/tags/TestEquipment" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>TestEquipment</span></a></p>
Gary @N8DMT<p>The HP8447E RF Amplifier module is certainly dead, with double-checked failure on the input side. Measured S11 earlier with the vector probe and found bad S11 on input and good S22 on the output. Next step will be to pick a replacement amp module and determine if the power supply needs tweaking (likely down to +15V from the current +20V output level). Will review on-hand replacement modules to maximize performance and usability of renovated amplifier chassis. 2/<br><a href="https://mastodon.radio/tags/HamRadio" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>HamRadio</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.radio/tags/TestEquipment" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>TestEquipment</span></a></p>
Gary @N8DMT<p>Troubleshooting task: What’s wrong with this HP8447E RF Amplifier? Very clean but no output with test signal applied. Good news is that the power supply is working and putting out +20 VDC. Also, the RF cables both ohm out good. No open pins or connections. Bad news is the RF amp appears to be dead. 1/<br><a href="https://mastodon.radio/tags/HamRadio" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>HamRadio</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.radio/tags/TestEquipment" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>TestEquipment</span></a></p>
Gary @N8DMT<p>First RF Amplifier measured with new gain and noise figure system. Measuring ZHL-1042 with 25 dB input attenuator on NS output (ENR adjusted), DUT amplifier, 5 dB pad on output to cable to 5 dB pad on SDR RX input. Expecting to see ~28 dB gain (measure 23 dB gain with 5 dB pad in-line) and ~ 5 dB NF. Looks good for a quick test…<br><a href="https://mastodon.radio/tags/HamRadio" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>HamRadio</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.radio/tags/TestEquipment" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>TestEquipment</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.radio/tags/NoiseSource" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>NoiseSource</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.radio/tags/NoiseFigure" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>NoiseFigure</span></a></p>
Lectronz<p>Now in stock on Lectronz: FlexyPins - Pack of 100 <a href="https://lectronz.com/products/flexypin-pack-of-100" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="ellipsis">lectronz.com/products/flexypin</span><span class="invisible">-pack-of-100</span></a><br><a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/Components" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Components</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/Prototyping" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Prototyping</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/TestEquipment" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>TestEquipment</span></a></p>
Gary @N8DMT<p>Completed the proto Arduino Noise Source PC interface allowing SATSAGEN to automatically turn on and off the noise source under that program’s control enabling super easy measurements. Next will look in the lab stock for any more NOS plastic RS enclosures (pretty sure there is at least one larger box out there). Will add the LED’s to final package to make the PC control function visible when in use. Plan to measure a few amplifiers soon.<br><a href="https://mastodon.radio/tags/HamRadio" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>HamRadio</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.radio/tags/TestEquipment" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>TestEquipment</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.radio/tags/NoiseSource" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>NoiseSource</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.radio/tags/NoiseFigure" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>NoiseFigure</span></a></p>
Lectronz<p>Now in stock on Lectronz: NEW! PORTABLE OSCILLOSCOPE DSO 138PRO <a href="https://lectronz.com/products/new-portable-oscilloscope-dso-138pro" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="ellipsis">lectronz.com/products/new-port</span><span class="invisible">able-oscilloscope-dso-138pro</span></a><br><a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/Tools" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Tools</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/Equipment" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Equipment</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/TestEquipment" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>TestEquipment</span></a></p>
Gary @N8DMT<p>For those following along on the NoiseCom NC3404T noise source journey, the second blog posting is completed. TLDR: It works, covers more than the frequency range specified on the label, and should be a great addition to the home lab.<br><a href="https://mastodon.radio/tags/HamRadio" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>HamRadio</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.radio/tags/TestEquipment" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>TestEquipment</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.radio/tags/NoiseSource" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>NoiseSource</span></a></p><p>More photos and screen shots are at:<br><a href="https://qsl.net/n8dmt/rf-noise-source-part-2/index.html" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="ellipsis">qsl.net/n8dmt/rf-noise-source-</span><span class="invisible">part-2/index.html</span></a></p>
Gary @N8DMT<p>Noise Source Project Completed: Finished up the +28V DC power supply to go with the Noise Com NC3404T source. It’s a working system at this point. Will further characterize the noise level and useful frequency range in the days ahead.<br><a href="https://mastodon.radio/tags/HamRadio" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>HamRadio</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.radio/tags/TestEquipment" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>TestEquipment</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.radio/tags/NoiseSource" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>NoiseSource</span></a></p>
Gary @N8DMT<p>Ever wonder what the input impedance/VSWR is for your inexpensive TinySA-Ultra spectrum analyzer? The specs page provides this info: Input impedance 50 ohm when input attenuation set to 10dB or more. Decided to measure one with a CMT R54 vector analyzer to see just how close to 50 ohms it is from 85-5400 MHz. TLDR: It’s pretty good at both high and low source power settings (better than expected with tinySA 0 dB input attenuator setting). <a href="https://mastodon.radio/tags/HamRadio" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>HamRadio</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.radio/tags/TestEquipment" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>TestEquipment</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.radio/tags/TinySA" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>TinySA</span></a></p>
Lectronz<p>New on Lectronz: NGFF M.2 Simple Carrier A/E Key <a href="https://lectronz.com/products/ngff-m2-simple-carrier-ae-key" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="ellipsis">lectronz.com/products/ngff-m2-</span><span class="invisible">simple-carrier-ae-key</span></a><br><a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/Accessories" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Accessories</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/Prototyping" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Prototyping</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/TestEquipment" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>TestEquipment</span></a></p>
Lectronz<p>New on Lectronz: RF Power Nanny <a href="https://lectronz.com/products/rf-power-nanny" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="ellipsis">lectronz.com/products/rf-power</span><span class="invisible">-nanny</span></a><br><a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/Power" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Power</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/Tools" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Tools</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/TestEquipment" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>TestEquipment</span></a></p>
Tindie Maker Marketplace<p>DRAM Tester for Vintage Computers <a href="https://hackaday.social/tags/TindieBlog" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>TindieBlog</span></a> <a href="https://hackaday.social/tags/TestEquipment" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>TestEquipment</span></a> <a href="https://hackaday.social/tags/DRAM" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>DRAM</span></a> <a href="https://hackaday.social/tags/VintageComputers" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>VintageComputers</span></a> #4116 #4164 <a href="https://hackaday.social/tags/Commodore64" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Commodore64</span></a> <br><a href="https://blog.tindie.com/2025/06/dram-tester-for-vintage-computers/" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="ellipsis">blog.tindie.com/2025/06/dram-t</span><span class="invisible">ester-for-vintage-computers/</span></a></p>
IT News<p>Capturing Screenshots Using a Fake Printer - If you have very old pieces of analogue test equipment with CRTs on your bench, th... - <a href="https://hackaday.com/2025/06/17/capturing-screenshots-using-a-fake-printer/" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="ellipsis">hackaday.com/2025/06/17/captur</span><span class="invisible">ing-screenshots-using-a-fake-printer/</span></a> <a href="https://schleuss.online/tags/testequipment" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>testequipment</span></a> <a href="https://schleuss.online/tags/classichacks" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>classichacks</span></a> <a href="https://schleuss.online/tags/oscilloscope" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>oscilloscope</span></a> <a href="https://schleuss.online/tags/screenshot" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>screenshot</span></a> <a href="https://schleuss.online/tags/toolhacks" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>toolhacks</span></a> <a href="https://schleuss.online/tags/gpib" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>gpib</span></a></p>
IT News<p>PoE-powered GPIB Adapter with Ethernet and USB-C Support - In the world of (expensive) lab test equipment the GPIB (general purpose interface... - <a href="https://hackaday.com/2025/05/10/poe-powered-gpib-adapter-with-ethernet-and-usb-c-support/" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="ellipsis">hackaday.com/2025/05/10/poe-po</span><span class="invisible">wered-gpib-adapter-with-ethernet-and-usb-c-support/</span></a> <a href="https://schleuss.online/tags/poweroverethernet" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>poweroverethernet</span></a> <a href="https://schleuss.online/tags/peripheralshacks" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>peripheralshacks</span></a> <a href="https://schleuss.online/tags/retrocomputing" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>retrocomputing</span></a> <a href="https://schleuss.online/tags/testequipment" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>testequipment</span></a> <a href="https://schleuss.online/tags/ethernet" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ethernet</span></a> <a href="https://schleuss.online/tags/gpib" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>gpib</span></a></p>
Paul<p>7/ It was the nuvistor. It’s always the f$&amp;king nuvistor. Both autoranging plug-ins are somewhat working.<br>Vertical plug-in still has some ranging issues, and the horizontal plug-in is slow to un-blank, which becomes a problem at higher sweep speeds. I’ll tackle that next. <br><a href="https://oldbytes.space/tags/retroTech" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>retroTech</span></a> <a href="https://oldbytes.space/tags/vintageTech" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>vintageTech</span></a> <a href="https://oldbytes.space/tags/tektronix" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>tektronix</span></a> <a href="https://oldbytes.space/tags/1960s" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>1960s</span></a> <a href="https://oldbytes.space/tags/testEquipment" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>testEquipment</span></a> <a href="https://oldbytes.space/tags/electronics" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>electronics</span></a></p>
IT News<p>Homemade VNA Delivers High-Frequency Performance on a Budget - With vector network analyzers, the commercial offerings seem to come in two flavor... - <a href="https://hackaday.com/2025/04/16/homemade-vna-delivers-high-frequency-performance-on-a-budget/" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="ellipsis">hackaday.com/2025/04/16/homema</span><span class="invisible">de-vna-delivers-high-frequency-performance-on-a-budget/</span></a> <a href="https://schleuss.online/tags/vectornetworkanalyzer" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>vectornetworkanalyzer</span></a> <a href="https://schleuss.online/tags/testequipment" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>testequipment</span></a> <a href="https://schleuss.online/tags/toolhacks" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>toolhacks</span></a> <a href="https://schleuss.online/tags/fpga" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>fpga</span></a> <a href="https://schleuss.online/tags/adc" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>adc</span></a> <a href="https://schleuss.online/tags/vna" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>vna</span></a> <a href="https://schleuss.online/tags/rf" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>rf</span></a></p>
Lectronz<p>Now in stock on Lectronz: RFM9x FlexyPin Adapter <a href="https://lectronz.com/products/rfm9x-flexypin-adapter" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="ellipsis">lectronz.com/products/rfm9x-fl</span><span class="invisible">exypin-adapter</span></a><br><a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/Arduino" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Arduino</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/Lora" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Lora</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/TestEquipment" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>TestEquipment</span></a></p>
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