[time-nuts] Power problems on HP5372A

[Magnus Danielson]

Fellow time-nuts,

The last couple of days I have been experiencing problems with my 
HP5372A as it will not power up. I have noticed that my power switch is 
cranky but haven't thought anything about it, just one of those annoying 
personalities.

As everything else seems fine in the unit, I was suspecting the power 
switch. It's just that it actually doesn't switch much power. It's a 
low-power DC power enable switch. So just shorting it on the right side 
enables the switching supplies and it "opens up".

So if one encounters similar behaviour on a HP5371A, HP5372A or HP5373A, 
do have a look at the power switch signals. They are easy to access on 
the back side of the front panel (fairly obvious three fairly neatly 
soldered in).

I'm not sure I can find a suitable replacement. I will see if it is a 
mechanical problem that can be overcome with some patience.

Anyway, the counter itself is intact.

Cheers,
Magnus