[time-nuts] HP 3586A/B/C entirely referenced to 10MHz: A solution II

[paul swed]

Good comments.
But here is the reality. I find soldering smt stuff difficult. But do-able.
I do not have microscopes etc. Tools, 25 watt iron with to big of a tip and
to large of a solder diameter.
Did create nasty solder bridges that I figured out a trick. Simply heat the
two legs and take a steel straight pin and run between the legs. Clears the
bridge nicely. But Bert and others suggested a different approach that I
will try tonight.

Writing the program is the easier part ( Bert's done it already). There has
to be several versions. HP built 5-7 different 3586s series that are really
internally different and no magical way for the software to know what box
its in. After that it truly is a small number of wires. By the way in the C
code Bert has all of the frequency combinations for the different models.
Again no way to sense what box its in. Nope I do not really know C, but I
can read.

But the real secret of all of this is collaboration. Bert and I both
contributed to the design, troubleshooting etc. I learned a heck of a lot
from Bert in the process. Thats what its about for me at least, sharing
learning and trying to apply.

Sorry to say I can't get into the kit/board building business.
Regards
Paul
WB8TSL

On Fri, Apr 1, 2011 at 12:48 AM, WB6BNQ <wb6bnq at cox.net> wrote:

> Perrier,
>
> Your simple idea is a non workable concept.  Instead of whining about the
> complexity, why not contact Bert or Paul Swed and see if one of them would
> do you a favor and build the item for you.  I do not believe the hookup part
> is that hard to do and if You follow instructions well it should be quite
> doable.
>
> Bill....WBBNQ
>
> Perry Sandeen wrote:
>
> > Fellow Listers,
> >
> > Please read and think a bit about my comments before rushing to the reply
> button.  The comments are meant to be technical.
> >
> > When Burt VE2ZAZ posted his HP 3586A/B/C entirely referenced to 10MHz: A
> solution, I was drooling with envy to add it to my units.  However, after
> reading what it took to make and program it I was completely deflated.
> >
> > While there are those on the list with extensive educational and
> technical resources, Burt’s project may be just fine.  And for those who
> can make it, go for it.  I made a pros and cons list.
> >
> > Advantages                       Dis-advantages
> > Small- Will fit inside case      SMD Components
> > Low power requirements           Needs Programming
> > Inexpensive                      Program varies for various models
> > Awesome build quality            Almost comes up with the correct numbers
> >
> > Sometimes the only way to solve a problem is with SMD’s, programmed
> devices etc.  But I suspect that for most of us “solutions† of this type
> are really impractical.  Some posts seem to suggest that everyone can
> program devices, write code, and can work with SMD’s as easily as getting
> a hamburger at Micky D’s.  It just ain’t so.  On my level I have to use
> the KISS principle.
> >
> > Several alternative methods:
> >
> > The cheap method.  Turn the crystals 90 degrees so they are perpendicular
> to the PC board.  Make a simple TL431 temperature regulated circuit (I found
> it on the web by a google search) with a bit of copper and insulation.  A
> small supplemental adjustable tuning capacitor and/or varicap circuit may be
> needed.  It will probably get one as close as the original programmed mod
> IMHO.
> >
> > The high priced exact solution.  Use a HP 3336 locked to the same
> external standard one is using for the HP 3586B.  Remove the original
> crystal circuit and inject the exact number one needs and get the exact
> results without any dithering.
> >
> > I’m blessed to have almost all the test equipment, or its equivalents,
> mentioned on this list sans a spectrum analyzer and from post’s that I
> have read I’m way ahead of many of the members.
> >
> > I’ve been very impressed, and have learned a great deal, with the posts
> on the T’bolts, answers to my posted qurstions, WWVB, and HP oscillator
> fine tuning tips to name a few.
> >
> > On subjects over, or in many cases way over, my head I just read and
> delete but others find them both fascinating and useful and that’s just
> fine.
> >
> > Regards,
> >
> > Perrier
> >
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