[Amps] HP5328A Counter

[David Kirkby]

Will Matney wrote:
> All,
> 
> I received the HP 5328A counter today with the 1.3 GHz option and voltmeter option. The pics didn't do it justice as it looks almost new except for the stain on top left by glue from a tag or label. It included a shielded BNC adapter for the voltmeter terminals and a Tektronix P6028 1X probe which I did need for my scope. Really, I was looking for just another bench counter so the DVM is a plus. I just tried it out on all modes and it worked like it should. I ended up with $49 in it not counting shipping which was $17 if I remember. I've seen just the scope probe bring $25 to $30 on ebay. Plus hardly ever does the 1.3 GHz option ever show up, mostly up to 550 MHz. A clean one of these with no DVM has been bringing about $30 on ebay. The DVM adds about $10 I've noticed. I wonder if the price was right or too high? The reason being, if I ever wanted to re-sale it, what would be a fair price?
> 
> Best,
> 
> Will
> 
Will,
What you got does not seem bad for the money.

If I were you though, I'd try to find another with the GPIB option, then 
remove the GPIB option and fit it in yours. Then sell the other counter 
without the GPIB. I suspect that option is easily removed - check the 
manual.

As for what it is worth if you wanted to sell it, I'd say it is worth 
what someone is willing to pay for it.

I suspect the GPIB option would add more to its value than it would cost 
you to fit it. There are lots of those counters around with GPIB, but 
not the other options for $20 or less. So if you buy one cheap (it does 
not matter how tatty it is, or what options it has other than the 011 
GPIB), you are not going to loose a lot on it. But you will gain a very 
valuable facility to yours I think.

This one on eBay failed to attract any bids on eBay at $24.95, yet has GPIB
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7529496241

This one sold for $11.95
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7527097755
and again has GPIB.

If you add an ISA GPIB card to an old PC, you could easily measure 
frequency drift vs power supply voltage in a bit of equipment. Rectify 
the mains, smooth it a bit, and you can measure frequency drift vs mains 
voltage. Use a thermistor and you can measure frequency drift vs 
temperature.

To me at least, the combination of being able to measure voltage, 
frequency to 1.3GHz and log these continuously would be quite nice, but 
you need the GPIB option to do that.

PS, I don't know if you are aware of this application note, but it might 
be worth looking at.

http://www.home.agilent.com/cgi-bin/pub/agilent/reuse/cp_ReferenceRedirector.jsp?CONTENT_NAME=AGILENT_EDITORIAL&CONTENT_KEY=1000000354%3Aepsg%3Aapn&STRNID=03&LANGUAGE_CODE=eng&COUNTRY_CODE=US

-- 
David Kirkby,
G8WRB

Please check out http://www.g8wrb.org/
of if you live in Essex http://www.southminster-branch-line.org.uk/