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Although parts are starting to wear. The card edge connectors are starting to make poor contact, and other stuff is just getting old.

But when it works, it works like a charm. I'd put my life on the data it produces. This device was brought to you by the White Engineers and Technicians at the Hewlett-Packard Company.

Although parts are starting to wear. The card edge connectors are starting to make poor contact, and other stuff is just getting old. But when it works, it works like a charm. I'd put my life on the data it produces. This device was brought to you by the White Engineers and Technicians at the Hewlett-Packard Company.

(post is archived)

[–] • 3 pts

If an engineer isn't White, I don't trust him. Him, as in, a biological male. White, male, engineer... The numbers on there... I don't remember the name of the counter. There's a Russian man who makes those by hand. Like, the whole process, all of the parts, even the glass tubes. I think it'll come if you search the number counter name on YouTube. Super cool process. Think he sells them as clocks now

[–] • 4 pts

The device itself is a HP3440A. The display tubes are Burroughs B5991 type NIXIE tubes.

[–] • 2 pts

It would be great if you could capture a few seconds of the nixie tubes flickering in action in a short video so the "young ones" here can see how cool they were. I haven't seen them in action in about 40 years.

[–] • 1 pt

Sounds right. NIXIE tubes. Thanks, bird!

[–] • 1 pt

Yep. Nixies are probably one of the most fascinating and cool display methods that we've ever come up with. Bottles full of gasses and fire and high voltages, all to display a number.

[–] • 2 pts

What if NASA wants it back?

[–] • 0 pt

It was disposed of as unneeded assets probably 30 years ago. I doubt they want it back.

[–] • 2 pts
[–] • 1 pt

lol well I'll take it.

It's not to most unusual tag I had on a piece of equipment. One was from Pepsico Leasing, back when they had an equipment rental business.

Pepsico, as in the soft drink maker. Everyone did aerospace stuff back when we were patriotic.

[–] • 1 pt

fire up the scope let's play "Tennis for Two Two"

[–] • 1 pt

We don't make them like we used too.

[–] • 1 pt

I don't know what's going on, but this is cool

[–] • 0 pt

Getting out some old equipment because I have a need for it. Have to wake it up each time.

[–] • 1 pt

Explain it to me like I'm retarded

[–] • 1 pt

The device(s) in the pictures are voltmeters. The one that's lit up is a device that is only capable of measuring DC voltage like batteries, due to the options installed within it.

These devices are in storage for the most part, they're too energy inefficient to be used unless there is a need for them. I have a need for the device, so I get it out of storage and take it partially apart. The circuit card connectors all need cleaned and reseated, and it generally needs to be checked out and verify that it still works. In this case, the device is 60 years old and is getting to the point where it's difficult to keep operational. I'll probably have to retire it at some point soon in favor of something else a little more modern.

[–] • 1 pt (edited )

Have you heard of Stabilant 22?

It works magic.

Be very, very careful with application.

[–] • 1 pt

The problem with this thing is the plastics are starting to break down.

[–] • 1 pt

Oh. Yeah that's falling apart.

[–] • 1 pt

Yes. The device, while built well, has far outlived it's expected lifespan.

As far as I know, the last parts made for these units were in the 80s, so the newest is at least 30 years old. Pretty good life for a piece of equipment like this.

[–] • 1 pt

very cool, those nixie tubes!