[time-nuts] HP 5360A History?

[Jeremy Nichols]

The insider name for the 5360A was "computing pig" because of its size 
(weight) and complexity. It combined most of the counting ability of a 
5345 with much of the computing ability of the 9100 programmable 
calculator. Jamming so much into a standard (for the era) -hp- cabinet 
was quite a challenge. One of my 5360s uses Nixie tubes while the newer 
one is plasma.

Since there is no way to store a program entered with the keyboard, you 
have to leave the machine 'on' or re-key your program. Given the limited 
32-step memory, this is not a terrible limitation. The 5376 Systems 
Programmer could be expanded to 200 (!) steps but I've not had the 
privilege of using one with my 5360.

If any one has a copy of Application Sheet No. 27, "Fractional Frequency 
Deviation Measurements on Ultra-Stable Sources" or Application Note AN 
120-2, "Measuring Phase with the 5360A," I'd like to buy copies.

Jeremy

On 4/13/2016 1:44 PM, John Ackermann N8UR wrote:
> Thanks, Tom (and others)!  That's fascinating.
>
> I was interested in the mention of diode programming systems. It's a 
> little off topic, but I encountered a few of those in the 1970s 
> amateur radio world.  A couple of the early synthesized (as opposed to 
> fixed-frequency-crystal) controlled ham radios had memory channels 
> that were "programmed" in BCD digits by installing or removing 1N914 
> diodes, often in a row of DIP sockets.
>
> Another early design was in the first synthesized "police radio" 
> scanner by Regency.  It used aluminum combs that looked like, well, 
> combs.  You broke off the tines as instructed for a particular 
> frequency and then inserted the comb into a socket. The presence or 
> absence of the tine signified 1 or 0.
>
> ----
> On 4/13/2016 3:57 PM, Tom Van Baak wrote:
>> John,
>>
>> I agree with Paul, an absolutely amazing instrument. The early models 
>> have nixie display, later ones plasma. 11 digits! In 1969! It was the 
>> first hp instrument that was capable enough to compute stability 
>> statistics. In real-time! Like Paul I have a couple, along with 
>> various the accessories. Built like a tank, even the keyboard.
>>
>> You'll find mention of the counter in old technical articles, 
>> sometimes including the programs people would write for automated 
>> statistics. I've always thought the 5360 was uniquely at the 
>> cross-roads between hp as an instrument company and hp as a computer 
>> company (not to mention hp as a printer ink company). You can see the 
>> DNA of each of these in the 5360 & its accessories.
>>
>> You were probably reading this major 5360A Computing Counter issue:
>>
>> http://www.hpl.hp.com/hpjournal/pdfs/IssuePDFs/1969-05.pdf
>>
>> Here's all about the 5375A keyboard:
>>
>> http://www.hpl.hp.com/hpjournal/pdfs/IssuePDFs/1970-03.pdf
>>
>> And this is where the diode and punch card interface is shown, as 
>> well as ADEV from 1 us to 1 s (see page 4, fig 4).
>>
>> http://www.hpl.hp.com/hpjournal/pdfs/IssuePDFs/1970-12.pdf
>>
>> More on ADEV on the 5360:
>>
>> http://www.hpl.hp.com/hpjournal/pdfs/IssuePDFs/1971-11.pdf
>>
>> Select high-res page scans from my own hardcopy HPJ collection are here:
>>
>> http://www.leapsecond.com/hpj/
>>
>> For example, the 79-step ADEV program is here:
>>
>> http://www.leapsecond.com/hpj/v22n4/v22n4p10.jpg
>>
>> Finally, do not miss HP AN116 "Precision Frequency Measurements":
>>
>> http://www.hpmemoryproject.org/an/pdf/an_116.pdf
>>
>> /tvb
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "John Ackermann N8UR" <jra at febo.com>
>> To: <time-nuts at febo.com>
>> Sent: Wednesday, April 13, 2016 9:38 AM
>> Subject: [time-nuts] HP 5360A History?
>>
>>
>>> I was browsing through the HP Journal archives and came across the May,
>>> 1969 issue, dedicated to the new 5360A Computing Counter -- "An
>>> Electronic Counter for the 1970s!"
>>>
>>> I don't recall hearing much about these in time-nuts lore.  I can guess
>>> from the Journal articles that it was a beast to keep running and was
>>> very expensive (500 ICs and a 10A 5V power supply).
>>>
>>> Is anyone here familiar with the story of this product?
>>>
>>> John
>>
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