[time-nuts] Re: Vernier interpolation

[Mark Hughes]

Tom

Dont give up on it

The smoke is probably just the mains input filter (Rifa Capacitors)

In some designs these can easily be removed or just change the mains 
input socket if they are integrated into the socket.

 Â HP instruments often have a complex mains socket with configurable 
outputs to the transformer taps for different input voltages. The casing 
can be opened with care (desoldering the screening) and the caps can 
then be removed

The instrument will probably be unaffected  by the fault as the 
capacitors fail open cct

The lingering smell will go away fast once they are removed.


On 14/07/2025 19:23, Tom Verbeure via time-nuts wrote:
> I bought myself an HP 5370A yesterday at the electronics flea market. Smoke
> came out of it after plugging it in (which means I bought myself a good
> amount of entertainment for just $40), but it made me study the dual
> Vernier method of interpolation.
>
> I understand how it works, but I've been wondering if this is a technique
> that continues to be used or has the availability of fast and
> high-precision ADCs resulted in it being replaced by the voltage slope
> interpolation method that's used by the SR620?
>
> According to the August 1978 edition of HP Journal, the 5370A is using a
> custom hybrid with 5GHz transistors. I'm wondering if anyone has ever tried
> making their own TI counter using the Vernier method? (TBH, I don't think
> I've ever seen anyone build their own TI counter using slope interpolation,
> but at least high precision ADCs are available on Digikey...)
>
> Tom
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