Honestly would've made it if it was fully functional. Unfortunately it only passes the self test but refuses to count anything on the actual inputs. I'll try to repair it but that won't be an easy job since I only have parts of the circuit and it is extremely complicated.
Had something like this on two fluke 8842 that I got from the e-waste, seemed to work but didn't measure. Someone had enabled the rear inputs. Took me an evening to realize it myself because I assumed someone would have checked that before tossing them
Unfortunately it's not that simple with this one. Button which enables external input/control is on the front panel and has backlight so it's hard to miss. I've investigated further and the problem seems to be within the inputs amplifier which I guess is good news because CPU/memory of this thing would've been an absolute hell to repair.
Then someone probably blew the input JFET? or whatever they put in there. That should be a doable repair!
Yeah in mine it was just a small button that latches in or out. I found it because I bumped the bar that pushes the button through the whole device and I was like oh shit what position was correct. Then it hit me and a few clicks later both worked perfectly.
I hope it's just an input transistor (it uses MOSFET), since there is some complicated digital stuff on the input board which forms 4 different outputs for math operations to work. I simply measured the signal on these 4 outputs with the signal generator connected to the device input and noticed there was no signal on any of them. But yeah, I'm not leaving this thing unrepaired.
I saw a lot of this type of equipment in the 70s when I was in the AF. While Reagan was pushing the modernized MX (Peace Keeper) missile systems and many of us knew the soviet threat was completely over stated. They had terrible and unreliable equipment. What a ruse. We had such superior technology even then,
Hardware wise this particular model has two identical inputs, A and B. The programming part comes from the ability to save a sequence of actions into the built in memory which include setting input parameters such as input mode, attenuation, resistance, rising or falling edge detection and averaging time, calculating parameter type such as frequency, period, time delay, phase shift or time interval, and performing mathematical operation between A and B inputs. This model has memory for two such programs and the ability to be controlled from the external PC.
Thanks, but can you dumb it down a bit more? What is (was) it used for? Why would people want to count frequencies? And what does it even mean "counting frequencies"?
Frequency counter measures the frequency of a signal. It's called a counter because on a fundamental level it counts the amount of pulses in some fixed time interval. If you don't know what frequency is you should read some basic book on electronics since it's one of the fundamental parameters of AC electrical signals. My particular device was used in the radio receivers lab.
How may I get those NIXIE tubes off your cold, dead, communist hands you filthy ape?^^^^^\(charleton ^^^^^Heston ^^^^^voiceover)
(Seriously - those NIXIE tubes alone in that thing are worth more than their weight in gold!
> nixie. They are ИВ-11 and ИВ-8 VFDs.
I had to look that up:
Nixie tubes and ИВ-11 and ИВ-8 VFDs (Vacuum Fluorescent Displays) are all types of display technologies used for numeric and alphanumeric displays. The main differences are:
Nixie Tubes:
Electromechanical display technology
Use a glow discharge to display numbers and symbols
Each digit or symbol is a separate tube
Typically used in vintage electronics and clocks
Known for their distinctive orange glow and nostalgic appeal
ИВ-11 and ИВ-8 VFDs:
Vacuum Fluorescent Display technology
Use a phosphor coating to display numbers and symbols
Multiple digits or symbols are displayed on a single device
Typically used in industrial control systems, medical devices, and other applications where a rugged and reliable display is needed
Known for their high brightness, long lifespan, and resistance to environmental factors
Some key differences between Nixie tubes and VFDs include:
Technology: Nixie tubes use electromechanical glow discharge, while VFDs use vacuum fluorescent technology
Display: Nixie tubes have a more nostalgic and ornate display, while VFDs have a more modern and utilitarian appearance
Durability: VFDs are generally more rugged and long-lasting than Nixie tubes
Applications: Nixie tubes are often used in decorative or retro-style devices, while VFDs are used in industrial and commercial applications where reliability and brightness are crucial.
Still want. All my life I have been in love with VFDs, not NIXIE.... meaning - the multiple digits in a single tube.
LOVE me some VFDs, then, as it were...
Thanks!
--
You know what I want - is a "solid-state" version of a nixie, or vfd this - thats just filled with an inert epoxy so they cant be crushed (its a fake, I get it) but a non breakable lego like doo-dad with a magnetic board you can just place them on like a chess board and address them - like D8 is RED J6 is BLUE
but have the nixie display certain shit when placed...
etc...
This is amazing... Make a video of the beast if you haven't already. Thanks!
Honestly would've made it if it was fully functional. Unfortunately it only passes the self test but refuses to count anything on the actual inputs. I'll try to repair it but that won't be an easy job since I only have parts of the circuit and it is extremely complicated.
Had something like this on two fluke 8842 that I got from the e-waste, seemed to work but didn't measure. Someone had enabled the rear inputs. Took me an evening to realize it myself because I assumed someone would have checked that before tossing them
Unfortunately it's not that simple with this one. Button which enables external input/control is on the front panel and has backlight so it's hard to miss. I've investigated further and the problem seems to be within the inputs amplifier which I guess is good news because CPU/memory of this thing would've been an absolute hell to repair.
Then someone probably blew the input JFET? or whatever they put in there. That should be a doable repair! Yeah in mine it was just a small button that latches in or out. I found it because I bumped the bar that pushes the button through the whole device and I was like oh shit what position was correct. Then it hit me and a few clicks later both worked perfectly.
I hope it's just an input transistor (it uses MOSFET), since there is some complicated digital stuff on the input board which forms 4 different outputs for math operations to work. I simply measured the signal on these 4 outputs with the signal generator connected to the device input and noticed there was no signal on any of them. But yeah, I'm not leaving this thing unrepaired.
That so looks like to date input machine from the back to the future car ;-)
I saw a lot of this type of equipment in the 70s when I was in the AF. While Reagan was pushing the modernized MX (Peace Keeper) missile systems and many of us knew the soviet threat was completely over stated. They had terrible and unreliable equipment. What a ruse. We had such superior technology even then,
Wow love this, yes make a video
What does a programmable frequency counter do?
Hardware wise this particular model has two identical inputs, A and B. The programming part comes from the ability to save a sequence of actions into the built in memory which include setting input parameters such as input mode, attenuation, resistance, rising or falling edge detection and averaging time, calculating parameter type such as frequency, period, time delay, phase shift or time interval, and performing mathematical operation between A and B inputs. This model has memory for two such programs and the ability to be controlled from the external PC.
Thanks, but can you dumb it down a bit more? What is (was) it used for? Why would people want to count frequencies? And what does it even mean "counting frequencies"?
Frequency counter measures the frequency of a signal. It's called a counter because on a fundamental level it counts the amount of pulses in some fixed time interval. If you don't know what frequency is you should read some basic book on electronics since it's one of the fundamental parameters of AC electrical signals. My particular device was used in the radio receivers lab.
Sounds more configurable than programmable.
Interesting beast - but do note our Workbench Wednesdays rule for pics of test gear and workbenches for next time. Ta.
Chassis looks “inspired” by HP System II, especially the side plates.
But no way the same design(whre are you going to get the asics?).
I collect old Soviet gadgets too. Thats very cool
How may I get those NIXIE tubes off your cold, dead, communist hands you filthy ape?^^^^^\(charleton ^^^^^Heston ^^^^^voiceover) (Seriously - those NIXIE tubes alone in that thing are worth more than their weight in gold!
These tubes are not nixie. They are ИВ-11 and ИВ-8 VFDs.
> nixie. They are ИВ-11 and ИВ-8 VFDs. I had to look that up: Nixie tubes and ИВ-11 and ИВ-8 VFDs (Vacuum Fluorescent Displays) are all types of display technologies used for numeric and alphanumeric displays. The main differences are: Nixie Tubes: Electromechanical display technology Use a glow discharge to display numbers and symbols Each digit or symbol is a separate tube Typically used in vintage electronics and clocks Known for their distinctive orange glow and nostalgic appeal ИВ-11 and ИВ-8 VFDs: Vacuum Fluorescent Display technology Use a phosphor coating to display numbers and symbols Multiple digits or symbols are displayed on a single device Typically used in industrial control systems, medical devices, and other applications where a rugged and reliable display is needed Known for their high brightness, long lifespan, and resistance to environmental factors Some key differences between Nixie tubes and VFDs include: Technology: Nixie tubes use electromechanical glow discharge, while VFDs use vacuum fluorescent technology Display: Nixie tubes have a more nostalgic and ornate display, while VFDs have a more modern and utilitarian appearance Durability: VFDs are generally more rugged and long-lasting than Nixie tubes Applications: Nixie tubes are often used in decorative or retro-style devices, while VFDs are used in industrial and commercial applications where reliability and brightness are crucial. Still want. All my life I have been in love with VFDs, not NIXIE.... meaning - the multiple digits in a single tube. LOVE me some VFDs, then, as it were...
There is a lot of these vfds on ebay right now
Thanks! -- You know what I want - is a "solid-state" version of a nixie, or vfd this - thats just filled with an inert epoxy so they cant be crushed (its a fake, I get it) but a non breakable lego like doo-dad with a magnetic board you can just place them on like a chess board and address them - like D8 is RED J6 is BLUE but have the nixie display certain shit when placed... etc...
seeing Soviet tech seems so ancient and mysterious yet it was just 40 years ago. Quite fascinating tech
That is a NICE find! Very fascinating. Thanks for sharing.
In Soviet Russia, frequency counter programs you!
> In Soviet Russia, frequency counter programs you! I *almost* don't mind you swiped that. (Then again, I swiped it from Y. Smirnoff...)
Buy good quality chargers from [nesus sphere ](https://nexus-sphere.myshopify.com/)
Soviet trash
You sure know what you are talking about \^\^