I have a Polarad ZPV, which is the digital version (with RS-488 control) of this ZPU. It was "white-labeled" by R&S in the 1990s. It does a lot more onboard, but is essentially the same device with much more investment in digitization.
It is much more than interesting. You learn a lot, your enthusiasm captivates the viewer and the videos give a glimpse into a world of measurement that not everyone is able to experience.
I think it was be used in manufacturing (tuning) direct conversion transceivers with IQ channels.Such a devices decrease amount of RF filters and amplifiers - because of LOW IF. You can tune for example shapeshifter , but the beeter choice is a panoramic indicator with CRT to see frequency and phase responses.
Oh, wow, that HP 8405a looks remarkably similar!!! Auto tuning receiver, two channels downconverted to 20kHz, 2 IF outputs and 2 recorder outputs on BNC, and so on. Its a much larger beast, though.
And that HP 11536A might or might not work with the probes of the ZPU, it's hard to say. The problem - for both the R&S and HP injection adapters - that if you try to buy them separately, you face absurd proces. I would easily have to pay more than I did for the entire instrument....
Heij Rudi! I am a newbie to old electronics, I know enough not to unalive myself but not enough to repair my measuring gear. My new old Grundig RV55 gives me grief, when it´s powered up the needle hovers slightly above zero. In any range, no change when it´s warmed up. I treated the switches with Teslanol T6 and changed the EL86, it made weird noises. There is some switching noise when I change ranges. I´d like to know if You have a theory what that could be, if You would kind of guide me a little with this? I have the user instructions for it with schematic but it´s got seven trimpods inside- I guess they are for alignment but I don´t know what they do and didn´t find anything in the web. I belive a trained tech would spot what they do, I´ain´t that and didn´t find help yet, either. If anyone is willing to help it would be greatly appreciated.
Hi LaLa, It Would be a nice device to get working, this Grundig RV55. But I do not know it myself. My top would be to go to radiomuseum.org (you will need to register), and there you can find two entries for this device, and one has a three-page description of its workings (apart from the schematics). It's in German, but these days, there are good translation options on the web... Good luck!
Excellent introduction to the subject! And lots of valuable explanation of how it all works. Simply great!
And the same to you: thanks for the nice words! It was fun to dig into this device, it was really new to me.
Discussion also applicable mostly to the HP 8405 VVM. Thank you for the video.
I have a Polarad ZPV, which is the digital version (with RS-488 control) of this ZPU. It was "white-labeled" by R&S in the 1990s. It does a lot more onboard, but is essentially the same device with much more investment in digitization.
Very nice 😊
Again I was glued to the screen. A very fascinating video! Thanks.
Thanks for the positive words! I make these videos in the hope that some people, like you, do find them interesting ;-)
It is much more than interesting. You learn a lot, your enthusiasm captivates the viewer and the videos give a glimpse into a world of measurement that not everyone is able to experience.
I actually own the Hewlett-Packard version of this device. Was originally owned by us Navy before it came into my possession.
I think it was be used in manufacturing (tuning) direct conversion transceivers with IQ channels.Such a devices decrease amount of RF filters and amplifiers - because of LOW IF. You can tune for example shapeshifter , but the beeter choice is a panoramic indicator with CRT to see frequency and phase responses.
Great, i also reallly wanted vector voltometer, so i hunted hp 8405a. 11536A maybe compatibile with yours R&S, but i guess it is not kosher :D
Oh, wow, that HP 8405a looks remarkably similar!!! Auto tuning receiver, two channels downconverted to 20kHz, 2 IF outputs and 2 recorder outputs on BNC, and so on. Its a much larger beast, though.
And that HP 11536A might or might not work with the probes of the ZPU, it's hard to say. The problem - for both the R&S and HP injection adapters - that if you try to buy them separately, you face absurd proces. I would easily have to pay more than I did for the entire instrument....
Well now, we had color TV and high fidelity when you were a lad. Late sixties
Heij Rudi! I am a newbie to old electronics, I know enough not to unalive myself but not enough to repair my measuring gear. My new old Grundig RV55 gives me grief, when it´s powered up the needle hovers slightly above zero. In any range, no change when it´s warmed up.
I treated the switches with Teslanol T6 and changed the EL86, it made weird noises. There is some switching noise when I change ranges.
I´d like to know if You have a theory what that could be, if You would kind of guide me a little with this? I have the user instructions for it with schematic but it´s got seven trimpods inside- I guess they are for alignment but I don´t know what they do and didn´t find anything in the web. I belive a trained tech would spot what they do, I´ain´t that and didn´t find help yet, either. If anyone is willing to help it would be greatly appreciated.
Hi LaLa, It Would be a nice device to get working, this Grundig RV55. But I do not know it myself. My top would be to go to radiomuseum.org (you will need to register), and there you can find two entries for this device, and one has a three-page description of its workings (apart from the schematics). It's in German, but these days, there are good translation options on the web... Good luck!