[time-nuts] HP 5370A socket problem

Didier didier at cox.net
Wed May 20 00:19:17 UTC 2009


One is S/N 2128A01306 and the other is S/N 2213A01361, so they were quite a
bit apart.

I have heard of several units with similar problem, on this mailing list in
particular, which is the reason that prompted me to suspect the sockets in
the first place. I do not think the problem was isolated.

It is quite possible that the history of these particular units (possibly
stored in less than ideal conditions) exacerbated the problem. Tin wiskers
have the well deserved reputation of seemingly random occurrence, and socket
issues in general, other than tin wiskers, are very environment dependant.

Regarding gold-lead issues, I have only seen that problem (quite
extensively) in military hardware that operates undre extreme conditions of
temperature and humidity. Way back, we had to retrofit over 100 expensive
pieces of equipment because of that. I have never seen it any other place. I
am not worried, but I thought I would mention it. Most commercial hardware
now avoids gold anyhow because of cost. Military specs require to remove the
gold from the solder area by pre-tinning in a solder pot, which has to be
replaced regularly.

Didier KO4BB

> -----Original Message-----
> From: time-nuts-bounces at febo.com 
> [mailto:time-nuts-bounces at febo.com] On Behalf Of Chuck Harris
> Sent: Tuesday, May 19, 2009 3:52 PM
> To: Discussion of precise time and frequency measurement
> Subject: Re: [time-nuts] HP 5370B vs SR620
> 
.....
>
> I think your socket issue is unique to your unit, or perhaps 
> the series your unit came from.
> 
> -Chuck Harris
> 




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