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HP 180A OSCILLOSCOPE
The HP 180A was one of the first solid state oscilloscopes (apart from the CRT) and was introduced in 1966. Various plug-in units were available for vertical and horizontal deflections. The HP 180A Mainframe (without plug-ins) cost $825. Included with this Oscilloscope were: the 1801A Dual Channel Amplifier, cost $650; the 1821A Time Base and Delay Generator, cost $800; and the optional 10166A Panel Cover, cost $25. A total of $2,300 in 1968.
Front view
Rear view
March 2016
I acquired this locally for only £1.20 so couldn't resist it, especially as this was one of the first Oscilloscopes that I used in the Laboratory at the start of my career. Before the HP 180A, the Tektronix 500 series were the best, even if they were heavy and needed their own trolleys.
The 180A had a 50MHz bandwidth, the 180A/R was a rack mounting version and the 181A had a variable persistence CRT. The plug-ins included: 1801A dual channel amplifier; 1803A differential/dc offset amplifier; 1804A four channel amplifier; 1820A time base; 1821A time base and delay generator. Accessories included: the 1118A test mobile; 1119A trolley; 10166A panel cover; and 10004A/5A/6A 10:1 probes.
Downloaded all 3 Operating and Service Manuals plus HP Journal of August 1966 which introduced the 180 series.
This 180A needed a really good clean-up to remove all the labels, years of dust and some switch cleaner. The top carrying handle is missing and the 4 feet on the rear panel are missing. At some point, a fixed mains cable had been fitted instead of the American 3 pin plug recessed in the rear panel.
I acquired this locally for only £1.20 so couldn't resist it, especially as this was one of the first Oscilloscopes that I used in the Laboratory at the start of my career. Before the HP 180A, the Tektronix 500 series were the best, even if they were heavy and needed their own trolleys.
The 180A had a 50MHz bandwidth, the 180A/R was a rack mounting version and the 181A had a variable persistence CRT. The plug-ins included: 1801A dual channel amplifier; 1803A differential/dc offset amplifier; 1804A four channel amplifier; 1820A time base; 1821A time base and delay generator. Accessories included: the 1118A test mobile; 1119A trolley; 10166A panel cover; and 10004A/5A/6A 10:1 probes.
Downloaded all 3 Operating and Service Manuals plus HP Journal of August 1966 which introduced the 180 series.
This 180A needed a really good clean-up to remove all the labels, years of dust and some switch cleaner. The top carrying handle is missing and the 4 feet on the rear panel are missing. At some point, a fixed mains cable had been fitted instead of the American 3 pin plug recessed in the rear panel.
Complete with a HP 10166A Panel Cover.
The front panel cover had done its job to protect the Oscilloscope. Inside there is a flap so you can store Probes underneath.
The front panel cover had done its job to protect the Oscilloscope. Inside there is a flap so you can store Probes underneath.
Mainframe RHS with covers removed
Mainframe LHS with covers removed
High Voltage circuit with cover removed - DANGER!
The 4 covers are easily removable to provide access to the "aircraft frame construction" of the oscilloscope. Access to the component side of the PCB's is good, but some dismantling is required to get access to the wiring side of the PCB's.
Mainframe controls
Mainframe cage for Plug-Ins and mating connector
Plug-Ins and mating connector
Plug-Ins included with this Oscilloscope were: the 1801A Dual Channel Amplifier and the 1821A Time Base and Delay Generator. See HP 1801A Dual Channel Amplifier and HP 1821A Time Base and Delay Generator for details.
Other Plug-Ins available were the: 1803A Differential / DC Offset Amplifier; 1804A Four Channel Amplifier.
Initial testing showed a bright CRT with both A & B traces controllable for X & Y, although the triggering is not working.
Other Plug-Ins available were the: 1803A Differential / DC Offset Amplifier; 1804A Four Channel Amplifier.
Initial testing showed a bright CRT with both A & B traces controllable for X & Y, although the triggering is not working.
Mixed Timebase Correctly Triggered
September 2019
The triggering fault has now been repaired and the Oscilloscope performance tests and adjustments completed. See Repair HP 180A Oscilloscope for details.
This is a good Oscilloscope with a 50MHz bandwidth and responsive up to 100MHz although with reduced sensitivity. The timebase can be switched between main, mixed and delayed.
As I don't need 3 Oscilloscopes, the 180A is for sale.
Now SOLD.
The triggering fault has now been repaired and the Oscilloscope performance tests and adjustments completed. See Repair HP 180A Oscilloscope for details.
This is a good Oscilloscope with a 50MHz bandwidth and responsive up to 100MHz although with reduced sensitivity. The timebase can be switched between main, mixed and delayed.
As I don't need 3 Oscilloscopes, the 180A is for sale.
Now SOLD.