Quan-Tech 5173 Advice?

[wrenchone]

It looks like I'm now the proud (?) owner of a Quan-Tech 5173 semiconductor noise analyzer. It looks like it will come with a fixture for checking opamps. I guess it'll be my burden to come up with a jig of some sort for checking 3-legged beasties. Does anyone have any documentation/advice for running one of these?

[RNMarsh]

I had one ... dont remember the model. but it didnt do opamps as I recall. So your is newer. Good deal for you. !!

-RNM

[magnoman]

I got one give me a few days to remember and try to scan the manual for you.
Real busy with work (really just taking a break), pm a reminder if you don't get it by Wednesday.
Thanks
-Antonio

[wrenchone]

Well, the fixture that comes with the analyzer is configured for measuring quad op amps of some sort. I suspect that there's some sleight of hand going on inside the fixture that allows it to be used with the basic analyzer (there's switches and a knob, as well as a zif socket for the UUT). What I'll be mostly needing is information on how to use the analyzer and how to hook into the ribbon cable connectors on the back side of the analyzer, which I suppose would be the connection to whatever fixture is used with the main box. If I'm spouting doo-doo here and another major piece is needed, let me know. What I'm getting is the box with the displays, and a separate fixture built into a slope-front box.

[jackinnj]

I purchased a 5173 from an automotive electronics firm in Michigan back when the industry was its nadir. Here's a block diagram:

[jackinnj]

I put the pin assignments up on this web-page: DIY Test Equipment for Audio and Ham Radio Enthusiasts

[1audio]

I have a QuanTech 5173 as well. The manual is really light on details on the interface modules. Mine has a bipolar plugin and I made an IC interface for it. There are a few tricks to making them. First, the edge connector is .1" spacing. I used a connector chopped from an old ISA computer board. The transistor fixture needs some ferrite beads or you can have oscillations. The IC side supports up to 4 sections, the transistor only a single transistor. Dual transistors require opening and flipping the dual around. The other pain is the cost of transistor test sockets. The good 3M sockets are $30 ea. or more. There are other types on eBay etc but they don't work well with TO92 packages. And test sockets for surface mount parts are even more of a problem.

The cable between the test fixture and the main box is a standard cable, mine came from a surplus store.

[wrenchone]

From the paint color on the interface modules vs. the main Box, I wouldn't be surprised if the interface modules weren't specially ginned up at Quan-tech - no one markets pre-built boxes in that color.

[1audio]

The whole thing is special. The test box is separate so the noise from the main circuitry won't degrade it I think and has the low noise preamp and the AGC in it. The main box has the power supplies and filters and readouts.

If you get stumped getting it running we could meet since you aren't far away.

[wrenchone]

Mr. Watt-Sucking Fireball at Linear Systems in Fremont has the same analyzer with the test box I'd actually like to have. Between the three of us, I think I can work something out. I haven't even gotten the blasted thing yet, so it'll be a while before I get busy on it, especially as my plate (as always) is piled high and overflowing...