Power cord for HP 3400A AC meter

[John Ess]

I seem to have lost the power cord for this and it uses one of the non standard oval type connectors. Anyone either have one, or know where to find one that doesn't cost an arm and a leg? Yes, Surplus Sales has them, but like everything else they have, it's silly money. I'd rather hard wire it than give those guys $25 plus shipping.

 

[John Ess]

Here's what the connector looks like...not the standard IEC. https://www.surplussales.com/Images/Equipment/TestEquipment/Vintage/wcc-860172-b00_lg.jpg

 

[trobbins]

My unit has original fixed wiring cord (exported to Australia). It is still working very nicely, and comes in to its own for signal bandwidth compared to what else I have.

 

[simon7000]

I used pins removed from an octal socket and used a bit of hot glue to hold them in place and then removed it from the meter and coated the whole assembly with a filled epoxy.

 

[Enzo]

We call those "tape recorder" power cords. I have a few I jealously guard. They are now rare and fetch a price.

Really, I'd replace the chassis connector with an IEC male and just use common detachable cords.


or, yes, hardwire a cord.

 

[trobbins]

Inserting an IEC socket may require some serious metalwork.

 

[Enzo]

OK, then hardwire.

 

[1audio]

This is the cord you are looking for. https://www.mouser.com/datasheet/2/429/17952 8 b1-1211654.pdf HP dropped it and switched to IEC connections in the 1960's. The pricing online is offensive BUT what is your time worth?

Volex seems to be the last known manufacturer of those cables but their part number doesn't work at their website. You may have no good choices.

I have an HP3403A that has not been calibrated in 29 years and meets spec. They are all really exceptional quality and worth the effort. Changing a power connector on those is NOT easy.

 

[31697B]

Brand new oval type ac power cords for old equipment can be bought from e-Bay.

Old Style HP Tektronix IBM AC Power Cord for Vintage Test Equipment 8FT 3 prong | eBay


-RNM

 

[Enzo]

Yes, they are available, but in post #1 he stated he didn't want to pay $25 plus shipping for one.

 

[rayma]

he stated he didn't want to pay $25 plus shipping for one.

That appears to be unrealistic at this point in time.

 

[Enzo]

That is the going price, but we offered a few other options he could consider.

 

[Jim-Analog]

Greetings,

No idea where you are located, so go to the AARL web page:

Hamfests and Conventions Calendar

for a listing of HamFests that are close to your area. I've found those old HP power cables at a few for just a couple $. Also, as many of these fellows are getting up in years, you can find all kinds of old test gear, parts, etc. for small $. Good luck!

Regards, Jim

 

[BrianL]

The OP said that these are 'non standard' connectors. That is incorrect. They are just not today's standard; they were the standard in their day.