Author Archives: retrovoltage

Extracting Screenshots from the HP 3585A Spectrum Analyzer

Posted on April 22, 2015 by retrovoltage

I’ve posted a few times about my HP 3585A spectrum analyzers over the past several months, and after chipping away at the problem I’ve finally solved the screenshots issue! It boiled down to a bad GPIB cable for my National … Continue reading →

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Accuphase C-200 Professional Pre-Amp Full Overhaul

Posted on April 16, 2015 by retrovoltage

When Kenwood’s engineers left to form Kensonic, they really brought their A-game, and this Accuphase C-200 pre-amp is no exception. It’s a mammoth device, built with exceptional attention to detail and top of the line components throughout. The owner reported … Continue reading →

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Harmony H400 Tube Guitar Amplifier Repair

Posted on April 13, 2015 by retrovoltage

I recently had another Harmony amplifier, the  H400, through the shop for an overhaul. It’s owner, who previously sent me a Harmony H500 for service as well, took it to a local tech but wasn’t satisfied with the repair so … Continue reading →

Posted in Audio, Radios and Tubes, Vintage | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Telefunken Bajazzo Sport 201 Transistor Radio

Posted on March 30, 2015 by retrovoltage

I don’t typically service portable transistor radios, but I make an occasional exception for something especially unique or interesting. The Telefunken Bajazzo Sport 201 is no exception – it’s a high end piece of German engineering, a great performer with … Continue reading →

Posted in Electronics, Projects, Radio, Vintage | Tagged , , , , , | 8 Comments

Sony TA-5650 Full Re-Cap and Adjustment

Posted on March 4, 2015 by retrovoltage

I recently got to work on another of the Sony VFET line of integrated amplifiers, the Sony TA-5650. I’ve had one through the shop previously, and this one came in for the same service. It came in running fine – … Continue reading →

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Fun with the HP 3585A Spectrum Analyzer

Posted on March 2, 2015 by retrovoltage

I spent some time playing around with one of my HP 3585A spectrum analyzers over the weekend to get a feel for its capabilities. While it’s only good from 20 Hz – 40 MHz, it’s a very capable tool within … Continue reading →

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1960 Grundig SO191 Stereo Hi-Fi Console Repair

Posted on February 27, 2015 by retrovoltage

Updated July 2026 with some additional photos from the archive, and schematics at the bottom. This was a pretty early repair from back in the shop days so there’s a few things I’d do more cleanly for a customer today, … Continue reading →

Posted in Audio, Hi-Fi, Projects, Vintage | Tagged , , , , , | 31 Comments

Bose® 901 Series VI Active Equalizer #199732 Repaired

Posted on February 20, 2015 by retrovoltage

A first for my shop, I recently worked on a Bose® 901 Series VI Active Equalizer! These are considerably newer than the Series I-IV that typically come through the shop, although they’re still getting to be 25+ years old at … Continue reading →

Posted in Audio, Bose, Electronics, Projects, Vintage | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Vintage Engineering is Beautiful [’70s TV]

Posted on January 30, 2015 by retrovoltage

’70s Industrial Modern Television in Custom Enclosure

Posted in Collections, Electronics | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Screenshots from HP 3585A Spectrum Analyzer via GPIB?

Posted on January 24, 2015 by retrovoltage

I’m wondering if anyone reading this might have some experience and could chime in. I’m trying to make my HP 3585A spectrum analyzer talk to my Windows XP laptop over GPIB (488.1) with a National Instruments PCMCIA-GPIB card. I’ve been … Continue reading →

Posted in Computers, DIY, Electronics, Test Equipment | Tagged , , , , , | 5 Comments