I have an older iPad Mini2 (Model A1489) running iPadOS 12.5.7. For the past year or so the YouTube app has been constantly asking me to update as follows:

YouTube is out of date (popup):

Update to continue

Click to Update

Cannot Update

Cancel

Continue using YouTube app

By cancelling, I have been able to continue running the YouTube app and ignore the update prompt. However, last week, I could not bypass the update prompt:

Update to continue

Click to update

Cannot update, download older version?

Cannot download older version

No option to cancel, so GOTO 1

The update prompt stated that iOS 14 or newer was needed to install the new YouTube app, but since my older Mini2 is fixed on 12.5.7, I could never do the update. The YouTube app was stuck in the update loop, so I could not use it.

This iPad is behind a … Read More »

I have recently begun to restore several pieces of Hewlett Packard 70000 Series MMS (Modular Measurement System) equipment. The basic component of the system is a power and/or display frame which can house various test equipment modules. This post documents my restoration of the HP 70001A Power Supply.

The Hewlett Packard 70000 MMS is a high-performance, modular measurement system for RF, microwave, and Lightwave measurements. The MMS instruments include spectrum analyzers, signal generators, power meters, DMM, digital oscilloscope, counter, and more. The system is assembled by inserting the appropriate modules into a mainframe (which supplies power, cooling, and communication) along with a display.

Historically, the 70000 MMS system was introduced in 1986 and continued to be available through at least 2001 (based on HP/Agilent catalogs). The latest prices (1993) I could find for a couple of representative HP 70000 systems follows (all … Read More »

The Racal Dana Model 9478 Frequency Distribution System has an internal precision, oven-controlled crystal oscillator, or it can be phase locked to an external signal derived from a GPSDO or other master oscillator.  The system will automatically lock to an external signal above 100 mV, and with a standard frequency of 1, 5 or 10 MHz.  “In Lock” indication is provided.

I recently repaired two Racal 9478 units. What I found was widespread electrolytic capacitor failure such as I had never encountered before. A summary of the issues found in both units follows:

Virtually all electrolytic capacitors in both units (nearly 90 in all) had failed, showing either very low capacitance and/or very high ESR. Interestingly enough none showed short circuit failure.All the failed electrolytic capacitors were made by Philips in late 1980’s The -15v regulator was originally bolted … Read More »

HP 1340A Display Repair

I purchased a couple of HP 1340A XYZ Displays which I thought would be useful as troubleshooting aids and as graphical displays of CRT technology (oscilloscope clocks, and the like). Upon receiving them, they both worked, but careful visual inspection showed some potentially serious problems. I will document the repair process here.

HP 1340A Overview

HP 1340A Overview

HP 1340A Overview

HP 1340A Overview

HP 1340A Overview

HP 1340A Rear Panel, High Serial Number

Visual inspection of the units revealed the following problems:

Heat damaged A1R81 (both units)Heat damaged A2R13 (both units)Loose mounting hardware and corroded wiring on A2Q2 (one unit)

Heat Damaged Components

LVPS A2Q2 Damage

Heat Damaged Components

A2Q2 is mounted directly to the case for heatsink purposes. The hardware was loose, therefore the transistor effectively had no heatsink. I suspect that it had been running hot for quite some time because the PVC insulation … Read More »