Note
The HO-5404 was Heath’s last ham related scope. Except for the CRT, the 5404 is a fully solid state device. The unit combines the features of the SB-610 and SB-620, both of which had been discontinued more than 10 years earlier. Heath also added a little more in the way of general purpose scope features. The HO-5404 displays standard AM, CW, SSB, RTTY, and trapezoidal patterns, as well as audio signals to 40 kHz with good sync capability. RF frequency coverage is from 1.8 to 54 MHz.
The optional panadaptor module (HOA-5404-1) sold for $99.95, though many catalog specials threw it in at no extra charge. The panadaptor provides a visual representation of the band from ± 20 kHz or ±100 kHz. These views are a bit more limiting than those of the SB-620, which was continuously variable. Most users will find the ±100 kHz view (200 kHz total) too wide to be of any use, but most would find ± 20 kHz (40 kHz total view) to be almost ideal on a crowded band like 20 meters. Unlike the HO-13 and SB-620, which could be wired for a variety of popular transceivers and receivers, the optional pan adaptor function of the HO-5404 is designed exclusively for use with Heath transceivers.
To check for the presence of the panadaptor module, look at the upper left corner of the HO-5404 rear panel. Refer to illustration. An RCA jack labeled “PAN INPUT” indicates the module is installed. Without the pan adapter module, the hole for this connector is covered by the blue and white Heathkit label. If there is any doubt, remove the cover and check for the presence of the circuit board. Refer to illustration for the location of the board.
Panadaptor use requires connection to the first IF stage of your receiver and is for use with receivers that have IF frequencies of 3395 kHz (the SB and HW series) or 8830 kHz (the SS-9000 and HW-5400). To check which IF the unit has been wired for it is necessary to remove the cover and look at the part number for transformer T301. Refer to illustration for the location of T301.
For the 3395 kHz IF, T301 is part number 52-197 or 21167. For the 8830 kHz IF the part number is 52-198 or 18379. Changing the IF requires not only the correct transformer, but also an adjacent crystal and handful of capacitors and resistors.
To turn on the pan adaptor function, simultaneously press SSB and RTTY pushbuttons. The 1 kHz pushbutton is used to choose the ± 20 kHz or ±100 kHz scans. An on-screen receive-frequency marker can be turned on and off with the MARKER pushbutton.
Caution: Handle cathode ray tubes with great care.
Warning: Lethal voltages present when operating.
References:
Review (scope). 73 Amateur Radio, Sept 86, p. 24.
Review (panadaptor). 73 Amateur Radio, Oct 86, p. 20.
Review. QST, Jan 87, p. 30.
RF SAMPLING SECTION
Frequency coverage: 1.8 to 54 MHz
Sensitivity:
0.25 inch vertical deflection at 10 watts, 1.8 to 54 MHz
0.75 inch vertical deflection at 100 watts, 1.8 to 54 MHz
0.25 inch vertical deflection at 100 watts, 1.8 MHz
Power limits:
Exciter input (50-75 Ω): 10 to 300 watts
Antenna input (50-75 Ω): 10 to 1000 watts
Insertion loss: negligible
VERTICAL AMPLIFIER
Input impedance: 1MΩ shunted by 125 pF
Sensitivity: 60 mV per 0.25 inches vertical deflection
Attenuator: X1, 1.0 volts RMS maximum; X10, 10 volts RMS maximum
Frequency response: 10 Hz to 40 kHz typical
HORIZONTAL AMPLIFER
Input impedance: 1MΩ shunted by 160 pF
Sensitivity: 60 mV per 0.25 inches vertical deflection
Frequency response: 10 Hz to 300 kHz typical
Attenuator: X1, 1.0 volts RMS maximum; X10, 10 volts RMS maximum
SWEEP GENERATOR
Type: recurrent, automatic sync
Frequency range: 10 Hz to 10 kHz in three steps
PAN ADAPTOR
Input IF: 3395 kHz or 8830 kHz
IF: 455 kHz
IF bandwidth: > 1 kHz @ –6 db
Scan width: ±20 or ±100 kHz (dependent on sweep control setting)
Stability: stable after 45 minute warmup
GENERAL
Power requirements: 120 VAC, 60 Hz, 22 watts
Photos, general information and specifications from "Heathkit: A Guide to the Amateur Radio Products," by Chuck Penson, WA7ZZE. Used with permission.
