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Hamilton 955 Quartz runs when warm

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Adam

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Hamilton 955 Quartz runs when warm

Post15 Oct 2018, 20:36

This has been done 100s of times on DWF but I couldn;t find the thread and thought we could do with some conversation. I've a Hamilton QED with a 955 module in. Its in quite nice shape in comparison to my other QEDs. It may even work. I have life. If I heat the quartz it'll run for a few minutes until it cools down. Is it the quartz I have to replace here if I cant cajole it back into life. Here's a pic.

As I took the photo all digits were showing. I took four photos in the end there was always a digit missing not always the same one but I could always see them all. Weird!

hamilton_qed2.jpg


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bruce wegmann

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Re: Hamilton 955 Quartz runs when warm

Post16 Oct 2018, 00:12

The Hamilton 955 is a re-labeled 3013 Time Computer module (off the same production line, in fact).
Replacing the quartz is the first thing I'd try (preferably, with one of identical type).
Not entirely sure why you have the random missing digit...the fact that it's not always the same one, and all four digits DO light at some point, tells me it's NOT a display issue...but more likely an artifact of intermittent "drop-outs" in the oscillation of the quartz.
A fresh set of silver-oxide cells would probably be of benefit, also.
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Adam

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Re: Hamilton 955 Quartz runs when warm

Post18 Oct 2018, 18:34

And today when warmed up in actual daylight all digits show up on the camera every time.

Where do I find the right looking quartz Bruce? I have some here but they dont look the same and it would be a shame to use the wrong one.


Adam

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bruce wegmann

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Re: Hamilton 955 Quartz runs when warm

Post18 Oct 2018, 21:49

A lot of different quartz crystals were used on Pulsar modules (someday, I'll have to take a pic of the assortment I have...there must be nearly a dozen varieties). But, the one you want, here, is the early, BIG, type that nearly (or completely), fills the opening at the top of the module. These are the MTQ32A (the biggest one), or MTQ32B (slightly smaller). These are 32KHz timing crystal made by Motorola. They have the correct capacitance and impedance to oscillate in the required frequency range (so that they can be adjusted to zero error with the trimmer capacitors). These are the ones used on all P2 and P3 modules. Ideally, you should have a quartz monitor (but, that's a subject for another thread).
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Adam

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Re: Hamilton 955 Quartz runs when warm

Post18 Oct 2018, 21:56

Thanks Bruce. I have a couple of Quartz timing machines so be OK. Are they still available? If so where can I get some?

Adam
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bruce wegmann

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Re: Hamilton 955 Quartz runs when warm

Post18 Oct 2018, 22:05

Only source for these (since they've probably been out of production for forty years) is dead P2 and P3 modules (but, last time I checked, there were plenty of those out there).
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Ole Joe

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Re: Hamilton 955 Quartz runs when warm

Post19 Oct 2018, 19:00

Hello Adam,

I have Motorola MTQ32C crystals in my stock of parts. If you are in the USA, I would be more than happy to send you one at no charge. I have observed the identical problems you are encountering with Frontier modules. Unfortunately, I have found that the quartz crystal is not the cause of the problem but rather a shift in the parameters of the transistors that implement the the oscillator circuit within the watch chip. I know of nothing that can be done to resolve such a problem. Warming the module shifts the parameters such that the oscillator will start running and everything works fine until the temperature decreases a degree or two and the oscillator stops doing its thing. When I worked at Frontier Semiconductors in the '70s, we encountered very similar problems with new modules coming off the production line. We implemented temperature tests, both high and low, to weed out failures so that problem modules didn't get shipped to the end customer.

Regards,

Ole Joe
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Adam

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Re: Hamilton 955 Quartz runs when warm

Post19 Oct 2018, 19:21

Thanks Joe, that doesn't sound good does it. Fortunately I only bought the watch for the case so a semi working (non working) module isn't the end of the world. Id love some quartz if you have them. Im quite happy to pay and for shipping. Its not the only Pulsar I have not working.

On a separate question. I don't suppose you have the plastic fitting for the front of the Pulsar pulse LED(four batteries)? I have one here with time working but someone has filled the hole at the front, unless it just melted.



regards

Adam
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Ole Joe

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Re: Hamilton 955 Quartz runs when warm

Post19 Oct 2018, 19:46

Sorry Adam, I do not have any parts for Pulsars. If you would kindly PM me with your shipping information I will send you some crystals.

Ole Joe

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