Up for sale is a vintage Hewlett-Packard HP Model 211A Square Wave Generator, a classic piece of laboratory-grade test equipment from the golden age of American electronics. This unit was manufactured by Hewlett-Packard (HP) in Palo Alto, California, likely during the late 1950s to early 1960s, and is a fine example of the craftsmanship and engineering that helped establish HP as a leader in electronic measurement instruments.
This unit features:
• Large central frequency dial with precision markings
• Range selector (×1, ×10, ×100, ×1K, ×10K, ×100K) for broad frequency control
• Output amplitude controls with selectable attenuation (600 Ω and 75 Ω output options)
• Symmetry adjustment knob
• SYNC input for signal synchronization
• Classic toggle power switch with red indicator lens
• Original HP badge and labeling on the front panel
• Sturdy metal case with top carrying handle and cooling vents at the rear
• Built-in power cord (original vintage cord included, showing some age)
This is a tube-based test instrument designed for engineers, technicians, and researchers working with analog electronics. The HP 211A was widely used in electronics labs, universities, and industry for testing and calibrating circuits that required a reliable square-wave signal source.
Condition:
• The unit shows typical cosmetic wear consistent with age, including surface scuffs, scratches, and light oxidation on hardware.
• The front panel controls are intact, and all knobs and switches move freely.
• The power cord is present and attached.
• The unit has not been tested for functionality and is being sold as-is, for parts, restoration, or display.
Collector’s Note:
The Hewlett-Packard 211A is a sought-after piece of vintage test gear, not only for its historical significance in electronics but also as a collectible artifact of early Silicon Valley innovation. Many collectors and enthusiasts value these pieces for restoration projects, as display pieces in a vintage electronics collection, or even for continued use in analog electronics testing. You can find items of this caliber at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View and other computer tech exhibits.
Approximate Dimensions:
• Height: 12 in (30.5 cm)
• Width: 7 in (17.8 cm)
• Depth: 12 in (30.5 cm)
• Weight: ~20 lbs
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