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WJ-8615 Receiver Series
WJ-8615-2 front WJ-8615-2 top WJ-8615-2 rear WJ-8615-2 bottom
WJ-8615P front board locations diagnostics 1995 price list
front panels of various models IF filter options - all versions WJ-8615 option switches WJ-8615P full data sheet
layout diagrams of WJ-8615D external connections WJ-8615 option switch positions catalog page - WJ-8615 in system
WJ-8615 available options WJ-8615 version list configuration with 488 commands catalogs see 1988, 1989, 1993, 1997

The WJ-8615 receiver is another flexible architecture receiver that comes in many different configurations. It is 3-1/2" high and 1/2 rack width. There are substantial internal differences between the plain, -1, -2, D, D(S1) and P versions. I am nowhere near an expert on the variations in the model numbers. If anyone understands these radios and would like to further explain the differences, please contact me.

The front panel of the WJ-8615P is radically different than all the other versions. Despite the small size these radios were not cheap. In bare bones form with only GPIB and 3 bandwidths, the last version, WJ-8615P, sold for $20,000 in 1995.


WJ-8615-2

The WJ-8615-2 in the photo above has the characteristic non P front panel. The detection modes and bandwidth filters are screen directly onto the front panel. Compare the receiver above with the mode and bandwidth indicator panel for a different receiver at the left.

The WJ-8615 series can be configured and diagnosed by keypad entry from the front panel. Keypad configuration of the receiver must be enabled by an internal DIP switch. Details on the diagnostics can be found here.

Compare the receiver above to the four receivers below. You'll be hard pressed to spot any difference from the front panels. The late model WJ-8615P receiver several pictures below is quite different.


WJ-8615(S1)


WJ-8615D


WJ-8615D-1


WJ8615D(S1)

On a quick glance over the five receivers above, the WJ-8615(S1), WJ-8615D, WJ-8615D-1, WJ-8615D-2 and WJ-8615D(S1), the only readily apparent difference is on the nomenclature plate. Some receivers have an option panel below the nomenclature plate. Many do not. A lsit of available options can be found here.

The WJ-8615D last appeared in the 1988 WJ Catalog (p9). The WJ-8615P is in the same catalog on p10. Several systems using the WJ-8615 family of receivers are pictured in the 1988 WJ Catalog and the 1989 WJ Catalog.

The WJ-8615P below is radically different, styled much closer to the WJ-8969 microwave receiver and the WJ-8610A controller, which was designed to run 14 of these receivers by GPIB interface. WJ catalog page with several WJ-8615 receivers controlled by a WJ-8610A is here.

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WJ-8615P

The WJ-8615P can be found on p16 of the 1993 WJ Catalog and p10 of the 1989 WJ catalog. A full WJ-8615P data sheet appears in the 1997 WJ Catalog. It looks especially cool in the dark:

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WJ-8615-2 top inside

These are dense inside. Do not plan on repairing one without a good set of extender cards. The design philosophy is very close to the WJ-8617 radio series.

The IF filters can be seen on the A1A12 card, which is the third up from the bottom edge in the picture. A wide variety of optional filters were available.

The A1A1 through A1A4 boards are cut off on the right edge of the photo above this layout diagram. These boards and the configuration DIP switches can be seen three photos below.

More layout diagrams can be found here.

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WJ-8615-2 rear panel

The rear panels on all these radios are pretty much identical. Different options may warrant connector additions or changes. The radio in the picture has a D-25 connector (J11) for BCD control of frequency. Most radios have a Centronics connector in this spot for GPIB/IEEE-488 remote control. This radio can be fully configured and operated through the 488 port.

A list of diagnostic codes for the 488 port can be found here.

Explanation each connector and pin layouts for J13 can be found here.

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WJ-8615-2 bottom inside

The WJ-8615 series all use a motherboard backplane design. This makes for easy servicing and for swapping option boards in or out of the radio. Always check for the options listed on the front panel when buying one of these radios.

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WJ-8615D-1 option and setup switches

All of these radios have option and setup DIP switches (read and white on middle right) for configuring the radio. These are located on the top in the first bay behind the front panel. The proper settings for these switches can be found here.

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