Description
HP 78901A Patient Bedside Monitor 78203C Heart Rate 78302C Respiration Module
The Hewlett-Packard 78901A is a portable patient bedside monitor designed for continuous cardiac and respiration monitoring. It accepts plug-in parameter modules — in this case the HP 78203C Heart Rate Monitor module and HP 78302C Respiration Monitor module — and displays readings on an LED digital readout. A third module position is occupied by what appears to be an HP 78202C module, visible in the photos. The system was part of HP's 78000 series patient monitoring platform, used in hospital wards, ICUs, and clinical settings during the 1970s and 1980s.
Specifications & What's Included
- Main unit: HP 78901A Patient Bedside Monitor
- Module slot 1: HP 78203C Heart Rate Monitor Module
- Module slot 2: HP 78302C Respiration Monitor Module
- Module slot 3: HP 78202C module (visible in photos)
- Heart rate display: LED digital readout, 0–250 Beats/Min scale
- Front panel controls: Alarm HIGH/LOW limits, ALARMS OFF, INDP mode, ECG/MON/DIAG/PULSE selector switches
- Rear panel: Large finned heat sink array, multi-pin signal connectors, IEC AC inlet, BNC-style output jacks
- Included: 3-lead patient wire with color-coded alligator clips (red, black, green)
- NOT included: AC adapter (misplaced — see condition notes)
- One rubber foot missing from chassis base
- Form factor: Benchtop / portable self-contained unit
- Part of the HP 78000 Series Patient Monitoring System
- Country of manufacture: United States
Applications
The HP 78000 series bedside monitors were widely used in hospital general wards, intensive care units, and step-down units from the 1970s through the 1980s for non-invasive continuous patient monitoring. The modular architecture allowed clinical facilities to configure each unit for the parameters needed — heart rate, respiration, ECG, blood pressure, and others — by swapping HP-compatible plug-in modules. The 78203C module monitors heart rate via ECG electrode input and displays beats-per-minute on a digital readout with configurable alarms. The 78302C module tracks respiratory rate via impedance pneumography using the same electrode leads. Today, units like this are sought by collectors of vintage medical electronics, biomedical engineering programs, medical simulation labs, prop/film production, and technicians sourcing working modules or parts for legacy HP monitoring systems still in occasional clinical or research use.
This HP 78901A Patient Bedside Monitor with 78203C Heart Rate and 78302C Respiration modules is being sold as-is for parts or repair. The unit has not been tested and no functionality is guaranteed. The AC adapter shown in some photos is not included — it was misplaced and will not ship with the unit. One of the four rubber feet is missing from the chassis. The overall cosmetic condition appears good for its age, with some yellowing of the plastic panels consistent with older medical equipment. The 3-lead wire with alligator clips is included. The rear heat sink fins and connector panel are intact. This item is sold strictly as-is; buyers should plan for the need to source an appropriate AC adapter and conduct their own evaluation. Please view our photo set and contact us if you have any questions.
Thanks for your interest. Recycled Goods Inc., Ventura, CA.
FDA Regulation and Certification: The sale of this item may be subject to regulation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and state and local regulatory agencies. If so, do not purchase this item unless you are an authorized purchaser. If the item is subject to FDA regulation, we will verify your status as an authorized purchaser of this item before shipping.
Upon receipt, it is the BUYER'S responsibility to have this instrument checked and certified for use by a qualified Technician prior to placing it into use or service.
Warranty Information
Additional Information
Brand: |
Hewlett-Packard |
Model: |
78901A |
MPN: |
78901A |
SKU: |
14936 |
Type: |
Patient Bedside Monitor |
Included Modules: |
HP 78203C Heart Rate Monitor, HP 78302C Respiration Monitor |
Secondary Model: |
78203C / 78302C |
Condition: |
As-Is / For Parts or Not Working |
Seller Notes: |
Includes 78203C, 78302C modules and 3-lead wire w/ alligator clips. AC adapter and one foot missing. |
Compatible With: |
HP 78000 Series Patient Monitoring System |
Module 1: |
HP 78203C Heart Rate Monitor Module |
Module 2: |
HP 78302C Respiration Monitor Module |
Module 3: |
HP 78202C (visible in photos) |
Included Accessories: |
3-Lead Wire with Alligator Clips |
Not Included: |
AC Adapter (lost), one rubber foot missing |
Display Type: |
LED Digital (Beats/Min readout) |
Lead Configuration: |
3-Lead |
Parameters Monitored: |
Heart Rate (BPM), Respiration Rate |
Heart Rate Range: |
0–250 Beats/Min (per front panel scale) |
Country/Region of Manufacture: |
United States |
Form Factor: |
Benchtop / Portable |
For Parts or Not Working: |
Yes — sold as-is, untested, AC adapter missing |
Condition Notes: |
HP 78901A Patient Bedside Monitor sold AS-IS for parts or repair. Not tested; no functionality guaranteed. AC adapter missing (not included). One foot missing. 3-lead wire with alligator clips included. Good cosmetic appearance. |
