¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

Date

Re: HP 8594E low signal level indicated

 

I was also going to point out the 8594E has no YTF or SYTF.? Unfortunately HP tried to re-use the same block diagram for too many models.

I wanted to add that cross-referencing the assembly numbers (e.g. A3A6) with the Assembly-Level Replaceable Parts list in table 12-5 can help clear up ambiguities since it lists exactly what parts and assemblies exist within each model.

-mark


Re: HP 8594E low signal level indicated

 

The block diagram in the service manual is confusing because it includes many items that are not in my unit. So, I am pausing in my troubleshooting to create my own block diagram to reflect how my unit is configured.


Re: HP transistor equivalent for 1854-0247?

Kenneth Harrison
 

1854-0247
TI SA-6325
2N3866A

On Sat, Feb 25, 2023, 8:57 AM Glenn Little <glennmaillist@...> wrote:
What is the model number?

Glenn

On 2/25/2023 11:19 AM, Tony wrote:
>From an HP sig gen 50 MHz oscillator - does anybody know a type or equivalent for a?1854-0247?

I can't find it in any of the Xref documents.

thanks

Tony

-- 
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Glenn Little                ARRL Technical Specialist   QCWA  LM 28417
Amateur Callsign:  WB4UIV            wb4uiv@...    AMSAT LM 2178
QTH:  Goose Creek, SC USA (EM92xx)  USSVI, FRA, NRA-LM    ARRL TAPR
"It is not the class of license that the Amateur holds but the class
of the Amateur that holds the license"


--
Ken H.


Re: HP 8594E low signal level indicated

 

On Sun, Feb 26, 2023 at 09:43 AM, Rik Rasmussen wrote:
When I said I was feeding the First Converter, that was apparently icorrect. I was looking at the wrong block diagram. I am now looking at the block diagram for the 8594E. The block diagram does include the tracking generator although my unit does not have that option.

After looking at the output of the attenuator and checking that it is stepping correctly, I then inserted the CAL OUT signal directly to the next stage after the attenuator. According to the block diagram that is a "SWITCHED YTF". Feeding at that point I am seeing a low signal on the display and reading is very low.
------
Hi Rik,
There is no YTF on a 8594E, block diagram shows that with a dotted box. Mixer is also single band.?

Greg's suggestion of looking at after the first mixer is good. One slight correction is on a 8594E first IF is at 3.9214GHz. If the power is low at that point it could be bad mixer or it could be low LO power coming from YIG oscillator.

Do you have a power meter or a way to measure power at ~ 4GHz?

I recommend an ESD safe work bench and a proper ground wrist band as this area is sensitive to ESD.?
Ozan


Re: HP 8590 e series card cage

Kenneth Harrison
 

Get me the board part number, and I will see what I can find?


On Sun, Feb 26, 2023, 10:56 AM Mike Lockley via <mikelockley=[email protected]> wrote:
Does anyone out there know what 30x2 connector fits into the card cage connector receptacle on the HP 8590 series ( and probably others) SA ?
I have a option 130 narrow BW pcb which i am working on??

thanks
Mike g4wam





??


--
Ken H.


HP 8590 e series card cage

 

Does anyone out there know what 30x2 connector fits into the card cage connector receptacle on the HP 8590 series ( and probably others) SA ?
I have a option 130 narrow BW pcb which i am working on??

thanks
Mike g4wam





??


Re: HP 8594E low signal level indicated

 

¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

Bruce,

Can you see the 0hz LO level¡ªwhat is it¡ªshould be around 0-to -10db? ?

Mixers are not as easily shot as in the 8591? SA so that is good-but it is a possibility

The 70 db front end attenuators are quite strong ?,but if its set to 0db? and 0db REF then the cal output should ?be 300Mhz -20db approx..,bypassing the att block is easy then you can fire the cal signal straight into the first LP filter located on top of the RF cage..

This is your starting point..

?

Let me know how you get on

?

73s? mike g4wam

?

?

?

?

From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Rik Rasmussen
Sent: 26 February 2023 02:31
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [HP-Agilent-Keysight-equipment] HP 8594E low signal level indicated

?

Thanks to both of you. I will open it up tomorrow and check out the attenuator.

?

?

?

On Sat, Feb 25, 2023, 8:47 PM Bruce <bruce@...> wrote:

You would be looking for transmission loss.? If there is a problem?
with the attenuator, it could present very high attenuation.

Safest way to do this is to set the SA for zero attenuation, connect a?
power meter or another SA to the OUTPUT of the 1st SA attenuator and a?
signal generator to the input of the attenuator.? Then cycle the?
attenuator through its various attenuation settings and record the?
results.

A bit more dangerous method would be to inject a signal AFTER the?
input attenuator (I would start quite low -30 or -40 dBm) and see how?
the SA performs.

If the measured attenuation differs from the actual attenuation?
significantly, you have a problem.

Cheers!

Bruce



Quoting Rik Rasmussen <rikrasmussen@...>:

> Are you talking about the HP 8594E's INPUT attenuator? What would I?
> be looking for?
>
>
>








Re: HP 8594E low signal level indicated

 

Rik,

?

It sounds like your problem is a little deeper inside the instrument? But if it ever turn out to be the step attenuator (HP part # 33321-60036) this experience might offer some past dealings with the 8594E.

?

A unit I initially obtained had problems with intermittent levels when switching gains.? It turned out that the tiny rubber O-rings on the ends of the step attenuator solenoid plungers had deteriorated over time and several simply fell off.? This resulted in the leaf contacts not securely touching the plated contacts on the glass substrate.

?

I started to seek replacement O-rings but then found out that selection of the material was somewhat critical to prevent out gassing of the synthetic rubber from compromising the conductivity of the substrate contacts.? This then led me to search for an agency who could repair the attenuator.

?

I eventually found a concern who specialized in repair of these attenuators ¨C Test Equipment Plus located in Arizona ().? But if you use them their prices are rather beefy for repair - $400 for this particular one.? But if this is (or will be) one of your mainline analyzers I highly suggest using them.? When the attenuator was returned it was accompanied with network analyzer plots showing the performance of the repaired item.

?

If you so choose to attack an attenuator problem yourself I will caution you to be extremely careful when disassembling these items.? Yes, simply getting them out of the spectrum analyzer is a little labor intensive but taking apart the attenuator can easily lead to possible damage.? I have the experience to do so but obviously defer repair to a fully capable company.

?

As for your problem since it has more or less determined that the attenuator has not sustained damage there may have been possible damage to the first converter from the input being overloaded with the attenuator in the 0 dB state (direct pass-thru).? Looking at the CLIP it appears that the levels found at each input stage are:

?

CAL input signal: -20 dBm @ 300 MHz

Attenuator setting: 10 dBm attenuation

Attenuator output (A4 first converter input): -30 dBm (obviously)

A4 first converter output (A5 second converter input): ~-41 dBm +/- 2 dB @2.1214 GHz

A5 second converter output (A9 third converter input): -44 dBm +/- 2 dB @ 321.4 MHz

?

All levels are referred to 50 ohms impedance.

?

Hope this helps.

?

Greg


Re: HP 8594E low signal level indicated

 

OK -
First confirm the gain of the YTF. There should be an expected signal level specified and the expected output (input to the next stage) - you should be able to calculate the stage gain; then measure it. If it is low, look ad the drive signals - the problem could be the logic signals to the YTF - quit a bit of work to do B4 you decide the YTF is the problem.

I have not worked on this particular device so someone with more experience on the 8594E might be a better resource.

The fun is starting :-)

Cheers!

Bruce

Quoting Rik Rasmussen <rikrasmussen@...>:

When I said I was feeding the First Converter, that was apparently icorrect. I was looking at the wrong block diagram. I am now looking at the block diagram for the 8594E. The block diagram does include the tracking generator although my unit does not have that option.

After looking at the output of the attenuator and checking that it is stepping correctly, I then inserted the CAL OUT signal directly to the next stage after the attenuator. According to the block diagram that is a "SWITCHED YTF". Feeding at that point I am seeing a low signal on the display and reading is very low.



Re: HP 8594E low signal level indicated

 

When I said I was feeding the First Converter, that was apparently icorrect. I was looking at the wrong block diagram. I am now looking at the block diagram for the 8594E. The block diagram does include the tracking generator although my unit does not have that option.

After looking at the output of the attenuator and checking that it is stepping correctly, I then inserted the CAL OUT signal directly to the next stage after the attenuator. According to the block diagram that is a "SWITCHED YTF". Feeding at that point I am seeing a low signal on the display and reading is very low.


Re: HP 8594E low signal level indicated

 

Reasonable - 1st converter would be suspect, but can you inject signal into the 2nd converter (at appropriate level) to confirm low 1st converter gain? The CLIP should give expected signal level at interstage points.

Cheers!

Bruce

Quoting Rik Rasmussen <rikrasmussen@...>:

I am feeding the CAL OUT (300 mHz -20 dBM) directly to the input of the First Converter, using the hardcable that normally connects to the output of the attenuator.

The HP-8594E is showing the signal level as -50 dBm.

If I attempt to run amplitude cal I get that same error message CALSIGNAL NOT FOUND

So, looks like my loss of gain is somewhere after the attenuator.



Re: looking for HP85101C display keys plastic frame

 

On 2/26/23 06:17, tom_iphi via groups.io wrote:
the resin printed parts from JLCPCB have arrived and I am positively surprised about the nice surface finish, see picture.
Nice 3D model too!


Re: HP 8594E low signal level indicated

 

I am feeding the CAL OUT (300 mHz -20 dBM) directly to the input of the First Converter, using the hardcable that normally connects to the output of the attenuator.

The HP-8594E is showing the signal level as -50 dBm.

If I attempt to run amplitude cal I get that same error message CALSIGNAL NOT FOUND

So, looks like my loss of gain is somewhere after the attenuator.


Re: HP 8594E low signal level indicated

 

Sounds reasonable - I would "work" the attenuator a bit to be sure it is reliable - these attenuators can be erratic.

Cheers!

Bruce

Quoting Rik Rasmussen <rikrasmussen@...>:

I have the CAL OUT connected to the front panel INPUT, with the 300 mHz -20 dBm signal.

I have my tinySA Ultra connected to the output connector on the attenuator.

The signal is reading -24 dBm on the tinySA Ultra when I have attenuation at 0dBm. As I step through the attenuator steps, the signal drops exactly as it should.

So, I conclude that the attenuator itself is OK.

Next I will insert a signal at the output of the attenuator. This is the input to the First Converter according to the block diagram.



Re: HP 8594E low signal level indicated

 

I have the CAL OUT connected to the front panel INPUT, with the 300 mHz -20 dBm signal.

I have my tinySA Ultra connected to the output connector on the attenuator.

The signal is reading -24 dBm on the tinySA Ultra when I have attenuation at 0dBm. As I step through the attenuator steps, the signal drops exactly as it should.

So, I conclude that the attenuator itself is OK.

Next I will insert a signal at the output of the attenuator. This is the input to the First Converter according to the block diagram.


Re: HP 8594E low signal level indicated

 

If you elect to inject a signat AFTER rather that THROUGH the attenuator be very careful - you risk damaging the first mixer.

It is much safer to disconnect the attenuator input (sig gne side), inject a signal there (or at the output) and measure power at the output (or input if you inject at the output connector).

Cheers!

Bruce




Quoting Mark Bielman <mbielman@...>:

You clearly have a problem.
You are gonna have to open it up and get to the input attenuator.
Not sure how... these things are packed!
As mentioned, you must inject a signal AFTER the attenuator.
That's the 'best' way.
If you're lucky, the attenuator is the problem.

You might try a CAL using an external sig gen

Mark

________________________________
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> on behalf of Rik Rasmussen <rikrasmussen@...>
Sent: Saturday, February 25, 2023 3:50 PM
To: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: [HP-Agilent-Keysight-equipment] HP 8594E low signal level indicated

When I connect the CAL OUT to the input it does appear on the spectrum analyzer but at a much lower level than -20dbm.

If I connect CAL OUT to Input on the HP and press the CAL button a message on the screen says CAL SIGNAL NOT FOUND.

If I connect the CAL OUT to my tinySA Ultra it is indicated as -22.8 dbm. So, the CAL OUT signal appears to be OK. But the input to the HP seems to be attenuated.




Re: HP 8594E low signal level indicated

 

Good luck !

Cheers!

Bruce

Quoting Rik Rasmussen <rikrasmussen@...>:

Thanks to both of you. I will open it up tomorrow and check out the
attenuator.



On Sat, Feb 25, 2023, 8:47 PM Bruce <bruce@...> wrote:

You would be looking for transmission loss. If there is a problem
with the attenuator, it could present very high attenuation.

Safest way to do this is to set the SA for zero attenuation, connect a
power meter or another SA to the OUTPUT of the 1st SA attenuator and a
signal generator to the input of the attenuator. Then cycle the
attenuator through its various attenuation settings and record the
results.

A bit more dangerous method would be to inject a signal AFTER the
input attenuator (I would start quite low -30 or -40 dBm) and see how
the SA performs.

If the measured attenuation differs from the actual attenuation
significantly, you have a problem.

Cheers!

Bruce



Quoting Rik Rasmussen <rikrasmussen@...>:

Are you talking about the HP 8594E's INPUT attenuator? What would I
be looking for?











Re: 9000 series 700 with basic in lieu of series 300 ?

 

I cannot recall exactly at what point you could not install HP Basic on the series 9000/300 series or the 9000/700 series, as the operation system (OS), but beyond that point you simply installed HP-UX as the OS, and HP Basic as an app on the system, then 11990 app on that, given sufficient memory, drivers, and necessary interfaces. So I think you might be able to install HP Basic on your 9000/715¡¯s, if not you install HP-UX, then HP Basic, then 11990.

HP repair and calibration used the 9000/300 systems up to the mid 80¡¯s and migrated onto the 9000/700¡¯s (712¡¯s ->720¡¯s->750¡¯s) after that, then finally to HP C110 workstations. Everything after that was on PC laptops using HT Basic as an app.
Don Bitters


Re: HP8510 push-button spring

 

¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

I had a 3456A missing five springs, four were recovered from inside the case but the fifth had on AWOL, a bit of 2 thou shim steel (El-cheapo Chinese feeler gauges are a good source) and some tin snips is how I made one.
I then some years later I had to open it up again and there was number five right at the back of the case stuck on the rear panel just smirking at me.......
Adrian
On 26/02/2023 11:56, tom_iphi via groups.io wrote:

Hi,

while cleaning the keyboard of my 85101C display section, I have noticed that one key is missing a spring.
It seems to have disappeared. It is not found in the unit.

Does anybody know where I could obtain one of these or does someone have a spare he would sell?

Thanks,
Tom DG8SAQ


Re: looking for HP85101C display keys plastic frame

 

Hi Tom,

You are correct, I'm in Norway. But we are not fully EU member, only 'EU-light'. Where are you located?
Thanks, that would be very kind of you. We could take that off list I guess.

I guess the push button spring, is the flat thin springs that can jump out of the switches?
You can make new ones from a feeler gauge, just find the right thickness and cut with scissors.
You can search the group archive, I think it has been discussed many times.


Regards,
Askild



On Sun, Feb 26, 2023 at 1:56?PM tom_iphi via <iphi=[email protected]> wrote:
Hi Askild,

I have asked, they don't combine shipment of PCB and 3d print orders, they said the taxes are different.
I got four made and that was 12 Euros including shipment. I can send you one of them if you like.
You are in Skandinavia, I think, EU country?

The only problem left is to find a replacement for a missing pushbutton spring...

Best regards,
Tom DG8SAQ