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Re: HP-8443A Tracking Generator Problems

J Forster
 

lothar baier wrote:

ok there are two basic ways to create a marker in a swept system, one is called RF blanking the other one is called intensity modulation, ok usually you have a control voltage thats proportional to your RF frequency, if the analyzer sweeps its basically a ramp, each point of the ramp corresponds to a certain frequency, you feed this signal to a comparator and compare it to a DC voltage thats adjustable (coming from your marker pot) anytime the ramp "hits" this threshold you get a pulse on your comparator output, you route this pulse back into your display and use it to crank up the intensity just a bit at this point and there you have a marker blip on your screen :)
There is another way. You sample the RF, mix it with a (frequency settable) oscillator, run the output through a LPF, detector, and comparator and use this output for intensity markers.

This system has the advantage that you can count the oscillator and have accurate digital markers, and, if you replace the oscillator w/ a comb generator, you get nice, calibrated pips.

Best,
-John


you could also use this pulse to turn the RF of your TG off for just a moment but then you would end up with a dark spot as a marker for a short time instead of beein brighter.
Your statement about you seein a bright blip on your screen as a marker along with the statement about you seen the marker even with the calibator connected to your RF section input makes me certain that your markers are intensity modulated !
Re: HP-8443A Tracking Generator Problems

 

Hi Thanks Lothar....that is the unit I use most often and have never had to
"take the lid off" (should have looked at the manuals which are out of easy
reach before typing !!)I have certainly had duff connectors inside the RF
head though. I still dont know whether he has a proper output from the
8443....it doesnt sound to me as though he is generating a swept frequency
output but I could be mis-interpreting his narrative. The 30MHz cal signal
test sounds irrelevant to me.

Alan G3NYK

----- Original Message -----
From: "lothar baier" <microwaveengineer1968@...>
To: <hp_agilent_equipment@...>
Sent: Friday, November 16, 2007 4:11 PM
Subject: Re: [hp_agilent_equipment] Re: HP-8443A Tracking Generator Problems


you are talking about the 8444 not the 8443, the 8443 actually does not
require a 500MHz signal
Re: HP-8443A Tracking Generator Problems

lothar baier
 

ok for the counter to be able to count the marker frequency it will have to stop the sweep for a short time count the frequency and then keep on sweeping
What im trying to get across is that you will always get a marker even if your RF is dead on the tracking generator or the RF section

"David C. Hallam" <dhallam@...> wrote:
Now I am getting confused.

The spectrum analyzer screen has a line designated CENTER FREQUENCY. As you
turn the frequency knob on the 8553B RF section to move a signal peak to
coincide with this line, you can read the frequency of the signal from the
linear scale on the 8553B.

When the 8443A tracking generator is connected to the 141T system, it
generates a marker on the CENTER FREQUENCY line of the 141T display. As
above, when you move a signal peak to coincide with this line and place the
marker at the top of the peak, the 8443A will display the frequency of the
signal.

The marker is on the CENTER FREQUENCY line of the screen all the times,
input signal or no input signal.

What is happening is there is no display of frequency on the 8443A at any
time. Even when the marker is centered on the signal peak.

The 8443A is also capable of being used as a stand alone frequency counter.
If I connect my signal generator to the 8443A in this mode, the 8443A will
display the frequency of the signal generator output.

David

-----Original Message-----
From: hp_agilent_equipment@...
[mailto:hp_agilent_equipment@...]On Behalf Of lothar baier
Sent: Friday, November 16, 2007 10:14 AM
To: hp_agilent_equipment@...
Subject: RE: [hp_agilent_equipment] Re: HP-8443A Tracking Generator
Problems

ok there are two basic ways to create a marker in a swept system, one is
called RF blanking the other one is called intensity modulation, ok usually
you have a control voltage thats proportional to your RF frequency, if the
analyzer sweeps its basically a ramp, each point of the ramp corresponds to
a certain frequency, you feed this signal to a comparator and compare it to
a DC voltage thats adjustable (coming from your marker pot) anytime the ramp
"hits" this threshold you get a pulse on your comparator output, you route
this pulse back into your display and use it to crank up the intensity just
a bit at this point and there you have a marker blip on your screen :) you
could also use this pulse to turn the RF of your TG off for just a moment
but then you would end up with a dark spot as a marker for a short time
instead of beein brighter.
Your statement about you seein a bright blip on your screen as a marker
along with the statement about you seen the marker even with the calibator
connected to your RF section input makes me certain that your markers are
intensity modulated !

"David C. Hallam" <dhallam@...> wrote:

-----Original Message-----
From: hp_agilent_equipment@...
[mailto:hp_agilent_equipment@...]On Behalf Of lothar baier
Sent: Friday, November 16, 2007 9:21 AM
To: hp_agilent_equipment@...
Subject: RE: [hp_agilent_equipment] Re: HP-8443A Tracking Generator
Problems

have you ever considered a 5345A ? they are cheap, and they go to 500MHz

The marker does not really say anything, most of the time markers are
blanked in on the sweep trace not on the RF level, i havent looked in the
manual but thats how most generators and sweepers are doing it, the fact
that you see a marker blip without the RF output of the generator beein
connected to the SA input supports this.

I don't understand this statement. I have the 8443A connected to
the 141T SA system with the interconnect cable. Without this there would
be
no marker blip on the 141T screen.

one possibility is to build a pre-scaler for your counter to extend the
frequency range, the other one is that i could loan you a 500MHz counter
so
you can do the testing

"
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Re: HP-8443A Tracking Generator Problems

 

Hi,

The marker blip, when using an 8443A with the 141T, is simply the
trace stopping for the blinking of an eye. The marker intensity
control just varies how long it stops for - there is no 'Z' mod
involved.


Cheers - Joe G3LLV
Re: HP-8443A Tracking Generator Problems

lothar baier
 

you are talking about the 8444 not the 8443, the 8443 actually does not require a 500MHz signal

Alan Melia <Alan.Melia@...> wrote: Hi, just a though triggered by Chuck's posting. Some of the connectors for
the tracking gen were fitted as an "update" I think (without looking at my
frame) there is another cable inside from the back of the frame and the
plug-in bay. So there are a lot of connectors in series. It would only take
one of the 2 or 3 cables/conns from the LOs to the TG to be open for the Tg
to produce no output. I hesitate on this because without checking the manual
I am not sure whether you would get a marker in that state. Another though
but I dont remember whether it refers to this unit is that some RF heads
dont output the third LO with is 500MHz and this must be generated locally
in the TG . failure of this unit there would mean no output too. You dont
say whether you have measurable output from the TG (scope??) and whether it
is actually on the right frequency (I would imaginne the output goes via a
100MHz LPF so one osc off and no signal). Separate test equipment is better
than trying to define the problem all in the same two units.

Alan G3NYK

----- Original Message -----
From: "Chuck Harris" <cfharris@...>
To: <hp_agilent_equipment@...>
Sent: Friday, November 16, 2007 2:41 PM
Subject: Re: [hp_agilent_equipment] Re: HP-8443A Tracking Generator Problems

One very big problem with the 141T frame and its plug-ins, that can cause
many a vexing symptom, is the D style connector on the back of each
plug-in.
The aluminum framework that holds these D style connectors is too thin and
poorly braced to handle the insertion force necessary to properly mate the
connectors... particularly when the connectors get older, and dry of all
lubricant film... so, it just bends out of the way. Generally this
results in
a partially working SA.

Perhaps this has happened to yours?

-Chuck Harris





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Re: HP-8443A Tracking Generator Problems

David C. Hallam
 

Now I am getting confused.

The spectrum analyzer screen has a line designated CENTER FREQUENCY. As you
turn the frequency knob on the 8553B RF section to move a signal peak to
coincide with this line, you can read the frequency of the signal from the
linear scale on the 8553B.

When the 8443A tracking generator is connected to the 141T system, it
generates a marker on the CENTER FREQUENCY line of the 141T display. As
above, when you move a signal peak to coincide with this line and place the
marker at the top of the peak, the 8443A will display the frequency of the
signal.

The marker is on the CENTER FREQUENCY line of the screen all the times,
input signal or no input signal.

What is happening is there is no display of frequency on the 8443A at any
time. Even when the marker is centered on the signal peak.

The 8443A is also capable of being used as a stand alone frequency counter.
If I connect my signal generator to the 8443A in this mode, the 8443A will
display the frequency of the signal generator output.

David

-----Original Message-----
From: hp_agilent_equipment@...
[mailto:hp_agilent_equipment@...]On Behalf Of lothar baier
Sent: Friday, November 16, 2007 10:14 AM
To: hp_agilent_equipment@...
Subject: RE: [hp_agilent_equipment] Re: HP-8443A Tracking Generator
Problems


ok there are two basic ways to create a marker in a swept system, one is
called RF blanking the other one is called intensity modulation, ok usually
you have a control voltage thats proportional to your RF frequency, if the
analyzer sweeps its basically a ramp, each point of the ramp corresponds to
a certain frequency, you feed this signal to a comparator and compare it to
a DC voltage thats adjustable (coming from your marker pot) anytime the ramp
"hits" this threshold you get a pulse on your comparator output, you route
this pulse back into your display and use it to crank up the intensity just
a bit at this point and there you have a marker blip on your screen :) you
could also use this pulse to turn the RF of your TG off for just a moment
but then you would end up with a dark spot as a marker for a short time
instead of beein brighter.
Your statement about you seein a bright blip on your screen as a marker
along with the statement about you seen the marker even with the calibator
connected to your RF section input makes me certain that your markers are
intensity modulated !

"David C. Hallam" <dhallam@...> wrote:

-----Original Message-----
From: hp_agilent_equipment@...
[mailto:hp_agilent_equipment@...]On Behalf Of lothar baier
Sent: Friday, November 16, 2007 9:21 AM
To: hp_agilent_equipment@...
Subject: RE: [hp_agilent_equipment] Re: HP-8443A Tracking Generator
Problems

have you ever considered a 5345A ? they are cheap, and they go to 500MHz

The marker does not really say anything, most of the time markers are
blanked in on the sweep trace not on the RF level, i havent looked in the
manual but thats how most generators and sweepers are doing it, the fact
that you see a marker blip without the RF output of the generator beein
connected to the SA input supports this.

I don't understand this statement. I have the 8443A connected to
the 141T SA system with the interconnect cable. Without this there would
be
no marker blip on the 141T screen.

one possibility is to build a pre-scaler for your counter to extend the
frequency range, the other one is that i could loan you a 500MHz counter
so
you can do the testing

"
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Re: HP-8443A Tracking Generator Problems

 

Hi, just a though triggered by Chuck's posting. Some of the connectors for
the tracking gen were fitted as an "update" I think (without looking at my
frame) there is another cable inside from the back of the frame and the
plug-in bay. So there are a lot of connectors in series. It would only take
one of the 2 or 3 cables/conns from the LOs to the TG to be open for the Tg
to produce no output. I hesitate on this because without checking the manual
I am not sure whether you would get a marker in that state. Another though
but I dont remember whether it refers to this unit is that some RF heads
dont output the third LO with is 500MHz and this must be generated locally
in the TG . failure of this unit there would mean no output too. You dont
say whether you have measurable output from the TG (scope??) and whether it
is actually on the right frequency (I would imaginne the output goes via a
100MHz LPF so one osc off and no signal). Separate test equipment is better
than trying to define the problem all in the same two units.

Alan G3NYK

----- Original Message -----
From: "Chuck Harris" <cfharris@...>
To: <hp_agilent_equipment@...>
Sent: Friday, November 16, 2007 2:41 PM
Subject: Re: [hp_agilent_equipment] Re: HP-8443A Tracking Generator Problems


One very big problem with the 141T frame and its plug-ins, that can cause
many a vexing symptom, is the D style connector on the back of each
plug-in.
The aluminum framework that holds these D style connectors is too thin and
poorly braced to handle the insertion force necessary to properly mate the
connectors... particularly when the connectors get older, and dry of all
lubricant film... so, it just bends out of the way. Generally this
results in
a partially working SA.

Perhaps this has happened to yours?

-Chuck Harris
Re: HP-8443A Tracking Generator Problems

lothar baier
 

ok there are two basic ways to create a marker in a swept system, one is called RF blanking the other one is called intensity modulation, ok usually you have a control voltage thats proportional to your RF frequency, if the analyzer sweeps its basically a ramp, each point of the ramp corresponds to a certain frequency, you feed this signal to a comparator and compare it to a DC voltage thats adjustable (coming from your marker pot) anytime the ramp "hits" this threshold you get a pulse on your comparator output, you route this pulse back into your display and use it to crank up the intensity just a bit at this point and there you have a marker blip on your screen :) you could also use this pulse to turn the RF of your TG off for just a moment but then you would end up with a dark spot as a marker for a short time instead of beein brighter.
Your statement about you seein a bright blip on your screen as a marker along with the statement about you seen the marker even with the calibator connected to your RF section input makes me certain that your markers are intensity modulated !

"David C. Hallam" <dhallam@...> wrote:

-----Original Message-----
From: hp_agilent_equipment@...
[mailto:hp_agilent_equipment@...]On Behalf Of lothar baier
Sent: Friday, November 16, 2007 9:21 AM
To: hp_agilent_equipment@...
Subject: RE: [hp_agilent_equipment] Re: HP-8443A Tracking Generator
Problems

have you ever considered a 5345A ? they are cheap, and they go to 500MHz

The marker does not really say anything, most of the time markers are
blanked in on the sweep trace not on the RF level, i havent looked in the
manual but thats how most generators and sweepers are doing it, the fact
that you see a marker blip without the RF output of the generator beein
connected to the SA input supports this.

I don't understand this statement. I have the 8443A connected to
the 141T SA system with the interconnect cable. Without this there would be
no marker blip on the 141T screen.

one possibility is to build a pre-scaler for your counter to extend the
frequency range, the other one is that i could loan you a 500MHz counter so
you can do the testing

"
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Re: HP-8443A Tracking Generator Problems

David C. Hallam
 

-----Original Message-----
From: hp_agilent_equipment@...
[mailto:hp_agilent_equipment@...]On Behalf Of lothar baier
Sent: Friday, November 16, 2007 9:21 AM
To: hp_agilent_equipment@...
Subject: RE: [hp_agilent_equipment] Re: HP-8443A Tracking Generator
Problems


have you ever considered a 5345A ? they are cheap, and they go to 500MHz

The marker does not really say anything, most of the time markers are
blanked in on the sweep trace not on the RF level, i havent looked in the
manual but thats how most generators and sweepers are doing it, the fact
that you see a marker blip without the RF output of the generator beein
connected to the SA input supports this.

I don't understand this statement. I have the 8443A connected to
the 141T SA system with the interconnect cable. Without this there would be
no marker blip on the 141T screen.


one possibility is to build a pre-scaler for your counter to extend the
frequency range, the other one is that i could loan you a 500MHz counter so
you can do the testing

"
Recent Activity
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Get your business

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Send pics quick

Share photos while

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Yahoo! Groups
Going Green

Share your passion

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.
Re: HP-8443A Tracking Generator Problems

 

One very big problem with the 141T frame and its plug-ins, that can cause
many a vexing symptom, is the D style connector on the back of each plug-in.
The aluminum framework that holds these D style connectors is too thin and
poorly braced to handle the insertion force necessary to properly mate the
connectors... particularly when the connectors get older, and dry of all
lubricant film... so, it just bends out of the way. Generally this results in
a partially working SA.

Perhaps this has happened to yours?

-Chuck Harris

David C. Hallam wrote:

I don't have the test equipment you outlined. My counter is a HP-5245L and
limited to 50 MHz. I have been looking for additional plug-ins to extend
its range but at the moment I don't have any. My scope is a TEK 465 which
has a bandwidth of 100 MHz. Since my interest is in the HF (3-30 MHz)
portion of the ham radio spectrum, I just never saw the need to have
extended range test equipment.
I did what I will call a quick and dirty test. I connected the 30 MHz
calibration signal from the 8552B IF section to the RF input of the 8553B RF
section. At a 30 MHz setting on the 8553B frequency dial, I get the signal
peak on the 141T screen along with the marker from the 8443A. I can turn
the 8443A on and off and the marker pip also goes on and off. The 8433A
display reads all 0's.
If I set the 8443A to the external (counter) mode, it will correctly display
the frequency of a signal from my signal generator.
Rightly or wrongly, what do I conclude from all of this?
1 The counter portion of the 8443A is working correctly
2 The tracking generator working correctly
3 The no display problem in the tracking mode is related to counting of
the signal output of the tracking generator rather than a signal generation
problem in the tracking generator.
David
-----Original Message-----
From: hp_agilent_equipment@...
[mailto:hp_agilent_equipment@...]On Behalf Of
microwaveengineer1968
Sent: Thursday, November 15, 2007 9:31 PM
To: hp_agilent_equipment@...
Subject: [hp_agilent_equipment] Re: HP-8443A Tracking Generator Problems

This is the link for a manual for the 8443A
Now down to the bone my friend, i have looked at the manual and
compiled some preliminary checks for you to do, this assumes that you
have acess to a counter to 500MHz and maybe a powermeter or scope
with appropriate bandwidth.
First off you need to verify the operation of the tracking generator
portion of your unit, dont worry about the counter for now, basically
the 8443 receives three signals from the 8553 and 8552 units, those
signals are mixed together sequentially to form a 0-110MHz signal
which is then amplified and leveled, the manual has a nice block
diagram in it btw !
The first signal is a 200-310MHz which is basically the 1st LO of the
8553, the amplitude is supposed to be -6dBm, the next signal is a
150MHz fixed LO @ -2dBm and the third Signal is a 47MHz fixed lo @ -
7dBm
First connect your counter to the RF output of your 8443A, set the
attenuator to 0dB and then set the analyzer to zero span and tune the
frequency and see if the counter indicates a frequency reading in
accordance to your analyzer scale, if you dont get any indication you
will have to verify the presence of your LO signals, you may just
have a bad interconnect cable to your analyzer, measure the 150MHz
signal on A11 J1 (you have to remove the cable and then measure the
signal coming out of the cable) , measure the 47MHz signal on A13 J1
(once again measure whats coming out of the cable) and the 3MHz fixed
LO on J3 (cable) then move on to A9 J1 on this cable you should be
able to measure a signal from 200-310MHz the frequency should be
tuning when you turn the tuning knob on your RF Section.
Do those tests and let me know the outcome.
--- In hp_agilent_equipment@..., "David C. Hallam"
<dhallam@...> wrote:
>
> I have some problems with my 8443A and need help locating the
issues. The
> nixie tube display shows all 0. I believe the tracking generator
is still
> working because the marker is on the screen of the 141T. I can
connect the
> RF output of the 8443A to my HP-5245L counter which will display
the marker
> frequency. I can move the maker with 8533B frequency control and
the
> display on the 5245L will change with the movement of the marker.
>
> The 8443A will function as a counter because I can set it in the
external
> mode and use it as a frequency counter.
>
> I followed the counter trouble shooting tree in the manual and
reach the end
> point where it says to repair A5. However in the service section
for A5, I
> get oscilloscope displays from each of the 6 test points on A5 that
match
> the photo in the manual which leaves me wondering. I don't have the
> extender to remove the module from the 8443A and measure the
voltages, etc.
> at the points indicated on the repair table.
>
> Does anyone have any suggestions about what to do next? Is my
conclusion
> that the tracking generator portion functioning properly logical?
My skill
> level as an electronics technician is not that great with
instruments like
> this.
>
> David
> KC2JD/4
>
Yahoo! Groups Links
Re: 3575A - useful ?

John Day
 

At 06:06 AM 11/16/2007, you wrote:


----- Original Message -----
From: "John Day" <<mailto:johnday%40wordsnimages.com>johnday@...>
To:
<<mailto:hp_agilent_equipment%40yahoogroups.com>hp_agilent_equipment@...>
Sent: Friday, November 16, 2007 3:24 PM
Subject: Re: [hp_agilent_equipment] 3575A - useful ?

At 03:25 PM 11/15/2007, Dave Brown wrote:
Be aware there is a 3571 out there which is a later 'version' of the
3570 and looks to a first glance to be identical, but it does NOT
allow phase measurements, only relative amplitude.
The 3571A is in fact a tracking spectrum analyzer - a different
beast
altogether.

John
Hi John-
They are not really all that different. Main difference is one is dual
channel while the other is single channel.
In essence, both are dual conversion superhet receivers with
dedicated digital processing to control their measurement functions
and generate the log amplitude (dB) and (3570 only) phase angle
outputs.

<snipped>

(I had to cheat and go look at them both to read off the bandwidth
settings-no way I could remember that detail!)
You got the advantage on me, because I haven't physically seen either
of them for at least 10 years. It is all so long ago that I don't
remember details, but I know that we even had them together in a
single rack with the synthesizer, some other interface boxes and a HP
2100 series computer. Later the 2100's were replaced with what might
have been 21MX series, and eventually 9000 series 200's. Maybe they
were 226's in the mid-80's.

We used to use the same computers in automated RF spec-ans based on
the 141T/8555A and 8510 network analysers. The RF gear started out
with 9836's and moved to the 226's, the LF gear bypassed the 9836's.

All of this reminiscing makes me glad that today the equipment is
much smaller and lighter and more importantly doesn't produce
anything like the heat or noise!

John


Regards
DaveB, NZ
Re: opertunity to have uWaveEngineer1968 test his gear hobber - 8640B for $1

 

Yeah, I know. That's what I tried to remind everyone of: that you merely
asked for a set of gears to look at, then return.
No, you still misunderstand, I had no intention of returning the 8640B,
I intended to pay for it by providing gear sets, and by making the specs,
and gear sets available to anyone that wanted them.

I was willing to do the work, but wanted an 8640B /1/2/3 in return for the
effort. I don't know what you get paid, but $175 for a days work seems
like a give-away to me.
Ah ha, OK I get it, I guess no reading comprehension score for me that day :)

I gues it's still a fair enough deal. I wish I could get a good deal on two
8640Bs, then I could keep one, send you another one, and get the first one
fixed mechanically!

Cheers, Kuba
Re: HP-8443A Tracking Generator Problems

lothar baier
 

have you ever considered a 5345A ? they are cheap, and they go to 500MHz

The marker does not really say anything, most of the time markers are blanked in on the sweep trace not on the RF level, i havent looked in the manual but thats how most generators and sweepers are doing it, the fact that you see a marker blip without the RF output of the generator beein connected to the SA input supports this.
one possibility is to build a pre-scaler for your counter to extend the frequency range, the other one is that i could loan you a 500MHz counter so you can do the testing

"David C. Hallam" <dhallam@...> wrote:
I don't have the test equipment you outlined. My counter is a HP-5245L and
limited to 50 MHz. I have been looking for additional plug-ins to extend
its range but at the moment I don't have any. My scope is a TEK 465 which
has a bandwidth of 100 MHz. Since my interest is in the HF (3-30 MHz)
portion of the ham radio spectrum, I just never saw the need to have
extended range test equipment.

I did what I will call a quick and dirty test. I connected the 30 MHz
calibration signal from the 8552B IF section to the RF input of the 8553B RF
section. At a 30 MHz setting on the 8553B frequency dial, I get the signal
peak on the 141T screen along with the marker from the 8443A. I can turn
the 8443A on and off and the marker pip also goes on and off. The 8433A
display reads all 0's.

If I set the 8443A to the external (counter) mode, it will correctly display
the frequency of a signal from my signal generator.

Rightly or wrongly, what do I conclude from all of this?

1 The counter portion of the 8443A is working correctly
2 The tracking generator working correctly
3 The no display problem in the tracking mode is related to counting of
the signal output of the tracking generator rather than a signal generation
problem in the tracking generator.

David

-----Original Message-----
From: hp_agilent_equipment@...
[mailto:hp_agilent_equipment@...]On Behalf Of
microwaveengineer1968
Sent: Thursday, November 15, 2007 9:31 PM
To: hp_agilent_equipment@...
Subject: [hp_agilent_equipment] Re: HP-8443A Tracking Generator Problems


This is the link for a manual for the 8443A

Now down to the bone my friend, i have looked at the manual and
compiled some preliminary checks for you to do, this assumes that you
have acess to a counter to 500MHz and maybe a powermeter or scope
with appropriate bandwidth.
First off you need to verify the operation of the tracking generator
portion of your unit, dont worry about the counter for now, basically
the 8443 receives three signals from the 8553 and 8552 units, those
signals are mixed together sequentially to form a 0-110MHz signal
which is then amplified and leveled, the manual has a nice block
diagram in it btw !
The first signal is a 200-310MHz which is basically the 1st LO of the
8553, the amplitude is supposed to be -6dBm, the next signal is a
150MHz fixed LO @ -2dBm and the third Signal is a 47MHz fixed lo @ -
7dBm
First connect your counter to the RF output of your 8443A, set the
attenuator to 0dB and then set the analyzer to zero span and tune the
frequency and see if the counter indicates a frequency reading in
accordance to your analyzer scale, if you dont get any indication you
will have to verify the presence of your LO signals, you may just
have a bad interconnect cable to your analyzer, measure the 150MHz
signal on A11 J1 (you have to remove the cable and then measure the
signal coming out of the cable) , measure the 47MHz signal on A13 J1
(once again measure whats coming out of the cable) and the 3MHz fixed
LO on J3 (cable) then move on to A9 J1 on this cable you should be
able to measure a signal from 200-310MHz the frequency should be
tuning when you turn the tuning knob on your RF Section.
Do those tests and let me know the outcome.

--- In hp_agilent_equipment@..., "David C. Hallam"
<dhallam@...> wrote:

I have some problems with my 8443A and need help locating the
issues. The
nixie tube display shows all 0. I believe the tracking generator
is still
working because the marker is on the screen of the 141T. I can
connect the
RF output of the 8443A to my HP-5245L counter which will display
the marker
frequency. I can move the maker with 8533B frequency control and
the
display on the 5245L will change with the movement of the marker.

The 8443A will function as a counter because I can set it in the
external
mode and use it as a frequency counter.

I followed the counter trouble shooting tree in the manual and
reach the end
point where it says to repair A5. However in the service section
for A5, I
get oscilloscope displays from each of the 6 test points on A5 that
match
the photo in the manual which leaves me wondering. I don't have the
extender to remove the module from the 8443A and measure the
voltages, etc.
at the points indicated on the repair table.

Does anyone have any suggestions about what to do next? Is my
conclusion
that the tracking generator portion functioning properly logical?
My skill
level as an electronics technician is not that great with
instruments like
this.

David
KC2JD/4







---------------------------------
Be a better pen pal. Text or chat with friends inside Yahoo! Mail. See how.
Re: opertunity to have uWaveEngineer1968 test his gear hobber - 8640B for $1

 

On Tuesday 13 November 2007, Jack Hudler wrote:
Wha?!?! Epoxy doesn't stick to RTV
It better not :) You want to get your epoxy gears out of the RTV mold, right?

Cheers, Kuba
HP 6220B Schematic

Brian Beezley
 

Anyone have a schematic for the HP 6220B power supply? Mine's working,
but the meter is off. It even reads negative at very low voltages. I've
compensated somewhat with the mechanical meter zero adjustment, but the
reading is still not right over the entire range. I suspect the problem
is in the active circuitry that drives the meter. This circuitry is not
present in similar HP power supplies for which I have the schematic.

Brian
Re: HP-8443A Tracking Generator Problems

David C. Hallam
 

I don't have the test equipment you outlined. My counter is a HP-5245L and
limited to 50 MHz. I have been looking for additional plug-ins to extend
its range but at the moment I don't have any. My scope is a TEK 465 which
has a bandwidth of 100 MHz. Since my interest is in the HF (3-30 MHz)
portion of the ham radio spectrum, I just never saw the need to have
extended range test equipment.

I did what I will call a quick and dirty test. I connected the 30 MHz
calibration signal from the 8552B IF section to the RF input of the 8553B RF
section. At a 30 MHz setting on the 8553B frequency dial, I get the signal
peak on the 141T screen along with the marker from the 8443A. I can turn
the 8443A on and off and the marker pip also goes on and off. The 8433A
display reads all 0's.

If I set the 8443A to the external (counter) mode, it will correctly display
the frequency of a signal from my signal generator.

Rightly or wrongly, what do I conclude from all of this?

1 The counter portion of the 8443A is working correctly
2 The tracking generator working correctly
3 The no display problem in the tracking mode is related to counting of
the signal output of the tracking generator rather than a signal generation
problem in the tracking generator.

David

-----Original Message-----
From: hp_agilent_equipment@...
[mailto:hp_agilent_equipment@...]On Behalf Of
microwaveengineer1968
Sent: Thursday, November 15, 2007 9:31 PM
To: hp_agilent_equipment@...
Subject: [hp_agilent_equipment] Re: HP-8443A Tracking Generator Problems



This is the link for a manual for the 8443A

Now down to the bone my friend, i have looked at the manual and
compiled some preliminary checks for you to do, this assumes that you
have acess to a counter to 500MHz and maybe a powermeter or scope
with appropriate bandwidth.
First off you need to verify the operation of the tracking generator
portion of your unit, dont worry about the counter for now, basically
the 8443 receives three signals from the 8553 and 8552 units, those
signals are mixed together sequentially to form a 0-110MHz signal
which is then amplified and leveled, the manual has a nice block
diagram in it btw !
The first signal is a 200-310MHz which is basically the 1st LO of the
8553, the amplitude is supposed to be -6dBm, the next signal is a
150MHz fixed LO @ -2dBm and the third Signal is a 47MHz fixed lo @ -
7dBm
First connect your counter to the RF output of your 8443A, set the
attenuator to 0dB and then set the analyzer to zero span and tune the
frequency and see if the counter indicates a frequency reading in
accordance to your analyzer scale, if you dont get any indication you
will have to verify the presence of your LO signals, you may just
have a bad interconnect cable to your analyzer, measure the 150MHz
signal on A11 J1 (you have to remove the cable and then measure the
signal coming out of the cable) , measure the 47MHz signal on A13 J1
(once again measure whats coming out of the cable) and the 3MHz fixed
LO on J3 (cable) then move on to A9 J1 on this cable you should be
able to measure a signal from 200-310MHz the frequency should be
tuning when you turn the tuning knob on your RF Section.
Do those tests and let me know the outcome.


--- In hp_agilent_equipment@..., "David C. Hallam"
<dhallam@...> wrote:
>
> I have some problems with my 8443A and need help locating the
issues. The
> nixie tube display shows all 0. I believe the tracking generator
is still
> working because the marker is on the screen of the 141T. I can
connect the
> RF output of the 8443A to my HP-5245L counter which will display
the marker
> frequency. I can move the maker with 8533B frequency control and
the
> display on the 5245L will change with the movement of the marker.
>
> The 8443A will function as a counter because I can set it in the
external
> mode and use it as a frequency counter.
>
> I followed the counter trouble shooting tree in the manual and
reach the end
> point where it says to repair A5. However in the service section
for A5, I
> get oscilloscope displays from each of the 6 test points on A5 that
match
> the photo in the manual which leaves me wondering. I don't have the
> extender to remove the module from the 8443A and measure the
voltages, etc.
> at the points indicated on the repair table.
>
> Does anyone have any suggestions about what to do next? Is my
conclusion
> that the tracking generator portion functioning properly logical?
My skill
> level as an electronics technician is not that great with
instruments like
> this.
>
> David
> KC2JD/4
>
Re: HP-8443A Tracking Generator Problems

 

I have for sale most of the parts from a 8443A. Email me off list if I can help although postage from France may be expensive. I'm looking for a second-hand 08443-60009 inter-connect cable.
Steve

----- Original Message ----
From: microwaveengineer1968 <microwaveengineer1968@...>
To: hp_agilent_equipment@...
Sent: Friday, November 16, 2007 3:30:52 AM
Subject: [hp_agilent_equipment] Re: HP-8443A Tracking Generator Problems

. edebris.com/ manuals/hp/ 8443a/
This is the link for a manual for the 8443A

Now down to the bone my friend, i have looked at the manual and
compiled some preliminary checks for you to do, this assumes that you
have acess to a counter to 500MHz and maybe a powermeter or scope
with appropriate bandwidth.
First off you need to verify the operation of the tracking generator
portion of your unit, dont worry about the counter for now, basically
the 8443 receives three signals from the 8553 and 8552 units, those
signals are mixed together sequentially to form a 0-110MHz signal
which is then amplified and leveled, the manual has a nice block
diagram in it btw !
The first signal is a 200-310MHz which is basically the 1st LO of the
8553, the amplitude is supposed to be -6dBm, the next signal is a
150MHz fixed LO @ -2dBm and the third Signal is a 47MHz fixed lo @ -
7dBm
First connect your counter to the RF output of your 8443A, set the
attenuator to 0dB and then set the analyzer to zero span and tune the
frequency and see if the counter indicates a frequency reading in
accordance to your analyzer scale, if you dont get any indication you
will have to verify the presence of your LO signals, you may just
have a bad interconnect cable to your analyzer, measure the 150MHz
signal on A11 J1 (you have to remove the cable and then measure the
signal coming out of the cable) , measure the 47MHz signal on A13 J1
(once again measure whats coming out of the cable) and the 3MHz fixed
LO on J3 (cable) then move on to A9 J1 on this cable you should be
able to measure a signal from 200-310MHz the frequency should be
tuning when you turn the tuning knob on your RF Section.
Do those tests and let me know the outcome.


--- In hp_agilent_equipmen t@yahoogroups. com, "David C. Hallam"
<dhallam@... > wrote:

I have some problems with my 8443A and need help locating the
issues. The
nixie tube display shows all 0. I believe the tracking generator
is still
working because the marker is on the screen of the 141T. I can
connect the
RF output of the 8443A to my HP-5245L counter which will display
the marker
frequency. I can move the maker with 8533B frequency control and
the
display on the 5245L will change with the movement of the marker.

The 8443A will function as a counter because I can set it in the
external
mode and use it as a frequency counter.

I followed the counter trouble shooting tree in the manual and
reach the end
point where it says to repair A5. However in the service section
for A5, I
get oscilloscope displays from each of the 6 test points on A5 that
match
the photo in the manual which leaves me wondering. I don't have the
extender to remove the module from the 8443A and measure the
voltages, etc.
at the points indicated on the repair table.

Does anyone have any suggestions about what to do next? Is my
conclusion
that the tracking generator portion functioning properly logical?
My skill
level as an electronics technician is not that great with
instruments like
this.

David
KC2JD/4




____________________________________________________________________________________
Get easy, one-click access to your favorites.
Make Yahoo! your homepage.
Re: 3575A - useful ?

Dave Brown
 

----- Original Message -----
From: "John Day" <johnday@...>
To: <hp_agilent_equipment@...>
Sent: Friday, November 16, 2007 3:24 PM
Subject: Re: [hp_agilent_equipment] 3575A - useful ?


At 03:25 PM 11/15/2007, Dave Brown wrote:
Be aware there is a 3571 out there which is a later 'version' of the
3570 and looks to a first glance to be identical, but it does NOT
allow phase measurements, only relative amplitude.
The 3571A is in fact a tracking spectrum analyzer - a different beast
altogether.

John
Hi John-
They are not really all that different. Main difference is one is dual channel while the other is single channel.
In essence, both are dual conversion superhet receivers with dedicated digital processing to control their measurement functions and generate the log amplitude (dB) and (3570 only) phase angle outputs.

The 3570 and the 3571 share the same RX frequency scheme-20 MHz first IF and 100 kHz second IF. Both require the use of the 3330A/B synthesiser to provide the 0-13 MHz test signal and the RX LOs. (fixed 1MHz reference and variable 20-33 MHz tracking osc) The 3570 includes a power splitter to derive dual channel stimulus signals from the single 3330A/B synthesiser input.

The main differences are the 3570 is dual channel and has only three IF bandwidth settings (3kHz, 100 Hz and 10 Hz) while the single channel 3571 has eight IF bandwidths ranging between 10 kHz and 3 Hz.

The 3571 measures amplitude only.(not relative amplitude as I said in prior email) The 3570 is dual channel, and produces relative amplitude and phase measurements.

(I had to cheat and go look at them both to read off the bandwidth settings-no way I could remember that detail!)

Regards
DaveB, NZ
Re: HP-8443A Tracking Generator Problems

microwaveengineer1968
 


This is the link for a manual for the 8443A

Now down to the bone my friend, i have looked at the manual and
compiled some preliminary checks for you to do, this assumes that you
have acess to a counter to 500MHz and maybe a powermeter or scope
with appropriate bandwidth.
First off you need to verify the operation of the tracking generator
portion of your unit, dont worry about the counter for now, basically
the 8443 receives three signals from the 8553 and 8552 units, those
signals are mixed together sequentially to form a 0-110MHz signal
which is then amplified and leveled, the manual has a nice block
diagram in it btw !
The first signal is a 200-310MHz which is basically the 1st LO of the
8553, the amplitude is supposed to be -6dBm, the next signal is a
150MHz fixed LO @ -2dBm and the third Signal is a 47MHz fixed lo @ -
7dBm
First connect your counter to the RF output of your 8443A, set the
attenuator to 0dB and then set the analyzer to zero span and tune the
frequency and see if the counter indicates a frequency reading in
accordance to your analyzer scale, if you dont get any indication you
will have to verify the presence of your LO signals, you may just
have a bad interconnect cable to your analyzer, measure the 150MHz
signal on A11 J1 (you have to remove the cable and then measure the
signal coming out of the cable) , measure the 47MHz signal on A13 J1
(once again measure whats coming out of the cable) and the 3MHz fixed
LO on J3 (cable) then move on to A9 J1 on this cable you should be
able to measure a signal from 200-310MHz the frequency should be
tuning when you turn the tuning knob on your RF Section.
Do those tests and let me know the outcome.


--- In hp_agilent_equipment@..., "David C. Hallam"
<dhallam@...> wrote:

I have some problems with my 8443A and need help locating the
issues. The
nixie tube display shows all 0. I believe the tracking generator
is still
working because the marker is on the screen of the 141T. I can
connect the
RF output of the 8443A to my HP-5245L counter which will display
the marker
frequency. I can move the maker with 8533B frequency control and
the
display on the 5245L will change with the movement of the marker.

The 8443A will function as a counter because I can set it in the
external
mode and use it as a frequency counter.

I followed the counter trouble shooting tree in the manual and
reach the end
point where it says to repair A5. However in the service section
for A5, I
get oscilloscope displays from each of the 6 test points on A5 that
match
the photo in the manual which leaves me wondering. I don't have the
extender to remove the module from the 8443A and measure the
voltages, etc.
at the points indicated on the repair table.

Does anyone have any suggestions about what to do next? Is my
conclusion
that the tracking generator portion functioning properly logical?
My skill
level as an electronics technician is not that great with
instruments like
this.

David
KC2JD/4
Re: 3575A - useful ?

John Day
 

At 03:25 PM 11/15/2007, Dave Brown wrote:
Be aware there is a 3571 out there which is a later 'version' of the
3570 and looks to a first glance to be identical, but it does NOT
allow phase measurements, only relative amplitude.
The 3571A is in fact a tracking spectrum analyzer - a different beast altogether.

John
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