Re: first post - new home lab - tips on using HP/Agilent gear
Thank you Michael, yes, I think they are 75-ohm, so … at short distances (in the same rack) what can I do to match the 50-ohm interfaces with the test equipment. I bought this years ago, and didn’t think of what would happen when I connected it … ? Here are some specs from the GE INTERLOGIX KALATEL KTS-250-16. Am I wrong in assuming that this could be useful, or I should I dump it and source a RF divider/combiner with 50-ohm interfaces and save on the hassle ? ? ? What’s interesting is the “self-termination feature” .. mentioned from the brochure: ? The KTS-250-16 is a video distribution amplifier that features eight group of input/output channels. Each group can be configured as a single 1x8 video distribution amplifier or two 1x4 video distribution amplifiers. This enables users to set multiple configurations from 8 to 16 inputs by up to 64 outputs. Each output provides unity gain into a 75-ohm load ensuring that the output signal is equal to that of the input. Unused outputs self terminate. ? Eight input/output groups; each configurable as a 1 x 8 video distribution amplifier or two 1 x 4 video distribution amplifiers l l Equal video strength for all outputs l Color compatible l Unused outputs are self-terminating l NTSC and PAL compatible l Only 3.5 inches (2U) of rack space ? Electrical l Input voltage: 12 VAC/15 VDC l Input power: 0.8 VA l Video input voltage: 0.5 to 2 V pk-pk Video l Inputs: Up to 16 l Outputs: Up to 64 l Impedance: 75 ohm, inputs and outputs l Bandwidth: 16 MHz l Signal-to-noise ratio: -75 dB RMS typical l Crosstalk: -85 dB typical l Gain (into a 75-ohm load): 0 dB ± 0.5 dB typical l Differential gain: 0.5% typical l Differential phase: 0.5° typical Connections l Power: 2.1 mm x 5.5-mm; center-positive jack l Video: BNC connectors Controls l Mode selector switch ? ? ?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
From: [email protected] < [email protected]> On Behalf Of Michael A. Terrell Sent: Tuesday, May 24, 2022 3:38 AM To: [email protected]Subject: Re: [HP-Agilent-Keysight-equipment] first post - new home lab - tips on using HP/Agilent gear ? Are the video amplifiers 50 or 75 ohm? ? Hi, I recently cheaply (< $700) acquired working (they power on) set from a deceased engineer's estate sale in the US: - HP 8566B 100 Hz - 22 GHz spectrum analyzer (two sections)?
- HP 8671B CW Synthesized Generator (2-18 GHz)
I have used HP/Keysight/Agilent systems in labs before, but this time these are "mine" :-)? I also have a (nicely serviced and working) HP 5342A Microwave Frequency counter, that should be good to 18 GHz, and I want to experiment (I am a ham radio operator, engineer) with RF signals for TX, RX by designing a few PCBs using microwave semiconductors, FPGA etc.,?
I also have coming soon to my home lab a GPS disciplined oscillator, 10 MHz OCXO ref, with a single output, but from another project I have a unity-gain 16-bank (1 in, 4 output) BNC video distribution panel, which if all sixteen (16) inputs were utilized, would produce 64 outputs. So, can I ask in general for some assorted configuration tips please? - When the CW Generator is turned on,after warm up, what is the procedure to check if the power meter (left side) is functional? the right side does power up with illuminated symbols - and frequency adjustment can be done manually, but what about the left side, what should I be seeing to verify functionality - other than RF produced that can be "seen" in the spectrum analyzer - I know that unit works.?
- Assuming I want to distribute 10 Mhz clock, ;is distributing the master clock ref via BNC T-connectors? worse than individual lines from the unity amplifier bank??
- Assuming a single 10 MHz clock distributed: how do I verify "correct operation" of the Spec. An + CW Generator + Frequency Counter ? What are the go/no-go tests??
- I want to use automation to record and run tests - and have an available LINUX workstation in the same rack with PCI-E x1 and x16 slots available. Any tips on LINUX GPIB etc? Is a GPIB-USB better than GPIB-Ethernet for accessing multiple machines? Any horror stories? How is the support in LINUX compared to Windows 10/11 nowadays for GPIB users who don't have NI toolsets yet?
- is earthing a big deal between the units if they are fed from the same power distribution unit on a single phase??
Thanks for your time. For convenience I have numbered the questions above. Didn't want to create too many topics on this first day of joining this group.?
|
Re: first post - new home lab - tips on using HP/Agilent gear
Oh, forgot about the need to terminate the _unused_ outputs, been a long time. I grew up with thick ethernet, CSMA/CD 10 Mbps, so should have remembered the water pipe flow paradigm. ? So, if we have GE Interlogix bank of distribution amplifiers: x16 channels, with x1 IN and x4 OUT (A,B,C,D) in each bank, can I do the following: Take the signal output from the GPSDO: and do: ? Make a chain of Ch 1 IN, Ch 2 IN, Ch 3 IN via BNC tee connections, with a terminator at the end. ? Then the x12 OUT ports, feed them to different devices, and terminate the unused ports? ? I do need to get advise on 75-ohm, 50-ohm, in response to another forum member, that is something I don’t have experience in. I’ll ask in the other e-mail. Here is a picture of the unit, it’s in the rack now. ?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
From: [email protected] < [email protected]> On Behalf Of Lothar baier Sent: Tuesday, May 24, 2022 12:10 AM To: [email protected]Subject: Re: [HP-Agilent-Keysight-equipment] first post - new home lab - tips on using HP/Agilent gear ? Generally use the distribution amplifier outputs it’s the best way to do it and also make sure to terminate the unused outputs ! As far as the 8671B concerns, turn on the unit and let it warm up,? make sure the ALC switch is set to INT , Set the RF Switch to ON , use the big knob to set the range to 0dBm and the vernier knob to set the meter to read 0dBm , there should be no annunciator be on except the ALC INT and RF ON , connect the power meter to the RF Output and your power meter should read 0dbm ,? change the range to 10dBm , your unlevel light may come on if so reduce the level using the vernier knob to 8dBm or less ( the spec for the 8671B is 8dBm if I remember correctly ) , your power meter should agree with the meter in the 8671B within about 1Db or so however consider that this generation of generators is not as accurate as later model generators such as the 8360 series or PSG ! ? ? Hi, I recently cheaply (< $700) acquired working (they power on) set from a deceased engineer's estate sale in the US: - HP 8566B 100 Hz - 22 GHz spectrum analyzer (two sections)?
- HP 8671B CW Synthesized Generator (2-18 GHz)
I have used HP/Keysight/Agilent systems in labs before, but this time these are "mine" :-)? I also have a (nicely serviced and working) HP 5342A Microwave Frequency counter, that should be good to 18 GHz, and I want to experiment (I am a ham radio operator, engineer) with RF signals for TX, RX by designing a few PCBs using microwave semiconductors, FPGA etc.,?
I also have coming soon to my home lab a GPS disciplined oscillator, 10 MHz OCXO ref, with a single output, but from another project I have a unity-gain 16-bank (1 in, 4 output) BNC video distribution panel, which if all sixteen (16) inputs were utilized, would produce 64 outputs. So, can I ask in general for some assorted configuration tips please? - When the CW Generator is turned on,after warm up, what is the procedure to check if the power meter (left side) is functional? the right side does power up with illuminated symbols - and frequency adjustment can be done manually, but what about the left side, what should I be seeing to verify functionality - other than RF produced that can be "seen" in the spectrum analyzer - I know that unit works.?
- Assuming I want to distribute 10 Mhz clock, ;is distributing the master clock ref via BNC T-connectors? worse than individual lines from the unity amplifier bank??
- Assuming a single 10 MHz clock distributed: how do I verify "correct operation" of the Spec. An + CW Generator + Frequency Counter ? What are the go/no-go tests??
- I want to use automation to record and run tests - and have an available LINUX workstation in the same rack with PCI-E x1 and x16 slots available. Any tips on LINUX GPIB etc? Is a GPIB-USB better than GPIB-Ethernet for accessing multiple machines? Any horror stories? How is the support in LINUX compared to Windows 10/11 nowadays for GPIB users who don't have NI toolsets yet?
- is earthing a big deal between the units if they are fed from the same power distribution unit on a single phase??
Thanks for your time. For convenience I have numbered the questions above. Didn't want to create too many topics on this first day of joining this group.?
|
Re: 53181A 3 GHz prescaler from China
Thanks for the input.? I ordered one from China.? I will see what
happens.?? As Lothar said, it is worth $40 to take a chance.? I am
sure they were all built off the same plans available on Github so
it should work.
Tom
On 5/24/2022 5:26 AM, maurit via
groups.io wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
Many years ago I remade/copied the original Agilent card.
It works fine.
I think the Chinese did the same thing industrially.
_._,_
|
Re: HP 8662A Power up - overvoltage shutdown
My guess would be that something else in the control loop is faulty. Because it kind sounds like it is working ok in a steady state condition,?but not to transients. Or is conditionally stable.
There should be some kind of soft start in the loop also, so I’d check that out first. Common causes are bad electrolytics - I had a supply once that caused me some head scratching until I found a 1uF electrolytic in the feedback loop that was bad.
I’d also check any circuitry attached to the failed transistor. Is the current sense resistor still good?
|
Re: HP 8662A Power up - overvoltage shutdown
Hi Tony
I should have said. the mains voltage sensors are VR1 and VR2.? Use ONLY a none grounded instrument such as a hand held DMM to make mesurements around them.? Use of Grounded instruments such as a scope will result in tears and damage
G Edmonds
|
Re: HP 8662A Power up - overvoltage shutdown
Hi Tony
The overvoltage sensors are VR1 and VR2, has one gone faulty?
G Edmonds
|
Re: HP 8662A Power up - overvoltage shutdown
A question or so:
1) is the equipment supposed to run at 230 VAC?? Are you in a
region where you could get 240?? Is it specified for that?
2) any idea if it's a supply triggering this, or a general
overvoltage condition?
3) what happens if the supply is started at, say, 220 and then
the input is run to the current line voltage (or 240)?
4) if you have a scope, put it across each power supply (if you
can't figure out which triggers the shutdown), and turn on the
equipment in both the good and bad situations.? You might be able
to see if a supply overshoots.
5) check the values of the parts in the circuit determining the
overvoltage condition, they may have drifted, or if there's a
filter to eliminate transients, it may have open capacitors.
Harvey
On 5/24/2022 10:22 AM, Tony wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
Digging a bit more I find that the PSU will start successfully at
220V AC and at 225V AC. But at 230V AC and above it throws and
over-voltage error.
Not quite sure where to take it now...
Tony
|
Re: HP 8662A Power up - overvoltage shutdown
Digging a bit more I find that the PSU will start successfully at 220V AC and at 225V AC. But at 230V AC and above it throws and over-voltage error.
Not quite sure where to take it now...
Tony
|
Re: first post - new home lab - tips on using HP/Agilent gear
If I'm not mistaken, the designer of the 8671/8672 is (or at least was) on this mailing list. Perhaps he'll chime in.
-Dave
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On 5/24/22 00:09, Lothar baier wrote: Generally use the distribution amplifier outputs it’s the best way to do it and also make sure to terminate the unused outputs !
As far as the 8671B concerns, turn on the unit and let it warm up,? make sure the ALC switch is set to INT , Set the RF Switch to ON , use the big knob to set the range to 0dBm and the vernier knob to set the meter to read 0dBm , there should be no annunciator be on except the ALC INT and RF ON , connect the power meter to the RF Output and your power meter should read 0dbm ,? change the range to 10dBm , your unlevel light may come on if so reduce the level using the vernier knob to 8dBm or less ( the spec for the 8671B is 8dBm if I remember correctly ) , your power meter should agree with the meter in the 8671B within about 1Db or so however consider that this generation of generators is not as accurate as later model generators such as the 8360 series or PSG !
*From:* [email protected] <[email protected]> *On Behalf Of *Samudra via groups.io
*Sent:* Monday, May 23, 2022 9:41 PM
*To:* [email protected]
*Subject:* [HP-Agilent-Keysight-equipment] first post - new home lab - tips on using HP/Agilent gear
Hi, I recently cheaply (< $700) acquired working (they power on) set from a deceased engineer's estate sale in the US:
* HP 8566B 100 Hz - 22 GHz spectrum analyzer (two sections)
* HP 8671B CW Synthesized Generator (2-18 GHz)
I have used HP/Keysight/Agilent systems in labs before, but this time these are "mine" :-)? I also have a (nicely serviced and working) HP 5342A Microwave Frequency counter, that should be good to 18 GHz, and I want to experiment (I am a ham radio operator, engineer) with RF signals for TX, RX by designing a few PCBs using microwave semiconductors, FPGA etc.,
I also have coming soon to my home lab a GPS disciplined oscillator, 10 MHz OCXO ref, with a single output,*but from another project I have a unity-gain 16-bank (1 in, 4 output) BNC video distribution panel,* which if all sixteen (16) inputs were utilized, would produce 64 outputs. So, can I ask in general for some assorted configuration tips please?
1. When the CW Generator is turned on,after warm up, what is the
procedure to check if the power meter (left side) is functional? the
right side does power up with illuminated symbols - and frequency
adjustment can be done manually, but what about the left side, what
should I be seeing to verify functionality - other than RF produced
that can be "seen" in the spectrum analyzer - I know that unit works.
2. Assuming I want to distribute 10 Mhz clock, ;is distributing the
master clock ref via BNC T-connectors? worse than individual lines
from the unity amplifier bank?
3. Assuming a single 10 MHz clock distributed: how do I verify "correct
operation" of the Spec. An + CW Generator + Frequency Counter ? What
are the go/no-go tests?
4. I want to use automation to record and run tests - and have an
available LINUX workstation in the same rack with PCI-E x1 and x16
slots available. Any tips on LINUX GPIB etc? Is a GPIB-USB better
than GPIB-Ethernet for accessing multiple machines? Any horror
stories? How is the support in LINUX compared to Windows 10/11
nowadays for GPIB users who don't have NI toolsets yet?
5. is earthing a big deal between the units if they are fed from the
same power distribution unit on a single phase? Thanks for your time. For convenience I have numbered the questions above. Didn't want to create too many topics on this first day of joining this group.
--
Dave McGuire, AK4HZ
New Kensington, PA
|
Re: HP 8662A Power up - overvoltage shutdown
I have not measured it to be frank.
But both of the above tests were with the variac set to 230V - either powering on the instrument and turning it up gradually, or otherwise setting the variac to 230V and then powering on the instrument.
So the supply voltage should be more or less identical in both cases.
Tony
|
Re: HP 8662A Power up - overvoltage shutdown
Hi Tony
What is your actual mains voltage?
G Edmonds
|
HP 8662A Power up - overvoltage shutdown
Hi,
I'm hoping somebody can advise me how to approach a power-on issue with my HP 8662A signal generator.
It came with a faulty power supply and I went through a detailed fault finding process and traced the problem to a drive transistor on one side of the PWM inverter drive. With that replaced the PSU has successfully?gone through all subsequent tests of the 4 individual power supply PCBs.
I have a dummy load connected to the various power supply output rails so they are all loaded - but nowhere near to full rating.
When I turn the instrument on and then bring the 230V mains up on a variac it starts perfectly - all supplies have green LEDs and are bang-on spec.
If however I apply full mains and then power on the instrument the PSU starts momentarily?and then shuts down with the red over-voltage LED lit. Its a bit frustrating.
Wondering if there is a surge at switch-on that is tripping the over voltage detection?
Any suggestions, or if anybody has seen this before, would be great.
thanks
Tony
|
Re: 53181A 3 GHz prescaler from China
Many years ago I remade/copied the original Agilent card. It works fine. I think the Chinese did the same thing industrially. 
|
Re: first post - new home lab - tips on using HP/Agilent gear
Are the video amplifiers 50 or 75 ohm?
Hi, I recently cheaply (< $700) acquired working (they power on) set from a deceased engineer's estate sale in the US:
- HP 8566B 100 Hz - 22 GHz spectrum analyzer (two sections)?
- HP 8671B CW Synthesized Generator (2-18 GHz)
I have used HP/Keysight/Agilent systems in labs before, but this time these are "mine" :-)? I also have a (nicely serviced and working) HP 5342A Microwave Frequency counter, that should be good to 18 GHz, and I want to experiment (I am a ham radio operator, engineer) with RF signals for TX, RX by designing a few PCBs using microwave semiconductors, FPGA etc.,?
I also have coming soon to my home lab a GPS disciplined oscillator, 10 MHz OCXO ref, with a single output, but from another project I have a unity-gain 16-bank (1 in, 4 output) BNC video distribution panel, which if all sixteen (16) inputs were utilized, would produce 64 outputs. So, can I ask in general for some assorted configuration tips please?
- When the CW Generator is turned on,after warm up, what is the procedure to check if the power meter (left side) is functional? the right side does power up with illuminated symbols - and frequency adjustment can be done manually, but what about the left side, what should I be seeing to verify functionality - other than RF produced that can be "seen" in the spectrum analyzer - I know that unit works.?
- Assuming I want to distribute 10 Mhz clock, ;is distributing the master clock ref via BNC T-connectors? worse than individual lines from the unity amplifier bank??
- Assuming a single 10 MHz clock distributed: how do I verify "correct operation" of the Spec. An + CW Generator + Frequency Counter ? What are the go/no-go tests??
- I want to use automation to record and run tests - and have an available LINUX workstation in the same rack with PCI-E x1 and x16 slots available. Any tips on LINUX GPIB etc? Is a GPIB-USB better than GPIB-Ethernet for accessing multiple machines? Any horror stories? How is the support in LINUX compared to Windows 10/11 nowadays for GPIB users who don't have NI toolsets yet?
- is earthing a big deal between the units if they are fed from the same power distribution unit on a single phase??
Thanks for your time. For convenience I have numbered the questions above. Didn't want to create too many topics on this first day of joining this group.?
|
Re: Frequency range of HP 5352B frequency counter
Hi Dave,
There is some info in these posts:
Seems as the only difference is the connector and cable.
I have not yet tried to do the change to convert my 5351B to a 52. I don't have anything this high in frequency to test with.
Regards, Askild
On Tue, May 24, 2022 at 3:55 AM Dr. David Kirkby, Kirkby Microwave Ltd < drkirkby@...> wrote: On Tue, 24 May 2022 at 02:45, Lothar baier < Lothar@...> wrote:
Yes the 5352 was 40GHz however HP used the back panel for different models not just the 52 , the 5361B pulse counter for example had options for 26 and 40GHz and the 5352 had options for 46GHz
Thank you. Do you know if it’s possible to extend the frequency range to 46 GHz? Not that I can think of a use between 40 & 47 GHz, nut if an upgrade is possible, I might be interested.?
Dave?
Dr. David Kirkby, Kirkby Microwave Ltd, drkirkby@...Telephone 01621-680100./ +44 1621 680100 Registered in England & Wales, company number 08914892. Registered office: Stokes Hall Lodge, Burnham Rd, Althorne, Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 6DT, United Kingdom
|
Re: HP 3465A offset when input shorted
On Mon, May 23, 2022 at 04:23 PM, Chris Smith wrote:
Hi all,
Just obtained a rather sick HP3465A (the 4.5 digit one, not the big 6.5 digit unit). It is functioning but there is a one sided offset on measurements which is proportional to the divider/amplifier arrangement.?To clarify, if I short the inputs at 2V it floats reading +.0035. If I short at 20V range it sits around +0.648 volts. These measurements are much larger at turn on and drift down slowly. If I stick a 9V battery on the inputs it reads 9.995 in one polarity and -9.206 in opposite polarity as an example.
I am currently devoid of a scope and am working on this with a rather shonky Fluke 25 at my disposal so running through the SM diagnostics is problematic. I have a better DMM in flight (34401A) and am sourcing a scope at the moment.
I have checked the following things:
1. Power supply -> OK
2. input to Q16 -> seems ok (caveated)
3. input to U3 -> seems ok (caveated)?
4. COMPTP point -> seems ok (caveated)
5. AZTP point -> seems ok (caveated)
caveated = limited measurement capability here.
Any help appreciated. If anyone has any tribal knowledge or debugging approaches I would appreciate it.
----- Since you already confirmed some of the internal node voltages, is it correct to assume you followed sections 5-31 and 5-32 in the service manual? Could you not zero the offset with the "ZERO ADJ" and what was the offset of the input amplifier ?(DCTP) when Q16 input was shorted? Ozan
|
Re: first post - new home lab - tips on using HP/Agilent gear
Generally use the distribution amplifier outputs it’s the best way to do it and also make sure to terminate the unused outputs !
As far as the 8671B concerns, turn on the unit and let it warm up,? make sure the ALC switch is set to INT , Set the RF Switch to ON , use the big knob to set the range to 0dBm and the vernier knob to set the meter to read 0dBm , there
should be no annunciator be on except the ALC INT and RF ON , connect the power meter to the RF Output and your power meter should read 0dbm ,? change the range to 10dBm , your unlevel light may come on if so reduce the level using the vernier knob to 8dBm
or less ( the spec for the 8671B is 8dBm if I remember correctly ) , your power meter should agree with the meter in the 8671B within about 1Db or so however consider that this generation of generators is not as accurate as later model generators such as the
8360 series or PSG !
?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
From: [email protected] < [email protected]>
On Behalf Of Samudra via groups.io
Sent: Monday, May 23, 2022 9:41 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [HP-Agilent-Keysight-equipment] first post - new home lab - tips on using HP/Agilent gear
?
Hi, I recently cheaply (< $700) acquired working (they power on) set from a deceased engineer's estate sale in the US:
-
HP 8566B 100 Hz - 22 GHz spectrum analyzer (two sections)?
-
HP 8671B CW Synthesized Generator (2-18 GHz)
I have used HP/Keysight/Agilent systems in labs before, but this time these are "mine" :-)? I also have a (nicely serviced and working) HP 5342A Microwave Frequency counter, that should be good to 18 GHz, and
I want to experiment (I am a ham radio operator, engineer) with RF signals for TX, RX by designing a few PCBs using microwave semiconductors, FPGA etc.,?
I also have coming soon to my home lab a GPS disciplined oscillator, 10 MHz OCXO ref, with a single output, but from another project I have a unity-gain 16-bank (1 in, 4 output) BNC video distribution panel,
which if all sixteen (16) inputs were utilized, would produce 64 outputs. So, can I ask in general for some assorted configuration tips please?
-
When the CW Generator is turned on,after warm up, what is the procedure to check if the power meter (left side) is functional? the right side does power up with illuminated symbols - and frequency adjustment can be done manually, but what about the left side,
what should I be seeing to verify functionality - other than RF produced that can be "seen" in the spectrum analyzer - I know that unit works.?
-
Assuming I want to distribute 10 Mhz clock, ;is distributing the master clock ref via BNC T-connectors? worse than individual lines from the unity amplifier bank??
-
Assuming a single 10 MHz clock distributed: how do I verify "correct operation" of the Spec. An + CW Generator + Frequency Counter ? What are the go/no-go tests??
-
I want to use automation to record and run tests - and have an available LINUX workstation in the same rack with PCI-E x1 and x16 slots available. Any tips on LINUX GPIB etc? Is a GPIB-USB better than GPIB-Ethernet for accessing multiple machines? Any horror
stories? How is the support in LINUX compared to Windows 10/11 nowadays for GPIB users who don't have NI toolsets yet?
-
is earthing a big deal between the units if they are fed from the same power distribution unit on a single phase??
Thanks for your time. For convenience I have numbered the questions above. Didn't want to create too many topics on this first day of joining this group.?
|
Re: 53181A 3 GHz prescaler from China
I bought one a while back for my 53132A. I haven't done much testing of it, but it seems to work just fine.?
Keith
|
Re: HP 8640 Bad Frequency Counter
Sounds like one or more of the fingers in the range switch have let go of their supporting disc.? If that's the case, they're probably wandering around in the bottom of the cabinet so carefully removing the covers (particularly the lower one) and looking for tiny switch finger parts is advised.
If that's the case and you find them, they can be secured back in place with epoxy, cyanoacrylate glue, etc.
Good luck with it. Barry - N4BUQ
From: "Phil N6WKZ" <n6wkz@...>
To: "HP-Agilent-Keysight-equipment" <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, May 23, 2022 9:32:28 PM
Subject: [HP-Agilent-Keysight-equipment] HP 8640 Bad Frequency Counter
Hello All,
Can someone point me in the right direction?
The HP 8640 has output on all ranges.
The frequency counter is accurate on the 4 to 8 MHZ range ONLY.
ALL other ranges are way off.
Any ideas?
73
Phil N6WKZ
|
first post - new home lab - tips on using HP/Agilent gear
Hi, I recently cheaply (< $700) acquired working (they power on) set from a deceased engineer's estate sale in the US:
- HP 8566B 100 Hz - 22 GHz spectrum analyzer (two sections)?
- HP 8671B CW Synthesized Generator (2-18 GHz)
I have used HP/Keysight/Agilent systems in labs before, but this time these are "mine" :-)? I also have a (nicely serviced and working) HP 5342A Microwave Frequency counter, that should be good to 18 GHz, and I want to experiment (I am a ham radio operator, engineer) with RF signals for TX, RX by designing a few PCBs using microwave semiconductors, FPGA etc.,? I also have coming soon to my home lab a GPS disciplined oscillator, 10 MHz OCXO ref, with a single output, but from another project I have a unity-gain 16-bank (1 in, 4 output) BNC video distribution panel, which if all sixteen (16) inputs were utilized, would produce 64 outputs. So, can I ask in general for some assorted configuration tips please?
- When the CW Generator is turned on,after warm up, what is the procedure to check if the power meter (left side) is functional? the right side does power up with illuminated symbols - and frequency adjustment can be done manually, but what about the left side, what should I be seeing to verify functionality - other than RF produced that can be "seen" in the spectrum analyzer - I know that unit works.?
- Assuming I want to distribute 10 Mhz clock, ;is distributing the master clock ref via BNC T-connectors? worse than individual lines from the unity amplifier bank??
- Assuming a single 10 MHz clock distributed: how do I verify "correct operation" of the Spec. An + CW Generator + Frequency Counter ? What are the go/no-go tests??
- I want to use automation to record and run tests - and have an available LINUX workstation in the same rack with PCI-E x1 and x16 slots available. Any tips on LINUX GPIB etc? Is a GPIB-USB better than GPIB-Ethernet for accessing multiple machines? Any horror stories? How is the support in LINUX compared to Windows 10/11 nowadays for GPIB users who don't have NI toolsets yet?
- is earthing a big deal between the units if they are fed from the same power distribution unit on a single phase??
Thanks for your time. For convenience I have numbered the questions above. Didn't want to create too many topics on this first day of joining this group.?
|
EI2KU
Dave McGuire
maurit
Michael A. Terrell