¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

  1. HP-Agilent-Keysight-Equipment
  2. Topics

HP instruments with stereo FM composite signal output capability + HP8904A Option 001 question

 

Hi all,
A couple of questions in a rather eclectic post:
  • Which HP units known to this community can output stereo FM composite signal? I am aware of, for instance, the HP8904A/001 option. I'm sure there must be others. This would allow me to throw a wider net in my searches out there.?
  • I am aware 8904A/001 option does this, but one thing I'm not sure of is how to identify option 001 on a given unit. It doesn't seem to be a checkbox conspicuously displayed on a tag at the rear of the unit or something like that.?
Thank you all for your input!?
Radu.?
 

Are you looking only for a baseband generator or are you also considering RF generators with stereo FM capability?

Options are usually listed on a tag on the back of the instrument like this one on an 8904A ebay listing:

options tag.JPG

 

A simple way is to pick up a used broadcast audio processor that has composite output and feed it into a signal generator of your choice providing it can handle a 50 kHz bandwidth input.

?

I have a little Inovonics David III processor that works wonderfully with several of the lab generators.? Although it is a little later model unit and still draws a considerable price in used condition I have seen old CRL units out there from time to time that can be had for a song.? All of them contain provisions to adjust audio gain and pilot level.

Not only do you get a composite signal but the audio is nicely processed as well.

?

Greg
 

I already have an FM Generator with stereo FM capability (a Panasonic VP-8174A). I was just looking for specific composite signal output including stereo?ingredients.

I actually just grabbed the one with the options listed on the back after a bit of back and forth on the price. With HP instruments, I tend to trust they're in perfect operating condition, particularly as that one seems to show confirmed level/frequency by another instrument.?

Still interested in learning about others. Calibrated output (level, frequency, signal components, etc.) is a big plus for me.

Thank you for your input!?
Radu.?


On Sat, Feb 26, 2022 at 9:14 AM Greg Muir via <big_sky_explorer=[email protected]> wrote:

A simple way is to pick up a used broadcast audio processor that has composite output and feed it into a signal generator of your choice providing it can handle a 50 kHz bandwidth input.

?

I have a little Inovonics David III processor that works wonderfully with several of the lab generators.? Although it is a little later model unit and still draws a considerable price in used condition I have seen old CRL units out there from time to time that can be had for a song.? All of them contain provisions to adjust audio gain and pilot level.

Not only do you get a composite signal but the audio is nicely processed as well.

?

Greg
 

I have a Panasonic VP-7633P Multiplex Stereo Modulator that had been giving good service but started to produce some errant behavior. Unfortunately there is no service or operation documentation available for this unit and Panasonic even denies its existence.

Greg
 

Greg,
I have some files for my specific Panasonic FM generator?model (owner manual and schematic), but I can't find one for yours in places I'm aware of. But I am seeing this:?, and I wonder if maybe they'd have the service manual. They're very specific on advertising what they can service. I'd give them a call?...?
Hope you'll find it, ultimately.?
Radu.?

On Sat, Feb 26, 2022 at 2:56 PM Greg Muir via <big_sky_explorer=[email protected]> wrote:

I have a Panasonic VP-7633P Multiplex Stereo Modulator that had been giving good service but started to produce some errant behavior. Unfortunately there is no service or operation documentation available for this unit and Panasonic even denies its existence.

Greg
 

¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

It may not be Panasonic, but Panasonic is the parent company.

Does it have another name on it?? I have an audio distortion meter and had an incredible difficulty finding anything on it, finally did.

it was a VP-7721A.? Mine was branded under "National".

and yes, very difficult to find documentation.

Harvey



On 2/26/2022 5:56 PM, Greg Muir via groups.io wrote:

I have a Panasonic VP-7633P Multiplex Stereo Modulator that had been giving good service but started to produce some errant behavior. Unfortunately there is no service or operation documentation available for this unit and Panasonic even denies its existence.

Greg
 

They useNational in many parts of the world, but in the United States we already had National Radio. The top level is Matsushita.

On Sat, Feb 26, 2022 at 7:34 PM Harvey White <madyn@...> wrote:

It may not be Panasonic, but Panasonic is the parent company.

Does it have another name on it?? I have an audio distortion meter and had an incredible difficulty finding anything on it, finally did.

it was a VP-7721A.? Mine was branded under "National".

and yes, very difficult to find documentation.

Harvey



On 2/26/2022 5:56 PM, Greg Muir via wrote:

I have a Panasonic VP-7633P Multiplex Stereo Modulator that had been giving good service but started to produce some errant behavior. Unfortunately there is no service or operation documentation available for this unit and Panasonic even denies its existence.

Greg
 

Radu and all,

?

I did come across the ¡°microprecision¡± website but have not contacted them.? From past experience I have had little luck dealing with these sorts of business because they want for? you to send your unit in for repair ($$$).? I may try but have little hope.

?

I am also aware that that these products were marketed under the ¡°National¡± brand but have never seen any documentation relating to this name also from searching.?

?

The VP-7635x unit is a close match but has a few added features as seen on the front panel.? But, again, searches for any service information brought up nothing although there was found a specification sheet for this model.? I did find an operating manual for the 7637 but it is a totally different unit.

?

Greg
 

I have a Leader 2316 FM stereo generator I auctioned-in some years ago. It does produce all the stereo signals with L and R external inputs. It looks very much like the Panasonic or National units, and of course no service manual either.

When I wanted to use it for alignment of an FM tuner I had some doubts as to the precision of levels. In turn I configures the 8645A to produce the same signals so I could compare them, and in the end I only used the Leader for final checks and listening to something else than sinusoidal sounds ;-)

cheers
Martin
 

Hi Martin,

If you still need a manual, please let me know. I'd happily email it to you.

-- Cheers,
Tom

--
Prof. Thomas H. Lee
Allen Ctr., Rm. 205
350 Jane Stanford Way
Stanford University
Stanford, CA 94305-4070

On 2/28/2022 00:47, Martin via groups.io wrote:
I have a Leader 2316 FM stereo generator I auctioned-in some years ago. It does produce all the stereo signals with L and R external inputs. It looks very much like the Panasonic or National units, and of course no service manual either.

When I wanted to use it for alignment of an FM tuner I had some doubts as to the precision of levels. In turn I configures the 8645A to produce the same signals so I could compare them, and in the end I only used the Leader for final checks and listening to something else than sinusoidal sounds ;-)

cheers
Martin

1 - 11 of 11