¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

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.?


Lothar baier
 

¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

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.?


 

Are the video amplifiers 50 or 75 ohm?

On Mon, May 23, 2022 at 10:58 PM Samudra <samudra.haque@...> wrote:
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.?


 

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

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


 

¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

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.

?

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 !

?

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.?


 

¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

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 ¡À 0.5 dB typical

l Differential gain: 0.5% typical

l Differential phase: 0.5¡ã typical

Connections

l Power: 2.1 mm x 5.5-mm; center-positive jack

l Video: BNC connectors

Controls

l Mode selector switch

?

?

?

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?

?

On Mon, May 23, 2022 at 10:58 PM Samudra <samudra.haque@...> wrote:

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.?


 

Thanks for the precise instructions - I will do that this coming weekend after another session of home renovations in the new place is complete. I'm bookmarking this.?


 

Samudra,

I did this with a KTS-250 (the smaller version, setup as 1 input x 8 outputs) and I changed everything to 50 Ohms... works great. Not sure you need to though.
Have the schematic somewhere in my stash. Not much to it. I think the resistors are in a SIP so I used the DIY method instead of buying some.

I would NOT recommend connecting all the inputs together as that would load the GPSDO too much. If you need more than 8 references, better to:
Feed GPSDO output to KTS input. Use 1 of the 8 KTS outputs and connect to another KTS input. Etc, etc. Then each KTS group will have 7 reference outputs except the last one will have 8.

Follow that?

Have fun!

Mark


 

On Tue, May 24, 2022 at 03:37 AM, Michael A. Terrell wrote:
Are the video amplifiers 50 or 75 ohm?

?
I found a very hiqh quality detailed breakdown video on YouTube.about GE Interlogix? Kalatel?KTS-250-16 (my unit)?

??by W2AEW (2015)


 

On Tue, May 24, 2022 at 11:58 AM, Mark Bielman wrote:
Samudra,

I did this with a KTS-250 (the smaller version, setup as 1 input x 8 outputs) and I changed everything to 50 Ohms... works great. Not sure you need to though.
Have the schematic somewhere in my stash. Not much to it. I think the resistors are in a SIP so I used the DIY method instead of buying some.

I would NOT recommend connecting all the inputs together as that would load the GPSDO too much. If you need more than 8 references, better to:
Feed GPSDO output to KTS input. Use 1 of the 8 KTS outputs and connect to another KTS input. Etc, etc. Then each KTS group will have 7 reference outputs except the last one will have 8.

Follow that?

Have fun!

Mark
Interesting.- thank you Mark. I don't mind DIY, if I had a schematic. I would appreciate a suggestion if we can convert it 50 ohm distribution. That's a resistor network at the end of the signal path or so, per the youtube video tear down I think. But if 75/50 ohm in such a small signal chain is not really critical for distributing 10 MHz, to a short few runs of BNC cable - then all the better. Yes, I did get the tip to use two stages for distribution of the 10 MHz ref clock.?

The GPSDO device is s a Chinese clone of PLL-GPSDO BG7TBL. Just arrived and waiting for it to warm up with the antenna outside my window. The output is noted as "SINE WAVE,6dBm+-2dB", so that's fairly hefty and wondering if this is useful or do we need to attenuate it for a cleaner signal? I'll hook up an oscilloscope shortly to see the 10 MHz carrier.?

Do HP equipment mind a sine-wave and not a square wave? Haven't read the big manuals yet in detail :-)?


 

From the time-nuts side of things, the general consensus is that the mismatch between 50 and 75 ohms at the typical 5 or 10 MHz distribution frequency is a complete non-issue. Even more so when you realize that the reference inputs on a lot of devices aren't very close to 50 ohms, anyway. (I just had to use a 50 ohm feedthrough at the end of a piece of coax to stop ringing from causing bad jitter in a test circuit.)

On 5/24/22 11:15, Samudra wrote:
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 ¡À 0.5 dB typical
l Differential gain: 0.5% typical
l Differential phase: 0.5¡ã typical
Connections
l Power: 2.1 mm x 5.5-mm; center-positive jack
l Video: BNC connectors
Controls
l Mode selector switch
*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?
On Mon, May 23, 2022 at 10:58 PM Samudra <samudra.haque@... <mailto:samudra.haque@...>> wrote:
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.


 

¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

I think these "prefer" a sine wave but will accept either.


From: [email protected] <[email protected]> on behalf of Samudra <samudra.haque@...>
Sent: Tuesday, May 24, 2022 10:34 AM
To: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: [HP-Agilent-Keysight-equipment] first post - new home lab - tips on using HP/Agilent gear
?
On Tue, May 24, 2022 at 11:58 AM, Mark Bielman wrote:
Samudra,

I did this with a KTS-250 (the smaller version, setup as 1 input x 8 outputs) and I changed everything to 50 Ohms... works great. Not sure you need to though.
Have the schematic somewhere in my stash. Not much to it. I think the resistors are in a SIP so I used the DIY method instead of buying some.

I would NOT recommend connecting all the inputs together as that would load the GPSDO too much. If you need more than 8 references, better to:
Feed GPSDO output to KTS input. Use 1 of the 8 KTS outputs and connect to another KTS input. Etc, etc. Then each KTS group will have 7 reference outputs except the last one will have 8.

Follow that?

Have fun!

Mark
Interesting.- thank you Mark. I don't mind DIY, if I had a schematic. I would appreciate a suggestion if we can convert it 50 ohm distribution. That's a resistor network at the end of the signal path or so, per the youtube video tear down I think. But if 75/50 ohm in such a small signal chain is not really critical for distributing 10 MHz, to a short few runs of BNC cable - then all the better. Yes, I did get the tip to use two stages for distribution of the 10 MHz ref clock.?

The GPSDO device is s a Chinese clone of PLL-GPSDO BG7TBL. Just arrived and waiting for it to warm up with the antenna outside my window. The output is noted as "SINE WAVE,6dBm+-2dB", so that's fairly hefty and wondering if this is useful or do we need to attenuate it for a cleaner signal? I'll hook up an oscilloscope shortly to see the 10 MHz carrier.?

Do HP equipment mind a sine-wave and not a square wave? Haven't read the big manuals yet in detail :-)?


 

I replace the 75 ohm resistors that are in series with the output connectors with 50 ohm. The Inputs on the amps that I convert are high impedance, with loop through so I can easily configure a unit for a single input and up to 64 outputs. Or I can feed other frequencies through each of the eight plug in 350 MHz video amplifiers.
I also have some remote controlled video routers to select which output goes where. These were pulled from a commercial TV station when it was moved to a new site and converted to HD.


On Tue, May 24, 2022 at 1:34 PM Samudra <samudra.haque@...> wrote:
On Tue, May 24, 2022 at 11:58 AM, Mark Bielman wrote:
Samudra,

I did this with a KTS-250 (the smaller version, setup as 1 input x 8 outputs) and I changed everything to 50 Ohms... works great. Not sure you need to though.
Have the schematic somewhere in my stash. Not much to it. I think the resistors are in a SIP so I used the DIY method instead of buying some.

I would NOT recommend connecting all the inputs together as that would load the GPSDO too much. If you need more than 8 references, better to:
Feed GPSDO output to KTS input. Use 1 of the 8 KTS outputs and connect to another KTS input. Etc, etc. Then each KTS group will have 7 reference outputs except the last one will have 8.

Follow that?

Have fun!

Mark
Interesting.- thank you Mark. I don't mind DIY, if I had a schematic. I would appreciate a suggestion if we can convert it 50 ohm distribution. That's a resistor network at the end of the signal path or so, per the youtube video tear down I think. But if 75/50 ohm in such a small signal chain is not really critical for distributing 10 MHz, to a short few runs of BNC cable - then all the better. Yes, I did get the tip to use two stages for distribution of the 10 MHz ref clock.?

The GPSDO device is s a Chinese clone of PLL-GPSDO BG7TBL. Just arrived and waiting for it to warm up with the antenna outside my window. The output is noted as "SINE WAVE,6dBm+-2dB", so that's fairly hefty and wondering if this is useful or do we need to attenuate it for a cleaner signal? I'll hook up an oscilloscope shortly to see the 10 MHz carrier.?

Do HP equipment mind a sine-wave and not a square wave? Haven't read the big manuals yet in detail :-)?