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Hp-8443A Tracking Generator Problems
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David C. Hallam
Thank you to all who replied to my request for help. I now understand more
about the operation of this piece of test gear and also believe the solution to my problem is more complex than I originally thought. Given the investment in time, money, and effort it will take to acquire and/or fabricate things like circuit board extenders and jumper cables with those goofy (Yes I still think HP used "goofy" connectors, they aren't SMA, SMB, SMC, or SM* anything) connectors on one end and BNC on the other, I believe it might be more expeditious to find another 8443A I can purchase, only after verification that it is working properly, than to attempt the repair of mine. I will do what trouble shooting I can without those items before writing this one off. David KC2JD/4 |
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David C. Hallam wrote:
IDavid if you do look for another one, try to find a later one with LED displays rather than nixie tubes, they are a little bit more reliable. But they are pretty easy to work on, all in all, given a modicum of test gear. I'd bet it is probably something very minor wrong with yours. And it's probably ten years since I had the lid off mine, but I don't remember anything odd about the coax connectors inside, SMC I think. Good luck, Dan |
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lothar baier
usually HP used SMC and SMB on the inside of most instrument, i havent seen anything special in any of the HP Gear
Dan Rae <danrae@...> wrote: David C. Hallam wrote: IDavid if you do look for another one, try to find a later one with LED displays rather than nixie tubes, they are a little bit more reliable. But they are pretty easy to work on, all in all, given a modicum of test gear. I'd bet it is probably something very minor wrong with yours. And it's probably ten years since I had the lid off mine, but I don't remember anything odd about the coax connectors inside, SMC I think. Good luck, Dan --------------------------------- Be a better pen pal. Text or chat with friends inside Yahoo! Mail. See how. |
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They did call them by an obsolete name, "selectro" (or was it "sealectro"?).
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-----Original Message----- |
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J Forster
Sealectro is a brand. They made SMA, SMB, SMC, and a number of other miniature
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coax connectors. They ALSO made a number of proprietary types in addition to the standards. As to 'goofy', do you mean the D connectors w/ the mix of coax and ordinary pins? -John David Wise wrote: They did call them by an obsolete name, "selectro" (or was it "sealectro"?). |
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I didn't call them goofy, David Hallam (the OP) did.
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You and I are referring to what's more commonly called "Hybrid-D" connectors. (From context, I judge that David Hallam is thinking of the SMB (SMC?) plugs on the inter-assembly cables inside the instrument. The hybrid-D of interest in this thread actually has no standard D contacts at all, it's all coaxes. Which by the way are called "Size 8". Not to inundate you with 8's, but the connector pin layout is called "8W8", which predictably means 8 contacts 8 of which are coax. Regards, Dave Wise -----Original Message----- |
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David C. Hallam
I did call them GOOFY because that is what they are. They are goofy because
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I think the only place in the whole world they were used was the jacks and plugs for the cables of the connections between modules of the 8443A. They are not SMA, SMB, or SMC. I have looked at drawing of each of these types are the are not same as what HP used. I have no idea what they are or where to obtain them. I would certainly appreciate it if anyone could identify them along with a source of supply. As far as I am concerned their official description is "unobtainiun". David KC2JD/4 -----Original Message-----
From: hp_agilent_equipment@... [mailto:hp_agilent_equipment@...]On Behalf Of David Wise Sent: Friday, November 16, 2007 5:03 PM To: hp_agilent_equipment@... Subject: RE: [hp_agilent_equipment] Hp-8443A Tracking Generator Problems I didn't call them goofy, David Hallam (the OP) did. You and I are referring to what's more commonly called "Hybrid-D" connectors. (From context, I judge that David Hallam is thinking of the SMB (SMC?) plugs on the inter-assembly cables inside the instrument. The hybrid-D of interest in this thread actually has no standard D contacts at all, it's all coaxes. Which by the way are called "Size 8". Not to inundate you with 8's, but the connector pin layout is called "8W8", which predictably means 8 contacts 8 of which are coax. Regards, Dave Wise > -----Original Message----- > From: hp_agilent_equipment@... > [mailto:hp_agilent_equipment@...]On Behalf Of J Forster > Sent: Friday, November 16, 2007 2:02 PM > To: hp_agilent_equipment@... > Subject: Re: [hp_agilent_equipment] Hp-8443A Tracking > Generator Problems > > > Sealectro is a brand. They made SMA, SMB, SMC, and a number > of other miniature > coax connectors. They ALSO made a number of proprietary types > in addition to the > standards. > > As to 'goofy', do you mean the D connectors w/ the mix of > coax and ordinary > pins? > > -John > > > > David Wise wrote: > > > They did call them by an obsolete name, "selectro" (or was > it "sealectro"?). > > > > > > > Yahoo! Groups Links > > > > |
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If you can email me photographs, I'll compare them to
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what's in my 8443A. But it doesn't really matter. The only important one for your present purpose is A6W1, the one from the RF amp to the counter's INT input. All you have to do is scope it long enough to verify that there's RF there; this can be accomplished without an adaptor. Dave Wise -----Original Message----- |
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J Forster
They are very likely Sealectro or MicroDot. If you email me a (small ) pic of
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both M and F, off list, I'll see if I can ID them. If they are gold plated with Teflon insulation between center and outer conductors, Sealectro is the most likely choice. -John David C. Hallam wrote: I did call them GOOFY because that is what they are. They are goofy because |
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David C. Hallam
John,
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They are gold plated and have Teflon insulation. I'll send a couple of pictures tomorrow. I hope you can identify them and give a source of supply. What is your email address? David -----Original Message-----
From: hp_agilent_equipment@... [mailto:hp_agilent_equipment@...]On Behalf Of J Forster Sent: Friday, November 16, 2007 6:45 PM To: hp_agilent_equipment@... Subject: Re: [hp_agilent_equipment] Hp-8443A Tracking Generator Problems They are very likely Sealectro or MicroDot. If you email me a (small ) pic of both M and F, off list, I'll see if I can ID them. If they are gold plated with Teflon insulation between center and outer conductors, Sealectro is the most likely choice. -John David C. Hallam wrote: > I did call them GOOFY because that is what they are. They are goofy because > I think the only place in the whole world they were used was the jacks and > plugs for the cables of the connections between modules of the 8443A. They > are not SMA, SMB, or SMC. I have looked at drawing of each of these types > are the are not same as what HP used. I have no idea what they are or > where to obtain them. I would certainly appreciate it if anyone could > identify them along with a source of supply. As far as I am concerned their > official description is "unobtainiun". > > David > KC2JD/4 |
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J Forster
jfor@...
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As to a source, there are a number of distributers, but they will likely be expensive. -J David C. Hallam wrote: John, |
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Dave Brown
David-
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If they ARE microdots, then it may be an option to recover a connector plus a short length of coax from surplus equipment-depending on what test lead(s?) you want to make up. Microdots were used in 76 and 78 series Lenkurt (analog microwave radio) gear-for example. But pictures are essential to know exactly what you need. DaveB, NZ ----- Original Message -----
From: "J Forster" <jfor@...> To: <hp_agilent_equipment@...> Sent: Saturday, November 17, 2007 4:32 PM Subject: Re: [hp_agilent_equipment] Hp-8443A Tracking Generator Problems jfor@... |
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w6sfh
Gentlemen,
I have two HP 8443 tracking generators, one is an "A" model with the counter and one is a "B" model without the counter. Both use SMB connectors on the coaxes that interconnect the individual PC board assemblies. SMC connectors are used on the step attenuators and the blocking capacitor assembly on the output connector. Note that one end of each RF cable is permanently attached to the cover of the PC board assembly. I worked for Hewlett-Packard at the factory where the HP 8443's were manufactured and I don't recall ever seeing anything but SMB and SMC connectors used for this type of application in those days. As for the interconnect cable from the tracking generator to the spectrum analyzer, it's not necessary to have the connector shell. If you can find the appropriate coax connector inserts (sorry, but I don't know the part numbers), they can be used without the shell, as there is enough friction to hold them in place when inserted into the connectors on the tracking generator and spectrum analyzer rear panels. The positions on each end correspond one-for-one. Of course you'll have to be careful not to dislodge the connectors, but for bench top applications this should not be a problem. Also, the system may not pass the original specifications for radiated emissions and susceptability without the original interconnect cable, but again this may not be a problem for most applications. Regards, Bob Dildine --- In hp_agilent_equipment@..., "Dave Brown" <tractorb@...> wrote: connector plus a short length of coax from surplus equipment-depending onwhat test lead(s?) you want to make up. Microdots were used in 76 and 78source Forsterof GeneratorSent: Friday, November 16, 2007 6:45 PM andProblems areouter thegoofy of8443A. theythese anyoneare or could |
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w6sfh wrote:
I've already said this but nobody wants to believe it Bob. But great to get it confirmed from the source. As for the interconnect cable from the tracking generator to the spectrum analyzer, it's not necessary to have the connector shell. If you can find the appropriate coax connector inserts (sorry, but I don't know the part numbers), they can be used without the shell,The 8W8 shells are readily available, from Mouser, among others. Quite cheaply in fact. $3 or $4 from memory. The coax inserts are also available as are metal shrouds and the slide locks 73 Dan ac6ao |
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J Forster
It turns out they are 50 Ohm SMBs.
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Interestingly SMBs have become a lot more common (and cheaper) recently because of GPS and wireless networking and extension cables and adapters are now readily available on eBay. Best, -John w6sfh wrote: Gentlemen, David C. Hallam wrote:John, |
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David C. Hallam
I guess I have to amend my posting and apologize to HP. I misread the
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drawing for the SMB connector and in fact these connectors are SMB. They are not "goofy". Also, I think I have located a 500 MHz plug-in for my 5245L counter. Now, if I could just find the extender cards to service the modules, I would be on my way to relatively painless trouble shooting of the 8443A. Repairs may be another matter. David KC2JD/4 -----Original Message-----
From: hp_agilent_equipment@... [mailto:hp_agilent_equipment@...]On Behalf Of David C. Hallam Sent: Friday, November 16, 2007 6:19 PM To: hp_agilent_equipment@... Subject: RE: [hp_agilent_equipment] Hp-8443A Tracking Generator Problems I did call them GOOFY because that is what they are. They are goofy because I think the only place in the whole world they were used was the jacks and plugs for the cables of the connections between modules of the 8443A. They are not SMA, SMB, or SMC. I have looked at drawing of each of these types are the are not same as what HP used. I have no idea what they are or where to obtain them. I would certainly appreciate it if anyone could identify them along with a source of supply. As far as I am concerned their official description is "unobtainiun". David KC2JD/4 -----Original Message----- From: hp_agilent_equipment@... [mailto:hp_agilent_equipment@...]On Behalf Of David Wise Sent: Friday, November 16, 2007 5:03 PM To: hp_agilent_equipment@... Subject: RE: [hp_agilent_equipment] Hp-8443A Tracking Generator Problems I didn't call them goofy, David Hallam (the OP) did. You and I are referring to what's more commonly called "Hybrid-D" connectors. (From context, I judge that David Hallam is thinking of the SMB (SMC?) plugs on the inter-assembly cables inside the instrument. The hybrid-D of interest in this thread actually has no standard D contacts at all, it's all coaxes. Which by the way are called "Size 8". Not to inundate you with 8's, but the connector pin layout is called "8W8", which predictably means 8 contacts 8 of which are coax. Regards, Dave Wise > -----Original Message----- > From: hp_agilent_equipment@... > [mailto:hp_agilent_equipment@...]On Behalf Of J Forster > Sent: Friday, November 16, 2007 2:02 PM > To: hp_agilent_equipment@... > Subject: Re: [hp_agilent_equipment] Hp-8443A Tracking > Generator Problems > > > Sealectro is a brand. They made SMA, SMB, SMC, and a number > of other miniature > coax connectors. They ALSO made a number of proprietary types > in addition to the > standards. > > As to 'goofy', do you mean the D connectors w/ the mix of > coax and ordinary > pins? > > -John > > > > David Wise wrote: > > > They did call them by an obsolete name, "selectro" (or was > it "sealectro"?). > > > > > > > Yahoo! Groups Links > > > > |
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lothar baier
the coax contacts are made by ITT Cannon as well as some other companies, you can buy them from mouser, digi key or pasternack, the only problem is that they are crimped on the outside so you need a crimping tool.
pasternack also sells cables with the contacts already crimped on but they run about $20ea, howewer if you consider the cost of a contact @ $3-4ea, the time you spend stripping the coax and about $50-100 for the crimping tool you might want to consider buying the cables ready made J Forster <jfor@...> wrote: It turns out they are 50 Ohm SMBs. Interestingly SMBs have become a lot more common (and cheaper) recently because of GPS and wireless networking and extension cables and adapters are now readily available on eBay. Best, -John w6sfh wrote: Gentlemen, David C. Hallam wrote:John, --------------------------------- Get easy, one-click access to your favorites. Make Yahoo! your homepage. |
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lothar baier
you might want to try ebay, another way is to find the connectors or strip them out of a old unit and then make a PCB board for it, all you need is the spacing for the board.
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If you dont have any way of etching boards and dont want a boarshop doing it you can just get a strip of 2 sided FR4 about 1" wide, layout your contacts with a ruler and then use a dremel tool or a sharp knive to cut insulation channels in between the contacts, use a piece of ribbon cable to connect this contact to the female part (the green connector) and there you made yourself a extender board ! most of the RF stuff is routed trough coax so the contacts only carry DC and control signals David C. Hallam" <dhallam@...> wrote: I guess I have to amend my posting and apologize to HP. I misread the drawing for the SMB connector and in fact these connectors are SMB. They are not "goofy". Also, I think I have located a 500 MHz plug-in for my 5245L counter. Now, if I could just find the extender cards to service the modules, I would be on my way to relatively painless trouble shooting of the 8443A. Repairs may be another matter. David KC2JD/4 -----Original Message-----
From: hp_agilent_equipment@... [mailto:hp_agilent_equipment@...]On Behalf Of David C. Hallam Sent: Friday, November 16, 2007 6:19 PM To: hp_agilent_equipment@... Subject: RE: [hp_agilent_equipment] Hp-8443A Tracking Generator Problems I did call them GOOFY because that is what they are. They are goofy because I think the only place in the whole world they were used was the jacks and plugs for the cables of the connections between modules of the 8443A. They are not SMA, SMB, or SMC. I have looked at drawing of each of these types are the are not same as what HP used. I have no idea what they are or where to obtain them. I would certainly appreciate it if anyone could identify them along with a source of supply. As far as I am concerned their official description is "unobtainiun". David KC2JD/4 -----Original Message----- From: hp_agilent_equipment@... [mailto:hp_agilent_equipment@...]On Behalf Of David Wise Sent: Friday, November 16, 2007 5:03 PM To: hp_agilent_equipment@... Subject: RE: [hp_agilent_equipment] Hp-8443A Tracking Generator Problems I didn't call them goofy, David Hallam (the OP) did. You and I are referring to what's more commonly called "Hybrid-D" connectors. (From context, I judge that David Hallam is thinking of the SMB (SMC?) plugs on the inter-assembly cables inside the instrument. The hybrid-D of interest in this thread actually has no standard D contacts at all, it's all coaxes. Which by the way are called "Size 8". Not to inundate you with 8's, but the connector pin layout is called "8W8", which predictably means 8 contacts 8 of which are coax. Regards, Dave Wise -----Original Message----- --------------------------------- Be a better pen pal. Text or chat with friends inside Yahoo! Mail. See how. |
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