Re: Recommended software for the 8920B?

#491

8920A or B reads/writes either DOS or LIF depending on how the card is initialized (formatted).

The card tells the instrument what it is.? File naming may be important for compatibility.
It was pointed out earlier, that a old PCI connector could accept an epson card but the instrument
already does that so maybe there is a way to load it via rs232 without a intermediate cobble.
I'm sure HP wouldn't have told us how.

Found some 1mb Epson (Grid) cards on ebay from zizigulu.? He has a 97% rating so it was a gamble.
The cover was starting to lift near the battery but a couple of dots of contact cement fixed it.
Way more storage than I know what to do with.? May eat a battery quicker for being big.

Re: Recommended software for the 8920B?

#490

I want to thank everyone for the help in getting it running for me - Really appreciate all the help that you guys provided.

Here is what I ended up doing (ignoring the faffing around that was also a key part of the experience):

I used an old Thinkpad T20 that I've had since the late '90s (I think) - It has 2 PCMCIA slots on it
Upgraded to Win98SE - I had just MS-DOS 5 installed on it as I was using it for some R&S software that needed an NI GPIB-323
Previously I had purchased a flash memory card from eBay just for this - The card I bought was an IBM 2Mb Flash Card, part number 0934290 - I plugged it into the T20 and after the PCMCIA Card Services files were installed (with the requisite flashback to me filing a bug asking why this requires me to find my original CD again and it couldn't just be cached as part of the required files YMMV), the card was ready to go.
Installed the MCE app that JB suggested - I needed to use low memory launch - It's basically a command-line option that you pass to the app - The app installed placed two shortcuts on the desktop and when the Low Memory Value one worked I didn't bother to look into it further.
I grabbed the binary file for the 11807E from the files section here -?/g/HP8924-Family-Spectrum-Analyzers/files/1Separate%20miscellaneous%20files/11807Eopt100.bin
Dragging and dropping this onto the MCE let the T20 write the image to the card
Shutting down and transferring the card to the 8920B enabled me to use it there
On the 8920B, hit the TESTS button and select CARD as the program location, find RF TOOLS in the list of apps and execute it - Warning, it took the better part of 2 ice ages for it to launch on the 8920B but I might just be impatient - It ended up ranging without problems.

I'd like to thank everyone again for the help.

Feel free to let me know if you have any questions about what I did - happy to let you know what I experienced and save you some time if I can.

TonyG

Re: Recommended software for the 8920B?

#489

开云体育

How come me my name shouts in the "From" field of this forum when the settings in my Thunderbird only capitalise the the 1st letters of my name and not all of it :-\

On 06/03/2022 23:23, DANIEL RAFFERTY wrote:

Show quoted text

That's weird, because the file opened for me in windows 8 with no specialised software app.

On 06/03/2022 19:06, Tony Goodhew wrote:

Thanks Robert,

There seems to be an issue with the zip file though - 7-Zip is reporting:

Size: 12 504 775

Packed Size: 11 428 897

Folders: 9

Files: 20

CRC: B992A3D1

------------------------:?

Path: C:\Users\tony_\Downloads\Memory card (2).zip

Type: zip

Error: Missing volume : Memory card (2).z01

Physical Size: 1 193 143

Total Physical Size: 1 193 143

Multivolume: +

Volume Index: 2

Volumes: 3

------------------------:?

------------------------:?

Any ideas? Was this a multi-part archive by any chance?

Thanks,

TonyG

Re: Recommended software for the 8920B?

#488

开云体育

That's weird, because the file opened for me in windows 8 with no specialised software app.

On 06/03/2022 19:06, Tony Goodhew wrote:

Show quoted text

Thanks Robert,

There seems to be an issue with the zip file though - 7-Zip is reporting:

Size: 12 504 775

Packed Size: 11 428 897

Folders: 9

Files: 20

CRC: B992A3D1

------------------------:?

Path: C:\Users\tony_\Downloads\Memory card (2).zip

Type: zip

Error: Missing volume : Memory card (2).z01

Physical Size: 1 193 143

Total Physical Size: 1 193 143

Multivolume: +

Volume Index: 2

Volumes: 3

------------------------:?

------------------------:?

Any ideas? Was this a multi-part archive by any chance?

Thanks,

TonyG

Re: Recommended software for the 8920B?

#487

Note my reply with zipped attachment was not meant to go to the group and the zip file is incomplete. If a moderator can remove it that would be good.

Robert G8RPI.

Re: Recommended software for the 8920B?

#486

I have only managed to get the RF TOOLS card to work by copying an image of the card (.BIN file) or by loading into a 8920B and then copying back to a RAM card.

As far as I know the 8920B writes to cards in LIF format. Some, maybe all firmware versions can read/write DOS RAM cards. NONE can write to FLASH cards. Obviously Flash cards are preferable because RAM cards lose their data easily

I cannot source EPSON cards for the 8920A and don't have an A to test them in if I did. I do have an EPSON connector. Some avionic equipment used the same card format for databases. Unfortunately they had the cards well locked down for copying due to the cost of the data.

Robert G8RPI.

Re: Recommended software for the 8920B?

#485

Actually Robert - Don't worry I tried the software JB pointed me to and it works so I think I'm good on that.

My question now is that it seems the process accepts only 1 file to be written to the flash card, any pointers on how to go about assembling the files from the the RFTools folder here in the group, into a binary that can be written to the card?

Thanks,
TonyG

Re: Recommended software for the 8920B?

#484

?

I don't seem to be able to unzip it either using a couple of different unzippers.

?

Ralph

_._,_._,_

_._,_

Re: Recommended software for the 8920B?

#483

Thanks Robert,

There seems to be an issue with the zip file though - 7-Zip is reporting:

Size: 12 504 775

Packed Size: 11 428 897

Folders: 9

Files: 20

CRC: B992A3D1

------------------------:?

Path: C:\Users\tony_\Downloads\Memory card (2).zip

Type: zip

Error: Missing volume : Memory card (2).z01

Physical Size: 1 193 143

Total Physical Size: 1 193 143

Multivolume: +

Volume Index: 2

Volumes: 3

------------------------:?

------------------------:?

Any ideas? Was this a multi-part archive by any chance?

Thanks,

TonyG

Re: Recommended software for the 8920B?

#482
Edited

?

Hi Tony,

See attached. I spent many hours sorting the answer to what card, PC and software worked first time around.

?

Robert G8RPI.

?

On Sunday, 6 March 2022, 05:08:14 GMT, Tony Goodhew <tony_goodhew@...> wrote:

?

Thanks, Ralph & Robert,

I pulled out my old IBM T20 (haven't used this since the late 90's and only kept it because of the PCMCIA slots and that it would run an old NI GPIB-232 adapter I needed for some R&S gear)?that I can use with the card I bought Dad - Man, I wish I'd read your comment Robert before I started trying to get this working again, would have asked you for a card...

Anyway, I have it up and running now - However, I'm having trouble finding a download for Media Card Explorer that I trust - I didn't see the app in the files section so if you'd be kind enough to point me to a proper download I'd appreciate it.

Thanks,

TonyG

Re: Recommended software for the 8920B?

#481

Still trying to figure how to load a 8920A DOS card from those files.? I assume they are DOS files?
I can drip a text file into it from Hyperterminal via serial 9 into the HPIB cntrl console and save to
Internal,4 but how to I/O the lib and prc and save/recall binaries???
Was hoping to back up stuff I/O 8920A (or B) <---> the PC via rs232.
I can see how programming would have been a full time job for someone.? Another alternative
would be a firmware upgrade via ROM to replace all the useless Cellular apps with the TOOLS.

I notice the thread? "Loading RFTOOLS files into an 8920A"? didn't go far.? The doc 08920-90220
tells about file naming conventions and nuances from p334 but getting binaries I/O the card the
way the instrument likes hasn't been found yet.? I notice crumbs of info are all over a whole bunch
of documents out there.? Maybe someone has figured it out by now...

Not going to dump a wad of cash for HPIB port hardware.? I can go for coffee if RS232 will work.

Not saying you can trust any download but this is where I found MCE:

Another thread implies not all PCMCIA ports can program your cards.? A lot of PCs had problems
running MCE too.

RF Tools for 8920A Was: Recommended software for the 8920B?

#480

On 03/05/2022 9:18 AM, Robert G8RPI via groups.io wrote:
The files are in the files secion of this group. If you don't want to copy them to a PCMCA card I can supply? pre-rprgrammed PCMCIA FLASH card with the programs on it.Can you, or someone in the group, provide the Epson cards that the HP 8920A used with RF Tools installed?

Or, would it be "better" to upgrade the 8920A to 8920B spec with the PCMCIA card reader?

Bob...

Re: Recommended software for the 8920B?

#479

Thanks, Ralph & Robert,

I pulled out my old IBM T20 (haven't used this since the late 90's and only kept it because of the PCMCIA slots and that it would run an old NI GPIB-232 adapter I needed for some R&S gear)?that I can use with the card I bought Dad - Man, I wish I'd read your comment Robert before I started trying to get this working again, would have asked you for a card...

Anyway, I have it up and running now - However, I'm having trouble finding a download for Media Card Explorer that I trust - I didn't see the app in the files section so if you'd be kind enough to point me to a proper download I'd appreciate it.

Thanks,

TonyG

Re: HP 8920A Microphone

#478

Hello,

This is taken from the Amtronix web site regarding the mic for the 8924C which I own:

? ? "The HP 8924C has a?Microphone?input connector on the front panel. Original microphones for the 8924C are hard to find. This is a common mic connector with an uncommon 8 pin configuration. Since the unit uses only 3 of the 8 contacts, a standard, and more common, 5 contact male connector will work just fine. To make your own microphone for the 8924C, use a? Switchcraft 05CL5MX connector (Mouser part#502-05CL5MX). The current Mouser price is $11.70. Mic connector contact #1 is Push to talk, #2 is ground for audio and PTT and contact #3 is Audio High. Most dynamic mic's will work just fine. One low impediance model known to work is the Shure 596LB available from Full Compass for about $40. If you use this mic, solder the shield, black and green wires all together in the Mic and run the black wire to pin #2 (ground) on the mic's connector.? For an external microphone work with the 8924C, set the "mic in to" field on the RF Generate screen to 4 KHz and FM (or AM). The 8924C will now function like a radio, receiving until you press the PTT at which time it will transmit. You will also need to set the RF generate level, frequency, etc."

I am not comercially associated with Rick @Amtronix. I am just another very happy customer.

Pete

On Saturday, March 5, 2022, 11:55:15 AM CST, radioman762 <fwbray@...> wrote:

While I don't have mine at hand, and could well be mistaken, it is my

recollection that the microphones from some of the vintage Regency

transceivers will work with the HP 8924c and likely the 8920 as well.?

These were used on radios with the sloping front panels like the Polaris

marine series, the TR200, RH606B, etc., and typically plugged into the

side of the radio.

While these microphones use five pins, (less than the 8924c) if my

memory is correct, the pattern is such that the two connectors mate

properly and the pin-out is compatible.

I don't encourage folks to go out and buy a 30 year-old microphone just

to try it but if someone happens to have one around perhaps they can

verify that my recollection is correct.

KE6CD

Re: HP 8920A Microphone

#477

While I don't have mine at hand, and could well be mistaken, it is my recollection that the microphones from some of the vintage Regency transceivers will work with the HP 8924c and likely the 8920 as well.  These were used on radios with the sloping front panels like the Polaris marine series, the TR200, RH606B, etc., and typically plugged into the side of the radio.

While these microphones use five pins, (less than the 8924c) if my memory is correct, the pattern is such that the two connectors mate properly and the pin-out is compatible.

I don't encourage folks to go out and buy a 30 year-old microphone just to try it but if someone happens to have one around perhaps they can verify that my recollection is correct.

KE6CD

Re: Recommended software for the 8920B?

#476

You can download the RF Tools in the files section here.

?

/g/HP8924-Family-Spectrum-Analyzers/files/RF%20Tools%20&%20NA%20FM

?

I have loaded it in but just do not find it helpful for my ham usage.??

?

Ralph ku4pt

Re: Recommended software for the 8920B?

#475
Edited

Hi Tony,
The RF tools is useful. The main advantage is the ability to do calibrated sweep measurements. This makes the 8920x a basic scalar network analyser. The only issue is the slow sweep speed. The scanning receive function is good too.?

The files are in the files section of this group. If you don't want to copy them to a PCMCA card I can supply pre-programmed PCMCIA FLASH card with the programs on it. Send me a personal message.

Robert G8RPI.

Recommended software for the 8920B?

#471

Hey All,

I stumbled across an 8920B at a reasonable price so I bought it for my Dad (he's a big ham guy) - I'm heading back down to Aus in July and will hand it off to him then.

I thought however I might ask if people here have any suggestions for software that I should load onto it for him - Right now the RAM is empty and the ROM seems to only have diagnostic software on it. I see references to the?11807E RFTools software so I'm wondering if something like that would be useful to him (For example, I have an 8563E but I only use the?85672A?Spurious utility and not the?85671A? Phase Noise one as I find KE5FX's version easier to use).

Any suggestions on what might be useful to him would be appreciated and any guidance on where I might procure it would also be great.

Thanks,

TonyG

Re: HP 8920A Microphone

#470

Found an 8 pin, 270 degree plug at Mouser for about 4 bucks -- not bad at all for the price.

Would like to see if our crowd power can come up with a dirt cheap buy-it-now connector on ebay (or similar like Ali).? With a quick look all I see is 8 pins, 360 degree.

Hank

_______________________________________________________

On Friday, March 4, 2022, 08:20:41 AM EST, jyelmgren wrote:

any high impedance microphone wired into the correct circular connector ...believe there are posts on the correct 8 pin DIN part number

they are available from the typical online parts sources but not all that cheap.

Re: HP 8920A Microphone

#469

I was incredibly fortunate to come across an original HP mic on eBay a little over a year ago. ?I spotted it in a listing from a trusted seller of Motorola parts that I had bought from before… price was $5! Took a few fractions of a second to decide to hit the buy button….

Before I found the mic I had trouble finding any mention of it in the HP manuals let alone find a part number for it, but I knew they existed because I’d seen one at a HP demo I went to for my work many years ago, now I found one.

The mic has been a lot of fun, it lets me turn my HP8920A into a low power transceiver. ?I set it for duplex mode with the tone encoder enabled and can bring up local 2m and 70cm repeaters when connected to my external antenna on the roof.

With little to no info on the mic specs, I opened up the back and it’s very simple inside, just the mic element and ptt switch. ?Cable has 3 conductors and a shield braid. Two wires for the ptt switch, one wire (yellow) and shield braid to the mic element. See the attached photos. ?I took a fluke DMM and measured the mic resistance, it’s 315 ohms.

Let me know if you would like me to check on any further details on the mic.

73,?

Dave - WR6Z

?

Show quoted text

On Mar 3, 2022, at 9:12 PM, wa6oxn@... wrote:

Anyone come up with a suitable replacement or modification for a mic to use with the 8920A?