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11801C and the T1331 error: lost factory TB calibration data.


 

Hi, first post to this forum. I have very much enjoyed browsing, and thought I could contribute with this information. Thanks guys for keeping this forum so interesting. The T1331 (loss of battery backed up information in the Time Base/Controller board NVRAMs) seems to be an error to avoid, by backing up/replacing the NVRAMs on that board. See e.g. the topic "Saving A5 Timing Board NVRAM calibration constants CSA803 (A/C) and 11801(B/C)" for how to. To answer some question raised there, here is some information from the Tektronix documentation.

In the 11801C User Manual (070-9971-01), on p. 3-112 (p.262/440 of the pdf), I found this:

"Initializing and Erasing Nonvolatile RAM:
...
The following information is not lost:
...
- Factory calibration constants, which are established at the factory and cannot be changed by the user or by the 11801C

- Enhanced Accuracy calibration constants, which are periodically calculated and updated
..."

And in the 11801C Service Manual (070-9972-02) on p. 6-108 (p.244/286) it is stated:

"Time Base Calibration Errors:
...
Calibration data to enhance the time interpolator linearity is stored in NVRAM on the Time Base/Controller board. If this NVRAM fails, a T1331 error occurs during power-up diagnostics. The values are written at the factory with the GPIB command CALCORRECTION.

CALCORRECTION<ui>:N

where <ui> = 0..32 and N = -128..+127

CAUTION: The calibration enhancement values are set at time of manufacture. There is no query form of this command. Do NOT reset these values. If a T1331 failure occurs during extended power-up diagnostics or you suspect a time interpolator error, contact Tekronix factory service.

A T1331 failure causes all N values in the 33 ui locations to be reset to zero. The oscilloscope will still run, but with decreased accuracy in the time interpolator linearity. Resetting NVRAM with the Teksecure feature does not affect the Time Base/Controller board NVRAM."

So now the big question seems to be:
Does anybody in the group know, or know who might know, how the factory calibration procedure is, how the 33 N-values are determined?

Does anybody know how much the accuracy is affected?

Monica A.

PS:
I have for many years been a Tektronix scopes addict, It started with the fascination in late 60's and early 70's, when I saw and used a 535 with Type CA plugin at my father's workplace. Being interested in electronics, this was heaven. I now have a 7904a with sampling and non-sampling plugins, a 7704a which rudely enough let the smoke out of the power supply, a newly acquired 7603, and a 468. The design and layout of the fronts are just so great. An 11801C is on the way in, so I have used search a lot lately. It is said to pass POST, and a picture shows the graticule on the screen, so hopefully it's OK.

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