HP 8753B REV:3.00 Firmware Upgrade Notes - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: rastro
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 18, 2015, 12:13:03 am
content: HP 8753B REV:3.00 Firmware Upgrade NotesI just upgrade the firmware on my HP 8753B to Rev.3.00 from Rev.2.01. I'd decided to post some notes that may be helpful to others attempting this procedure.Finding A Good Copy Of Rev.3.00 Firmware:=========================================1. Please be aware that there is an incomplete copy of Rev.3.00 firmware on the web which is missing several bytes at the end of U4 and U24 BIN files.2. I found a complete/good copy here:http://www.ko4bb.com/manuals/download.php?file=01_ROM_Images_and_Drivers/HP_8753B_Firmware_Ver3.00.zipFinding Alternate Memory Devices:=================================I decided to burn the firmware on fresh set of memory devices. It is difficult/expensive to find the EPROMs that are mentioned in the manual or where actually on the A9 CPU board as I received the unit.1. 27010 Intel: What is shown in the manual schematic/Bill-Of-Material.2. TC5710000-20 Toshiba: What was actually on the A9 PCB (U4, U5, U24, and U25).3. SST39SF010A: This is an alternative substitute flash memory with same pin-out for Address/Data/ChipSel. Does not use PPV.4. The SST39SF010A is readily available at mouser ~$1.50.Process:=================================1. Down loaded, unzipped the above file. Used hex-dump to verify all bin files complete.2. Used Minipro TL866 to write for "SST39SF010A" devices.3. The Minipro TL866 vendors application runs only on windows. I found an alternative application (thanks eevblog) that runs on Mac/Linux from a terminal window. I used mac ports to install the minipro line command program to avoid using Windows/virtual-box on my mac-mini.4. There is a text note in the zip file showing which bin file goes to which location.The SST39SF010A memory seems to function without a problem. The system booted up and displayed Version 3.00 software was installed.

author: mates
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 21, 2020, 02:23:40 pm
content: Hi, I recently bought HP 8753B with firmware 3.0. I d like to upgrade to hopefully 4.13 version if possible however I am struggling to find this firmware. Can you advise some pages where they are available?Also, I have some additional issues with calibration. When simple 1port calibration is done the open is always phase-shifted at higher freq. while load and short is not.When trying other calibration is even worse like response and also I will be glad if some can explain what means FWD TRANS THRU and FWD MATCH THRU in ONE PATH 2-port cal.Thanks

author: rastro
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 22, 2020, 05:10:03 pm
content: Quote from: mates on February 21, 2020, 02:23:40 pmHave you tried here?http://www.ko4bb.com/getsimple/index.php?id=manuals&dir=01_ROM_Images_and_Drivers/HP_8753You probably want to make sure the system is working before upgrading.Regarding your calibration issues, please start a new thread for those specific issues.Also include your setup like what S-parameter test set you are using and what connectors/calibration standards are being used. What procedure are you following? What constants are you loading/modifying. what frequency range works? What frequency range is bad. How much phase shift? Pictures of results??? Did you run any of the system checkout procedures in the user/service manuals - how did they go???With an ideal 50-ohm load and valid calibration you should see low S11 (reflection) return levels and minimal artifacts. Open/Short by their design will have 'unmatched' responses.

author: mates
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 22, 2020, 09:44:43 pm
content: Of course, I tried your link that's the reason I am asking here if you or someone else knows a source for a higher firmware version cause ko4bb has only 3.0 I guess.Anyway thanks for your response and advice I will make a new thread for my issue.