HP8563E spectrum analyser-Repair log. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / repair

author: djsb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 27, 2021, 03:01:00 pm
content: Here I will document my efforts to repair the HP8563E spectrum analyser that I recently purchased.In progress so far:1/ Power supply board removed and capacitors ordered from Farnell (UK) and Digikey. I have tried to obtain capacitors rated at 10K hours when possible. I will post an annotated picture of the power supply board later that clearly shows the original values of the capacitors and another photo of the board when it has been recapped.2/ Removed A17 CRT driver board and cleaned/inspected it for any signs of damage. No damage detectable.Up next.1/ Recap the A6 power supply board (I'm waiting for the parts to arrive on Thurs/Friday). Test removed capacitors for capacitance and ESR. No sign of leakage or bulging.2/ Remove/clean/replace all board to board connections one at a time. I'm using WD40 Specialist contact cleaner and then applying Servisol Super 10 switch lube. I'm hoping this does some good.3/ Replace the power supply PCB in the chassis and power the unit up.4/ If the CRT still does not work, carry out a series of checks documented in the service manual.More later.

author: Bicurico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 27, 2021, 03:25:06 pm
content: Good luck!I have two broken HP 8594E which I was unsuccessful in repairing them. Luckily I bought three and the third one is indeed working, so I keep the other two for spares or for the day I manage to repair them...Regards,Vitor

author: djsb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 03, 2022, 03:54:50 pm
content: So, I've recapped the power supply (well the Aluminium electrolytics anyway-left the tantalum and others to case by case if needed). Just testing the power supply now by using a custom-made dummy load PCB that I've made (details available if needed).Spent a couple of days trying to trace a problem on the -12.6v line. Turned out that the TP305 test point is mislabelled on the PCB(the label is at the cathode of diode CR314 (which connects to the ground pin on the 7912 regulator) which measure -0.6v (correct). However, the TP305 test point (which is CORRECT on the schematic) is meant to indicate the -12.6v line voltage. This -12.6v can be found at the cathode of diode CR308 (which is also the output of the 7912 regulator) and this does indeed measure -12.9v (unregulated with no substantial load on the power supply). The input to the 7912 regulator (which sources current) measures -18.2v (nominal -17v from the rectifier).So, the lesson is to double-check what the manual and schematics say and cross-reference it to the ACTUAL pcb.Next is to apply loads to the various voltage rails using my dummy load pcb and my GPP-4323 power supply. And also I will be checking various waveforms just for curiosity and to rule out/confirm the supply as the source of the no display fault.

author: Martin Miranda
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 04, 2022, 03:11:13 am
content: subscribing.

author: SoundTech-LG
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 04, 2022, 07:42:22 pm
content: Will be good to see dummy load details... 8560E PS s/b similar...

author: djsb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 05, 2022, 12:27:28 pm
content: Can anyone explain to me how the voltage regulation (in a global way-not the individual linear regulators) works on this power supply (schematic attached). I'm testing each of the 6 different voltage rails with a 1 amp current draw using the constant resistance function on the GPP-4323 load (for example, 15R load for the +15v and -15v rails should give 1 amp). How close should the output voltages be to the nominal voltages. The nominal voltage of each rail sags quite a bit when I increase the current draw (by lowering the load resistance).The circuit description suggests that the unit will not even power on (via the CPU sensing a healthy voltage range) unless the rails are within a tight range. Maybe this is the source of the fault? I am still testing the output rails so can provide more detailed voltage levels later if required. And I will look at the various waveforms in due course. Thanks.PSTurns out that the voltage at the 1 test points I've measured so far is bang on -15v. So it appears the voltage loss is due to the wiring between the load and the power supply PCB. I'll measure the rest to confirm this later.I've ordered one of these TENMA Electronic Loadshttps://uk.farnell.com/tenma/72-13210/dc-electronic-load-prog-30a-120v/dp/2848407That goes up to 150v 30A. I can then properly stress the power supply. The load on the GPP-4323 only goes up to 3 amps. The Tenma also has sense terminals that can compensate for the cable losses.

author: djsb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 23, 2022, 04:23:56 pm
content: How can I estimate how much current each voltage rail(+15v,-15v,+5v,-5v,+28v,-12.6v) SHOULD supply? So far the +15v rail goes to 4A with a stable 15v, but the -15v only goes to 3.2 amps and then voltage starts to drop. I have attached the main A6 supply schematic and the A6A2 regulator schematic. Can anyone help me estimate the current capacity? Thanks.PS I'm going to test the values of the 0.07 Ohm sense resistors anyway.Update:They check out OK. New 0.07R 3W 1% resistors fitted just in case.Also tested continuity between the plug in A6A2 regulator PCB and the 72 pin SIMM socket it plugs into. All pins OK.

author: Jay_Diddy_B
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 27, 2022, 01:47:43 pm
content: Hi,Try connecting the Video output on the back of the HP8563E to an oscilloscope.The video output is NOT composite video, it a voltage proportional to the deflection of the trace.Connect the CAL output (300 MHz BNC) to the Input (N)PressFrequencyEnter3 0 0 MhzPressSPANEnter2 0 MhzWhat do you see on the scope?This will tell you if the SA is working but the issue is in the display module.Jay_Diddy_B

author: djsb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 27, 2022, 01:58:24 pm
content: Thanks. I'll do this after I've put the supply back into the chassis (which will be done over the next few weekends).David.

author: djsb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2022, 04:02:42 pm
content: Well, the CRT is definitely Knackered now. I put a little TOO much force on the pins at the back of the tube. I heard gas leak INTO the CRT tube, and now it has no vacuum. Oops.Now I'll either sell the whole thing for parts, swap the CRT from the other HP8564E (Which DOES have a working CRT) OR save up for ahttps://www.simmconnlabs.com/1401/2522.htmlThere may be a used CRT assembly available from SG Labs italy (I've sent them an email). What do you guys recommend? Thanks.David.

author: djsb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 12, 2022, 06:15:35 am
content: Currently doing the preparation work for fitting the NewScope-6 kit. I will edit this post as the work progresses.A/ Remove the PCB's one at a time and put the A2 board to one side. ALL cables labelled up and Photo's taken before I remove each PCB.B/ A2/A3/A4/A5 PCB's and A6A1 HV module/A17 CRT driver board removed.C/ A4/A5 fold out is next. Got to make sure to photograph cable layout (and label the cables)before it's disturbed.D/ Hope to get some CRT assembly hardware removed this weekend. Just waiting for a 5/16" spanner to arrive for the SMA plugs.

author: KE5FX
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 12, 2022, 06:44:28 am
content: You'll love the NewScope LCD. Letting some fresh air into the CRT is the best thing that could've happened to it.

author: syau
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 12, 2022, 08:27:07 am
content: Did the Newscope mod few months back, the trickiest part is to solder those small pin on top of several ICs.

author: djsb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 19, 2022, 02:17:56 pm
content: Front frame and CRT removed. Got to take the CRT down to our local WEEE waste centre. Managed to not cause any further damage or lose any screws. The chassis looks a bit scary with all the disconnected wires everywhere.Next is reading the instructions and making sure I understand how the VGA panel fits onto the front frame. I've also got to give the glass a gentle clean with IPA (will have a read of the service guide first).I'm leaving the A2 PCB until last as that's the most delicate bit and I need to take my time with it.

author: djsb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 23, 2022, 05:23:10 am
content: First video of front panel preparation for the fitting of the VGA displayhttps://youtu.be/0VTmC-1yKz4Second video of actually fitting the VGA display to the front panelhttps://youtu.be/QwQZHWgvVKgI've been fitting the front panel back onto the chassis this morning. No video for this, as too fiddly and too much cursing was involved.Please forgive the quality of these videos. These are my first ever YouTube video's so hopefully with practice I will get better at it.

author: syau
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 24, 2022, 03:51:10 am
content: When running the extra power line inside the power supply, make sure you choose the shortest route or you will not have sufficient length to run it to the A2 board.

author: djsb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 02, 2022, 03:30:19 pm
content: I've managed to fit all 5 of the DIP sockets onto the A2 board. Good job I have the Mantis Elite microscope, as it is very difficult to see properly what I'm soldering. I would definitely recommend some kind of head mounted magnifier to do this properly. I followed up with continuity checks on all the pins. Next I have to solder some pins onto the plug in board and then solder some wires onto a few places.After that, I can carefully plug in the board. And then I've got to plug in the cables (and maybe add some length to the power cable just in case). And then start reassembly of the instrument.

author: djsb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 05, 2022, 04:38:02 pm
content: Here is a photo of the Analyser with the Simmconn Labs Newscope6 VGA installed. I may put another final video up at some stage. I've just got to clean the keyboard contacts before carefully putting it all back together. Thanks.

author: SoundTech-LG
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 05, 2022, 09:39:34 pm
content: Beautiful!Now I get to decide if it's worth doing to my 8560E.

author: djsb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 24, 2022, 04:26:26 pm
content: I cleaned up the contacts on the keypad buttons and did a small repair on the silicone of one of the buttons with some SIL-POXY silicone adhesive.Just added a 3-inch extension on the power cable for the NewScope 6 PCB. This is so that the cable and connector is not under any stress. I am SLOWLY trying to get all the boards folded back into the chassis without damaging anything. During this process, I have to do a small calibration procedure. When it's all back together, I will post a picture later.

author: hnjmkl
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2023, 06:54:45 pm
content: Hi, I'm following your post on 8563E, can you explain to me how to download the CLIPs relating to the various circuits?Frank

author: djsb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2023, 07:25:48 pm
content: You've got to buy the manual off of Artek Media's websitehttps://artekmanuals.com/manuals/hp-manuals/HTH.

author: hnjmkl
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 12, 2023, 05:29:33 am
content: I downloaded the service from the net, it contains the table with the list of clips with the relative P/N of the various boards constituting circuit blocks, the problem is that by typing those P/N I don't get the relative pdf files.

author: hnjmkl
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 12, 2023, 05:38:43 am
content: For example A14 Frequency Control, P/N 08563-90202 referring to a precise range of Serial numbers; What procedure should I use to get the CLIP for that P/N?Frank

author: djsb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 12, 2023, 09:31:11 am
content: All I did was buy the generic CLIP package off Artek. The part numbers of the boards you are working on will differ from the part numbers referred to in theGENERICCLIP package. I found that the CLIP was not 100% accurate. I am not aware that you can download CLIP packages for EXACTLY the serial number of individual assemblies or complete instrument.

author: hnjmkl
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 12, 2023, 11:44:47 am
content: Thanks, I will follow your suggestion.Frank

author: KrisEEV
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 14, 2023, 03:18:01 pm
content: Hi,I had a working HP8595E kept aside for long, when recently powered ON after 2 years response to front panel keys are too late and sometimes seems frozen with no response. Restarted many times but issue remains, could anyone suggest if you had gone through a similar issue.Thanks,Kris

author: djsb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 14, 2023, 03:42:07 pm
content: Remove/clean with contact cleaner spray/Reseat the cables/contacts inside and take the front panel off and clean the keypad contacts with IPA. The actual button themselves are best cleaned by gently scrapping and white oxidation off with your fingernail.

author: KrisEEV
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 14, 2023, 05:51:02 pm
content: Greetings! David,I tried cleaning the cable contact points and the Panel keys, seems the system itself freezes after the Power ON bootup sequence, responds to "Preset" key instantaneously but other key entries respond after a delay of almost 10 secs. As per the Service manual it mentions to Clear the user memory by performingCONFIG, More 1 of 3, More 2 of 3DISPOSE USER MEMDo not see any improvement, any suggestions.Many Thanks,Best Regards,Kris

author: djsb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 14, 2023, 06:03:39 pm
content: Have you checked the condition of the backup battery at the rear of the instrument? Might be a good idea to replace it for a new one anyway. I also find that cleaning and reseating any connectors does the job. Apart from that, I can't really offer any further insights as I am new to these instruments myself.

author: KrisEEV
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 16, 2023, 06:31:40 am
content: Hi David,The Battery seems to be fine measuring 2.99V and the Correction constants are in tact along with Date and time updated. Let me check again for any leads.Thanks & Regards,Kris.