HP 3456a Self-Test Failure ("-4.00000") - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: JP16A60
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 21, 2016, 04:44:51 pm
content: I'm stumped by this error, and the HP 3456a manual is of no help here (ref. Section 3-17 "Self Test Operation on page 3-3 of the manual). I'm baffled that the manual would run to 385 pages, yet only dedicate a single, vague paragraph to self-test errors, and not even a simple table to describe each error.I've searched high and low on this forum, to no avail. Any hints?The meter displays an overload value on every setting except 4-wire ohms measurement.I also have a newer (soft key) version of the 3456a, which I'm quite keen on--would love to get its "Not Working or for Parts" eBay sister working again!JPCincinnati, OHUSA

author: saturation
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 21, 2016, 07:15:29 pm
content: IIRC that section of the error code in the service manual then points you to entire chapters that contain detailed troubleshooting guides, the 'service groups'. OL reading occurs on most functions during error code -4.But the good news is -4 code is commonly the PSU, and usually just the filter capacitors. I'd give that a look see before doing anything more.

author: Jwalling
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 21, 2016, 07:41:49 pm
content: If you don't get an answer here, try the Yahoo Agilent group:https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/hp_agilent_equipment/infoThose guys know their stuff on vintage equipment!Jay

author: MarkL
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 21, 2016, 08:12:44 pm
content: Quote from: JP16A60 on June 21, 2016, 04:44:51 pmTake a look at page 8-58 (sec. 8-327 "Selecting the Self-Test") in the service manual.There is a table and a description of each of the tests. -4 indicates test #4 has failed. The next page, 8-59, describes where to start troubleshooting for each test failure. Detailed step-by-step troubleshooting is then provided in a subsequent section (service group B or C, for your problem).But, yeah, check the power supply rails for proper voltage and ripple before heading down more involved troubleshooting paths.

author: JP16A60
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 21, 2016, 10:55:04 pm
content: Quote from: MarkL on June 21, 2016, 08:12:44 pmAs I live and breathe, there it is...boy, what I wouldn't give for an OCR'd, searchable PDF for this manual. =)I'll have to do a better job of RTFM next time--thanks to all!JPCincinnati, OHUSA

author: MarkL
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 22, 2016, 03:10:15 pm
content: Quote from: JP16A60 on June 21, 2016, 10:55:04 pmWell, you could give $7.50 to Artek manuals:http://artekmanuals.com/manuals/hp-manuals/Excellent scans and everything is OCR'd. I highly recommend them.Main page:http://artekmanuals.com/

author: Jwalling
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 22, 2016, 03:44:34 pm
content: Quote from: MarkL on June 22, 2016, 03:10:15 pm+1 on that. Dave's a good guy as well. He'll give you credit for manuals he doesn't have and would like to get.Jay

author: JP16A60
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 04, 2016, 07:06:09 pm
content: Quote from: MarkL on June 22, 2016, 03:10:15 pmI've obtained a printed 3456A manual from eBay ($45, a real steal, I think), but having the OCR'd PDF from Artek will be a nice tool to have on hand, too. (Try hitting CTRL-F in a binder-style paper manual!)EDIT: Done!I've ordered several hard-to-find Tektronix manuals from Artek in the past (e.g., 2901 Time Mark Generator), and they were high-quality, complete editions.JP