Siglent SSA3021X may be out of cal and distributor is not responding - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: papo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2018, 09:37:43 am
content: Hey guysA few weeks ago, I sent the following email to the distributor who sold me the SSA3021X. So far I have not received any response. This is in contrast to last year, when I had a minor software issue with the instrument and then conversation with said distributor was swift. I have to emphasize though that I have not tried to call or send a followup-email yet, so maybe they "just" overlooked it. Hence I didn't proceed with further testing just yet. Nevertheless, I'm looking for advice in terms of trying to contact the distributor or Siglent directly, and also in terms of putting together a procedure that conclusively validates the calibration, and once this is done, to assess whether this is to be expected after almost 2 years or light use. I'm not getting out the pitchfork, just trying to determine the best course of action.Regards and thank you, MattQuote

author: 2N3055
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2018, 10:55:36 am
content: What is recommended calibration period for SSA3000X series ?If it is a 1 year, than technically it wouldn't be their problem... You would need to send it in for a calibration, and only if it is in such a state that it cannot be calibrated properly they would need to repair it under warranty...Although, I also feel it probably shouldn't have drifted so much. I might be wrong, I'm no SA expert...

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2018, 11:00:05 am
content: There is nothing for the distributor to respond to in this endless drivel. There is not even a problem!If you want to get the service manual with the calibration procedure then ask for that. One sentence is more than enough for that.Always keep in mind that the person on the other side is receiving & answering hundreds of e-mails per day so make sure your e-mail is easy to respond to (IOW: as short and to-the-point as possible).

author: G0HZU
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2018, 04:38:33 pm
content: If you want to improve your test setup, I'd advise getting hold of a decent inline 10dB attenuator as this will improve your source match. It doesn't have to be an accurate 10dB attenuator but it should have low VSWR. Then arrange your setup as Sig_gen>>cable>>10dB_Att>>DUT.If you have a reasonable healthy and modern >=100MHz scope you could test down at (say) 10MHz and use the scope (with a decent 50R input termination) as the calibration check. Adjust the sig gen power so you get 224mVrms for 0dBm on the scope with the cable and 10dB attenuator and 50R termination inline. You ideally need to use the rms detection on the scope especially if the sig gen has harmonics up has high as -30dBc. A scope obviously won't be as accurate as a decent power meter but it should be easily good enough to spot gross errors with your spectrum analyser at lower frequencies like 10MHz.When you eventually test with the RF power meter I'd still advise keeping the 10dB attenuator inline. It obviously needs to be at the DUT end of the cable rather than the sig gen end of the cable.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2018, 07:51:22 pm
content: @papoDo you have the latest firmware installed, if not do that before anything else.There's also an autocal function so please run that for a while too.https://www.siglenteu.com/service-and-support/firmware-software/spectrum-analyzers/#ssa3000x-series