Agilent 8753ES and other VNAs alike - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Alexei.Polkhanov
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 06, 2014, 05:39:15 am
content: I found that there are quite a few VNA like Agilent 8753ES available on Ebay and private sales for attainable prices (6-7K). I assume it is early 90s. I believe that at least few people on this form had some experience working with these. Are these still good usable VNA? None come with any kind of calibration fixtures (another 1500 USD ?). What are most common non-obvious failures?Thanks in advance.

author: KJDS
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 06, 2014, 10:10:53 am
content: I've got a 6GHz 8753C here and it still works very well.Make sure the test port connectors are not worn. Apart from that I've never seen one that didn't work.To get an idea of performance, put a very good quality RF test cable between the ports without calibrating and see what the return and insertion loss looks like both ways round. Compare against spec for source and load match and coupler directivity.

author: acbern
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 06, 2014, 04:41:58 pm
content: I had a 8753c with a sudden failue in the osc (amp die died, thats probably where the word comes from). Anyway, i looked arround in the net and it seems this is not an uncommon failure. So I would stay away from anything from a to c, the d and e/es should be ok. I bought a 3ghz version d with bridge installed (75ohms though, so I use it with min loss pads) and option 010 in good condition for about 1200 bucks recently, quite a good deal.

author: rastro
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 06, 2014, 06:41:29 pm
content: I recently purchased a 8753B which I had to fix a blurred CRT display. Other than that the unit appears functional - I'm still in the learning process.I believe "some" of the later units "D" & "E" version have built in facility for s-parameter. Although my 8753B can be run with ad-hoc RF test configurations it has more utility and ease of use with the addition of the S-Parameter test set.S-Parameter Test Set:The "B" unit I have uses a separate 85046A S-Parameter test set. I picked up a 85046A S-Parameter test which included the 4 RF cables and control cable from a different source.Along with 85046A S-Parameter test set you will probably need 2 APC-7 to N adapters since port-1 & port-2 (DUT) on this unit are APC-7 type.Additionally "some" of the 85046A S-Parameter test set have different RF switch (Analog/Digital). Some of the older 8753's require a s/w or firmware upgrade to run with the digital RF switch. I saw where someone had a hardware hack for the digital RF switch - basically a pulse stretcher on one of the control lines.The calibration test set I'm still investigating. There is a guy on eBay sell's an aftermarket set base price ~U$500.00 - he also seems active on yahoo HP & VNSA chat groups.http://stores.ebay.com/Kirkby-Microwave-Limited?_trksid=p2047675.l2563.I'm considering one of his calibration sets.Regardsrastro

author: G0HZU
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 06, 2014, 07:55:52 pm
content: The HP8753ES is a wonderful VNA but they still fetch a lot of money and they can easily be damaged so my advice would be to be very careful.At work I think we have about six of the 6GHz versions of the 8753ES. I think they date back to around 2002/3. I've nearly always got one of them on my workbench.However, they are getting quite dated now and proving less and less popular at work because:They only go to 6GHzThey are big and heavyThe LCD display is very gloomy and not as good as modern LCDs.They have a floppy drive but no USBThey don't support the latest USB ECAL modules from Agilent.They are not supported by Agilent anymore so this can cause issues with repairs/servicingOther more modern models are much easier to use and are more portable with far better I/OFor these reasons I can only see the used prices tumbling over the next few years. Also note that there are several variants and the 8753ET is the basic TR version. The TR versions will plummet in value. There's also a full 3 port version which is quite neat. Some versions have an external s parameter test set and some have the s parameter test set built in. I prefer the version with the built in test set but there are good/bad points about either type.A few niggles are listed below...Be aware that some versions have APC7 connectors so you have to spend a lot of extra money on adaptors to N or SMA.The LCD display is big but it isn't very inspiring to look at because of the limited pixel count and poor contrast ratio. It looks gloomy! The smith chart display looks quite crude and the smith chart marker text is hidden on the top line of the screen in tiny fonts and looks like an afterthought. There are lots of split/multi display options but some aspects of the UI are not intuitive.If you make your own cal kit or buy an aftermarket one you will need to use the USER CAL KIT menu in the 8753ES. I can only assume that this part of the HP8753ES UI was written by a disgruntled/incompetent employee at Agilent because it is truly awful to navigate and there are 'wrong' ways to select menu options that appear to be 'valid'. I absolutely hate this aspect of the HP8753ES because I have numerous user cal kits here.I've also noted some issues with tracking accuracy on big spans if you use the narrower RBW options on some of our 8753ES VNAs. The errors are only tiny but it can be annoying to see a tiny but fake 'step' in the response of an attenuator you are trying to characterise.My advice would be only spend that amount of money if you need this VNA for business use. Otherwise try and buy an older C or D version for a bargain price from someone who doesn't know what they are selling. The C and D versions are still fabulous VNAs but they look VERY dated when switched off because of the CRT and the dated styling. So definitely more chance of getting one at a knockdown price

author: Alexei.Polkhanov
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 06, 2014, 10:25:44 pm
content: Thanks a lot for such a detailed reply!

author: jyo
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 16, 2014, 04:27:00 pm
content: Quote from: rastro on August 06, 2014, 06:41:29 pmI have bought a 8753B fw 2.01 for €1100 (~$1375): quite a good deal. But...First the CRT failed after being on for an afternoon... I replaced the 1349A CRT by a Newscope-9: it's wonderful! (seehttp://www.simmconnlabs.com/2001/2115.html).Next I tried to upgrade the firmware to V3 (found onhttp://www.ko4bb.com/manuals/index.php?dir=04_ROM_Images_and_Drivers/HP_8753/HP_-_8753B_v3_ROMs): it is incompleteWhat is the version of your firmware? If it's V3, I am interested by a copy of U4 U5 U24 & U25(I have 1Mb EPROMS & programmer)Thanks

author: barnacle2k
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 21, 2014, 06:09:56 am
content: Quote from: G0HZU on August 06, 2014, 07:55:52 pmAll Testset versions i encountered in the wild did have APC-7 connectors, but those adapters are not expensive. (75Ohms excluded)Quote from: G0HZU on August 06, 2014, 07:55:52 pmI never had issues with the UI (but i very rarely use User cal kits).There is worse, like old Rohde & Schwarz VNAs.Which VNAs would you recommend as alternatives to the 8753?The newer Agilent ones are rather pricy. 12k+ $By the wyWhat are your thoughts on the 8720?

author: Bud
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 21, 2014, 07:28:15 am
content: You probably will not find anything better for the value than a 8753, so go for it, it is a wonderful machine (I have a 6GHz 8753C ). As other said, watch for the display to be good and not dim, and get an S-parameter test set , either built-in or external. You still be using it when all toy Rigols will be already dead.To me the display resolution is fine. An external GPIB adapter will allow to grab screenshots. If you are lucky you may get a VNA with the TDR option.For a calibration standards set you can go for one from Dr.Kirkby (someone provided a link before), he knows what he is doing.EDIT: For the theory and practical techniques part there is a book from the Agilent person who designed the 8753Handbook of Microwave Component Measurements with Advanced VNA TechniquesAs most engineering books it is expensive, but you can take my word you will not regret the purchase.The other good book is from Rohde & Schwarz,Fundamentals of Vector Network Analysis. I have both but R&S I read once and it sits on the shelf ever since. I keep Agilent's Dr.Dunsmore book handy. It has some typos that are easy to catch but the content is precious for a practical VNA-er.

author: asteroidz
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 21, 2014, 08:24:18 am
content: I got my 6GHz 8753C from Ebay. Have not really used it though. The two-piece version has 20dBm output if you do not use the S-parameter testset, but then the function is limited to a Reflection/Transmission analyzer for up to 3GHz as far as the 8753C goes.To mate with the APC-7 connectors, you can purchase a pair of APC-7 to N Male type cables to avoid expensive APC-7 to SMA adapters. N female to SMA adapters are commonly available and there are many brands of adapters to choose from. Huber Suhner Sucoflex or Micro-coax Utiflex cables are phase stable on my 6GHz VNA.One limitation of the 8753 VNA is the calibration kit. You need to use Male and Female calibration standards for 2-port cal. Phase matched N to SMA adapters will be helpful to measure DUT with male only for female only connectors. I found that the Huber Suhner N to SMA adapters matched. The more expensive option is to buy a set of HP 85033 Cal kit with option 400, or to find some rare and equaly expensive Maury Microwave precision adapters.

author: rastro
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2015, 01:50:41 pm
content: Hello jyo;Sorry for the slow reply - out of town for 3 weeks.I also have Firmware 2.01 Jun, 27 1988. I was looking at doing the firmware upgrade but saw in a yahoo hp group that there was problems with the ver 3.0 firmware posting. I have not pursued it much further. If I recall correctly the problem was suspected with just one of the proms some of the bytes missing at the end??? If that is the case the missing bytes could be potentially guessed at based on ver 2.01 and/or X86 processor operations. Probably would still require some solid reverse engineering skills - if at all possible.Also just had to fix a SMPS problem with a 330uF cap causing cold start problems - back to normal now.

author: Gandalf_Sr
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 08, 2015, 01:16:45 pm
content: I was going to start a new thread on the 8753ES but a search found this one which, although it has had little activity for almost a year, is still highly relevant.I am looking for a VNA to help me with 2.4 and 5.8 GHz antenna testing/design and friend recommended the 8753ES and it seems there are a zillion of them on eBay right now.In examining options I became confused by option 011 because it looks like that is a negative option, i.e. it takes the away the Built-In Test Set - I don't understand what that is and if it's the same as the S-parameter box that bolts underneath. If I want to do antenna testing, what options should I look for?Thanks in advance.

author: acbern
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 08, 2015, 03:09:38 pm
content: you need a test set, internal or external, internal usually is cheaper.

author: Gandalf_Sr
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 09, 2015, 01:47:54 am
content: Quote from: acbern on December 08, 2015, 03:09:38 pmSo, unless I see the test set as an external module under the VNA, then I should avoid option 011 - is that right?

author: Bud
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 09, 2015, 06:05:20 am
content: I am not familiar with "E" model, I have "C" one with an external S-par set and my vague memory tells me its 6GHz is only an option for the Receivers. For TX it is the external S-Set which has a frequency doubler. So I'd say check the specs carefully if internal S-set covers the full range.

author: TheSteve
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 09, 2015, 06:41:16 am
content: If you buy one with option 11(4 ports) you need to ensure you have the external S parameter unit - this makes the entire unit bigger. Unless it is really cheap as a package stick with the 2 port model that has the S parameter unit built in.Shame the 8714 series was limited to 3 GHz max - N connectors standard, VGA and networking make it very appealing, and it is supposedly the "economy" analyzer.

author: Gandalf_Sr
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 09, 2015, 11:54:09 am
content: Thanks everyone, there's agreat Agilent document on NAs here, on page 36 they discus the difference between the T/R and S-parameter test sets.Also the Reference Manual on the 8753ES with option 011 says this...R, A, and B connectors. These connectors allow you to apply input signals when creating your own test setup. In addition, these connectors allow you to use the HP/Agilent 85046A/B, HP/Agilent 85044A/B test sets to simplify measurement setup - the difference between A/B is 50/75 Ohm respectively.There is also the question raised earlier whether the internal test set goes past 3 GHz and on up to 6 GHz which, if it doesn't, might explain why there ever was an option 011.

author: Gandalf_Sr
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 09, 2015, 12:05:05 pm
content: So I looked up the8753ES non-option 011 (2 port) version reference manualand, as best as I can tell, it does go all the way out to 6 GHz for the option 006 model.And the detailed overall 8753 model specificationsare here.

author: bson
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 10, 2015, 03:06:38 am
content: Quote from: Gandalf_Sr on December 09, 2015, 11:54:09 amThe canonical test setup is the sweep output is fed into a power splitter, and the outputs of the splitter is fed into the R (reference) VNA input and DUT input. The output of the DUT is fed into A or B and you plot A/R or B/R as magnitude and phase (Bode plots), or polar.

author: Gandalf_Sr
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 11, 2015, 12:08:55 pm
content: Quote from: bson on December 10, 2015, 03:06:38 amInteresting, it seems like an option 011 version might be a viable unit to buy and they seem to be cheaper. But does an option 011 version with the Out, R, A, and B connectors have any advantage in that you can set up your own test bench - do you think that was the point of Aglient offering option 011?

author: acbern
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 11, 2015, 02:17:51 pm
content: To measure S-parameter smith diagrams you need the S parameter test set.

author: G0HZU
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 11, 2015, 02:52:15 pm
content: Quote from: Gandalf_Sr on December 09, 2015, 12:05:05 pmAt work we have loads of the option 006 6GHz 8753ES VNAs and these are the full two port version (everything built in to the analyser) that comes with 2 APC7 connectors. They definitely do work all the way up to 6GHzWith a suitable full 2 port calibration using a cal kit you can use these to measure 2 port s parameters and measure/model components or circuits and export a 2 (or n) port model to a PC. However, the user interface is not great if you want to use a non standard calibration kit and you want to set the reference plane right at the component or feed point of a circuit.You can still do it but it is quite fiddly and the user interface can be misleading in terms of which buttons you are meant to press for (correctly) setting up a user calibration kit.

author: KJDS
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 11, 2015, 03:34:59 pm
content: Quote from: G0HZU on December 11, 2015, 02:52:15 pmI remember giving a good technician the task of getting an 8753C to work with a 7-16 cal-kit. It took far far more effort than it should have done, probably a couple of days, when it really shouldn't have been more than an hours work if HP had done the job properly.

author: G0HZU
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 11, 2015, 06:34:11 pm
content: Yes, I tried googling for HP8753ES and user kit and you can see a few people discussing how poor the UI is in this respect.http://www.keysight.com/owc_discussions/message.jspa?messageID=106284This shouldn't be enough to put anyone off but my advice is to be prepared to have to do some headscratching and various trial/error tests to make sure the user cal kit data entry is correct.A good workaround to all of this is to control the analyser via GPIB and write your own user interface in Windows or Linux that sets up things like port extensions or user cal kits. There is also the VNA Cal Kit Manager utility which was written by someone for Windows and then taken over by Agilent ( I think).I've recently bought a slightly newer VNA from Agilent and I've had to spend quite a bit of time making sure I am setting up the user calibration correctly for my various cal kits. It's user interface is definitely better than the 8753ES in this respect but it was still a bit of a chore.

author: KE5FX
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 11, 2015, 09:57:50 pm
content: A few responses in vaguely-chronological order:- Yes, the source modules can fail, and they aren't economically repairable in most cases. You see a lot of reports of this happening, but you have to weigh them against the sheer number of 8753s out there. These models wereverypopular.- The cal kits sold bywww.kirkbymicrowave.co.ukare a good match for the 8753s (including the 6 GHz variants.) These are probably the ones rastro was referring to in post 3. I'd recommend one of the Kirkby kits over any used kit found on eBay, unless you stumble across an unusual bargain.- It's true that it is awkward to enter user calkit parameters by hand. Fortunately, there's no need to do that. Get a GPIB card (the NI GPIB-USB-HS works well, always plenty of them on eBay) and use theVNA Cal Kit Manager. If you get an NI card you can also use myhomebrew appto save/load calibration states and .S2P files. Because the 8753s' built-in nonvolatile storage is next to useless, these are both very useful resources.- Both G0HZU and jyo are right, in that neither the 1349A green-phosphor displays in the -A/B analyzers nor the low-resolution LCDs in the -E and later models are especially great. The color CRT used in the -C/D models was probably the sweet spot, but it's not as bright or sharp as it could have been. jyo's approach of buying an older A or B model and upgrading it with one of the SimmConn LCDs is an excellent idea. You can spend less this way and get a better display than any of the others. The additional features and capabilities in the later models are not really that compelling for most users, so anyone shopping for an 8753 should give it some serious thought.- For antenna testing with an 8753, the most economical route is an A or B model with a T/R test set. Most people doing antenna work won't need a full S-parameter test set. A T/R test set will allow the 8753 to display the magnitude and phase of the antenna's S11.- It is not true that plotting S parameters on a Smith chart requires an S-parameter test set. The test set contains literally nothing but a couple of T/R bridges or couplers and a relay to save you the trouble of swapping cables. (Technically, the Smith chart wasn't even intended to support two-port measurements.)

author: acbern
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 12, 2015, 05:54:02 am
content: Sure, a T/R bridge will do as well. But switching cables for different S-measurements and assuming this will not introduce considerable errors especially at the higher frequency end (workmanship dpendent) is probably a best wish only, especially if you want to do calibrated work (with properly calibrated cal kits). At least I dont trust me here. I have seen test sets for 500usds, the 75 ohms ones sometimes go even lower, a 50/75 ohms pad will help (loosing some dynamic range), I still prefer this over cable changing (also being lazy I admit).Re. source failure, this in most cases seems to be the last stage amplifier die, which is on a ceramic substrate (at least on the older versions up to C). It can be replaced by a MMIC, there is some description if you google for it on an Agilent/Keysight page IIRC, but it is a little painfull. On a 8753B I had, it suddenly died (so as far as I am concerned, of the handfull of 8753 I had, the reliability statistics are bad). I got it to work again, but it was not fully stable at the very low end, output power limitations. This was due to RF choke issues required for the MMIC I used. It worked well from about 0.5 MHz onwards though. So it can be done if need be, considering a working source is probably almost as expensive as a VNA. Others doing that fix may have been more sucessfull here on the low end, not sure.

author: joeqsmith
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 12, 2015, 04:04:03 pm
content: And here I sit with my 8754

author: G0HZU
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 12, 2015, 05:21:59 pm
content: Quote from: Gandalf_Sr on December 08, 2015, 01:16:45 pmOne issue with all of these analysers is that they are big and heavy. So unless you can move the analyser around on a trolley you will either have to carry the analyser to the test area or bring the antennas to the analyser.Another option would be to buy a handheld Agilent Fieldfox VNA if you just want to do classic/basic antenna testing. The 8753 VNAs are high performance instruments. I mostly use a VNA to extract n port models of components or circuits for use with an RF simulator. So I need something with the performance of an 8753 in order to minimise errors in the extracted model and I can live with the size/power/weight issues of these VNAs.So unless you are doing very critical testing of antennas I would think you would be better off with something a bit more portable like the Fieldfox VNA? The performance won't be in the same class as an 8753 but maybe you don't need the extra performance?

author: KE5FX
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 12, 2015, 11:00:21 pm
content: Quote from: G0HZU on December 12, 2015, 05:21:59 pmThere aren't many areas where the FieldFox VNAs fall short of the 8753-era instruments. They are definitely not toys. The 8753s have more available source power, and I don't think the FieldFox supports power sweeps at all, but the major specs are comparable.FieldFoxes are generally pretty awesome, but they don't do much unless you add a lot of pricy options.

author: TheSteve
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 12, 2015, 11:08:39 pm
content: Quote from: KE5FX on December 12, 2015, 11:00:21 pmI hope to come across a FieldFox some day so I can have a go at "enabling" those options.

author: G0HZU
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 13, 2015, 02:34:45 am
content: Quote from: KE5FX on December 12, 2015, 11:00:21 pmThey do look surprisingly good on paperI've not used a Fieldfox VNA yet. We may have one at work somewhere I can play with. But the prices for used ones on ebay seem quite reasonable compared to a 6GHz 8753ES although the 8753ES prices seem quite variable these days. I've seen some really cheap 3GHz 8753ES VNAs recently.I could have a lot of fun with one of those Fieldfox VNAs because of the portability. I don't do much in the way of research wrt antennas but when I have done this type of work the huge size and weight of a lab VNA does make it harder to 'mess about' with test locations.I notice that the Fieldfox also offers gated time domain as an option. I know that some of my colleagues have looked into gated TD wrt cancelling multipath signals when doing certain types of antenna testing. I've seen various plots and the results with this mode enabled can be very impressive.

author: Gandalf_Sr
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2015, 11:59:11 pm
content: I see that there are a few 8753E's available on eBay - I looked up the basic info and the 'E' seems to have all the s-parameter stuff in it plus an LCD display, can anyone here sum op the differences between the 'E' and the 'ES'?

author: G0HZU
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 15, 2015, 12:21:08 am
content: I've only ever used the ES versions at work but I googled for images of the E version and the front panel layout looks a bit different to what I'm used to with the 8753ES.The E has fewer buttons and this seems to be to do with how many trace channels you can display at once. Also, the E is missing buttons to do with how the sweep and power is set up and it doesn't have a direct marker search button.So I think the ES version will be a bit slicker in terms of certain button based functions on the front panel. Maybe the E requires a bit more menu bashing to do the same things the ES can do with one button press.Although I've never used one I would expect that the E will still have the usual error correction algorithms built in and I don't see anything that would put me off buying an E if the price was right. The missing buttons would be a bit confusing to me but only for a few minutes. I rarely need to utilise a 4 channel display at work so this wouldn't put me off either. Edit: It looks like the E version also supports four channels but maybe you have to do more menu bashing to get this because it only has two buttons to cover 4 channels.

author: Mosaic
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 08, 2016, 09:45:06 pm
content: Can anyone identify which Eproms the 8753D series uses for U24, U25, U4 and U5 so I can purchase them and burn a set with newer firmware?I don't have a schematic of the VNA so i can't know which is which unless someone guides me.thx

author: bson
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 06, 2016, 04:51:51 am
content: Looking at the 8753D and ES... anyone know off hand what the differences are for units with built-in S-param test sets?Other than the obvious - display, case, etc. Any additional useful firmware functionality in the ES? I'd use it on an ICS 8065 ethernet-to-GPIB bridge.

author: mrf245
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 06, 2016, 07:28:59 am
content: I had have HP8751A HP8753D(6G with internal S bridge).I think these VNA is easy to use,but they are too old,maybe breakdown suddenly.I bought HP8714ET last week,it came with little issue,but with full datasheet and service guide documents,I fixed that problem so it works wery well.I like 8714 more than 875X series.

author: KJDS
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 06, 2016, 04:52:04 pm
content: The 8714 is a good instrument, but phase information is only available via GPIB

author: TheSteve
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 06, 2016, 06:22:03 pm
content: Quote from: KJDS on June 06, 2016, 04:52:04 pmAre you sure of that, I thought that only applied to the 8711 series. Th 8712 and higher should provide everything on screen.

author: KJDS
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 06, 2016, 08:00:39 pm
content: Quote from: TheSteve on June 06, 2016, 06:22:03 pmI've just checked, the 8711 (1.3GHz) and the 8713 (3GHz) don't display phase but the 8714 does.

author: TheSteve
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 06, 2016, 08:23:15 pm
content: Quote from: KJDS on June 06, 2016, 08:00:39 pmNot a big deal really anyway - they are easily upgraded to full vector displays on screen.

author: G0HZU
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 06, 2016, 08:48:06 pm
content: Quote from: bson on June 06, 2016, 04:51:51 amI think the ES will be faster in terms of display update rate when you run with full s2p correction factors enabled. How much faster I don't know. But I think the processor is more powerful in the ES. I think the other difference is that the ES can display S11, S21,S12 and S22 together on the screen in a quad display but the D can only offer a split (dual) display. However, I'm not sure about this. I'm used to using the ES version at work but not the D.We do have an 8753D (6GHz) version but I've only used it for brief/simple measurements to see if it still worked. It doesn't get used because the newer ENA and PNA VNAs are much easier to use. Even the 8753ES VNAs are now gathering dust at work for this reason. The user interface is quite good on the D and the ES but only if you stick to doing basic/classic calibrations with known cal kits. If you want to mess with a custom user cal kit/fixture the user interface for this is not good at all. The newer ENA and PNA models run Windows and have a fairly modern user interface and menu system. Once you want to do advanced stuff this really does help a lot.As you will know, the D has a CRT display and the ES an LCD display. Both displays are dull and gloomy and look very dated although I quite like the colour CRT in the 8753D. However, I'd be happy to use either the D or the ES even if the D is a bit slower. For me the HP8753D is a class above the 8714ET and I would choose it without hesitation. I've owned an 8714 here at home for many years and I really like it as a basic TR VNA but it can't compete with an 8753D.

author: G0HZU
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 06, 2016, 11:43:03 pm
content: The other difference will probably be wrt depreciation and resale. I think the 8753D will now depreciate a bit faster (and be harder to resell) than the 8753ES because the ES models are beginning to flood onto the used market at lower and lower prices and this can only dent the value and appeal of the older D version even more. But I'd be happy to use either of them professionally at work for basic design or verification work. I'd pick whichever one was nearest/easiest to move to my bench. The main reason I've not used our 8753D very often is because it belongs to another department at work and lives in a different building

author: mrf245
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 07, 2016, 12:56:59 am
content: Quote from: G0HZU on June 06, 2016, 08:48:06 pmI agree with you,871X series are "economical VNA" than 875X series. When measuring, my 8714ET test result is not very stable (I see smith result line still puny shiver...My 8751A result is more stable. And,875X series has independent A B R receivers, but 871X only have 2 receivers.8751A has no S-parameter test set when came to me, so I bought HP85044A T/R test set to couple with it to test S11 S21, works fine.

author: Mosaic
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 07, 2016, 01:43:13 am
content: Hi All:If anyone needs a set of the latest (6.14) firmware for the 8753D I can supply them now on plug & play EEPROMS plus 10 mins of your time to install.protofabtt@gmail.com

author: Gandalf_Sr
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 19, 2016, 04:23:39 pm
content: I have just managed to order an 8753E on eBay, is some sort of firmware upgrade possible depending on what it has when I get it?

author: trukresom
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 19, 2016, 04:52:52 pm
content: Hi,I upgraded my 8753E to the latest available firmware revision 7.74 without any problem.Beside other improvements this version offers a couple of display formats with allfour S-parameters on one screen.You can find this revision on this page here:http://na.support.keysight.com/8753/firmware/firmware.htm

author: Gandalf_Sr
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 20, 2016, 09:35:50 am
content: Trukresom, thanks for the info and link on upgrading the firmware. A couple of questions if I may:Is your network analyzer branded 'HP' or 'Agilent'?Was the upgrade done by downloading the file and putting it on floppy disk?

author: trukresom
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 20, 2016, 11:32:55 am
content: Hi Gandalf_SrQuoteIt is branded HP. Exactly it is a HP8753E Option 011 (without built-in S-parameter set.)QuoteYes, exactly as it is described on the bottom of this page:http://na.support.keysight.com/8753/firmware/firmware.htmby downloading and unzipping the filehttp://na.support.keysight.com/8753/dl_files/8753ee774.exeGood luck !

author: Gandalf_Sr
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 20, 2016, 12:52:06 pm
content: Trukresom, thanks for the detailed replyI just received my 8753E with options 006 and 010; it is HP-branded and S.N. US38431926 at FW Vn 07.68Now I need to add a floppy disk drive to one of my PCs, it's been a while since I used a floppy; are these the standard 1.44 MByte drives?

author: trukresom
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 20, 2016, 02:36:39 pm
content: Gandalf_Sr,QuoteMine has S.N. US37390418, thus it seems to be older than yours.QuoteYes, these are standard DOS-formatted 1.44 MB floppies. Sometimes I record plotfiles ofscreenshots onto such floppies and then mount them on a linux box to retrieve the plots.

author: Gandalf_Sr
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 20, 2016, 06:42:56 pm
content: OK, I've ordered one of these floppy disk driveshttps://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01GHF5VS2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1, mainly because it works with Windows 10 which is standard across my PCs now.Been messing with the 8753E and it all seems to work but I have clearly forgotten a lot about this subject, any suggestions for a simple test that I can walk through that will allow me to understand what I'm doing?

author: trukresom
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 21, 2016, 08:09:55 am
content: Hi Gandalf_Sr,One important thing to be procured when beginning with network analyzers is a calibration kit compatiblewith the connectors of the components you want to measure. The modules which I am measuring have allSMA (fem.) connectors. Thus I needed two APC7-SMA adapters, 2 (short) SMA cables and a matchingSMA calibration kit. Normally the frequency range which interests me is below 1 GHz. So I made myselfa calibration kit based on cheap SMA connectors. Further to verify my calibration kit I purchased one of these:http://www.hhft.de/files/products/network_analysis/SMA/datasheet_eco1.pdfBut before entering the calibration menu of your 8753 don't forget to set the Cal Kit to one which is similar toSMA by pressing:[Cal ] --> <Cal Kit> --> <Select Cal Kit> --> <3.5mm D>This works surprisingly good, at least for the frequency range which I am using.To verify my calibration I often re-measure the cal kit itself. This should resemble at what you can see onpage 6-8 in this document:http://exodus.poly.edu/~kurt/manuals/manuals/HP%20Agilent/HP%208753ES%20Documentation/8753ES%20Option%20011%20User's%20Guide%20(Jun02).pdf

author: Gandalf_Sr
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 21, 2016, 10:11:13 am
content: trukresom, Thanks for the extra information.I already own this calibration kit from eBayhttp://www.ebay.com/itm/RF-Network-Analyzer-Calibration-Kit-SMA-2-Kits-included-1-Plug-and-1-Jack-NEW-/371738580436?hash=item568d5895d4which I've used successfully on my N1996A, for now I'll try to use it on the 8753E too. I have also bought two used 7 mm to SMA (female) adapters that I believe to be Amphenol.When calibrating, is it necessary to allow for the 7mm - SMA adapters or is this automatically taken into account when the Cal measurements are done?

author: trukresom
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 21, 2016, 10:55:00 am
content: Hi Gandalf_Sr,When I look at the picture of your cal kit, it seems to me that the version at the right is contains exactly the same componentsas mine from Heuermann. I think that these components are manufactured by Rosenberger.QuoteAfter the calibration procedure the reference plane for the measurements is situated somewhere in thecalibration kit usually a few mm ahead of the mating plane. And this is (hopefully) independent of theadapters and cables used to connect the DUT. So if you change a measuring cable to connect yourDUT you should get the same results after a recalibration. At least this is what we expect.

author: Gandalf_Sr
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 21, 2016, 12:33:14 pm
content: Merci mon ami

author: trukresom
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 21, 2016, 12:41:50 pm
content: QuoteDe rien !et un Bonjour de la Provence

author: Gandalf_Sr
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 21, 2016, 01:24:47 pm
content: So I took a stab at running through the calibration menu on my 8753E but it's not very clear about where things are supposed to be connected, I think the left connector is the forward port and the right is the reverse (mine's a 2 port with the S bridge inside).KE5FX linked to the VNA Help web site which I will read through tonight. It looks like I might also need a calibration disk for the 8753E which I don't have - do I need one? Or the ability to connect to it via GPIB so I can use the program KE5FX linked to but that says I need a NI GPIB - USB interface, I have a cheap eBay Agilent 82357B which I strongly suspect is a fake and I've never tried out out and I'm not sure if that will work, I looked for "NI GPIB-USB-HS" and got a load of hits on eBay and Amazon but again, many people are saying that these are fakes.I also need a simple step-by-step calibration guide that includes pictures of what to connect where.Any advice is much appreciated.Thanks

author: Gandalf_Sr
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 21, 2016, 03:34:39 pm
content: OK, I foundthis Youtube video on doing a calibration and it's pretty much what I understood. I have a few questions though:1. Shouldn't he have selected a Cal kit before he did the calibration?2. Once the full two-port calibration was done, wouldn't it make sense to save it somewhere?

author: trukresom
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 21, 2016, 05:04:33 pm
content: Hi Gandalf_Sr,QuoteThe forward parameters S11 and S21 are measured with the source signal coming out of port 1 and when measuringreverse parameters S22 and S12 the analyzer switches the source generator to port 2.QuoteIf you had exactly one of the calibration kits which are listed on your analyzer in the CalKit selection menu then you don'tneed a calibration disk because the coefficients of these are already stored in the analyzer. But with a non-HP calibrationkit to be exact, one should enter user-defined coefficients for this cal kit. But doing this seems to be very complicated.First, because it is not clear how to determine the correct coefficients and secondly because it is complicated to enter thesecoefficients into the machine. This is the reason why I suggested to select the HP 85035C CalKit on the 8753 together withyour SMA calibration kit as a starting point because they are very similar. At least up to 1 or 2 GHz this should not give too much error.QuoteI also had about the same difficulties when I started using a VNA 3years ago. I suggest to start with a simple introductory exercise.Measuring the inductivity of a small air core inductor with some turns of enameled copper wire, something like this:http://www.cettechnology.com/products/air-coil-inductors/This can be done by measuring the S11 Parameter. We use only Port 1. First you have to decide which frequency range:You select Start and Stop frequency. I suggest Start: 30 MHz Stop: 300 MHz. Later you should also eventually modify the IF-BW,source power, averaging and the like. It is important to set up these parameters before calibrating. This because a modificationof some of these parameters makes the calibration obsolete.Select the Cal Kit:[Cal ] --> <Cal Kit> --> <Select Cal Kit> --> <3.5mm D>Then you can calibrate: --> <Calibrate Menu> --> <S11 1-port>Connect your OPEN reference. Press <OPEN>. Wait for beep.Connect your SHORT reference. Press <SHORT>. Wait for beep.Connect your LOAD reference. Press <LOAD>. Wait for beep.Press <DONE>The machine is calibrated now. To measure our coil we solder it onto one of these SMA connectorshttp://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/sma-connectors/6163422/But before soldering the coil we connect this connector on the VNA without the coil and we enter the following: --> <s11> --> <Smith Chart>Now we should see a small vertical trace at the right side of the chart. This is essentially caused by the extensionof our measuring cables by the electrical length of this SMA connector. We try now to compensate this by pressing --> <More> --> <Port Extensions> --> <Extension ON> --> <Extension PORT1>Now we turn the knob clockwise until we see a single point, the ideal open.Now we solder our coil onto the terminals of this SMA connector. (Please remove the connector to do this to avoidstatic discharge of the soldering iron)Reconnect the connector with the coil and pressTurn the knob to a frequency of interest and read the value of the inductivity on the top of the screen.QuoteYes, absolutely. This is not clear. At some point he is pressing the Preset Button. On my machine this selects the 7mm Cal Kit as default.There are 2 other things in the video which I find not very good:1. He should avoid the mechanical stress on the small connector on port 2 with the filter pcb suspended on it by using a second cable.2. When he is removing the calibration standards from the measuring cable he is turning the standard ccw against the cable connector.This also should be avoided. Only the nut of the cable connector should be rotated.QuoteYes, this could be done but personally I don't have much confidence in the long time stability of a calibration.

author: Gandalf_Sr
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 21, 2016, 05:55:32 pm
content: Awesome information, thank youI do have some calibration parameters for my cheap SMA calibration kit (it's on the eBay page that I linked to), I don't know if these are sufficient for the 8753E but, if they are, presumably they can be entered somewhere - I'll have a look.I appreciate the example test you listed, I'll walk through it later.Thanks,Ted

author: hendorog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 21, 2016, 08:13:39 pm
content: Quote from: trukresom on September 21, 2016, 10:55:00 amThere are also low cost cal kits from these guys:www.sdr-kits.nethttp://www.sdr-kits.net/Webshop/products.php?96&cPath=5Which also use Rosenberger parts (possibly the same parts). They have also measured them against a genuine HP cal kit and determined at least some of the parameters which are needed to setup a User Cal Kit in an 8753. They also come with an individually measured load.

author: KE5FX
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 21, 2016, 08:30:27 pm
content: Quote from: Gandalf_Sr on September 21, 2016, 01:24:47 pmYou have a built-in S parameter test set, so it can go both ways. By convention the left connector is port 1 and the right connector is port 2. When the analyzer is measuring Sxy, 'y' is the transmitting port (which can also receive reflected power) while 'x' designates the receiving port, which will have a 50-ohm termination. When measuring S11 or S22, both forward and reflected power are monitored at the same port, and the other one isn't used at all.QuoteIt's worth trying what you have. The worst it can do is not work. (Well, it could also lock up your VNA after a lengthy calibration process that you don't feel like repeating, but that particular pain is further down the road.)So far, I haven't seen any confirmed fake NI GPIB-USB-HS adapters; all of the ones I've bought from China have looked good and worked well.QuoteThe manuals are really very good -- go surf around on the Keysight page, searching for not only "8753ES" but also the earlier models like "8753D."Also look for tutorials written for various EE courses that have found their way online. Anything by Dunsmore is worth reading, such asthis. He designed a lot of the original hardware in the 8753A and also does some work with UC-Berkeley's EE program.

author: KE5FX
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 21, 2016, 08:41:07 pm
content: QuoteYep.QuoteYes, for two reasons: one is that calibration is sort of a pain in the neck, given all the necessary swapping of standards and pressing of buttons. The other is that all of the standards, cables, and fittings you're working are expensive and have a finite lifetime. A happy calibration kit is one that's nestled safely in a closed box.As trukresom suggests, calibrations don't last forever. But this, more than anything else, is how you tell the difference between a crappy VNA and a good one. The one you have is one of the good ones. As long as the temperature is reasonably stable and your cables and connectors are cleaned, maintained, and used properly, you can expect most saved calibrations to be usable for weeks at a time, at minimum.

author: G0HZU
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 21, 2016, 08:43:38 pm
content: QuoteSetting up a USER cal kit on the 8753ES is not a lot of fun if you want to get the best out of the VNA and the cal kit.If you look back at the start of this thread (two years ago) I listed the USER cal kit menu as a confusing mess on the 8753ES.You can try playing with the cal kit manager program that Agilent (kind of?) adopted to see if that makes things easier but I did it the hard way using manual entry for all the cal kit data.It can take a lot of work proving/tweaking a user cal kit to get the most from it. This is what makes the USER CAL menu system in the 8753ES such a pain to use because it isn't intuitive to use and it's very easy to select the wrong soft menu key or mess up the data entry.The VNA cal kit manager program will probably be your best bethttp://www.vnahelp.com/ckman_new2.htmlI found the 8753ES to be particularly frustrating to use when using multiple USER cal kits. I have several 'user' cal kits here at home and also at work depending on which test fixture system I use and the 8753ES isn't your friend when trying to juggle numerous cal kits. Otherwise, it is a fabulous VNA and the prices for them seem to be in freefall these days. Amazing value for money for the hobbyist

author: Gandalf_Sr
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 21, 2016, 11:50:35 pm
content: Thanks guys, I got the vnahelp program installed on my Windows 10 machine and it looks like it's running, problem is that, when I click on any help item, I get taken to this Microsoft websitehttps://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/917607that tells me "Error opening Help in Windows-based programs: "Feature not included" or "Help not supported"I tried installing the Windows 8.1 help version but it tells me that it's not the right help for my OSSigh...I can try on a different (Windows Vista) machine tomorrow. If you go tothis linkand follow the instructions in the post at "EricN1719 replied on August 26, 2015" ....you will have a fully working system that correctly opens .hlp files right from within the VNA help application - at least it worked for me on Windows 10 64 bit.

author: G0HZU
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 22, 2016, 10:29:40 pm
content: QuoteThat's partly why (for use up to 3GHz) I've always made my own SMA cal kits for home use. They cost virtually nothing and can be thrown away (or the USER cal file edited) when they wear or misbehave and I don't care if I lose or misplace them. I've had very good results from my various homebrew cal kits and I still use my original one (must be 10 years old?) for casual stuff. It's not going to be as good as an 85033E cal kit but I have found that for sub 3GHz work there is very little difference. I only see a difference when taking very critical s2p models of components and the difference isn't really significant.However, the performance quickly degrades above 3GHz and my homebrew cal kits would not be suitable for a 6GHz version of the HP8753E(S).

author: Gandalf_Sr
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 24, 2016, 09:18:57 am
content: Just a heads up. I haven't lost interest but my Mother in Law passed away yesterday and I won't get back to looking at this for a week or two; she was a lovely 83 year old who lost her struggle with cancer. Thanks to all here for their ideas and support.

author: Mosaic
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2016, 02:31:14 am
content: "That's partly why (for use up to 3GHz) I've always made my own SMA cal kits for home use"can u advise on how this is done please?thxAncel

author: hendorog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2016, 08:14:06 pm
content: As another option, instead of building your own you can just purchase the cal kit parts for $20:http://www.sdr-kits.net/Webshop/products.php?49&cPath=5These connectors are spec'd to 18GHz and (IMHO) should perform better than DIY but not as good as a kit from Dr Kirkby - because they don't come with a full set of cal data.SDRKits also do cal kits in a box which come with a 4 wire measurement of the actual load supplied - which of course you can do yourself with a (calibrated) multimeter.

author: G0HZU
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2016, 10:06:46 pm
content: Yes, most people will be better off just buying a basic kit like the one above.I made my homebrew SMA cal kit using surplus SMA PCB end launchers. It isn't as good as a commercial cal kit but see below for the SMA load. You can see how accurate it is right up to 3GHz. I optimised the short and load using a dremel to get the reference plane for both of them right at the end of the end launcher. Over the years I did a lot of useful design work with this cal kit here at home and it cost me nothing unless you include the £0.01 for the resistors in the load. The connectors were free. Salvaged from a scrap PCB.The homemade load below was measured using a fairly modern Agilent VNA and a 13.5GHz Agilent Ecal module.

author: hendorog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2016, 10:19:17 pm
content: Quote from: G0HZU on November 03, 2016, 10:06:46 pmImpressiveWhat is limiting the performance above 3GHz do you think? i.e. would these Vishay RF resistors help?http://nz.mouser.com/Vishay/Passive-Components/Resistors/High-Frequency-RF-Resistors/_/N-7jdaj?P=1z0zls5

author: G0HZU
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2016, 10:36:36 pm
content: I'm not sure what limits the performance above 3GHz but when I made it I tried testing SMD resistors from various manufacturers on a modern VNA at work (at work we have reels and reels of 100R SMD resistors from various makers) and I selected the 'best' 0805 or 0603 resistor package I could find amongst them all (when tested on a VNA) and then I bought a strip of them from Farnell and did a select on test with a 4 wire DMM to find two 100R resistors from that manufacturer/range that gave almost exactly 50R when in parallel. I think it took me a few tweaks to position them to get that return loss performance and it's stayed that good ever since. But it doesn't work well above 3GHz. Probably due to several reasons including the SMD package and my soldering. At the time I only had an old 3GHz HP8714B here at home and this homemade cal kit was good enough for the stuff I was doing. I just couldn't justify buying a proper cal kit. The VNA only cost me £250 back then (over 10 years ago) as it had a known fault and I bought it for scrap money, ordered the repair kit (for this fault) from Agilent for about £80 and the VNA sprang back to life.

author: KJDS
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2016, 10:42:12 pm
content: The key to high frequency precision loads is that there is length along the resistor. The ground needs to get closer. Travel along the line to the resistance and it's 50ohms. At the grounded end of the resistor then it's 0 ohms, but halfway along the resistor it is 25 ohms but that isn't reflected in the transmission line round it. Genuine cal standard loads use a rod resistor with the outer of the coax tapering in towards the grounded end.

author: G0HZU
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 09, 2016, 12:26:57 am
content: To show what my old homebrew SMA SOL cal kit can do, here's a screenshot comparing ATC's own s parameter file of a 3.3pF ATC 800B capacitor against my measurement of the same capacitor using my homebrew SMA cal kit and a homebrew test fixture and my VNA here at home. The test range is 500MHz to 3GHz because the ATC data only starts at 500MHz for this 3p3 cap.But you can see how well my measurement agrees for capacitance, quality factor and Zreal/imaginary up to the capacitor's own self resonance near 3GHz. My fixture is a very tight 1 port test fixture and measures the cap on its own and I suspect that the ATC measurement may have a subtle shift in the self resonance due to differences in the test fixture. My fixture is a 1 port fixture and ATC used a 2 port fixture. But my results are very good for a cal kit and fixture made from scrap parts that cost me nothingThe blue (wiggly) trace data is the official ATC data (port 2) and the red traces (port 1) are made using my homemade cal kit and fixture. To be able to make measurements like this (especially the Q measurement) takes great care with the whole test procedure and much attention to detail. But it shows what can be achieved.

author: G0HZU
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 09, 2016, 12:56:56 am
content: See below for the same cap measured using my snazzy Agilent N4431-60006B 13.5GHz 4 port Ecal module. Interestingly, this manages to capture some of the subtle dips in the Q measurement that are present in the official ATC data filehttp://www.keysight.com/en/pd-491111-pn-N4431B/rf-electronic-calibration-module-9-khz-to-135-ghz-4-port?cc=US&lc=engThis is better than my homebrew cal kit but the differences are so tiny that they are insignificant. It would be interesting to see how well the commercial cal kits would fare here. I don't 'need' a low cost commercial cal kit here because I have the Ecal unit but I'd be happy to review a commercial SMA cal kit. I think I can do it VERY critically, with much stricter tests that the one here.

author: Mosaic
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2016, 01:23:05 am
content: Quote from: G0HZU on November 03, 2016, 10:06:46 pmKinda interested in some DIY tips on this!

author: Gandalf_Sr
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2017, 02:49:45 pm
content: Well, I'm kind of resurfacing here and decided to cave in and buy acal kit from Dr Kirkby in the UK; I only just paid for it so it will probably be a week or 2 before it arrives.It comes with a USB with all teh cal parameters and a floppy disk. I think, in the meantime, I may tackle the issue of a slightly gloomy screen, maybe I can convert the tubes to LEDs or just buy a new tube - we'll see.

author: Bud
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 03, 2017, 02:18:02 am
content: I hope the cal kit will work for you, but please keep this arrogant individual away from this forum. Otherwise everyone is going to learn that the only correct way of doing things is his way, you will be lectured on required highest industrial standards he expects you to follow, even if all you do is DIY/amateur stuff. Any discussion topic of a device X will receive its "I do not have a device X but ..." comment followed by what he thinks of the device X even if he never owned it. You will be bombarded by liberal use of HP/Agilent equipment and accessories nomenclature that which seems to make him feel important. You will quickly learn his telephone number, address, company name and registration number and when you should and should not call him because his signature will be placed in each and every post because he wants to sell his stuff. Everywhere he showed up on discussion forums he caused heated exchanges because of the way to speak with people.

author: Gandalf_Sr
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2017, 03:26:33 pm
content: Well, I did the screen replacement, it's covered in this threadhttps://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/8753-screen-upgrade-replacement/msg1127083/#msg1127083Basically an LQ084V1DG21 display fits in the place of the LQ9D340 with some minor changes to the nylon back holder for the display, the difference is like night and day.The Kirkby Cal kit hasn't arrived yet, I'm playing with the el-cheapo SMA Cal kit I already had. Steep learning curve.

author: Gandalf_Sr
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2017, 06:26:51 pm
content: Trying to use the VNA Cal Kit Manager 2.1 fromhttp://www.vnahelp.com/products.htmlI have Keysight Connection Expert running on my PC and have it connected to an Agilent E5810A and I can see the HP8753E VNA, it shows a listing unde SICL Address of "gpib 15,16" but the GPIB setting in VNA Cal Kit Manager don't seem to want to connect - I've tried many different GPIB Board Number values but, when I click Test GPIB, I get GPIB Error, error in ATGpibCardOpen: error 130 Unknown error value Board X VNA Address Y (where X and Y are the values I entered.Any ideas? I gave up on VNA Cal Kit Manager working on Windows 10, 64 bit, I believe it's incompatible. I found an old PC that had Windows XP SP3, installed Agilent 10 Libraries Suite 15.0 LXI Class B, and then VNA Cal Kit Manager vn2.1 and it just worked. My GPIB values were Board 8, Address 16. I'm not sure that I need the Agilent Libraries Suite at all.

author: hendorog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 11, 2017, 10:51:45 pm
content: FYI, these are the settings which work for my 8753C - on Windows 10-64bit with a USB 82357A GPIB adapter.Keysight Connection ExpertSettingsTick 'Enable Keysight GPIB Cards for 488 Programs'Then setup VNA Cal kit manager with 488.2GPIB board number 0VNA GPIB address 16

author: Gandalf_Sr
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 12, 2017, 03:27:43 pm
content: hendorog,Thanks, your suggestion made the connection between VNA Cal Kit Manager and my 8753E work from my Windows 10, 64-bit PC. I had to use GPIB Board Number 1 and VNA GPIB Address 16, I also saw a Windows Firewall blocking warning (that I hadn't seen previously), which I allowed access for and then it worked.

author: Teuobk
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2017, 07:45:36 pm
content: Gandalf_Sr,Have you received the Kirby SMA cal kit yet? If so, how did it compare to the "el cheapo" kit you got off of eBay?I ask because I'm in a similar boat, with a new-to-me HP 8714ES and no calibration kit for it. I'm curious if it's worth spending the extra money on a slightly better cal kit versus a slightly cheaper option like, say, the one from SDR-kits or the one you got from eBay. Thoughts?