HP8714B VNA  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: R_G_B_
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2016, 07:44:46 pm
content: Has anyone managed to upgrade this model HP8714B via EEPROM reprogramming to enable all the options. Mine uses the Intel 28F010 EEPROM.ThanksR,_G_B

author: TheSteve
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 06, 2016, 08:18:59 pm
content: The mods I gave you previously are known to work on many different machines, including the 8711B, 8712B, 8714C etc.The 8711B, 8712B and 8714B all use the same firmware.I also asked about firmware version but you didn't tell me, if it is too old the extra features are likely not included.Newest firmware is B.03.54 - be aware updating the firmware may require additional ram.lastly be sure when you write to the 28F010 you erase before writing.

author: R_G_B_
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2016, 08:44:46 pm
content: TheSteve,The firmware version is B.03.02.How do i go about updating the firmware and RAM?I have erased before writing to the ROM.ThanksR_G_B_

author: TheSteve
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 06, 2016, 08:54:47 pm
content: If the hardware is the same as the 8712B I believe you'd need a 30 pin sim - not sure on the specific type though. I can't say for sure you'd need additional ram but I have heard of the problem occurring before. There is no way to backup the firmware before flashing so you might be stuck if it does require more ram. You can download the firmware image from the Keysight website, you will need an older computer to write the 3.5 inch floppy image.

author: R_G_B_
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2016, 09:16:59 pm
content: I think it must be the same as the 8712B model as my board is different from the HP8712http://minolta1.cninet.cz/HP8712C/

author: G0HZU
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2016, 09:25:57 pm
content: I powered up my HP8714B and it has firmware B.03.54 and BootROM B.04.00.It was an ex rental so it already has all the options (I think)i.e. IBASIC, The 1E1 Attenuator, the AM Delay option and the Fault Location option. Some of these require additional hardware to be fitted either internal or external. Mine came with a suitcase packed with an external 2 port switching test set, N type cal kit, external RF detector probes (for the AM delay?) plus several RF test cables. I assume that the 1E1 attenuator option requires additional hardware?I'm not sure how useful any of these options really are. The only one that I took advantage of was the high power/attenuator option because this VNA could generate something like -60dBm up to +20dBm at the RF port 1.

author: TheSteve
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 06, 2016, 09:54:45 pm
content: Attenuator and AM delay are both hardware options. The features that can be added are IBASIC and the SRL fault analysis. Originally R_G_B thought he had an 8714C where the options are a little more useful as you can enable the network port which gives you a webserver etc.It also makes a massive difference on the 8711B where you can go to the 8712B to give full onscreen vector results.

author: R_G_B_
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2016, 09:56:16 pm
content: Mine is also boot ROM version B.04.00.Program ROM 2048 KBMain DRAM 4186112 bytesDSP SRAM 65536 bytesSIM DRAM 0 bytes.GOHZU could you tell me if your memory is similar?need to check this before i install the updated firmware.R_G_B

author: G0HZU
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2016, 10:34:10 pm
content: Program ROM 2097512 bytes 2048 KBMain DRAM 4186112 bytesDSP SRAM 65536 bytesSIM DRAM 0 bytes.CPU board V1.1FracN board V1.0Source board V1.1Receiver board V1.2.2

author: R_G_B_
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2016, 10:53:32 pm
content: I have the same parameters so it looks like I can update to firmware B.03.54.thanks

author: R_G_B_
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 09, 2016, 06:15:26 pm
content: I manged to update to the latest firmware.The VNA has option 100 SLR fault location but not the IBASIC. Interesting the VNA has the same parameters on boot as G0HZU.Also How do you get the plots---images to the PC with hpglview-543_Windows?ThanksR_G_B

author: R_G_B_
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 09, 2016, 10:06:18 pm
content: Quote from: R_G_B_ on May 09, 2016, 06:15:26 pmsorted it

author: KC7HP
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 21, 2017, 03:52:41 am
content: I am trying to update HP8711C to HP8712C. The HP87xxC series uses 28F020 EEPROM and the boot image is based on larger blocks than the HP87xxA/B with 28F010 EEPROM. Published tutorial on Converting HP8711A to HP8712A does not apply. I've tried several mods to the boot image but have not guessed a useful adjustment. One funny is that I tried an HP8714C image I dug up and the main effect was to make the machine think it was an HP8730!

author: TheSteve
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 21, 2017, 04:50:43 am
content: If you post the image I'll take a look.

author: ovenqin
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2017, 07:10:30 am
content: Hi all, I review this post, THe Steve mention that the 8711B, 8712B and 8714B all use the same firmware.who could upload the bootrom 28F010 for 8711b,8712b,8714B? I miss the bootrom of 8711B, I refresh the 8711A bootrom for 28F010. But by using the wrong bootrom of 8711A , the 8711B system can't check the 4MB Main DRAM (Shared DRAM), it just display 1MB on Screen when the system check.

author: TheSteve
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 16, 2017, 07:24:15 am
content: HP8711B boot rom for you.

author: ovenqin
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 17, 2017, 03:39:03 pm
content: Hi Thesteve, Thanks for file of Bootrom. Now my machine reboot and check the firmware is ok, But the machine report the error for "Reference clock isnot toggling" in A3 unit.I Check the service manual for Test 12 "Blackplane bus error", scope the C14 for 5MHz signal is ok. A3 unit also out 10MHz signal.I search the message for this error, someone said:" The HP 8711A is notorious for having backplane problems.Its a mechanical design issue where the boards can come loose, and the connectors become intermittent. Try re-seating all of the boards, especially the CPU board."Maybe I have to resolder all connector of the boards as this guy suggest.73! BD7TQ

author: TK
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 17, 2017, 03:44:25 pm
content: Quote from: ovenqin on December 17, 2017, 03:39:03 pmIt says "Try re-seating all of the boards", not resoldering the pins. I found the soldering to be good. Re-seating means plugging the boards and pushing hard to the back. Some of them has a screw for a better attachment, or the receiver board has BNC connectors on the back that attaches to the back chassis with nuts.Your pictures indicate you have the B model, not the A. Check the cables from the front of the FRAC/N board that goes to the Source board.

author: ovenqin
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 18, 2017, 02:46:30 am
content: Thanks TK. I try to pull/push the all units,but the error stay there. Yeah I check the FRAC/N board, There is a 10MHz signal out from A3J3 interface by probing with scope, a 60MHz signal out from A3J1 either. if the error of blackplane bus stay here, the machine always halt. I cannot enter the operation system of this machine,it's a big trouble for me.Maybe My firmware version is too high B.03.54, I download it from technology support of Keysight websit. who could upload the old version of firmware for Hp8711B.Quote from: TK on December 17, 2017, 03:44:25 pm

author: TK
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 18, 2017, 12:01:38 pm
content: It says to press BEGIN to continue. Have you tried it?

author: ovenqin
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 18, 2017, 01:19:29 pm
content: Hi TK, Yes I do, But the machine halt and do nothing.May I have to exchange all tantalum CAPs in CPU board? if the tantalum Cap has a large leak current or don't get enough capacitor, could it turn out this trouble the system halt?Quote from: TK on December 18, 2017, 12:01:38 pm