Need advice  - Atten 5030 vs HP8594E - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: thekubiaks
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 15, 2013, 11:39:04 pm
content: I need a spectrum analyzer with tracking generator for projects up to 3ghz. I'm not sure whether to get a new Atten5030 or the HP8594E. The HP has been calibrated and is in excellent condition but I think it is about $1000 more (and the guy selling it is a repair guy for HP/Agilent SA's)Any thoughts or opinions would be appreciated.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 16, 2013, 12:22:15 am
content: Don't rule out Advantest (Rhode & Schwartz) spectrum analysers. Be sure to get one with an LCD screen though.The Atten spectrum analyser only goes to 1GHz... what is your requirement? Be sure to check out the new Rigol spectrum analysers as well.

author: thekubiaks
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 16, 2013, 01:25:26 am
content: I did look at the Rigol DSA 1030A-TG but the price is pretty ridiculous. For what they are asking, I could get a very nice Agilent. I don't know about the quality or reliability of the Advantest, hopefully someone can shed some light on that.Thanks for the reply

author: rf-loop
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 16, 2013, 08:08:14 am
content: Quote from: thekubiaks on April 15, 2013, 11:39:04 pmHP is professional tool. Originally also expensive (its construction is expensive). Dependent of options (look carefully what RBW it have.)If you compare this and Atten 5030 you just compare cheap toy and professional tool.Of course it is better than nothing but...I have not experience about this Atten junk but (reading specs was enough) with these HP85xxE spectrum analyzers I have. Used them and also repaired/serviced/calibrated them.Older units problems are many times CRT. Many times they have slight or moderate burn ins but in real use mostly it do not mean anything,... if its is used as tool. If use purely decorative purpose - then may be different. If monitor starts other symptoms (linearity problem and slow startup etc there is 2-3 electrolytic capasitors what need change. Monitor is not HP made of course. I do not remember if they are Opti Vision Inc)If unit have been in automatic controlled product test line 24/7 there sometimes may be attenuator problem. (attenuator can repair if problem is this wear (rubber o-rings) - but if burned with overload - just change. Sometimes there may find small amount of grease/oil between low pressure contacts and this lead to severe problems)There need run confidential test and selfcal. If both go ok without any message but ok then it MAY be ok. If seller can not do this and send images about tests and full band sweep with example own cal signal then forget - exept if you want try repair. (these spectrum models still can repair)Also it is good to know there is lithium battery for ram and if it fails, you lost ALL cal data. (and this data can not produce using only selfcal. After memory lost it do not even know himself. But all is explained in service manuals. Also how to reboot unit from scratch state. So, this Lithium is better change before it fails! And - it do not give warning that "next week I have designed to fail")Also there is good situation with these HP models. There is nearly endless availability of second hand spare parts! Try find spare part for example some R&S.If I know HP condition is trusted ok and price is nearly same as this new Atten... no need think (if need tool. If need playtoybox perhaps Atten is better becouse it is not so heawy .)

author: thekubiaks
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 16, 2013, 12:14:28 pm
content: Thank you rf-loop! Great info, I am going with the 8594E. I am picking up the unit tomorrow night and need to make sure I know what to check before I accept it. I am going thru the users manual as well as the calibration manual to make sure I'm not missing anything. Here are two pictures of the unit.Do you see anything I should be concerned with???I will ask about the Lithium battery, as well as the "confidential test", I can't find that in the calibration manual.Thanks again for the adviceAlso, here is the description from the seller:***********************Comes with Brand new Nist Traceable calibration , certificate and sticker30 day warranty!this includes the coveted tracking generator that ups the value by 1000$. and thats no exaggeration.unit one : opts 4(ovenized timebase), 41(parallel and gpib), 10(tracking gen), 53, 130 (narrow bandwidths) 1998 modelBRAND NEW Internal CALIBRATION and some adjustments made such as frequency accuracy,crt,yto,flatness, amplitude accuracy,etc...Beware lots of people claim to have their units calibrated, however if it doesnt have actual adjustments ran its not a calibration but merely a performance test and general approval . and in many cases those approvals dont even pass spec! and spec is not that accurate to begin with!This is an 8594E Signal spectrum analyzer that goes to 2.9 ghz . . This has been fully tested with my signal generator and works with no issues , warranty will be for exchanges within 30 days!. I have thoroughly tested all of the functions and it passes all my freq response ,amplitude accuracy , noise-floor sensitivity,flatness, attenuator, and stability tests flawlessly within spec and is guaranteed to recalibrate with no issues! .the waveform even at super high frequencies with low spans, on this unit has excellent shape with no spikes at low spans / bandwidths. you may be able to find one cheaper on ebay but not one this thoroughly tested or freshly calibrated and realigned . chances are that they will not be able to calibrate without repairs. even if they are offering warranty, Its good odds that there is an issue or they are hoping you wont send it in for cal because it will not calibrate. tracking generator flatness on this one is superb. better than most of the other ones you will see.Dynamic Range +30 dBm - -127 dBmFrequency Range 9 kHz - 2.9 GHzInput Impedance 50 ohmsOther Features -105 dBc/HResidual FM -90 dBc/HzResolution Bandwidth 1 kHz - 3 MHzVideo Bandwidth 1 Hz - 1 MHzIm also including a free 32 kb memory card as well (100$ value) for buy it now winners.All buttons, knob, outputs , and inputs and both ref sources(rear 10 mhz ref and front 300mhz cal out ref) work great. crt is in perfect condition with no noticeable screen burn or extensive sign of aging. Its still super brightThese units dont need to be sent in for cal very often like the 6 series because it has its own built in frequency and amplitude calibration that you can run anytime.No errors show when powered up, or while running all the internal tests , passes confidence test and internal self cal flawlessly .

author: MetraCollector
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 16, 2013, 12:38:25 pm
content: rf-loop: It seems to you are experienced with this instruments. Could you please tell me what do you thing about Tektronix 49x spectrum analyzers ?Altough I haven't save enough funds for it (poor student and hobbyst) I do some market analysis and I look for HP859x or Tek 49x but I am not sure about differences between these. My priorities are availability to repair, calibrate (I have an access to R&S FSU in my work) and obtain spare parts.Thank you.

author: larry42
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 16, 2013, 03:39:08 pm
content: IIRC with the Tek 49x series you want options 1, 2, 3 (pre-selector, digital storage and stabilizer).

author: rf-loop
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 16, 2013, 04:54:27 pm
content: Quote from: MetraCollector on April 16, 2013, 12:38:25 pmIn these pictures I can not see any bad things.Look date in image is this picture is fresh or some old?Btw: There is also tracking generator (option 10)!!And then narrow RBW (option 130)!(without options this basic model most narrow RBW is 1kHz and this is not so nice.)QuoteBut in description, if all is as can read, and you can look live machine before buy it feels good.Tracking gen and narrow BW is good value!My opinion is that HP859xE is more easy for repair if compare to this Tek example 496PThere is lot of spare parts available for this HP859xE series.(also I have some units for spare parts use. Not any working units anymore. I use mostly HP8568B, this is ok for my needs.)

author: thekubiaks
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 16, 2013, 05:35:24 pm
content: Thank you rf-loop, I appreciate your expertise. I owe you a beer