HP 8591e with very dim crt... worth buying? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: xwarp
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 26, 2017, 11:51:51 pm
content: Local sale for $250. It needs a new crt, which I see can be had for $200. Checked it out and it appears that it should be fine once a new crt is put in.Being 75ohm, that is ok by me.Thoughts?

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2017, 02:05:19 am
content: I'd jump on that if it were local to me. Might be able to revive the CRT, I've had reasonable luck with my Sencore CRT tester rejuvenating old tubes. Doesn't always work but it's worth a shot.

author: xwarp
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2017, 03:17:39 am
content: Turns out that the intensity pot knob was the issue although the crt does have significant burn in, it's still bright and clear.

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2017, 05:04:51 am
content: I love an easy fix like that. Sounds like you got a heck of a deal, some burn is pretty common, it could easily last thousands of hours more.

author: deepskyridge
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2017, 02:20:55 pm
content: I bought one a while back with a dead display. I used the video output on the back to verify operation.I got a new (NOS) from the following seller:http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-Qty-LOT-NEW-HP-Agilent-2090-0539-CRT-Display-Section-for-8590-Spectrum-Analyze-/262968678639?hash=item3d3a2798ef:g:oEYAAOSw~FNUY7~qEasy fix, unit works great. Don't forget to change the battery in the unit.Gary

author: NavyBOFH
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2017, 04:25:22 pm
content: As the above poster said - the CRT kits are pretty cheap and are all new or "good stock". I have plenty of 856x series analyzers with good screens but other blown components we use as spare parts cadavers for our working units.That being said - I also hear the LCD upgrade kits are worth every penny if you want to spend around $500 on a display. I am just waiting for a CRT to die on a piece of equipment to give me a reason to try and order one.

author: carl_lab
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2017, 05:38:19 pm
content: Quote from: deepskyridge on May 28, 2017, 02:20:55 pmWhere is the battery located?I repaired our 8591E a few weeks ago, but I couldn't find the battery.

author: xwarp
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2017, 06:04:30 pm
content: Quote from: carl_lab on May 28, 2017, 05:38:19 pmThe manual I have states that it's on the A16A1 memory board.

author: MarkL
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 28, 2017, 08:18:51 pm
content: There's a procedure in the 895x service manual to backup the cal contstants. You might want to do this before replacing the battery, just in case something slips.Depending on the age of the unit, it could be either a cylindrical lithium cell on the main board on the bottom near the back, or a large lithium coin cell on the memory card.

author: carl_lab
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2017, 09:20:37 pm
content: Quote from: MarkL on May 28, 2017, 08:18:51 pmGood point.AFAIK a new calibration is not exactly what I'd call low-cost...