hybridfree/eevblog-posts huggingface dataset:
High power supply for small electric power trains? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: LaurentR
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2018, 02:12:10 am
content: I already have a bench supply (DP832), but it runs out of power for some of my RC power-train based projects I have (RC cars, robots, skateboard e.g. with VESC).It'll be difficult to fully replace battery packs, but I'd like something that can replace batteries in low-ish load conditions, so we're talking 0-60V if possible (12S) - down to 30V could be acceptable (6S) and at least 10A, for a total of at least 300W, ideally 600W or more. I'd love something that's SCPI capable (USB, LXI), but would settle for something without.I have been looking at some of the switching PS like the BK Precision 190xB ($650, 900W). Are these of good quality? Anything else of decent quality and possibly somewhat cheaper?

author: Marco
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2018, 03:18:34 am
content: Gophert CPS 6017?

author: LaurentR
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2018, 04:56:16 am
content: Quote from: Marco on February 24, 2018, 03:18:34 amWow, looks like a pretty good option (especially at $170 on AE). I checked the options, but they all seem to be 220V, no 110V

author: Marco
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2018, 10:01:25 am
content: There is adodgyalternative...

author: alm
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2018, 11:37:32 am
content: If you want something less dodgy, you could consider buying an old HP switching system power supply likethis one that goes up to 1 kW(currently on eBay for $300 + shipping, no affiliation with the seller). You'll have to forego USB/LXI, but they are programmable through an external analog voltage source. For the slightly more modern models like the HP 6032A, you can use GPIB to program them. If you are patient, you should be able to find better deals.Bigger than those ones from AE/BG, but should be much more reliable and obviously much higher quality. Also pretty sure these are higher quality than the BK Precision ones.

author: LaurentR
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2018, 06:36:35 am
content: Quote from: Marco on February 24, 2018, 03:18:34 amIt turns out they can make a 110V version of the CPS-6017, you just have to askI just got mine, US$220 shipped to the US.Except for the potent solvent smell (not sure of what - I am letting gas out for a few days), it seems to work like a charm. I couldn't test all 1000W of it (my load can take only 300W), but it seemed to be doing just fine, with no noticeable heating up and the fan running at a very reasonable level. V and A measurements seemed to be pretty good.The only odd thing with this supply is that it uses 5mm banana jacks, which is uncommon (I had some from my RC cars and they worked fine).
Electrometer 10kV - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Physikfan
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2018, 08:27:27 pm
content: The picture shows an electrostatic voltmeter with light pointer for a maximum of 10 kV.My questions to all:Please, who else has an electrostatic voltmeter in his instrument collection?Do you have some experience in dealing with voltage measurement by electrometers?Have you perhaps measured the self-capacitance and the internal resistance of your device?
Bad Siglent 1102X? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Bob Sava
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2018, 06:37:19 pm
content: As I'm waiting for my scope to arrive I've been looking through youtube videos (even in other languages....) and found one about SDS1202x-e cousin, SDS1102X which I believe is based on the same software.@8:25 SDS1202X is the only scope not showing square wave accurately (as compared to other three)https://youtu.be/fgbrmxJClPg?t=8m25sAny ideas why?

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2018, 08:01:52 pm
content: Quote from: Bob Sava on March 14, 2018, 06:37:19 pmWho knows which one is accurate ?Theonlyway to compare apples with apples is with BNC cable connection so the exact same signal gets to the inputs and all the different probes aren't taken into the equation.
Please explain me Rigol MSO1074Z-s options DG and "Power Ana.", also 0.5mV/div  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: DC1MC
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2018, 06:05:25 pm
content: Hello everybody, I have "upgraded" a Rigol MSO1074Z-S with different options, I have found little to nothing about the options mentioned in the title (except that it my harm my children) and I thought that maybe someone has better information and can share.Let's take them in order:- "DG" - Cryptic name, could it be "Data Generator", the scope has a Logic Analyzer with a pod connector, could it be that this optin enables some king of pattern generator ?- "Power Ana" - "Power Analogue", "Power Analyzer" ?!?!? This option is a mystery.- "0.5mV/DIV" - About this one, the only thing I now is that is "crap" and when enabled it frakked the DC offset of the CH 1 so bad that was not even possible do bring the trace on screen and was having huge DC offsets on the other channels as well.Well, my experience is that it actually works pretty well, after enabling it and recalibration, there was no strange DC offset and the noise, with nothing connected, was something like 3-4mV, not very good, but still usable, personally I recommend to be enabled.So if you know something or have some pointers, your advice and hints about this options are most welcome.Thank you,DC1MC
Is my Rigol 1102 failing - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: alan856
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 10, 2018, 02:24:16 pm
content: Greets! My faithful 1102 is dying. I've had it for maybe 5 years, and has been lightly used for Arduino projects.Today, I turn it on, and both Channel 1 & 2 are on - and I can find no turn 2 off! When ever I press any buttons,many are showing "function not available". Also Ch1 & Ch2 are always on and can't be turned off. I'm pretty sureit is dying (just when I need it most) and either a new one trip to repair depot.And it has no sweep and won't display square wave samp sig.Look like a goner, right?

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2018, 02:42:32 pm
content: I’m guessing another button is stuck on, causing spurious inputs (“ghosting”). Try wiggling each button (including rotary encoders). If that doesn’t help, i guess you could open it and clean the button contacts and perhaps check the interconnects (if the buttons are on a separate PCB; I don’t remember the internal construction of that model).

author: StillTrying
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2018, 02:44:28 pm
content: Sounds like it could be in X-Y mode.

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2018, 02:49:45 pm
content: Quote from: StillTrying on March 10, 2018, 02:44:28 pmGood call, that’s even more plausible than my explanation!

author: StillTrying
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2018, 03:02:52 pm
content: "Look like a goner, right?"So.. did the OP get it unstuck/working?

author: rhb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2018, 01:28:31 am
content: The service manual is available online. It's not much, but it does provide disassembly instructions.

author: DC1MC
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2018, 05:19:30 pm
content: Just my 0.02EUR: Most likely is the NAND flash holding the firmware, if possible, while still booting try to do a (pseudo)update with the same software version and see if it improves the behavior.Good luck,DC1MC
Metex/Voltcraft MS-9160 alignment? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Ringmodulator
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 16, 2018, 01:18:32 pm
content: Hi,i got an old Metex/Voltcraft MS-9160.I think it is abt. 20years old.I am looking for a service manual or alignment instructions.The ones for the MS-9150 would also help.I do have the schematics.Any hints are welcome!Kind regardsChris
Hacking Rigol DG1022Z - Is it possible? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: TechnoTroll
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 12, 2018, 12:12:15 pm
content: I know this has been arsked before but - how come nobody has cracked it? It looks very likely that the hardware is the same for DG1022Z, DG1032Z, DG1062G models and even if it isnt the memory upgrade MUST be possible.Is this a Linux system? Can you telnet into it? What do we know?Cmon hackers, do your stuff!

author: Gandalf_Sr
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2018, 11:48:42 am
content: 80 views and zero replies; suggests it isn't possible?
Heathkit IG-72 restoration - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: jcrubin
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 03, 2017, 01:31:03 pm
content: This thread contains information about the restoration of my Heathkit IG-72 audio generator

author: bitseeker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 05, 2017, 01:39:24 am
content: Thanks for the walkthrough. I hadn't seen inside one of these before. Looking forward to seeing what that switch mod does.

author: bitseeker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 25, 2017, 04:39:02 am
content: Nice restoration. Thanks for sharing, JC.

author: jcrubin
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 21, 2018, 02:29:15 am
content: It broke this evening...... troubleshooting underway!!

author: jcrubin
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 12, 2018, 01:00:59 pm
content: Here is the troubleshooting and repair for this unit, with a slight modification to ensure that this never happens again.

author: akimmet
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2018, 04:00:25 am
content: The big power resistor resistor burning out was also the cause of death for my blue face Eico 377. Eico used a 10K 10W resistor (R15), I replaced mine with 2 20K 10W in parallel.

author: jcrubin
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2018, 01:41:36 am
content: Even as I worked on it the first time I knew it couldnt be good. the heat cycles for that resistor meant a certain end. Granted, it did last 60 years, so theres that.
Looking for a bench Multimeter to complement my Fluke 289 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: drummerdimitri
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2018, 10:36:15 pm
content: So I need another Multimeter for power measurements and I'm considering a bench model for two reasons:No need to keep changing batteries and more features/accuracy.I'm looking to spend less than 1k $ so a Fluke is out of the question however I want a model that is 6 and a half digits that will give me more accurate measurements than my 289.I really like the Rigol DM3068 but the interface seems dated compared to something like the Siglent SDM3065X.The more features the better so which one would you recommend for hobby use around the workshop?

author: coromonadalix
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2018, 10:50:08 pm
content: Maybe an fluke 8845 or if your very lucky an 8846 (added capacitance and temperature) ... sometimes you have them under 1k$ ...Im searching ebay time to time for an 8846a, to my taste its the more complete bench meter than anybody out there, and you keep fluke connectivity ...I just added a few gossen 28 and 29 in my collection and an fluke189, all near mint ... just found and ordered an rare to find bp189 battery pack for the fluke 189, it extend the meter around 450 hours of use, and the Gossens have an transformer option near the input jacks ...I dont see right now the use / justification of an bench meter. For 1k$, i've bought tons of equipment, sure i'm not going up to 6 1/2 digit, the Gossens are 310000 count and the fluke 50000 count, but there doing very well for me.Thats my 2 cents ...

author: drummerdimitri
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2018, 11:29:22 pm
content: Quote from: coromonadalix on March 13, 2018, 10:50:08 pmMy location prohibits me to buy used gear online so It's either Aliexpress or new cheap gear I might be able to source locally...
Xantrex/Sorensen/Ametek XPD Power supply  -  No Load Losses? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: robert_
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2018, 07:42:49 pm
content: I just managed to get a Xantrex XPD60-9 60V,9A PSU that had at least one pretty obvious fault: a line filter inductor was rattling around loosely as both pins were sheared off right at the board. Fixing this was quite easy, and now i have a PSU that seems to work, however it has pretty ugly no-load loss, drawing about 45W at idle, with no output voltage. That doesnt look very healthy.I sadly dont have any service documentation, but it seems to use a fairly regular boost type PFC (which does work properly) folowed by a phase-shift ZVT full bridge converter (Controlled by UC3875).Primary FETs seem to get the majority of these losses, heating up to ~70°C with the fan speed increasing.At increasing load, the efficiency approaches the specified 85%, and the primary FETs actually get colder.Could be that bridge is hard switching at low load? Primary FETs are 4 IPP11N60S5, which dont look like a first choice for something needing a fast body diode (Qrr 7900nC!) to me. I dont really feel like trying to "improve" (maybe using some 60R310CFDA, 350uC ) that design, as it could go quite wrong.I dont think it is supposed to be that bad? Does anybody have a PSU from that series (output V probably doesnt matter) and could just measure no-load power to compare?
Rigol DS4000 update, grey window on top - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: EPTech
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2018, 01:49:11 pm
content: Hey all,After a firmware update I got a grey window that stayed on top and did not go away after cycling the power. I finally found that if you press the default button, it disappears. Just wanted to share.
Rigol DG4102 TRACe SPCI command - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: _joost_
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2018, 12:15:15 am
content: I am trying to send my own waveform data to the Rigol DG4102 ARB generator using the :TRACe:DATA:DAC16 SPCI command but am thusfar not successful. I have been able to use the :TRACe:DATA:DATA command but that command is limited to the number of data points/accuracy you can effectively send.I am using a simple python3 script which uses pyvisa which calls:Code:self.write_binary(':TRACE:DATA:DAC16 VOLATILE,CON,', wave_data, datatype='h', big_endian=False)self.write_binary(':TRACE:DATA:DAC16 VOLATILE,END,', wave_data, datatype='h', big_endian=False)wave_data is a int16 numpy array of 8192 elements filled with data ranging from 0 at the start to 0x3FFF at the end.The ARB just beeps at me with each of these command and throws out an error. I tried shorter arrays (1024), different endianness but nothing works. Clearly I am too stoopid to understand this, or might there be a bug in Rigol's SPCI command/guide?Any help is greatly appreciated.
HP 3561A - Any familiar with it? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: jsantoro
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 22, 2018, 04:54:28 pm
content: Hi all,Just picked up a HP 3561A. Boots, ran all the tests in the service manual. Can look at signals etc. My question to anyone familar with these is how to do frequency response sweeps on it. I know it's possible but cannot figure out the right combo of settings. Currently using AudioTester, so maybe this is overkill.It's way big also.Anyone have an idea?

author: tecman
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 25, 2018, 02:08:28 pm
content: The 3561 is only a single channel unit. It has a pseudo-random noise generator which can be used as a source for amplitude response measurement. It is not as good as a swept sine source that most 2 channel units have. To get a reasonable response display you will need to multiple captures and average the results. Averaging is a built in function, and I would start with 64 averages and see how it looks. Using this method does not offer any usable phase information.I bought one years ago and saw the limitations and sold it within a week. I then bought a 3582a which was better, but still not up to the performance I wanted. In the end I have an Advantest R9211C which meets the capabilities I wanted, and has a built-in printer too boot.paul

author: jsantoro
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 25, 2018, 10:30:18 pm
content: Paul,Thanks for you replies. I am coming to the same conclusion myself. Far too much trouble for the results I get compared to using a decent DAC and Audiotester. I will be selling mine also.Jim
Anritsu MS2661C vs. R&S CMU 200 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: corn11
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 12, 2018, 05:46:36 pm
content: Hi everyone,TEA got me again ... I've bought a R&S CMU 200 with a broken backlight althoughI already have a working Anritsu MS2661C spectrum analyzer.The idea was to repair the CMU 200 and replace the MS2661C but nowI'm uncertain if this is a good idea because the CMU 200 has some limitationswhich turned out to be to some extent annoying/impractical.I've bought the MS2661C back then to improve my skills on the RF side of things but lacked the time to really get more involved.My plan is to use the analyzer for basic RF stuff, looking at modulated signals (analog and at best digital), design RF circuits, gain some knowledge in EMC precompliance testing.The ideal SA I'm looking for has:- a frequency range of about 3 GHz (the 10 MHz limitation of the CMU is a bit ugly but somehow ok)- a low noise front end- a small min. RBW- to some extent built in demodulation (an external IF digitizer and demodulator would also be ok)- measurement functions (basic and at best advanced)- and also a (tracking) gen would be niceMy bench space is rather limited thats because I've thought of the CMU200 which has a built-in generator.I know this sounds more like a task for a proper RSA but those are probably way out of my budget.I've also thought about writing a kind of addon software for the CMU to correct some of the limitations but it is rather hard to estimate if this is really a viable option.I've attached a little comparison table in which I've listed the significant specs of the two and attached the datasheets.So the question is which one should I keep or should I rather sell them both and buy something else?Thank you in advance !*edit: I've decided to sell the MS2661C
Trouble Finding Hantek 6022bl with Sigrok Pulseview Windows 10 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: LittleRain
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2018, 07:05:55 am
content: Hello everyone, new guy here.Just got a new scope/LA, which you probably guessed is the Hantek 6022bl.After trying their software which is really quite poor, I'm really wanting and struggling to get it to work with Pulse View.I installed Pulse View from the exe installer, and just can not get it to find my device.The firmware is already in the sigrok/pulseview/share/sigrok-firmware folder, and from what I understand I should be good to go.I'd really appreciate any help I can get, I can't find much info about on how to use them together.

author: abraxa
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 12, 2018, 04:00:21 pm
content: Two things that come to mind:1) Did you set up the USB drivers with zadig?2) You can download the Windows debug build and run it with "pulseview -l 5" (that's a lowercase L) to get debug output on the console. That will tell you what's going wrong.
Spare Parts for Agilent 54845A Infinium scope - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: TRN
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 08, 2018, 02:33:34 pm
content: I bought an Agilent 54845A Infiniium scope on an auction a while ago, and this one has one faulty channel, which I traced back to a defect 1NB7-8348 Hybrid.I have been trying to source a replacement, but these parts are hard to get and they charge ridiculous prices of up to 380 US$ on eBay.Does anybody have a working 1NB7-8348 laying around and is wiling to sell this to me for a reasonable price?Thanks

author: Jwalling
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 09, 2018, 03:55:54 pm
content: Did you see this one?https://www.ebay.com/itm/352268753604?

author: TRN
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 10, 2018, 05:13:27 pm
content: Thanks and yes I saw this one, but what puts me off a little bit, is the fact that it is branded HP and not Agilent, which implies that this Hybrid was manufactured before 1999. The seller also doesn't state that the hybrid is in a working state.Regards

author: smgvbest
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 10, 2018, 08:12:38 pm
content: I have a 54845A that I've been parting out (mainly to eevblog members on this site).I have 3 more of the hybrids left. I checked all in my mostly working 54845A (i have ch2 issues that are not hybrid related)I sold one to nctnico previously and it has been working well for him from last I heard.I was asking 150 + SH for it if you're interested, it is Agilent Branded (see photo)I do realize you can get the one on ebay for less, this one was tested working when I pulled it about a year ago.I have not tested since for full disclosure.This is same price nctnico paid for it and in fairness why I am asking same price now.if you're interested just PM me and we'll set things upOtherwise the one on ebay while not tested, I would not worry about HP vs Agilent Branding. There is no indications that you had to replace the hybrid with a version specific to branding

author: TRN
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 11, 2018, 10:00:04 am
content: Sandra,Thanks for the feedback, and I will PM you.regardsTRN
Keysight N3300A DC Electronic Load - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: EVlab
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2018, 07:58:35 pm
content: I was wondering some loads of other brands have constant power mode and the Keysight doesn't. Does someone know why?Does someone has practical experience using a N3300A in constant power operation?I thought of a software implementation: Query the N3300A over GPIB for actual voltage and then set a corresponding current to achieve constant power load. But is there a more elegant way?Best, Simon

author: alm
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2018, 08:15:05 pm
content: Reading the current / voltage monitor outputs with an external control loop that controls the analog programming input might be more elegant and achieve a faster response time, but might be harder to get stable.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2018, 08:56:18 pm
content: Oddly enough there is a multiplier in the DC load modules so it would be possible to do constant power. From the schematics it seems that the control loop is implemented in a CPLD device. Perhaps there was no room for a constant power mode or it was deemed too complicated.These are very nice loads though. I've got the small (2 slot) mainframe and I wouldn't mind acquiring another one if the price is right.

author: alm
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2018, 09:25:09 pm
content: The manual mentions that the over power limit is a software limit. So not sure what they would need a multiplier for? Unless it is to trigger the software flag (that acts like a fold-back limit).

author: dacman
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2018, 02:36:52 am
content: Constant Power in some electronic loads, such as the BK 8500 series, is a calculation (along with Constant Resistance).
Best 50$ multimeter?  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: albertron
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 10, 2018, 06:42:48 pm
content: Hi. I am looking for a multimeter for home use. My budget is $ 50 maximum. I am going to use it occasionally and one of the things that interests me is that the multimeter can turn on LEDs in the diode test mode and auto-range. I have been reading the possible candidates and have seen these:Uni-t ut139c - 43€Uni-t ut61e (Europe model) - 53€Proskit mt-1710 - 42€Which of the 3 is better? I like the proskit for all the options it has, but I have not found much information. If you know any better than these 3, I would be grateful to know. Thank you!

author: Aleph
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 10, 2018, 06:50:37 pm
content: For this price range, UT139C is pretty good..

author: jordanp123
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2018, 07:44:00 pm
content: In that option list I would go for the 139C. Have you looked at the E model ? It's actually ETL listed, its listed for around $49-50 from some of the usual sites.

author: albertron
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 10, 2018, 08:46:31 pm
content: What scares me about the ut139c, is that the continuity beep does not work well at all and that the viewing angles are a bit bad,as I read in a review. I just searched for ut139e and in my country (spain) I have not found it for sale.

author: HKJ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2018, 09:11:29 pm
content: I have been reviewing a couple of multimeters and the UT139 did well. I do not understand you comment about continuity, in my test it worked very well.You can find all my review here:http://www.lygte-info.dk/info/DMMReviews.html

author: albertron
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 10, 2018, 10:46:43 pm
content: Quote from: HKJ on March 10, 2018, 09:11:29 pmYes, you are right. I have been looking at so many multimeters, that I had confused it with another one. It seems then that the best multimeter in this price range is the ut139c. It will be the one that buys. Sorry for my English.
Why does my oscilloscope display two frequencies - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Neukyhm
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2018, 06:15:58 pm
content: Hi there, I have a Siglent oscilloscope and sometimes two different frequencies are shown. See the picture, it's the voltage at a Mosfet's gate (~111kHz) but it shows an extra frequency of 23.8kHz. What does this mean?

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2018, 07:00:20 pm
content: One is coming from a hardware counter, the other one is measured by the software. On a noisy signal like this, they can be very different. Adjust your trigger point, and see if it makes any difference.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2018, 08:41:35 pm
content: Quote from: ataradov on March 10, 2018, 07:00:20 pmThis ^^QuoteIt will !Complex and/or noisy signals will give different readings so sanity checks of comparison to the graticules WRT timebase setting or using cursors can provide better and trusted results.
HP 3577A Service Notes ? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: precaud
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2018, 05:55:54 am
content: HP used to provide lists of new Service Notes issued for their instruments in the Bench Briefs quarterly. They could be ordered by mail at no charge by filling out a form on the last page. It looks like there were at least a dozen such notes issued for the 3577A. This is from the Apr 1987 issue:HP 3577A NETWORK ANALYZER3577A-IO. Serials 2503A12340 and below. Changingparts on input board improves dynamic linearity.3577A-11. All serials. Adding capacitors improves ratiophase accruacy after AI receiver board repair.3577A-12. All serials. Changing resistor value improvesratio amplitude flatness after AI receiver boardrepair.Does anyone here happen to have these?Or are these identical to the backdating changes listed in the final version of the service manual?I just got three 3577A's, "excessed" by Raytheon in the Phx area. All three units have multiple issues, a couple which appear to have been addressed by the above service notes.This repair will be quite a challenge. I'll be happy if I can get one or two working units from the three, and have one left as a parts donor.NEWS FLASH: The Raytheon service department is fallable! One of the units had "Bad CRT" written across the front. In fact, after disassembly, cleaning, reseating connectors, and going through the adjustment procedure, the crt (1345A) is fine. Hopefully I'll find other misdiagnosed errors as I go through it...
TiePie Engineering HS6 opinions - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: ampwizard
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2018, 09:44:07 pm
content: Has anyone had any experience with the TiePie Engineering HS6 differential USB 3.0 oscilloscope? The specs look very good for the price:https://www.tiepie.com/en/products/Oscilloscopes/Handyscope_HS6-DIFF/Key_specificationsI was wondering if anyone had tried it, verified the specs, and used the software.

author: egonotto
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2018, 12:38:30 am
content: Hello,strange - the most sensible range is only +-200mV.And 250MHz (150 100 (75(manual) or 50(datasheet))?? MHz) bandwidth with the possible samplingrate?Perhaps the Picocope 4444 is also interesting.Best regardsegonotto

author: jasonbrent
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2018, 01:55:24 am
content: The skeptic in me thinks this was an advertising post.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2018, 06:23:29 am
content: Quote from: blueskull on March 11, 2018, 01:01:04 amThe software is the most costly part of these kind of products.Other than that the specs aren't stellar. Assuming 10divisions vertically the minimum sensitivity is 20mV/div and with 47dB (at which frequency?) the CMMR is rather low as well.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2018, 07:04:33 am
content: Quote from: blueskull on March 11, 2018, 06:58:28 amBut is the software any good? Software is usually the 'achilles heel' of Chinese test equipment. Cheap but useless = expensive garbage

author: egonotto
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2018, 10:36:55 pm
content: Hello,Quote from: blueskull on March 11, 2018, 06:58:28 amcan you give some examples please? I only know some from OWON.The cheapest XDS3062A cost by Batronix € 470.05Best regardsegonotto

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2018, 10:57:06 pm
content: Quote from: blueskull on March 11, 2018, 07:28:53 amThat may be but if you buy a scope for more advanced features beyond a CRO and need to get some real work done then non-working and/or crashing software will be a major nuisance.
VNC client for DSOX/MSOX scopes - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: aholtzma
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 09, 2018, 05:06:30 pm
content: Has anyone had success connecting to the Keysight 2000/3000 scopes with a standard VNC client? I can connect, but I only get the display, not the soft control panel, so it is useless for controlling the instrument.Did Keysight modify the customize the java VNC client for this application? Looking at the parameters passed into the applet, there is a UIType parameter which isn't a standard VNC option.We are getting down to the last days of running Java so we need to figure out a way to do this without.
Tektronix promotions? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Gibson486
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 09, 2018, 02:23:18 pm
content: Does Tektronix have a time of the year where they usually have sales/promotions on their scopes? We are looking at the mdo3000 series, but it gets pricey when you add all the additions like bus decoders. I saw that they offered some of them for free at some point. Are these promotions common?
Keithey 4170 Input Head - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Inverted18650
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2018, 08:36:33 pm
content: Glass resistor porn courtesy the Keithley 4170 input head.

author: lowimpedance
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2018, 10:09:12 pm
content: Lots of nice 'open circuits' there...Thanks for the pics.

author: Vgkid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 09, 2018, 05:51:17 am
content: It takes 1 sneeze to destroy that.
8753 VNA Sampler Upgrade Kit - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: rfspezi
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2018, 07:03:59 pm
content: Has anybody more informations about what the sampler upgrade kit for the 8753 VNA is exactly?http://na.support.keysight.com/8753/servnote/8753e-01.htmWould like to check if mine got it.
Lecroy AP020 Active Probe Question - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: w2hx
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2018, 03:22:21 pm
content: Hi friends,I acquired this AP020 lecroy active probe for use with both a WaveRunner 6100 and/or a HDO4024. This is my first active probe so I am not sure what I should expect.First question, can someone confirm that the handle of the probe should be warm? I assume this is the transistors warming up? It is not hot, but quite noticeably warm. Is this normal?Second question. I cannot seem to get any trace on the screen with this probe. I have connected it to the CAL clip on the scope. And no matter what I do I get no trace. I've played with the triggering and everything I can think of. The same channel works fine with a standard passive probe. Is this probe bad?Third question. Are these FET probes very fragile? Are they easily damaged? Are the static sensitive? Or maybe people just exceed their input voltages and damage them?ThanksEugene W2HX

author: Ice-Tea
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2018, 03:53:32 pm
content: Quote from: w2hx on March 08, 2018, 03:22:21 pmYes, these are FET probes that need power and thus they get warm.QuoteDoes the system indicate in any way it has recognised a probe? What about autoset? Guess you tried that?QuoteYes.QuoteYes.QuoteYes.QuoteAlso yes

author: w2hx
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2018, 04:23:14 pm
content: Thank you, Ice-Tea. Yes the scope recognizes the probe as AP020. Yes, I've tried the autoset button which normally always works well. This time, no trace. I suspect the probe is bad. I guess I was hoping that somehow the scope would know the probe is bad and tell me as such. Like some kind of BITE test with the status report going through the probus connector. But maybe I am hoping for too much
HP / Agilent bumper or casing sets - fake ? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: EE-digger
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2018, 02:07:43 am
content: I was looking at rubber bumper and handle sets for 34401A DMMs and a few other products. Ebay has some from China and a few from Texas. They look like fakes to me, distorted, perhaps shiny and with ugly flashing from the molding process. I had a genuine set in my hands during the comparison to the Ebay images.They probably look fine once in place and maybe with a razor taken to the flashing but has anyone bought these or have an opinion?

author: TheSteve
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 08, 2018, 03:12:32 am
content: It's easy to tell they are fake in person. The plastic is crap, the rubber doesn't compare to the real thing. If they are crazy cheap then they might be worth it.
34401A different readings using GPIB - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Penguin36
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 09, 2018, 08:32:29 am
content: Hi,I get different readings measuring a LM399AH based voltage reference when using GPIB on my 34401A.Using the 34401A after Reset and switching to 6 digits, the display shows stable 5.02233V (thats my reference voltage) for hours.As I understand thats '6 digits fast' with 10 PLC, right?When using GPIB with raspberry pi, I get higher values for the same voltage reference.GPIB settings are:Code:CONFigure:VOLTage:DC 10,MAXimumSENSe:VOLTage:DC:RANGe 10SENSe:VOLTage:DC:NPLCycles 10and than READ? and write to a logfile.Logfile shows 8 digits after comma and values are higher than using 34401A without GPIB.Values are 5.02242*** (*** different numbers because of noise I think)Resetting the 34401A as before, don't use GPIB, I get the lower voltage again (5.02233).Why do I get different readings?

author: HighVoltage
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 09, 2018, 09:55:40 am
content: Because you have a "MAXimum" in your read statementCONFigure:VOLTage:DC 10,MAXimumIf you would set the instrument manually to MAX you most likely will also get the higher number on the display.

author: Penguin36
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 09, 2018, 10:11:08 am
content: The MAXimum statement in CONFigure:VOLTage:DC 10,MAXimum means the resulotion, so why should this influence the measurement and show higher values?

author: HighVoltage
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 09, 2018, 10:58:40 am
content: Oh, sorry, I was wrong!I never used the MAX command there, I always put the number in that I want the resolution to be.What happens, if you use:CONF:VOLT:DC 10,0.00001

author: Andy Watson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 09, 2018, 11:41:16 am
content: What happens if you insert a delay between issuing the read command and then recovering the value?

author: Penguin36
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 09, 2018, 11:49:28 am
content: I‘m on work now. I will try your settings later and post results.

author: Penguin36
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 09, 2018, 06:40:10 pm
content: With CONF:VOLT:DC 10,0.00001 the readings are correct now. I don‘t know whats wrong with the previous settings. Anyway ...

author: HighVoltage
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2018, 10:53:04 am
content: Great to hear, that you got it to work.
HP 53131A /132 A /181A display color - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: kj7e
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2018, 03:32:00 am
content: The HP VFD displays of the 90's where of a green tint, but it seems the more recent VFD's have a more blue tint. Was there a change in the display color at some point or is this just a camera color balance thing?Examples;

author: HighVoltage
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2018, 03:11:42 pm
content: When the VFD's gets older, they are drifting in to the green color direction.Also, a new VFD is brighter and appears to be more blue on the new windows.

author: kj7e
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2018, 06:30:16 am
content: Thanks HV, my new to me 53132A arrived today and the display is bright and bluish. I lucked out and it also has the later firmware which includes the ',' to separate the groups of three digits.

author: kj7e
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2018, 07:34:21 pm
content: In the eBay ad photos, it looked a bit rough and the display was questionable.Amazing what some careful cleaning will do;

author: HighVoltage
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2018, 09:54:18 pm
content: You got very lucky!Congratulations!And you cleaned it well, looks good
MOVED: Datron voltage reference PCB module pics. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: lowimpedance
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 07, 2018, 06:10:32 am
content: This topic has been moved to Metrology.More appropriate boardhttps://www.eevblog.com/forum/index.php?topic=59285.0
Tektromix FCA 3000 Counter upgrade? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Jörg
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2018, 06:45:07 pm
content: Hi, can anyone say for sure whether the Chinese clones of the Fluke prescaler option PM 6624 works for the Tektronix FCA 3000?Can the standard TCXO simply be exchanged for a suitable OCXO?Thank you Jörg
Decent new oscilloscope probes? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: tom66
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2018, 10:24:57 pm
content: The stock Rigol probes for my DS1074Z are broken. The 10X switch is incredibly intermittent, so they are not useful for high bandwidth applications. And sadly my warranty expired about two months ago, so I no longer can get a new set of probes from Rigol.So, I need to buy some new probes. I'm fine with 10X fixed, I can still use the Rigol ones for 1X if I need them. I've looked at used ones and I could get a set of old Tektronix ones. But if I were to buy new what should I get? I've been burnt by cheap, eBay probes before that just fall apart, so ideally I'd get ones from a more reputable manufacturer.Suggestions appreciated!

author: TWMIV
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2018, 10:38:30 pm
content: http://probemaster.com/4900-series-oscilloscope-probes/I had a professor suggest these and have one coming in currently. Significantly cheaper than getting new Keysight probes.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2018, 10:57:56 pm
content: Probes from Testec serve me well. They are not terribly expensive and not low end crap either.

author: chipss
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2018, 02:48:30 am
content: Second probmaster! And get a set of dmm probes while your at it.The 10/1 probe calibrated fine on my Siglent.Great stuff!
MASTECH MS5308 external power voltage rating, tips ? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: lordvader88
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2018, 01:11:16 pm
content: Hi I have a brand new MS5308, no idea what year or version of the PCB. I briefly read of external DC power problems with this thing from years ago? Uncertainty with what external voltage to use ? Whats the latest advice on that ? I have lots of decent 12V SMPS from the phone/cable/internet companies. I'd have to use LM7809 or a LM317 for 9V from 1 of those SMPS.Never used 1 of these before, 1st thing I want to check is the electrolytic caps of an ATX SMPS. I have them already removed, and I know to ALWAYS drain them before testing in this thing.What settings should I be using to test them ? They are270u 400V main capsome 1000uF,2200uf, 3300 at 10V and 16VAlready checked them with my $20 component tester, that gives capacitance, ESR and %loss at 1kHz I think.I want to 'answer the phone' with this thing in front of my, totally looks like a phone from my peripheral vision
Best buy SA for conducted EMC pre-compliance tests for SMPS - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: bodnandi
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 02, 2018, 02:39:46 pm
content: Hi,I read around a bit on the topic, and although many threads touch upon this, I haven't came up with a straight answer.I m looking to make a proposal to buy a SA for our company. We are a small company and are developing products that chop the AC mains directly, with a bunch of LC and EMC filters before and after the chopping. As some of the products are coming to a late stage in development, it would be about time to get a feel of the EMC performance. As going to a test lab costs a fortune, the idea is to do the testing to some extent in house. Options are: New Rohde and Schwarz ESPR3 with various addons in excess of £50k (out of budget); Refurbed HP E7402 over £6k; or a new Siglent SSA3021x with EMI kit at £2200.As to a newbee the following comparison makes the argument for the Siglent a no brainer:Agilent E7405A has:DANL: pre amp off @ 2GHz: -135dBmMin Res B/W: 10HzPhase noise: -90dB @ 10KHz off.Total amplitude accuracy: ±0.54 dB+ absolute frequency responseSiglent SSA3021x has:DANL: pre amp off @ 2GHz: -135dBmMin Res B/W: 1HzPhase noise: -98dB @ 10KHz off.Total amplitude accuracy: ±0.7I have been warned about saturating the input on the Siglent and thus not having correct results (due to large amount of noise from the chopping), but I guess there is a way to check if that happened or not. What else can go wrong?So my question really is: What is the line of thoughts that I should take at this situation?

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 02, 2018, 07:29:06 pm
content: Quote from: bodnandi on March 02, 2018, 02:39:46 pmAny spectrum analyser can suffer from an overloaded input and the operator must take all possible steps to prevent it or at least minimize the chance of it happening. The SSA3kX's have up to 51dB of internal attenuation and a max of 50V input into the inbuilt DC block. However an external DC block and additional attenuators are wise purchases to prevent internal damage of these very sensitive instruments.

author: AndyC_772
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 02, 2018, 07:37:54 pm
content: Last time I had this problem to solve, the difficulty wasn't finding an SA, it was finding a reasonably priced, working, calibrated LISN. I suggest making sure you have a good solution for this first.You don't need high bandwidth for PSU noise measurements, and for qualitative measurements, any working SA at all is probably OK. If your design is a bit close to the limit, then you might want to find one with a quasi-peak detector, and you might want to look at getting your complete set-up calibrated.Something like a used HP 8594E could be a good buy.

author: bodnandi
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 05, 2018, 09:06:08 am
content: Thanks both,I am going for it then.I got a quote for a LISN at £1200 - HM5060. Should be calibrated and all set up.The quasi-peak detector is available with the EMI kit of the SSA3021.Cheers
Used Lab PSU - Mascot type 719 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: LeoTech
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 02, 2018, 06:54:01 pm
content: Hi fellow enthusiasts,I am currently looking at a 'new' used power supply for the lab. The local market is unfortunately not very big and extensive, but I found a fairly good lead on one.It is a Mascot type 719 power supply.http://mascot.no/catalog/power-supplies/acdc/desktop/230v/0719/c-24/c-1318/p-235The specs seem pretty good for the price (about 40 USD, converted from DKK), but I have neither found a review nor another listing of it on Google - so hard to judge.Does anyone got any experience with Mascot products or with this exact model, and should i go for it? Any input is appreciated?Leo

author: Candid
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 02, 2018, 07:09:47 pm
content: I don't know the mascot but you may have a look on the Korad KA3005P (https://www.welectron.com/Korad-KA3005P-Programmable-Benchtop-Power-Supply). Okay its price is higher but it is a really good linear power supply concerning the price. I use it since years and it is doing a very good job for a reasonable price.

author: LeoTech
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 02, 2018, 08:17:09 pm
content: Woaw, although i have been searching for a long time, I have not came across that one yet - but many similar.The problem with those were the pain-in-the-ass shipping fees to Denmark, but this has free shipping - yeaahh!!!This seems to be a really good fit, but i have one questions about the outputs:Is the negative supply connect to ground or is it a real dual supply, i.e. V-,ground,V+?Leo

author: slurry
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 02, 2018, 09:25:53 pm
content: Mascot 719 is a small and nice universal lab powersupply,for that price it´s a nobrainer.One thing to note is that the PSU uses fold-back current limiting, also, it's not as fast as many other, more modern, lab PSU's.One good thing is that it is all linear, fairly low noise and the size is very nice.

author: LeoTech
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 02, 2018, 11:42:06 pm
content: Quote from: slurry on March 02, 2018, 09:25:53 pmQuote from: slurry on March 02, 2018, 09:25:53 pmThanks for the input!I do have two questions do:By 'fast' do you mean the speed the output voltage will be able to change? Aka slew-rate? If yes, then that doesn't really matter for me.And...Does foldback current limiting have a huge impact on performance? If I were to operate it close to the max current spec.LeoSent from my E5603 using Tapatalk

author: Candid
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2018, 03:30:25 pm
content: Quote from: LeoTech on March 02, 2018, 08:17:09 pmIt's not connected! So it's stackable with other floating ground psus e.g.

author: Hydrawerk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 04, 2018, 12:08:18 am
content: This Mascot type 719 looks like a product from year 1970. For some strange reason it is produced till nowadays. At least it should have two meters!