hybridfree/eevblog-posts huggingface dataset:
RF Amplifier for EMI Sniffing on an N1996A - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Gandalf_Sr
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2020, 06:20:44 pm
content: I have anAgilent N1996A 6GHz Spectrum Analyzerand a set ofBeehive sniffer probesand I want to go sniffing for pre compliance testing of new designs.A friend suggested I buy a preamp such as theMini Circuits ZX60-6013E-S+which has a noise figure of 3.3 dB but I can't figure out if that will be any better than the built in (optional) 6 GHz preamp that's built into the N1996A.Any thoughts, comments, or advice are welcome.Thanks

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2020, 06:29:45 pm
content: I'd use the built-in amplifier. The gain / frequency graph of the Mini-circuits amplifier isn't very flat while the internal pre-amplifier will be flat (either through calibration or design).

author: Gandalf_Sr
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2020, 06:48:14 pm
content: How about the noise figure? I can't figure out from the N1996A's documentation what the noise figure of the built in preamp is? Can anyone shed any light on this? The Mini Circuits preamp says 3.3 dB but the N1996A documentation is shown in the picture.Surely when sniffing for EMI signals the lowest possible noise floor is what's needed?
Instrustar driver - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: homodel
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 07, 2020, 05:42:11 pm
content: Hi, I have just get my hands on cheap ISDS205A usb ociloscope,I was planning to use it with some old HP laptop running Win XP (since I dont want to destroy my own laptop if something goes wrong). Problem is that after instalation the software form CD (Multi VirAnalyzer) drivers did not installed at all and so after conecting the scope to pc it was not recognized because the driver is missing. I found a driver files inside instalation folder of that sw with "Dso.inf" file but right-click and install does nothing apparently. And manual instalation of that driver thru device manager-update driver-choose manualy results in a error saying that the choosen driver location does not include info about hardware of this computer (language of the pc is not english so this error message is just my translation). Instrustar page have only never version of the sw that dont even run on a win xp (opening instalation file result in a crash) and instaled version from cd apparently does not support driver for win xp as well.Any ideas how to make this scope work, different sw or drivers?

author: coromonadalix
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 07, 2020, 06:02:39 pm
content: hello would be nice to knows the soft versions you're tryingSometimes you can mod the inf file to accept other windows versions checks, or maybe if you install them in administrator mode it could work, i have some software who does that if not started in admin .... they dont install correctly

author: homodel
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 07, 2020, 06:12:01 pm
content: Yeah I totaly forgot, the installed version is 3.10.6.1 and on page the oldest is 3.10.12.0 and newest 3.11.2.1, once during the instalation it asked me if I want to install driver that does not have the Microsoft signature and in win xp you can just click to ignore the signature, and I cant run something on xp as a administrator since the only account that there is, is also a administrator.
Aim-TTI TG2000 Signal Generator - Frequency spectrum and spurious emission - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: msimunic
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2020, 12:25:56 pm
content: Hi,Does anyone have some screenshots of frequency spectrum when generating sine wave signal using Aim-TTI TG2000 Signal generator.I have some photos (aka screenshots) of the spectrum calculated using Keysight MSO-2000 series scope and FFT function on it.BNC cable (scope input) is terminated with 50 Ohm.For instance, attached screenshots show spectrum when generating 1 MHz, 20 dBm signal.There is a variation of spurious emission with amplitude and frequency, so this is almost the worst case. It gets slightly worse when the generated signal frequency is higher (ie. 10 MHz), but not too much.It doesn't get better than - 55 dB in any case.The worst-case would be a signal of 20 MHz and 24dBm amplitude into 50 Ohm terminated line and then the amplitude difference between 1st harmonic and spurious harmonics gets about -40 dB.I didn't see spectrum of other signal generators. I've expected little bit cleaner spectrum, although this seems ok.What bothers me is the fact that spurious emission is higher in amplitude then higher harmonics (2nd and 3rd) of a generated signal.Firstly, I suspected in power supply, but TG2000 has a linear regulated supply.Is something faulty with this device or is it just a design of the device and that's it?Any opinion could help.Thank you.

author: msimunic
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 07, 2020, 05:22:17 pm
content: Anyone, please!
Fluke 8060A DMM AC Measurements - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Attorney
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2020, 07:45:30 pm
content: I recently acquired a NOS Fluke 8060A DMM. I have already replaced all electrolytic caps as described in an earlier message thread. This 8060A is a late manufacture date (S/N starts with 682) and has the newest AC RMS daughterboard installed.My issue is that in any AC measurement range, the display takes a long time to settle -- approximately 5 seconds. It takes the same time to settle down to zero with the probes shorted. By contrast, my older 8060A (pre-daughterboard) settles very quickly, in less than 1 second.It would be helpful if I can get reports from others who also have a high S/N 8060A and perhaps share the AC settle times. It may just be the way the daughterboard behaves but I need feedback from others to verify. Thanks!Paul

author: Attorney
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 07, 2020, 03:37:57 pm
content: When all else fails, read the manual. Fluke's specified AC response time is <5 seconds. <1 second for any DC measurement. So, what I'm seeing is within spec, albeit on the ragged edge. From the manual:"Five seconds maximum to rated accuracy within selected range, 12 seconds to rated accuracy from an overload."Paul

author: CDaniel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2020, 09:31:44 am
content: The true-rms analog chip is to blame , even in many new multimeters is the slowest part of the chain ...It uses electrolytic capacitors for computing the square root , slow charge/discharge and big settling time .
DSO5072P x1 probe Bug? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: alpuy
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 19, 2018, 01:22:08 pm
content: I recently purchased a Hantek DSO5072P oscilloscope and while testing it i found something a bit strange.When using the probe in x1 and connecting it to the 1 kHz 5V test signal when the amplitude is set to 200 mV/div or less there is a deformation in the bottom cycle of the signal, when the amplitude is greater than 200 mV/div the signal is shown correctly with a bottom cycle of almost 0 V.In this video at 18:20 the same thing happens to that guy:The question is: Is it a known bug? Is it a hardware problem? Or is it normal, caused by using the probe at 1x?Thanks

author: Keysight DanielBogdanoff
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 19, 2018, 05:35:25 pm
content: If I had to guess, I'd say it's one of two things.In the video you provided, it's a probe compensation issue. The probe and the scope need to be properly compensated. I talked about that a while back during Scope Month here:First, it's possible that the compensation network changes at 200 mV/div, I'm not sure how this scope's front end circuitry is setup. You could test it with a smaller Vpp signal (signal should stay completely on screen) and see if it changes.Most likely, you're violating the oscilloscope's dynamic range . With a 5V signal and 200 mV/div setting, you're looking at 25 divisions of signal. That's surely saturating the front end amplifiers and can cause weirdness.If you want to learn more about front end stuff, check out this talk from one of our designers:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzHyxysSubUmxGOMVpiKLxouweh2AAlG1Feel free to skip video #1 if it looks too basic.

author: alpuy
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 19, 2018, 07:21:35 pm
content: Quote from: Keysight DanielBogdanoff on April 19, 2018, 05:35:25 pmI will try with a smaller signal to check if the front end circuit is saturating, what is strange is that the signal is already small where it is distorted (indeed it should be 0 V) do you think that the previous half of the period in 5 V could be afecting the second half of the period?Also i forgot to mention that with the oscilloscope set to 200 mV/div and the probe at 1x, if i change the probe switch to 10x the distortion goes and the signal goes to 0V.I will post again when i test what you said.

author: alpuy
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 06, 2020, 10:36:44 pm
content: I now have a ds1054z rigol oscilloscope and the same problem occurs with 1x probe and 200 mv/div or less.So, anyone else knows why this happens?If it is normal, how can someone see small voltages in signals which have large voltages at times and with 1x probe?
Datron 1081 Users Manual - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: maginnovision
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2020, 08:58:49 pm
content: I didn't have this and hadn't seen it anywhere so I'm posting it here now.https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZLQnflaV68L-G92vUhVcs5tJ7aiLYU5g/view?usp=drivesdkpt.1https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZLRLoNhv0Gtl9_tpg22pEODOQ_RPYBoX/view?usp=drivesdkpt.2https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZYZqXpPyqQsM1w_hrPAw3DlA2MnzpUpA/view?usp=drivesdkpt.3

author: coromonadalix
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2020, 10:09:00 pm
content: Maybe you could sent it to ko4bb ?? it could help

author: maginnovision
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2020, 10:32:07 pm
content: As soon as I have time to combine the three, and maybe "re-scan" a couple pages I will.
Using a Keysight DSA90604A as an EMI Sniffer - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Gandalf_Sr
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2020, 01:54:49 pm
content: I have a friend who has a DSA90604A and wants to go sniffing for EMI issues. I suggested that he get some Beehive probes (although he could clearly afford better). Questions:1. Can the DSA90604A be used as a sniffer or is a real spectrum analyzer needed?2. If the DSA90604A can be used, will it need a preamp to go with the probes?3. He also has a Tek TDS5104B but I think that can't do the job, am I right?Thanks in advance for any comments, input, or advice

author: Wuerstchenhund
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2020, 02:39:53 pm
content: Quote from: Gandalf_Sr on March 05, 2020, 01:54:49 pmWell, it does have pretty good FFT but at the end of the day it's an 8bit scope so it has very limited dynamic range. But yes, it is possible.QuoteI don't know, that depends on what level of emissions he expects and the sensitivity of the probes (which I don't know).QuoteThe TDS is pretty old and slow, and if I remember right FFT was an option and was pretty poor even by the standards back then.QuoteWell, the fact that he considers a 1GHz Tek antique tells me that 1GHz BW is enough, so depending on how often this is needed it might make sense to just buy some new entry-level spectrum analyzer like the Rigol DSA or Siglent SSA and be done with it.If it has to be scopes, though, then the DSA will be vastly superior over the Tektronix scope.
Isotemp OCXO - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Zoli
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2020, 06:30:04 am
content: I've received an Isotemp OCXO126-10(see attached picture), and I have no clue how to connect it; the Isotemp website isn't helpful, most likely considering the age of the product.So I'm asking help to get the pinout, and maybe a calsheet. At this stage, any information would be of great help.

author: Zoli
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 04, 2020, 02:10:39 am
content: It's alive!Wired up with jumper wires, andsupplied from SMPS. Now I have somthing which is (at least)an order of magnitute more precise then anything else I own...
why my mso5000 just have only 4GSa/s ? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: zhang011101
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 03, 2020, 07:23:36 pm
content: HI, I just save a heart beat wave as .csv file under 8GSa/s using my mso5000, but when I import it to my matlab ,after caculate ,I find it just only have 4gsa/s (in my screen the time span of the waveform is 100us,but the .csv file of the waveform only have 400000 point), I dont know why , is my mso5000 a fake 8GSa/s osscilloscope ?

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2020, 10:53:48 pm
content: Did you have two channels enabled at the same time?QuoteQuoteIf you want to check the on screen display, you should be able to change the screen to "dot" mode and measure the time difference between the dots to give you a number. Oddly for me it was sometimes 10Gs/s so I'm not sure what was up with that..If the screen is working but CSV is not, maybe its a bug.

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 04, 2020, 12:36:32 am
content: even chinese got faked? how cheap is your MSO5000? anyone heard cloned Rigol?

author: DaJMasta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 04, 2020, 12:41:09 am
content: Check your acquisition settings, depending on the timebase and memory settings, a scope will often reduce the sample rate to improve update rate if left to its own settings.Your scope seems to only have one ADC, as well, so if you have more than one channel enabled, your maximum sample rate will be lower. The MSO5000 series can do 8GS/s on one channel, 4GS/s on two, and 2GS/s on all four, so if you have a second channel enabled, even if there's no signal connected, your maximum sample rate will be only 4GS/s.
Keysight B2962A vs B2912A - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: D3f1ant
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 25, 2016, 12:54:46 am
content: Anybody have experience with either? There seems to be naff all reviews for these things, let alone model comparisons. Dave pulled one apart a B2912A  but didn't actually do a review .As far as I can tell, the 2901/02/11/12 only has AWG support via list sweep, you can't generate a simple sine wave for example without creating one from points (in excel) and importing it. The 2962 does have basic wavefroms like Sine and Square built in, as well as same option for importing more complex waveforms, although both a units are limited to 10khz.

author: maxwell3e10
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 09, 2020, 10:07:56 am
content: Has anyone tried to generate a sine wave with B2912A instrument? I am wondering if it can generate a continuous sine wave or there are glitches at the end of the custom waveform?Also there is a cryptic note in the datasheet: "Valid for the models with S/N below or later, firmware rev. 3.1 or later, and software entitlement certificate are required." Can it actually work with 100000 waveform points without an additional licence?

author: HighVoltage
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 09, 2020, 10:20:18 am
content: I do not have this instrument.But what I know of Keysight in this regards, they create you a custom waveform, if you ask nicely.

author: TheSteve
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 09, 2020, 04:52:13 pm
content: I thought I had done it with mine and saw some small glitches. If I get a chance I can try it again this evening.

author: maxwell3e10
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2020, 05:10:35 am
content: Maybe of interest to someone with a bigger hobby budget than minehttps://www.ebay.com/itm/Keysight-B2912A-Precision-Source-Measure-Unit-for-parts-not-working/293504812861

author: TheSteve
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 10, 2020, 06:07:32 am
content: Being as there is no end user cal support and getting parts for them is problematic I think this listing is more interesting:https://www.ebay.com/itm/Keysight-B2912A/193371019784
Keithley 196 6.5 digit resolution test results - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Enginerding
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2020, 10:54:17 pm
content: I recapped a Keithley 196 (note 1) and did some tests compared to an EDC 501J DC voltage reference (spec'ed to 100nV resolution + error).I think this is about as good as this meter can get in terms of resolution on the 300mV range (lowest). The test lead setup is solid, but in no way perfect (note 2). The results were recorded via GPIB (note 3). They're relatively short tests, but these were about getting a baseline on resolution and noise, as opposed to drift and stability.0mV output test, 10 minute:1uV output test, 10 minute:I thought about swapping the linear regulators on the analog rails for something higher spec'ed for noise and regulation.Notes:=============1: This K196 was in beautiful shape, no cal stickers, no button wear; no scorching on the LM399. If it was used at all, it had a good life. I did test the ESR of all the electrolytic caps in-circuit (DE-5000). After 30+ years the 85C caps on the analog rails (+/- 15v, +5v) were badly degraded but functional. Nichicon 85C type, out-circuit tested with DFs 20%+, Tan Angles low 80s, and ESR still acceptable, but undesirable. I did not test leakage. The electrolytics on the digital rails tested used but OK, in and out-circuit, but changed them all anyway for modern Nichicon 105C offerings. (these weren't particularly low ESR or anything in today's sense, but for the early 80s they would have been some high-speed caps).2: The test lead is 1 meter UTP of solid core (believed 22awg, copper coated with tin or silver), from binding posts on EDC 501j (sense wires not used; shorted), run to a screw terminal on a 4mm insulated boot banana jack (likely nickel over brass).Big thing I've found is to get the point where dissimilar metals contact insulated from air currents, so that it can reach a better equilibrium; this will greatly reduce thermals.3: Big thanks to @WaveyDipole and his contributors, their GPIB to Arduino project works amazingly well, and cost me $6 (just make sure your Nano has a real FTDI chip). I log the serial output via putty, and then paste it into LibreOffice Calc (or Excel).https://www.eevblog.com/forum/projects/ar488-arduino-based-gpib-adapter/https://github.com/Twilight-Logic/AR488/graphs/contributors

author: bitseeker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 04, 2020, 12:29:16 am
content: Looks like a success. If you get a chance, post some pics, too.
Rigol Bench DMM (DM3058) Display - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: killingtime
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2020, 10:29:36 pm
content: Hi,Would anyone with a Rigol bench DMM like the DM3058 upload a picture of the meter with thedisplay reversedplease?The normal monochrome display is black on a white background, but there's an option in the display settings to reverse this according to the manual.If it makes the display easier to read I might pick one of these up.Thanks.

author: hexreader
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2020, 11:30:17 pm
content: 1 of 3

author: hexreader
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2020, 11:30:55 pm
content: 2 of 3

author: hexreader
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2020, 11:31:37 pm
content: 3 of 3 - standard display

author: killingtime
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 04, 2020, 12:21:56 am
content: Appreciated.
New PicoScope serie 6000E - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: egonotto
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 02, 2020, 10:47:02 pm
content: Hallo,Pico Technology has a new scope serie 6000E.https://www.picotech.com/oscilloscope/6800/picoscope-6800-overviewAs far as I see there are two 500 MHz models:PicoScope 6804E:8 analog channels, 16 digital channels, 2GB memory, two 5GS/s 8 bit ADCPicoScope 6824E:8 analog channels, 16 digital channels, 4GB memory, two 8, 10 or 12 bits FlexRes ADCBest regardsegonotto

author: floobydust
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 02, 2020, 11:37:44 pm
content: Price $11,395 USD for 8-ch 8-bit, no MSO digital pods, 6804E, 2GS memory, 500MHz. Seems expensive?

author: Nanoman
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 03, 2020, 02:48:35 pm
content: Eight channel Tek 5 series scope (500MHz, 62.5M/channel memory, 6.25Gs, 12bit) is $30,000 at Newark. They don't offer a lower cost 8bit variant.
Light wavelength meter recommendations ? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: TheDefpom
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2020, 03:08:05 am
content: Hi All,It has occurred to me that I do not have anything that can measure the wavelengths of light being emitted by items such as LED's etc.This is mainly as I have some unknown wavelength invisible light LED (probably some version of IR) which I need to replace, being able to measure the wavelengths of the light coming out would be perfect.Does anyone know of anything (very cheap) that can give a wavelength measurement of a light source (I'm less concerned about power, but that could be handy too).I've seen some very cheap items on Ebay but I don't really think they are what I want, as it seems to only give which block the wavelength is (850nm, or 980nm etc), I want more precision than that, unless you think this doesn't really matter.I think my budget would be in the region of less than US$200. it isn't something I would use often, just something to have for those rare times I need it.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2020, 04:00:09 am
content: There's a few spectrometers on Aliexpress but maybe outside your budget, however while doing a quick look around it seems there's iPhone apps that delve into this territory.Just one:https://spectrumgenius.com/website/app

author: TheDefpom
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2020, 04:31:42 am
content: A couple of years ago (when my house was flooded and we were living in the motorhome/garage) I had purchased a tester for window tint, it had various measurements on it and I'm pretty sure one was of IR transmittance/wavelength, and of course now I cannot find it.

author: awallin
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2020, 06:28:44 am
content: If your into DIY then try DVD disc as grating, web-cam as sensor?https://publiclab.org/system/images/photos/000/026/339/original/DSLR_spectrometer.pdf

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2020, 06:44:07 am
content: You can do it with nothing more than a decent quality diffraction grating of known pitch provided the light source is bright enough that you can mask it into something resembling a point source and project it through the grating onto a flat surface. I remember doing that in highschool and using a meter stick to measure the wavelength of a HeNe laser.

author: jpanhalt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2020, 12:56:27 pm
content: Your choices for near IR wavelength LED's are limited.I suggest determining the voltage and current used/needed and buying one IR LED that fits those criteria of each available wavelength. You will probably find that wavelength does not matter and you have solved the problem. If wavelength does matter, you will also have solved the replacement problem for a lot less than $200.
1000X Tektronix P6015A Probe ID  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: jonpaul
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2020, 10:23:36 am
content: Bonjour a tous:Testing several Tek P6015A 1000X HV probes, with modern scopes that have the sensing of the probe faxtor.Discovered on 2465/7/B the P6015A will not work, every unit (tested 4 scopes and 2 probes gives ID, as if the probe ID button is pushed.They do NOT give a proper trace, and the scale factor reading stays on ID.Anyone ever try this? Seems undocumented.Only fix seems to be to isolate the probe ID pin from the scope BNCMille mercis.Jean-Paul
TDS410A option 1M upgrade - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2020, 06:29:24 am
content: This is one of those things I did pretty much just to see if it would work. Once I got this TDS410A working I started looking at enabling any options I could via GPIB commands. I got the advanced math and video trigger options enabled but nothing I tried enabled any additional memory. I looked at the DSP board and noticed 6 empty spaces so I installed some 128k*8 SRAM chips I salvaged off some kind of random scrap PCB I had. This caused option 1M to show as enabled and mostly worked but now it was showing a acquisition RAM failure. Guessing that maybe one of the salvaged RAM chips was bad I bought 6 new ones and was pleased to find that it came right up recognizing option 1M and now I can capture 120,000 points (2400 divs). Not sure how useful that is on a scope that's only 100MS/sec but for the $11 it cost I got that much in entertainment by enabling it. Now I need to read the manual and see if there's a fast scroll mode because I think it might wear out the position knob to scroll from one end of the 240 pages of waveform to the other.Anyway in a nutshell, if you have a TDS400A with empty spots on the DSP board you can install 6 inexpensive 5V SRAM chips and get option 1M. I used IS62C1024AL-35QLI but any number of different 128k*8 SRAMs in the same package ought to work.
Siglent sds 1104x-e can't get to controls via webserver interface - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Szumi
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 01, 2020, 11:25:19 pm
content: I bought this a few weeks ago and finally had time to play with it. I connected it to my network via the ethernet jack, turned on dhcp and got an address. When I set my browser, both firefox and chrome, I can see the display but I don't get front panel controls. What am I doing wrong?I watched a youtube showing the controls, noticed the url and tried typing that in with the appropriate ip address. Got nothing.Software version 6.1.33Thanks,Szumi

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 01, 2020, 11:43:54 pm
content: There's tabs to make the display full screen or bring out the virtual front panel.Watch here:https://youtu.be/Cxh_Liay09E?t=131

author: Szumi
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 01, 2020, 11:48:39 pm
content: Quote from: tautech on March 01, 2020, 11:43:54 pmHey, thanks a lot.
End test lead confusion with this handy tip - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Arkytype
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 29, 2020, 11:39:08 pm
content: I'm posting this on the Test Equipment forum because our test gear is useless without connecting cables.If you are like me, if I've got several pieces of test gear involved in a trouble shooting session, there are a half dozen or so test leads, jumpers, etc. interconnecting everything. Most all BNC to BNC cables are black and keeping track of which cable is connected to what can be frustrating. One answer is to use the colored bands that come with O'scope leads. Those are limited to four colors and replacements are expensive. Enter multi-colored orthodontic elastics!!The ones I've found come in six "neon" colors. You just slip them over the end of the cable and secure them with a drop or two of craft cement which dries clear. If six colors aren't enough, just add a second band to the first one. I wish the colors were more vibrant because as you stretch them, the color fades a bit.Here's the current eBay item number for the ones I bought: 142250745189 You want the 3/8" X-Heavy Duty. For $5.50 you get 100 delivered.Lee
Quan-Tech Wave Analyzer 304 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: psykok
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 27, 2020, 08:52:47 am
content: Hi,I have this nice Quan-Tech Wave Analyzer 304, I do no know anything about this instrument and was nit able to found any information on google.I was wondering if someone would have more information about it and maybe some manual.

author: duak
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 27, 2020, 07:21:38 pm
content: A wave analyzer is an AC voltmeter with a selective filter to measure the voltage at some frequency. Think of it as a manual spectrum analyzer. hp used to make them and produced an application note:http://hpmemoryproject.org/an/pdf/an_126.pdfI don't have any other information.Cheers,

author: psykok
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 29, 2020, 10:44:30 pm
content: Interesting when I opened the cases I was surprised how much it was looking like a HP setup.I thought maybe it was productive under license or in collaboration with HP.Anyway thanks for the doc I will have a look to it.Unfortunately I cannot test the instrument because I missing the special old power cord. Need to find one or replace with something more today standard.
ZD-8915 desoldering station vs ZD-985 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: CarecaIII
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 28, 2020, 10:25:25 am
content: Hi.I purchased an Anfel ZD-985 desoldering station from a large ebay shop in the sector.Instead, I don't know why, I received the MKC-8915 (i.e. ZD-8915) desoldering station (7 pin version).From the characteristics it seems to me more or less the same thing, but the one that sent me instead of having the nozzles 0.8 - 1.0 - 1.3, has the slightly larger nozzles: 1.0 - 1.2 - 1.5.Also in what they sent me, it is not specified that it is ESD, like the one I ordered.Before you speak to the seller and proceed with the return, do you think they are two equivalent desoldering irons?Would I have problems having slightly larger tips?It seems to me that the desoldering iron that sent me is an older model. I am wrong?Thank you.

author: Gyro
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 28, 2020, 07:29:13 pm
content: Welcome to the forum.You probably want to take a look at this thread...https://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/zd-8915-thin-barrel-desoldering-station-huge-disappointment/P.S. If you do a forum search, you will find other hits, eg.https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/anyone-have-any-experience-with-desoldering-stationszd-8915-and-zd-8925/

author: CarecaIII
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 28, 2020, 08:04:37 pm
content: Hello. I thank you for the answer.In fact I had already read all the threads on the subject, but they are very conflicting: some say that they got on well with the ZD-8915, others badly.But I have not found any direct comparison between the ZD-985 and the ZD-8915.I'm confused...
X-ray densitometer detector teardown - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: ChristofferB
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 27, 2020, 03:47:28 pm
content: First of all: Not sure if this counts as test equipment, this may need to be moved to the 'other equipment' section but I felt it belonged here.Hey all!I've bought an old x-ray bone densitometer detector, and I thought I'd share the interesting things I found inside.This is the detector assembly - rides around on an arm above the person, with an X-ray tube sitting below the bed/table on the same axis as the detector, and it then just plots intensity vs. coordinates as a picture. Pretty simple, actually. I believe they're used to diagnose osteoporosis.The detector is a Bicron scintillation detector - NaI(Tl), the scintillation crystal being very flat (1/4 inch thick) to minimize stray background radiation from the sides.Inside the detector itself is a photomultiplier coupled to the crystal, detecting radiation as a flash of light.It sits in an aluminium housing, with a lead ring around the NaI(Tl) crystal, again to make it more directional. A brass cylinder is also mounted in the same axis, with a removable narrower insert. I guess these are also collimators, and "x-ray brass collimator" has a lot of google hits and images, so apparantly brass is a thing. I can't explain why brass is chosen over lead, though. Maybe the x-ray fluorescence is lower in energy, thus causing less re-emitted noise?Either way, onwards to the electronics:The module is complete with 1KV DC supply for the probe, as well as amplification. The top board features some very nice op amps, EL2006, in some giant packages, and note the little impossible structure drawing that's silk screened on there! First PCB easter egg I've found in the wild!The lower board features some less interesting analog stuff and the HV stuff. Unfortunately the HV is all potted in some silicone like material, so nothing to do there.The electronics probably comprise of a charge sensitive preamplifier to amplify the current pulse from the photomultiplier, and a series of shaping amplifiers, pole-zero networks, and baseline restoration, that's the usual elements seen in these kinds of nuclear detector systems.Oh right! there's also a laser! It's likely a targeting laser, but it has a connector saying "laser video out" so maybe there was a remote control panel where the detector could be moved and monitored remotely. Actually that sounds exactly like how you'd set up an x-ray machine.The integrated 'laser+camera' is interesting, if there's interest enough I'll dig it out and find a part number.Either way, hopeyou found this as interesting as I do. I really only got this head for the scintillation probe, which I will repurpose for gamma spectroscopy!--Chris
RFS: Teardown/bench camera suggestions - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: benryanau
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 26, 2020, 06:53:16 am
content: Looking for opinions on what I could get to use as a camera for teardown docs, IC images, dissasembly checkpoints, OCR imaging.There must be better options than a smartphone that are affordable (<$150) and sourceable.With little experience in photography itself, giftwrapped advice woud be welcomeLighting and connectivity I understand ok and lighting will be OK but something that doesn't need a beauty salon to get clean images is needed.I'm happy to pull an SD for image transfer if the images come out right - maybe there's just a model of happy snapper that's easy to buy second hand which would do the job?That Canon open source firmware did lure me in to the idea of one of those but the platforms have too many zeroes on the price tag - and I woudn't know what to look for.CheersBen<<BUMP: Please move this post if there's a better home.. thanks>>
Logic analyzer with data injection ability - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: masterx81
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2020, 07:12:22 am
content: No one have ever relized a logic analyzer that can inject data?I think that would be a great device for the first development stages. You set the protocol, the device autmatically configure the output (phisical layer), choose the stream to send, wait the answer, etc

author: DaJMasta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2020, 08:08:35 am
content: Most of the large LA mainframes have pattern generator cards with this kind of capability - providing a stimulus to a DUT, but I think this gradually became less useful as the speed and number of protocols increased. While you could make a LA with a pattern generator into a complete ICE with the right programming... it would still be limited by the performance of those cards, and it would likely be substantially higher price and its implementation relies on the third party test equipment software.I'm not sure if the smaller USB LAs incorporate this often, I think for more advanced stuff, you'd be supplying the data through the DUT from whatever it's expected to be running with and then monitoring with the LA, and if you just need raw stimulus data, you'd probably turn to an FPGA or something capable of generating suitable random or other data streams.

author: oPossum
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2020, 08:12:47 am
content: For common serial protocols there is the Bus Pirate.http://dangerousprototypes.com/docs/Bus_Pirate

author: masterx81
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2020, 08:25:56 am
content: This is nice, but would be nicer to have the ability to change the voltage levels (for example for modbus testing).Most will be serial communications.

author: angrybird
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2020, 10:13:05 pm
content: Quote from: masterx81 on February 24, 2020, 08:25:56 amYou could use level translators, assuming this is strictly a digital signal.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 25, 2020, 12:43:51 pm
content: Quote from: masterx81 on February 24, 2020, 08:25:56 amSome of the higher end logic analysers have pattern generators with pods which have adjustable voltage levels. But testing modbus is likely to need a custom built interface. If I'm not mistaken that is a bus which uses voltage and current modulation to communicate (IIRC I have implemented it a long time ago).
Fluke 867 vs 867b - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: pjones
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 01, 2020, 07:50:16 pm
content: Hi,I'm looking at buying a used Fluke 867 and i see there are some opinions that the 867B is a limited function meter for most of todays tasks.I'm wondering if the 867 is even worth considering for a beginner looking to play around with the hobby or if I would be wasting my money on this meter.Does anyone know what the differences are between the 867 and the 867B? Product literature seems to be hard to come across for some reason when I do a google search.Thanks

author: CDaniel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 01, 2020, 09:09:20 pm
content: I own a Fluke867B and is good to have the basic oscilloscope function ... very accurate but is big and not very portable but I use it on the bench .Fluke867 display can be seen without the backlight allways on , probably much better battery life if you care .

author: pjones
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 01, 2020, 11:31:31 pm
content: i anticipate it being a field use tool also so the battery life is something important to me. Is the backlight function different in operation between the 867 and 867B? or is the 867B only visible with the backlight on?

author: CDaniel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2020, 12:10:45 pm
content: 867 doesn't have backlight at all as far as I know867B backlight is allways on , otherwise you couldn't see the display
Rigol DS1104Z Plus vs Siglent SDS1104X-E - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: cz7asm
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 25, 2020, 09:02:44 am
content: Hi, I'm interested in one of these scopes Rigol DS1104Z Plus or Siglent SDS1104X-E, but have no previous experience with these brands (at work I use R&S). I'm aware about the "money value" vs scopes like R&S. I'd welcome any recommendation and tips regarding these two. Thanks.
TDS350 nvram help looking for .bin file - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Teach
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 25, 2020, 05:45:28 am
content: Greetings,what a most helpful forum, been reading here for days,HERE GOESJust bought a perfectly working and calibrated TDS350Opened it up, de-soldered ( using a PACE solder vacuum )the ds1630 nv ram, soldered in 28 pin socket. Put chip back in wont boot..........Remove chip scope boots resulting in all calibration and memory errors.(of course I get that)Read chip, verify chip all good. Chip test ...FAIL Data bus error. Writing to the chip also failsthis is an original Dallas ds1630AB.Have some new old stock ds1630's, test good, write good verify good, program imagescope will not boot....I think some where along the way I toasted the original ds1630 (maybe esd)I fear I have lost my calibration.I'm asking for a member to please post a copy of their TDS350 DS1630nvran or DS1230 .bin fileI know this will not calibrate my scope but i can look at the code and cipher some things out and verify some aspects of my programmer.Thank YouTeachP.S AFTER all the above I exposed a tiny edge of the positive side of the encapsulated battery 2.97 volts '94 date codeSo batt. probably not an issue.Yes I Know .....Don't fix it when it's not broke!!!
Getting TekVisa to work with Keysight 82357B - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: perdrix
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 07, 2020, 04:22:04 pm
content: So I have an 82357B adapter, how do to I get the Tektronix software to talk to a TDS3064B hung off this?I installed the KeySight Instrument Control Bundle to get the driver for the 82357B. Keysight Connection Expert sees GPIB0::14::INSTR and KeySight Interactive IO tool can send *IDN? and get the expected result:TEKTRONIX,TDS 3064B,0,CF:91.1CT FV:v3.39 TDS3GV:v1.00 TDS3LIM:v1.00 TDS3FFT:v1.00 TDS3TRG:v1.00BenchVue appears to be a waste of space - it doesn't even know about a 3458A!!!All that Tektronix OpenChoiceDesktop shows me when I press "Select Instrument" is ASRL1::INSTRSo please what's the magic incantation to make this all work?ThanksDavid

author: joeqsmith
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 07, 2020, 04:35:14 pm
content: I tried to use TekVISA at one point. It wasn't used to talking to the instrument through GPIB but rather to use the Ethernet. For GPIB, I just controlled it like any other GPIB instrument.In my case, that particular bit of equipment was actually slower using TekVISA with Ethernet than using GPIB!!In your case, the Tektronix software may not support the Keysight GPIB controller you are trying to use.
Agilent DSO5014 "LED-loop" recovery - worked on two scopes so far! - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Madmanguruman
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2019, 04:11:31 pm
content: Hi all:Long time lurker and first-time poster. I manage a large lab where we have many Agilent DSO5000-series scopes still deployed. At least 4-5 of them exhibited the "LED-loop" fault where the scope never gets out of the power-on test sequence and keeps cycling the LEDs in the 1-2-3-4 pattern as described in the service manual. Sadly we scrapped a few of these as Keysight/Agilent is charging replacement cost for repair these days (i.e. we just buy new DSOX scopes). In all cases, these failures just randomly happened on a power-up - no external stress / bad measurements, etc. so we were puzzled as to why they would fail.While doing some probing before scrapping out my last two bad scopes, I managed to resurrect one which has been stuck in the LED-loop for six years! The second scope was also resurrected , this one was stuck for the past 18 months. As usual, do this at your own risk - you broke it, you bought it, etc. - also note that you need the scope open and powered for this, so be careful around the mains.View shown is the bottom of the 5014 main board with the back cover and EMI shielding removed.With the scope turned on and LED-looping showing on the front panel (1-2-3-4-1-2-3-4-1-2-3-4 etc) I was measuring the potential of these pins with respect to chassis ground with my DMM, trying to see if any of these might be a serial link or whatever. On the top row, the third pin from the left is at 3.3V potential and the 4th pin is at 0V. I accidentally shorted the third and fourth pins with my DMM probe. The scope immediately reset, did it's usual 1-2-3-4 LED sequence - then step 5 (!) - the Agilent logo came up and it booted! There was no error message or warning on the screen, just the usual information screen (no hardware or firmware concerns). Even the calendar was correct (six years since the last boot-up).I inserted my USB drive and updated the firmware to 6.20 (it was at 6.15) and so far the unit has persisted - several power off-power on cycles, and a self-cal, it has booted up each and every time.Just for fun, I cracked open a second scope with the same symptom. I shorted the same pins together - same thing happened! The scope reset itself, did 1-2-3-4-5-Agilent logo, and it booted! It also seems to keep booting after several power cycles. This scope was already at 6.20 but I reflashed it just in case.I really don't know *what* this reset does, but it worked for me! There must be a weird bug not related to an actual hardware failure that gets the scopes in this mode, which this glitch/reset trick seems to fix/bypass somehow.

author: Madmanguruman
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 23, 2020, 04:33:52 pm
content: FWIW, there is a comment in User Cal Status:PANTHERT0A. Guessing this is somehow related to the bootloop.
Fluke 87-IV replacement front plastic screen - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: masterx81
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 22, 2020, 05:19:10 pm
content: Hi! Someone know where to find a front screen (or the whole front cover) for an 87-4? I've bought it as failed as had the corroded contacts (aliexpress had them cheap) and for some missing segments on the display. Fixed the segments problem only with a good clean of contacts and zebra strips, but the previous owner, when the display wasn't working, had pushed hard the plastic protection screen, cracking it.The other parts of the device are almost perfect, not much use, very accurate (more than my lb02 process calibrator 😅). It allow some rest to my old protek 506...Thanks!

author: masterx81
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 22, 2020, 10:50:27 pm
content: Need to find a 3mm acrilic sheet and a cnc...

author: masterx81
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 23, 2020, 11:26:53 am
content: Actually, the oem plastic screen isn't simply glued to the case, seem that the case was molten around it. So the removal process insn't easy as it sound. After the removal there isn't any plastic to glue the new screen, remain only the glue that can be put on the sides (and not do much on the resistance). I'll try to do it anyway, so that i can use it until i find a replacement.So, now i'm searching the whole front cover. Someone know where find it?Thanks!