HP-8753E Opt 010 - H/W or S/W Option - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: AJ3G
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2022, 10:27:10 pm
content: All:I scored a HP-8753E VNA. It appears to work, and has option 006 (30KHz - 6 GHz). I would be interested in Option 010 (Time Domain), but its not clear from the service guide if this is a Hardware, or Software Upgrade. Does anyone who has one of these beast know if all the options require additional hardware, and which may just be a Software installation?Tonight I hope to get into some of the menu’s, but at an initial look it seems to operating correctly with no faults.Rich

author: Joel_Dunsmore
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 08, 2022, 12:29:56 am
content: Option 10 is activated with a software license key.

author: AJ3G
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 08, 2022, 12:41:23 am
content: Hello:Thanks for the response. Would you happen to know if this Key is still available? I doubt Keysight would sell such a License Key any longer.Rich

author: xmo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 08, 2022, 04:27:48 am
content: Look here:https://www.kirkbymicrowave.co.uk/Everything-you-wanted-to-know-about-the-HP-8753-VNA/There is contact information for someone who may be able to assist you.

author: TheSteve
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 08, 2022, 04:58:03 am
content: Yep, email Caesar with the option you want and your model/serial #, he should be able to help.

author: AJ3G
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 08, 2022, 05:48:34 am
content: Thanks guys, that is most helpful. I was worried Options for this would be difficult to find. I was really interested in Option 010, but based on my review of the site referenced in this thread, it might be worth it to get all S/W options practical if one needs to go into the instrument.I was planning on putting a USB Drive in my 8753E, so maybe I should order that now, so when I am in there loading the keys, I can take care of that too.Rich

author: TheSteve
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 08, 2022, 06:15:21 am
content: The keys are entered via the front panel - you may as well get the harmonic analysis option at the same time as time domain.

author: AJ3G
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 08, 2022, 06:19:31 am
content: I was looking though some technical documents, and I thought one had to toggle some switches inside the the chassis (forget which board), prior to loading the keys.Rich

author: TheSteve
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 08, 2022, 04:56:14 pm
content: You likely will need to flip a write-protect switch so the eeprom data can be changed.

author: AJ3G
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 08, 2022, 05:32:25 pm
content: Yes, I think that is what I read. If I have to go in there might as well install the USB Drive.Now to look for a reasonable calibration kit. I think this is where it gets expensive!Rich

author: TheSteve
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 08, 2022, 09:04:22 pm
content: Deals can be had with patience. If you're looking for 3.5mm I recommend an 85033D or 85033E. Or even an ECAL can be used and is even nicer.

author: AJ3G
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 10, 2022, 03:47:55 am
content: Wonder if any of you guys can help me figure out what is going on with my options key install. I am running the following procedure with the options key Caesar was kind enough to send me within a few hours of asking:https://www.keysight.com/us/en/assets/9018-40043/installation-guides/9018-40043.pdfI have enabled the jumper 8 on the A9 Board (CPU). When I complete this procedure I get 56 OPT COR FAIL. I have tried the procedure at least six times with the same result. I have checked that the serial number on the chassis of the 8753E against what the VNA reports, so there is no serial number mismatch.The Option Installation Manual goes on to say if this happens numerous times to contact HP Support. Unfortunately, that wont be helpful these days. I have also contacted Caesar to make sure I have the right Key, and he believes that I do have the right key. He also stated that he has never had a problem with a load like what I report here.Anyone have any suggestions?Rich

author: TheSteve
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 10, 2022, 05:12:10 am
content: Did he give you more then one option, have you tried both if so?Maybe flip the switch back and forth a few times to ensure it is really changing.Aside from that I can only say to triple check you're changing the correct switch, that the serial # is correct and that you're following the install procedure perfectly.

author: AJ3G
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 10, 2022, 11:27:57 am
content: Hi Steve:He gave me one license key, that is supposed to unlock OPT 2 (Harmonic), and OPT10 (Time Domain). In his email it srates, the singular key provided, unlocks both options. I think the switch is changing, when I tried to enter the license key with Jumper 8 toggled, the instrument prompted me to throw the switch. After throwing the switch it then went through the routine of OPT CAL.The only part I omitted was routing the RF Cable per the instruction, because I understood this part of the procedure was for those who have external S-Parameter test sets. I will give try and give a few more goes tonight when I return home.Rich

author: AJ3G
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 10, 2022, 03:55:14 pm
content: Early this morning, I gave it another two tries, and still getting the OPT COR FAIL. Checked the switch, and voltage on the battery back up those seem to be functioning correctly. This one has me stumped at the moment. I think the EEPROM is ok, because its reporting saved data such as serial and revision number back.

author: mankan
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 10, 2022, 04:35:57 pm
content: I never managed to enter any unlock codes on my 8753D, I ended up with desoldering the EEPROM, reading it, manipulate the proper bits and put it back. However I did not only doing it just for the option upgrade, I did some bad FW upgrades without having a EEPROM backup and it got corrupted. Memory map can be foundhere. Since E revision has an updated CPU board its probably located somewhere else but both in C and D revisions SW options are located close the the serial no.

author: AJ3G
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 10, 2022, 05:17:50 pm
content: Hi Marian:I hope its not the case for me, as I at the moment do not have a way to read or modify this EEPROM. I have an EEPROM reader/writer, but I think my EEPROM Package is different than what it accepts. I am speaking from memory, but I think my EEPROM is socketed. I did not inspect the part number of the socketed chip close enough to know for certain.If I were to get a EEPROM RW for this chip, I probably would need a specific instruction set on what to do to insure the Key was accepted.Rich

author: TheSteve
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 10, 2022, 05:58:00 pm
content: I am pretty sure the eeprom will be similar to the other HPAK VNA's of the era. When an option is licensed it just sets bit(s) in the eeprom, the key isn't used or saved from that point.Here are some details from when I added options to my 8714C:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/enable-those-extra-features-on-your-hp-8714c-network-analyzer/msg785178/#msg785178When I had an 8753E I just used a key from Caesar, much less work.

author: AJ3G
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 10, 2022, 09:08:00 pm
content: Hi Steve:I think the first thing I need to do prior to setting any bits is to save the data in a safe place somewhere. I do not mind buying a EEPROM writer/reader for this chip, I just worry this may be a risky process. Maybe I need to see if I can secure a replacement EEPROM while I am at this too.Rich

author: AJ3G
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 10, 2022, 09:22:24 pm
content: Steve:I had an idea while typing my previous post. Is there a place where the VNA posts all its options? I note that the sticker says I have OPT 6, and I appear to have OPT6. Could it be the key has already been installed by the previous owner, and I do not know it? Would this explain the error?Rich

author: TheSteve
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 11, 2022, 12:23:39 am
content: When you turn it on I believe the boot screen that shows the firmware version will indicate installed options. I could be wrong though.If time domain(010) is installed you can tell by hitting "Preset" and then "System". Soft key 4 should be displayed as "Transform menu".Refer here for the install notes:https://xdevs.com/doc/HP_Agilent_Keysight/8753ES_8753ET/8753ES_Option_010_TDR_Upgrade_Kit_Installation_Note.pdf

author: AJ3G
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 11, 2022, 05:32:51 pm
content: I guess that was a bit of wishful thinking. No such option installed. I just checked my CanaKit EEPROM reader/writer and it does not support the package of the 8753E’s EEPROM. Looks as though I am going to have to invest in one of those.Rich

author: TheSteve
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 11, 2022, 08:48:25 pm
content: What eeprom does your board have? I don't recall the part # but I know mine was DIP.

author: AJ3G
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 11, 2022, 09:01:20 pm
content: Hi Steve:Mine appears to be a PLCC package. If it were DIP, I would be ok with my EEPROM R/W. I will have to pull the part number off it tonight when I get home.Rich

author: AJ3G
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 12, 2022, 05:45:44 pm
content: Today, I took another look at the issue, and made an interesting discovery. The AM29F010-70JC EEPROM Pin 20 (DQ6 line) was damaged while installing the PLCC package into the socket. I straightened it out, and reinserted it. It is now making contact, but I am not sure if the pin moved over to the adjacent Pin 13 (DQ0). Right now, when I measure the voltage at Pin 13 its at 2.5V, and when I attempt to write the bit to invoke the options it drops to about 1.75V. I am still getting the Failure when attempting to load the options.So its clear someone has been in here before. I now worry that I might not be able to recover anything from it. I certainly do not think it can be written to any longer. Would anyone by chance have a replacement RevD?Rich

author: TheSteve
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 12, 2022, 10:15:34 pm
content: I'd be more concerned about pin 13, it looks like there is solder on it. If you remove it from the socket and reform the legs chances are it will still make contact - unless the leg(s) fall off of course. I believe you can backup the cal parameters to a floppy - I hope you've done this already.

author: AJ3G
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 12, 2022, 11:01:17 pm
content: I have not backed up the cal parameters yet. I have some 3.5” disks due to arrive today, so I will. I will take a look at that pin too. Would you happen to know if that EEPROM is buffered from the CPU, or does it get written directly?My plan at the moment is to look at some of the lines (CS, RD, and WR) with my Logic Analyzer. I suspect read is ok, or the instrument would not work whatsoever. I will then try to set those option bits over and over again and see if I can monitor any activity on the three pins above.Rich

author: AJ3G
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 12, 2022, 11:08:18 pm
content: Steve:I made an error, the pin I was complaining about is Pin 13 that is DQ0. I am looking at it kind of upside down myself, so that may explain the confusion. I did the pin count wrong when reviewing the data sheet. I will correct my previous message so it’s clear, I apologize.Datasheet for EEPROM:https://html.alldatasheet.com/html-pdf/55462/AMD/AM29F010-70JC/223/4/AM29F010-70JC.htmlRich

author: AJ3G
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 22, 2022, 03:35:04 pm
content: All:I just wanted to give a status update. I finally got this all sorted out. I managed to secure a second CPU Board to use as a test article. Both CPU Boards would not except license keys for their respective serial numbers. I also discovered the information I needed to change is on U402. The EEPROM map posted by Steve is valid despite coming from a HP-8753D model. Here is how to modify the EEPROM:- Address 0x00 - 0x02 must be populated with "F7 F7 F7" (NOTE This activates OPT 006, 10, and 02)- Address 0xBC - Populate with 01 to activate and 00 to disable. (NOTE: This activates/deactivates OPT11)When completed you should see a the enclosed picture of the boot up. Ideally you want to confirm all test pass too.Rich

author: EduardGede
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 15, 2022, 05:30:25 pm
content: Hi,I got confronted with the same issue of being unable to activate the optionswith the upgrade code from Ceasar.Changing the data in U402 in the first 3 addresses with F7F7F7 will result in RF not working.The culprit was the fact that the Rchan-in and the Rchan-out where bridged.So disconnect all.Set S400 A8 dipswitch on A9 CPU board.Start VNA and do your thing according manual instructions 9018-40043.pdf.Cheers

author: EE-digger
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 15, 2022, 05:51:47 pm
content: Be sure to give Caesar the correct SN and model number. The bits are all the same but this controls access to them.I'm sure you guys can all type thoughadded: Steve - I have a very vague recollection of there being two different CPU assemblies. Perhaps the correct switch is not being thrown??

author: AJ3G
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 15, 2022, 06:06:43 pm
content: I ultimately was able to troubleshoot this problem to an issue with an IC around the EEPROM, which was not allowing the correct lines to be thrown to write to the PROM. Once this was corrected, the activation code worked without issue.I also was able to socket the EEPROM and write to it, so this too worked, but was not the source of my particular issue. Other than having to replace the inverter board after this, the 8753E has been rock solid.Rich