hybridfree/eevblog-posts huggingface dataset:
Benchvue software for oscilloscopes worth the money? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: beuford
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 30, 2017, 08:46:04 am
content: Today I ordered a DSOX1102G. Had a hard time making the choice between all the different brands and grades of scopes, but for my immediate needs this seems to be a good choice. Plus, I got a killer deal.In any event, Keysight has a promo going on for their Benchvue software (perpetual, transportable license for oscilloscope products) at a reduced price of $194 until tomorrow. So, the question is:Given the low cost of the scope, is it worth the added $194 for the Benchvue software? Does anyone use Benchvue who can provide some input on its value to casual users?Thanks in advance.Beuford

author: STMartin
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 30, 2017, 03:19:39 pm
content: While I don't have benchview, in my estimation it wouldn't provide much for the casual user unless you have a specific need for it. Take a look at the key features:Connect multiple instrumentsAccess integrated appsAutomate test sequencesAnalyze and export dataSo unless you need to coordinate several automated tests across multiple instruments, I don't see the value. If you just need to export data, your scope already has a bunch of useful options.Congrats on the scope by the way! I just got a new dsox too, and I love it.

author: beuford
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 01, 2017, 08:33:21 am
content: Thanks for the feedback.Based on your description I don't think I'm at the point where I can use it.Scope arrives Wednesday! I hate waiting for new toys...Beuford

author: HighVoltage
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 01, 2017, 11:22:04 am
content: I have been using BenchVue for a long time and highly recommend you to get it for that low price.It used to be very difficult to connect and work with software on instruments. BenchVue has made it much easier.I use it mainly for documentation and logging purpose over long time intervals.If you want to test it, get the older BV version and it will work for 30 days as a full version.It still can be downloaded from the Keysight website.

author: beuford
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 02, 2017, 09:07:59 am
content: Argh! Too late; missed the promo price.

author: trevwhite
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 02, 2017, 09:47:26 am
content: Was this a promo for you buying the scope from them? I think it is harsh if they don't give you a day or so slack. Give them a call?

author: beuford
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 02, 2017, 07:05:43 pm
content: It was a promo offered by the scope vendor but based on a manufacture's promo. Manufacturer promo ended midnight 9/30.
An earlier "rescue" for repair - HP 1703A - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: qu1j0t3
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 02, 2017, 02:08:41 am
content: This one was bought at a local junk shop.When I bought it, I had some vertical deflection but no horizontal deflection or no timebase.Today it seems to have lost any vertical deflection as well and I can't bring a spot into view or beamfind (and changing intensity seems to do nothing either).It's also got a sad number of broken knobs.But at least the calibration pin seems to work…
Tektronix 11402A Firmware to DSA 602 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Johnny10
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 01, 2017, 06:36:10 pm
content: I'm just wondering if any of you 11000 series oscilloscope fans know if Firmware is transferable between 11402 and DSA 602 machines?I pulled out my malfunctioning 11402A and noticed it had V3 Firmware... and my DSA units only V1 and V2

author: Johnny10
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 01, 2017, 07:33:00 pm
content: A bit of research... and no go.http://w140.com/tekwiki/wiki/ROM_images
Keysight 1052B $155.70, Calibrated, Free Shipping, 30 Day Warranty from Keysight - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Electro Fan
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 01, 2017, 06:26:59 pm
content: Sorry, this should have been in the Buy/Sell/Wanted forum; it is there now.(Moderators plz remove this from the Test forum if possible. Thx)
Lecroy 12 bit scopes... spectrum analyser and SFDR - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: fonograph
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 01, 2017, 05:11:47 pm
content: Does anybody here have a Lecroy 12bit scope?https://youtu.be/QvLHMzSlty4I have specificaly HDO 4000 series in mind,but they also have same front end and adc in HDO 6000 and 8000.Watch the youtube video ftom 20:45In the 4000 series there are two versions,the older version is just 4000 and newer is 4000 A.I watched 3 year old video from KF5OB on youtube where he does hdo 4000 teardown.Near the end of the video he mentions the lack of internal shielding and that he can see some 125MHz crap from unshielded oscillator,also he says he can see 375MHz harmonic on all 4 channels.Does anybody have hdo 4000,the newer or older versions? I would love to if you could tell me about its performance.1. What is the minimum resolution bandwidth in the spectrum analyser mode?2. What is the lowest noise floor you can achieve in the spectrum analyser?3. Is the noise floor flat or does it significantly deviate from flat line in some parts of spectrum?4.How is the spurious free dynamic range? What is the tallest tone sticking out?5. Do you have signal gen? Can you sweep frequency and make video to see where the spurious tones appear?
upgrading LC584AL - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: analogRF
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 30, 2017, 02:35:52 pm
content: I have a LeCroy LC584AL coming in.What type of GAL can be used for upgrading the scope? I have a bunch of GAL16V8D-10LP.Can they be used for enabling options? they are rated at 10ns and Icc=115mA which seems high?How about ATF16V8B-15PC Icc=55mA (instead of BQL Icc=5mA)?Has anybody tried to upgrade the CPU board on these scopes (from CPU2 to CPU3) to make it like 584AXL or DDA-120?thanks!regards

author: Jwalling
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 01, 2017, 09:21:16 am
content: The information on the GAL is on the Yahoo Lecroy group.

author: analogRF
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 01, 2017, 11:24:19 am
content: Quote from: Jwalling on October 01, 2017, 09:21:16 amyes but not much about the types of GALs that can be used. Apparently any type is OK but I was wondering since ATF16V8BQL-15 is the recommended type and it has Icc=5mA, then a GAL with Icc=115mA may not work.

author: Jwalling
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 01, 2017, 03:06:49 pm
content: Quote from: analogRF on October 01, 2017, 11:24:19 amAFAIK, any 16V8 in a DIP package should work, as long it's fast enough. Not sure of the speed required...
Beckman industrial - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: cweklund
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 26, 2017, 09:09:57 pm
content: Hi everyone new to The Forum here, wow what a ton of information. I just recently acquired a Beckman industrial 223 multimeter. I know nothing about it and was wondering if anybody else does. It came with no manual so does anybody know where I could get one possibly? I'm new to multimeters for the most part I don't even know what all the symbols mean. Lol. Anyway thanks so much and I know I'm going to love this forum.

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 26, 2017, 10:00:39 pm
content: Page 16 ofhttps://ia801700.us.archive.org/30/items/radio_electronics_1989-08/Radio_Electronics_August_1989.pdf

author: cweklund
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 01, 2017, 04:11:36 pm
content: Thanks a bunch retiredcaps! I didn't think it was that old wow what a trip. I'm still in search of a owners manual though and hopefully I can find one online somewhere. Still pretty awesome site.

author: mzacharias
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 02, 2017, 05:43:57 pm
content: Virtually the same as the HD153 industrial model. My first auto-ranging meter was a 223.
question about LeCroy LC584 glitch capturing - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: analogRF
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 29, 2017, 07:23:31 pm
content: HiI just ended up buying an LC584AL. I hope it arrives safe and sound and it actually worksHowever, one question is bothering me and that is LC584 does not have the Peak Detect acquisition mode that is present on LC534/574. Why?Why would they remove such a handy mode that is available on many scopes?Can it capture rare glitches in another way (by special triggering maybe) that does the same thing as Peak Detect mode?Regards

author: analogRF
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 30, 2017, 02:37:52 pm
content: any comment on this is appreciated

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 30, 2017, 03:25:12 pm
content: Peak-detect isn't equivalent to capturing glitches using a trigger.Peak-detect is there to show the extremes of a signal in a longer sample interval than the samplerate. At long time/div settings the sample interval will be long enough to miss narrow pulses or you may get aliased waveforms. For fun feed the scope a 10.000001MHz sine wave and force the samplerate to 1Ms/s.Edit: better clarification

author: DaJMasta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 30, 2017, 07:11:31 pm
content: If you just wanted to trigger on a high peak, all you'd need to do is put your trigger level above the reasonable signal level you're expecting to see. The LC584 should have pretty comprehensive trigger options, then peak detect functionality in the measurement options as well as math function, so my guess is what you're looking for is still there.
Purchase just the accessory kit with Agilent N2863B scope probes? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Pack34
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 23, 2017, 10:29:18 pm
content: Is there anywhere you can buy just the accessory kit that comes with these? I seem to have lost the cap to one of my probes and would prefer to avoid the $150 complete kit if I can avoid it.

author: macboy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 25, 2017, 03:39:31 pm
content: If you look at the Keysight data sheet for the probe, you'll see the accessory kit is part number N2856A, and just the retractable hook tip is N2858A.

author: HighVoltage
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 25, 2017, 04:10:37 pm
content: you are just talking about the tip part with retractable hook?Where are you located, I might have one laying around?

author: TK
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 29, 2017, 08:01:16 pm
content: Maybe you can get a new old stock N2863A probe, use the accessories and keep the probe as spare:http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Keysight-HP-Agilent-N2863A-Passive-Probe-10-1-300-MHz-1-2-m-NOS-/352170816877?epid=1000238412&hash=item51ff04356d:g:gkwAAOSw311Zsrd-

author: macboy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 30, 2017, 12:31:24 am
content: Quote from: TK on September 29, 2017, 08:01:16 pmMaybe you could spend $50 to get the bit you want and have extra bits too, or you could spend $10 on just the required bit, using the part number I mentioned above.Direct from Keysight via amazon.comwith free shipping.

author: TK
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 30, 2017, 01:47:29 am
content: Quote from: macboy on September 30, 2017, 12:31:24 amGood to know Keysight has an Amazon storefront with Free Shipping
Siglent SSA3032X Spec An Sweeptime Question - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: mixtwitch
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 27, 2017, 11:18:54 pm
content: Hi Guys,I've recently bought a Siglent SSA3032X Spec An and am getting used to the interface. Up until now I have been using an old Agilent 8591E.I'm measuring pulsed 26ms GMSK transmissions of ~25kHz BW at ~160MHz so I'm using the external trigger to capture the pulse. In the past I've set up my Agilent Spec An as shown in the attached pic (VBW, RBW = 1kHz, Sweep Time = 20ms, Span = 50kHz) and this has allowed me to accurately capture and measure the pulse and it's sidebands / envelope.On the Siglent Analyser, when I set my Span to 50kHz and my BWs to 1kHz, it won't let me choose a sweep time lower than 2s - this is obviously no good as my pulse never gets captured. Funnily if I change the mode from 'Sweep' to 'Auto', it automatically sets the sweep time to 9.694ms (!) and I can intermittently capture some of my signal but because it's in Auto now, I can't tune the sweep time to get the correct timing of ~20ms. Has anyone experienced this before? I'm not sure why I can't go down to 10-20ms in normal manual sweep mode - the old Agilent had no problem doing this, and if it can do it in Auto, suggests that it should be possible to do it in manual sweep mode also?Anybody's thoughts or feedback would be much appreciated.Many Thanks,Dave

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 28, 2017, 07:52:50 am
content: Hi DaveI plan to call in on you tomorrow.BTW welcome to the forum.

author: W7NGA
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 28, 2017, 01:20:20 pm
content: Dave, at that sweep speed you are blasting thru the filters and as you can see, the HP allows this but it is also an uncalibrated measurement. The Siglent is being overly protective, though this might also be considered a good thing. When you go into AUTO mode, I believe the analyzer (in this case) no longer sweeps but does a FFT capture which might be of little value to your pulsed measurement. Perhaps you can craft a triggering scheme and get around the restrictions.W7NGA danSeaside, Oregon

author: Joel_l
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 29, 2017, 01:25:19 am
content: I have notice this too in other scenarios. Not sure why you can't adjust to a slower time. There is another way you can tweak the sweep time somewhat. With sweep set to auto ( will put you in FFT mode ) play with RBW vs VBW. With RBW set to 1KHz as you want, I set VBW to 300Hz which upped the sweep time to near 18mS. Not 20mS as you are shooting for but maybe close enough to see what you are looking for.I also notice that when you are in FFT mode ( below RBW 30KHz ) you cannot adjust the sweep at all. There are limitations to our inexpensive SAs.

author: W7NGA
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 29, 2017, 05:45:52 pm
content: I sometimes wish that instrumentation included a hidden mode called 'I know what I am doing, and even though what I am requesting makes no sense, please let me do it anyway at my own peril'.W7NGASeaside, Oregon
Good clamp meter to measure current 200ma up to 20Amp - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: dazler
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 29, 2017, 02:59:08 pm
content: Hello, can you guys recommend a good clamp meter to measure current I think most of the measurement would be under 1Amp using 12v batteries.I would be hooking different fans.I saw the Uni-T UT210E and Klein Tools CL800 my budget I say around $130 USD.Thanks.
IRDA heat lamp based soldering/desoldering - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: ptricks
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 29, 2017, 12:31:26 pm
content: I got one of these units off ebay, IRDA T-862++ because I need to remove SOC chips and hot air wasn't doing it for me.The unit is pretty simple, it pre-heats the board from the bottom , and then uses an IR heat lamp to focus on the chip from the top.It works fairly well once you get used to it but you really have to know what your safe temp ranges are because you can burn a chip. I ruined a few chips before I got the hang of it. I have been placing aluminum foil over parts that I don't want to heat and that seems to work ok.Once pre-heated I can move the light over an area and remove parts in seconds that took me much longer and often with damaged pins.Internally the unit has ST arm chip running the temp controls and a couple opamps connected to thermistors for the temperature inputs.Soldering iron on the unit works ok but that isn't why I purchased.Anyone else have experience with these units ? Any tips on usage ? I haven't used it for reflow of a board or more than removing and installing large soc chips.
GW Instek GDM-8341A bench meter or something else? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: bd139
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 27, 2017, 12:45:29 pm
content: Found something that ticks all my boxes and is in the price range I can afford (£350).I need not particularly terrible DC resolution, decent AC bandwidth (50-100KHz) for audio, bench, display you can read in crappy lighting, relatively robust and relative + dB measurements.This is basically going to be a poor man's new Fluke 45.If anyone knows something better or cheaper that ticks these boxes, please let me know.

author: ChuckDarwin
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 28, 2017, 12:58:25 am
content: Used GDM-8251A; gets 4-wire although after HM customs, perhaps the same cost as a new 83xx?

author: innkeeper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 28, 2017, 01:51:16 am
content: +1 on the used GDM-8251A - 120,000 count. these flooded the market for a while as the ITT schools closed. You may still be able to catch a deal on one.I picked one up for 100 bucks earlier in the year, though they seemed to be going for more now.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 28, 2017, 05:59:55 am
content: The VC8145 is another option. It can do relative measurements and dBm as well (with a wide variety of reference resistances).

author: bd139
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 28, 2017, 06:44:36 am
content: Thanks all.Priced out of the 8251’s plus I want new warrantied kit this time. VC8145 looks reasonable. Will compare. Don’t trust them as much as a vendor though

author: bd139
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 28, 2017, 03:45:41 pm
content: Found a good price on Keysight U3401A which seems to fit the bill as well.

author: bd139
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 29, 2017, 01:34:27 pm
content: Ok went for the GDM-8341A for a respectable £320 from Amazon EU. Arriving tomorrowPrices checked at Farnell, TME, RS, CPC and this was the lowest. Plus Amazon are good with returns if you shout at them enough.
Hot air teardown, what is important? What do you want to see? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: vze1lryy
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 29, 2017, 04:03:03 am
content: I wanted to do a detailed teardown of the Hakko FR-810 and the Quick 861DW on stream next week when I have time.I am not an engineer by any means and was curious what components/aspects of design people would be most interested in seeing. I was speaking with someone from Pace who said that a long time ago the Quick gear was"burning itself on the table while it was on"which hasn't been my experience with it. More notable brands will first bring up the poor safety of the cheaper units. In the case of the $40 Hakko FX-951 clones, I certainly saw terrible workmanship on the inside that was obvious. I was curious what else to look for besides uncut through hole component legs.Thank you!

author: Jim Kwik
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 29, 2017, 09:46:10 am
content: Which are both not scope, right?

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 29, 2017, 10:00:08 am
content: Quote from: vze1lryy on September 29, 2017, 04:03:03 amI think it's nothing more than bullshit from pace salesman. I own 861DS for like 6-7 years. I placed like 40 boards on by desk needing same connector to be replaced and done them in the row non stop for several hours without any issues. And it's pretty well built, I didn't see any problems. Heater is double insulated, I did not see any safety problems at all. It still has the same heater, if it was something like Aoyue crap, I would replace it 5+ times already. Also I worked at manufacturer authorized mobile phone repair center 7+ years ago. Quick gear was recommended by Motorola at that time.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 29, 2017, 10:02:12 am
content: Here are pics I made along time ago.
Uni-t ut18c Voltage and continuity tester teardown. Interesting design choices! - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: JonnyM
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 06, 2017, 03:40:33 pm
content: I just received my Uni-t 18c voltage and continuity tester from aliexpress. I'm an electrician so voltage and continuity testers are very handy and foolproof for troubleshooting and for proving that a circuit is dead.Here's some pictures from my teardown:Back side of L1 probeThe strain relief wasn't properly clamping the cableFixed it!Front side of L1, Two ptc'sBack side of L2 probe.Front side of L2 probe. It uses a 32bit arm??Isn't it quite overkill for such a simple device?

author: WhichEnt2
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 06, 2017, 06:09:23 pm
content: At least it doesn't have a trimpot inside, which being substituted by 2 parallel resistors like in the predecessor.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 07, 2017, 02:01:04 pm
content: ARMs are very cheap. Might as well save on dev cost!Tim

author: joeqsmith
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 07, 2017, 02:59:13 pm
content: Quote from: JonnyM on October 06, 2017, 03:40:33 pmWait, you're an electrician and you are using UNI-T products? Even if you have to fix them from the factory as you have shown, that's a big endorsement as far as I am concerned. With a probe like this, I assume you are working in industrial rather than residential, CAT III and up?

author: JonnyM
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 07, 2017, 07:27:48 pm
content: I only work in residential areas. Mostly measuring single phase (230v). I haven't ever even needed to measure between two phases. The other option would have been the fluke t110 but my co-workers have had some troubles with them, same problem as this guy:https://www.reddit.com/r/electricians/comments/4qxzbk/fluke_t110_repair/Here's some pictures of the fluke from the Reddit thread:https://imgur.com/a/KCnLqIt seems that it doesn't have any input protection at all or am I missing something?

author: JonnyM
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 07, 2017, 07:31:26 pm
content: Quote from: T3sl4co1l on October 07, 2017, 02:01:04 pmGood point, I don't think they produce that many, it's not a very popular product.

author: joeqsmith
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 07, 2017, 08:18:39 pm
content: Looks like only the one half of multiple meters is shown. Too bad no one posted their findings. Would have been interesting to know what the problem was.Are your co workers all using UNI-T products now as well?

author: JonnyM
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 07, 2017, 08:35:44 pm
content: One went back to his fluke 177 and the other one got a Duspol branded voltage and continuity tester, very nice tool and probably robust but it costs 115€.
SDS2104X for $999 over on circuitspecialists.com - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: atarijedi
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 28, 2017, 07:38:14 pm
content: Not much more to say than that, there is only 1 left though. I am not affiliated with the company. I picked one up last night. They charged my credit card, so it seems legit.
Global Specialities 3600 Logic Analyzer  - anyone else own one please ? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 27, 2017, 07:42:19 pm
content: I just purchased a Global Specialities 3600 Logic Analyser for $89It seems a good deal but it comes without data pods.Looking at the design I suspect the data pods are just boxes to translate from ribbon cable to DuPont pins for the Logic clips. Nothing like the sophisticated HP LA's. The sample rate is only 100Ms/s so they can keep the high speed comparator inside the instrument.It would be great to see decent images of the cables, pods and confirmation of whether the pods are just passive transition units.Fraser

author: CJay
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 28, 2017, 08:38:17 am
content: Those connectors look very much like old SE SCSI connectors, there's a plentiful supply of surplus cables out there if you wanted to hack something together for testing

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 28, 2017, 10:22:58 am
content: CJay,That is what I thought when I saw them in the picturesSod's law will make them a different pin count thoughI am not too worried about the connectors as a I feel sure I can track them down.Having read the manuals design description for the unit and for other identical units sold under different brands, I am pretty much certain that the pods are just passive connector transition units with no clever stuff inside them at all.I studied the units capabilities and was actually very pleased with what I am getting for $89. I have several USB logic analyzers but no self contained type for the work bench. This unit looks like a repurposed DSO casing but is relatively light and compact compared to the venerable HP units that I cannot accommodate in my lab. The 100Ms/S sampling rate is acceptable for my use and there are some nice analysis capabilities present. Sadly, for some odd reason, there are no protocol decoders present. I was expecting at least RS232 and I2C. Not the end of the world thoughInterestingly, much is made of the RS232 and USB ports for connection to a PC. There is apparently software to display the units data on a PC and this was on a CD provided with the unit. I cannot find that software for download though.Fraser

author: CJay
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 28, 2017, 10:43:51 am
content: Well I may not have been a huge amount of help but looking at their website has found a copy of a manual for a 'Pencil Box Logic Designer' that I picked up out of the bargain bin at a surplus electronics place many years ago so that was worth it.They've got a contact us page so maybe that'd turn up the software?Also, I'd be happy with one of those for $89, was that a one off or were there more?

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 28, 2017, 11:19:14 am
content: Hiya,The seller appears to have sold his stock of these. There are other sellers offering them, but sadly not at such a good price, and still minus the data leads.Fraser
Quick and Dirty DMM Calibrator: How does this sound? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: TimNJ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 29, 2017, 10:33:01 pm
content: Hi all,I scooped a Keithley 179A on EBay for about $40. The seller characterized it with a Fluke 382A and it was pretty good but not spot on.Since the calibration procedure is completely analog, you don't need fancy calibration gear to produce the reference levels and make adjustments. The manual recommends 190mV, 1.9V and 19V (as well as 1kV but who cares) for the DCV ranges. Looks like the DCV adjustment also applies to DCA, but not 100% certain. Additionally, it recommends a 1.9k and 190k resistor for resistance calibration.Here's my thoughts on how to get reasonably good reference voltages/resistances:+10V 0.003% Reference (such ashttp://www.voltagestandard.com/-.html)+0.01% resistors (<5ppm):100 ohm, 500 ohm,1K, 5K, 100KUse 10V (instead of 19V) to test the 20V range.Might be good enough?Produce 1.6666V (instead of 1.9V) using 100ohm/500ohm resistor dividerProduce 0.19607 (instead of 0.19V) using 100ohm/5K resistor dividerUse 1K (instead of 1.9K) to test 2Kohm rangeUse 100K (instead of 190K) to test 200Kohm rangeNow, none of the reference levels are exactly what the 179A manual recommends. Is it a bad idea to not perform the calibration at the top end of a range?Also, we have to be careful of the loading effects of the multimeter's input (10Meg) impedance in parallel with the resistive divider. For the 100R/5K combination, I calculated a 0.00980% uncertainty. For the 100R/500R, I calculated 0.008333% uncertainty. By the way, should I calibrate the meter to the calculated (unloaded) voltage or to the adjusted (loaded) voltage? The 10Meg resistor is 0.1%.Additionally, the 10V reference has a 10ppm/mA (0.001%/mA) load regulation spec. The 100R/5K divider draws 0.196mA (0.000196%). The 100R/500R divider draws 1.66mA (0.0166%).I finally calculated the total uncertainty as %loading + %load-regulation +%10V accuracy +%resistors. I got 0.0329% uncertainty for the 100R/500R (1.666V) divider and (interestingly) also 0.0329% uncertainty for the 100R/5K (0.19607V) divider. (I counted each 0.01% resistor for a total of 0.02% uncertainty; Is that correct?)The basic DC accuracy of the meter is 0.04%. Ideally, we'd like to be better than 0.01% total accuracy (4:1 accuracy)...so maybe this wouldn't be the soundest idea. Thoughts? Does my math look sound?Anyway, I'm sorry for such a long post; I just wanted to be thorough.Thanks so much!
B&K Precision bench power supply (BK9129B) and other recommendations please - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: haim
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 28, 2017, 06:07:52 am
content: Hi,New to this place so please take it easy, i've been quietly reading and watching Dave review some of the Siglent supplies and I wasn't impressed with some of the stuff he found out with them. At first I was rather happy to go with this one(https://nz.rs-online.com/web/quote/redeemQuotes.html?method=showQuotesRedemptionByQuoteId&ecQuoteId=NDQ5MTY1Nw==) after the above I decided not to look further into it.Found a few more that were out of my price range but thought that this one seemed alright, (https://www.digikey.at/product-detail/en/B-K-Precision/9129B/BK9129B-ND/5519444) I'm restricted to a few brands here as the selection where I live isn't great and eBay isn't an option due to the size of the linear supplies. I was wondering if anyone has had any good experiences with the BK9129B ?thanks
Looking for Adex AX-6040 LCR Meter datasheet or user manual - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: oois1
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 26, 2017, 07:24:41 am
content: Dear mates,I had tried finding this Adex AX-6040 LCR meter for datasheet or user manual in the web with no luck.Anyone happened to have this model datasheet or user manual or any similar model LCR meter ones for reference?Deeply appreciate everyone help in advance.

author: Hydrawerk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 26, 2017, 02:19:23 pm
content: This might besimilar.http://www.radiomuseum.org/r/motech_digital_lcr_meter_mic_4070d.htmlBut I am not sure.

author: oois1
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 27, 2017, 12:16:28 am
content: Thank you Hydrawerk, i will go check it out.
TDS784A option list - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Ice-Tea
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 28, 2017, 07:40:04 pm
content: Folks!I have a TDS784A. Pretty good condition, has options 13, 1F, 2F, 1M.1M is easy enough to find. Extended memory, a whopping 500k memory! Whoop!And that's it. Can't google foo the others. That is to say, Ididfind the options list for the 784D.2F should be "extended waveform math". Sure enough, I can find FFT, integrals and differential math functions on the machine. So, that seems legit13 should be RS232 and centronics. Those are indeed present on the backpanel, so that should be a match.But finally 1F... haven't the fogiest. Anyone?

author: Jwalling
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 28, 2017, 07:43:23 pm
content: 1F = floppy. Not an option at all really, as they all had them.

author: w2aew
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 28, 2017, 07:49:31 pm
content: Quote from: Ice-Tea on September 28, 2017, 07:40:04 pmFloppy, as already stated.All the options are listed in the appendix of the user manual, here:http://w140.com/manual_TDS754A.pdf

author: Ice-Tea
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 28, 2017, 07:49:52 pm
content: The floppy? Oh, yay!Thanks for clearing that up!

author: w2aew
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 28, 2017, 07:51:31 pm
content: Quote from: Ice-Tea on September 28, 2017, 07:49:52 pmAdditional manuals/info can be found by typing the scope model number into this search page:https://www.tek.com/product-support

author: Ice-Tea
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 28, 2017, 07:52:12 pm
content: That's odd, I checkedthea user manual and it didn't mention 2F. Thanks!

author: Jwalling
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 28, 2017, 07:59:41 pm
content: Quote from: Ice-Tea on September 28, 2017, 07:52:12 pmOnce again, not really an option. All TDS700X scopes came with 2F. That may be why it's not even mentioned.On the TDS500X series, itwasa real option
PC software for controlling test equipment's - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: zejulios
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 26, 2017, 10:03:56 am
content: Hello,I have a Rigol DP832A PSU, Agilent 34401A Multimeter, Agilent 34970A DAQ, BK Precision 8601 ELoad, and would like to control all of them thru PC.I just want a simple graphical interface to control the equipments and some graphs, nothing very complicated.I do not like LabView, nor want to write program to do that...Does anyone knows a software that can do this?I have tried the Rigol Ultra Power, and was unable to make it work... Agilent BenchVue it's too heavy and the free version has several limitations, Pro version it's too expensive for only 2 equipment's...The only thing that works relatively well it's the BK Precision software and BK Battery Test...Any tips will be appreciated.Regards,ZJ

author: Jeroen3
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 26, 2017, 11:23:32 am
content: As far as I have seen LabView is the only "easy" way.Quote from: zejulios on September 26, 2017, 10:03:56 amNobody does.

author: Bicurico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 26, 2017, 11:38:59 am
content: Though most test equipment implements SCPI, each has its own indiviual command set.Kind of difficult to program a universal software, especially considering that all devices have different interfaces (GPIO, USB, RJ45, RS232, ...).That s why NI software is practically the only option, while being a HUGE download. And still, you won't be able to fully control unsupported devices.The other option is to program your own software using SCPI protocol and the individual command set.Regards,Vitor

author: zejulios
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 26, 2017, 11:44:25 am
content: HI,Thanks for your replay's.I'm almost loosing my hope on this...It could be different software's, I do not mind to have a software for Rigol, other for Agilent, other for BK, if that works...As I told both Rigol and Agilent software's do not work properly...Writing my own can be an option, but I was hoping that someone already did that and I do not want to invent the wheel again...Regards,ZJ

author: ddavidebor
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 26, 2017, 12:56:12 pm
content: https://sigrok.org/interfaces with many instruments, you can take a look at that.

author: alm
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 26, 2017, 06:07:48 pm
content: Does NI still have SignalExpress? That used to be their tool for basic graphing and sweeping without the complexity and do flexibility of LabVIEW.
Newark Coupon - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: joetorelli
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 25, 2017, 07:17:49 pm
content: Sorry for the short notice. But I have gotten an email from Newark for a "up to" 25% off. It will expire Sep 25 2017 at midnight.the code issorry25i checked and a keysight 34465a get $69.55 discount.1321.45 - 69.55 = 1321.46not 25% but a decent discount.it applies to other items also.Hope this helps sombody
Question re RIGOL DS2072A and hacking - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: keithc
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 20, 2017, 05:19:35 pm
content: Hi, I am thinking of buying the RIGOL DS2072A with a view to hacking it sometime in the future (may be some time as I don't need the full 300Mhz bandwidth immediately). However, looking at the specs for the 4 differnt models of the DS2000A/A-S, the time-base scale differs for each of the models. DS2072A is 5ns/div -50s/div, DS2102A is 5ns/div - 50s/div, DS2202A is 2ns/div - 1000s/div and the DS2302A is 1ns/div - 1000s/div. All other specifications are identical. If, in the future I hack this to the DS2302A, will I be stuck with the 5ns/div - 50s/div time-base scale? Would this make any significant difference in use?

author: Daruosha
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 20, 2017, 05:58:44 pm
content: No. The timebase will be reduced to 1ns when you upgrade to 300MHz bandwidth. You can shoot.

author: jeanguypataterub
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 26, 2017, 08:02:51 pm
content: How do you hack this scope? I thought it couldn't be done.
Looking for Manual "HSA" Module in Tektronix P7001 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: sechserfan
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 26, 2017, 11:07:45 am
content: Hi everyone!My Tektronix P7001 digitizer is equipped with a "Hardware Signal Averager" or short "HSA"-Module.The manual for this module has the part number: 061-1344-00.Can anyone provide me with a copy or scan of this manual?Holger
Rigol DSA1030 firmware - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: pa3hfu
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 25, 2017, 06:30:44 pm
content: Hello!I got the very last model of the Rigol DSA1030-TG at the Electronic Shop in the Netherlands. It works very well.One thing could be better, in my opinion, the RBW. It is now 100 hz. The 1030Ahas a RBW of 10 hz.Is it possible to load the firmware of the A version in my 1030 in order to get 10 hz RBW?Thanks in advance!!Mathieu
Rigol DG4102 and DS1054Z skew and accumulating jitter - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: RoGeorge
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 25, 2017, 02:23:57 pm
content: Does anybody please know/have some high resolution pics with the main clock for the DG4102 and DS1054Z, please?I am trying to find the exact parts and their datasheets for the oscillator and PLL used in each of the DG4102 and DG1054Z, in order to understand some "jitter like" phenomena that seems to accumulate during many cycles (for example, a 0-50 ns jumping of an edge measured one second later after the trigger moment, and this is not the 5us PLL/jitter bug from a few ears ago - at 5us the edge is OK, only at very long delays after the trigger, as in hundreds of ms, the edge is jumping back and forth).I was expecting some frequency difference between the generator and the oscilloscope's clock, so it is normal to have a time skew that increases proportional with the distance between the trigger moment and the displayed pulse.What I was not expecting, and I don't know how to explain it, is that the jitter also increases in time.Is it normal for the jitter to increase when the delay is longer? If yes, what determines the jitter to accumulate in time?The test signal in the video is a repetitive pulse of 10 ns wide at each 500 ms. The pulse is generated with a Rigol DG4102 DDS. Cable is 50 Ohms impedance, with a 50 Ohms terminator at the oscilloscope side.Smaller traces in white, orange and pink from the screen are frozen reference markers. The live signal is the yellow trace.When delay after trigger is zero, there is no jitter. When delay is 1 second, the time skew and offset appears to be double than when the delay is 0.5 seconds.
A module from some unknown HP gear with a skull and crossbones? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Jwalling
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 20, 2017, 06:26:36 pm
content: http://www.ebay.com/itm/HP-Agilent-module-for-parts-or-Gold-/192312063179?hash=item2cc6b134cb:g:iyoAAOSwTFNZcQKWEek!

author: texaspyro
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 20, 2017, 06:40:42 pm
content: Arrrh, Matey. Yesterday be talk like a pirate day.

author: Jwalling
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 20, 2017, 07:01:59 pm
content: Quote from: texaspyro on September 20, 2017, 06:40:42 pmYeah, I'm always a day late and a dollar short.Edit: No wait! I'm early for Halloween. Yeah, that's the ticket!

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 20, 2017, 08:33:56 pm
content: Looks like a potted, shielded toroidal power transformer. Would have to stare at it a while longer to see if that's true.The symbol may be referring to the generally high voltage present, rather than that component specifically.Tim

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 23, 2017, 04:36:55 pm
content: Looks like it is a SCR preregulator for one of the HP linear supplies, the warning being about the fact that most of the PCB sits at mains voltages, and is not isolated at all on all the inputs and outputs.

author: MadTux
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 23, 2017, 05:09:09 pm
content: Someone butchered a HP-70001A Spectrum Analyzer mainframe (see the number on the bottom right).And there are usually no pirates on board:http://www.vectis-research.com/Blog/files/70001ainsideclean.png
Siglent SDG2042X - $369 at Amazon US - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: NanoGage
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 22, 2017, 04:25:45 pm
content: I'm not sure if this is the right place to post this, if it's not please let me know.Amazon US has the SDG2042X for $369.60 (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01410O55U). Great price compared to other retailers I found online. I received mine last week (I bought it for $416 and luckily they refunded me the difference) and was able to downgrade to 17R5, do the 120MHz 'upgrade', and then bring it up to the latest version keeping the 'upgrade' no problem.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 22, 2017, 08:29:51 pm
content: Grab them quick, they're less than 10% above my new buy price.The seller appears to be Siglent America in Ohio as they do have an Amazon shop AFAIK.

author: NanoGage
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 22, 2017, 08:50:06 pm
content: Quote from: tautech on September 22, 2017, 08:29:51 pmLooks like at least 5 people have (it was at only 15 left in stock when I posted).They also have the SPD3303X-E power supply for $295.10 (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01410O424). I've been thinking about that deal but I'm torn, Rigol DP832 has been on my wish list for a long time but for the price of the Siglent sure is appealing.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 22, 2017, 09:01:12 pm
content: Quote from: NanoGage on September 22, 2017, 08:50:06 pmYou can read more about them here if it helps:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/siglent-spd3303x-e/Those I have sold them to have been happy with them. They're almost completely quiet when supplying light to modest loads. Check the info they display in the default settings....Set values, actual Loads and Wattages.

author: W7NGA
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 22, 2017, 09:21:22 pm
content: I also bought last week for $416. I wrote customer service just now and asked if I can get a refund or return it and place a new order (a waste). Is that the best path?W7NGASeaside, Oregon

author: NanoGage
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 22, 2017, 09:29:40 pm
content: Quote from: W7NGA on September 22, 2017, 09:21:22 pmI would say it depends on how much patience you have. I did Amazon chat I think 8 different times trying to get them to refund the difference -- the first 7 were adamant that it's policy not to price match and told me to return/rebuy (no fee for the return supposedly). The last one I brow beat with the usual, I've been a customer for X time, I spend Y money, blah blah and the chat supervisor finally agreed to a "one time courtesy refund" to an Amazon Gift Card.So long story short, easiest would probably be return/rebuy but it is possible to get refunded the difference. Would have felt bad doing a return/rebuy but at the same time that policy is their own fault, not ours.

author: Johncanfield
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 22, 2017, 10:33:03 pm
content: One on the way!Thanks for the head's up!
Kenwood CS-1044 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: nuddge
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 23, 2017, 11:59:37 am
content: Does anyone know if a service manual exists for the Kenwood CS-1044 oscilloscope. Picked it up for free, all works fine but it's out of cal. I've searched the net and found the owners but not the service manual.
Any chance for a good SH Spectrum Analyzer or VNA in EU? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: RoGeorge
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 21, 2017, 10:29:27 pm
content: Are there any chances to find a SA or a VNA in the $500-$1500 budget range (all taxes and shipping included), in Europe?It's for home use, general RF lab experiments, so I would like to have a frequency range as broad as possible. I'm new to RF, but not new to electronics.To recap,- $500-$1500 total budget, delivered in Eu, Romania- 2.4GHz for WiFi is a must have, 5GHz will be nice, but what I was really looking for was an upper limit of 20GHz-50GHz- few KHz lower range is also a must have, for power supplies ripples- a tracking generator is high priority- SCPI or other kind of interfacing with a PC will be nice to haveI was searching ebay, and I couldn't find anything in Europe. Most of the good findings (like e.g. HP 8566B or HP 141T) are in US, and shipping will cost a fortune. Also, the size, the weight and the 650W of a HP 8566B are all a huge downer for home use.What models/brands should I look for?Where to buy from, with EU delivery?Are these expectations realistic for the given price range?
BG7TBL tracking generator - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: mmagin
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 25, 2017, 12:17:46 am
content: Anyone have experience with this (or the other variants)?http://www.ebay.com/itm/112305216008https://world.taobao.com/item/544551231958.htmI wouldn't expect it to perform as well as the original matching HP generator or the TG6000, but I'm curious if anyone has any experience with it before I risk buying one. I'm sure there's some info on a Chinese forum somewhere, but even if I can google translate it, I'm not finding it.

author: innkeeper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 22, 2017, 04:14:26 am
content: anyone try this one?
Aeroflex 3251 any good - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: trevwhite
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 21, 2017, 09:10:50 pm
content: Anybody buy one of these when they were on sale? Any reviews of them?

author: jpb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 21, 2017, 09:15:40 pm
content: Quote from: trevwhite on September 21, 2017, 09:10:50 pmA couple of people reported that they had - I'm interested in knowing how good they are as there are quite a few models still on sale as far as I know:https://mcs-testequipment.com/aeroflex-3250-spectrum-analysers-special-offer/

author: trevwhite
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 21, 2017, 09:32:15 pm
content: Shame they don't come with some of the options

author: jpb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 22, 2017, 05:20:01 pm
content: Quote from: trevwhite on September 21, 2017, 09:32:15 pmI had some email exchanges with them when they first went on sale. Basically none of the hardware options are available but they sell the software options (quite expensive though - I can't remember the exact costs).Also the 8GHz TGs went very quickly on the lower priced models so only the 3GHz one remains.I was hoping some of the early adopters would provide some feedback, but apart from some initial impressions they've been too busy to do so (which is fair enough).