Agilent E5810 repair - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / repair

author: plesa
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 31, 2016, 07:40:07 pm
content: I purchased E5810A for $50. It seems to come from Motorola. Unit power up and RS232 interface is working properly.But the GPIB is not available in LXI interface at all.Firmware upgraded through ftp to the latest 1.10 without change.Strange is that when other GPIB adapter is connected interface became available in LXI.USB interface on this type was not supposed to work.

author: plesa
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 30, 2016, 05:14:11 pm
content: Unit fixed. Removed both 74LVC244 IC, tested by vectors - OK. Replaced 75ALS160 and 75ALS162 and GPIB is working nowAnother unit which I received in meantime has error/fault during startup and it seems to have corrupted firmware.Needs to check how to reprogram without GPIB interface buthttp://www.icselect.com/is down, they should have some hint in their manuals.

author: plesa
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 03, 2016, 07:27:38 pm
content: Few members requested internal pictures.This seems to be one of the latest E5810A according to serial number. Noticeable difference is power resistor mounted to cover connected to internal switching power supply.Power supply check seems to be OK ( 5V,3V3,2V5).P602 is RS232 port, P101 is GPIB port.Any tips what can be P701 or function of jumpers P703 or P601?USB does not have VIP/PID so it is completely disabled.

author: bingo600
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 03, 2016, 10:10:56 pm
content: Quote from: plesa on December 03, 2016, 07:27:38 pmThanx for the pics.P701 ... PowerPC seems to have 16pin jtagAtmel i2c chip on back could be for the Cypress USBWonder what the 2x4 and 2x2 pins are in the middle of the pcb topside ?2 x 4 Xilinx Jtag ??/BingoMaybe usefullhttp://www.nxp.com/files/32bit/doc/app_note/AN1769.pdfhttp://elinux.org/images/e/ea/JTAGpinouts.pdfhttp://www.denx.de/wiki/publish/DULG/DULG-tqm8xxl.html

author: Tony_G
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 29, 2016, 04:58:45 pm
content: Hi Plesa,Did you need to do anything special to get the firmware upgraded? I have one that has A.01.03 so I needed to setup an internal FTP server to do the upgrade.I've tried under Windows and Ubuntu and in both cases I get a status message of:(0:12:57:33) Firmware update: Looking for FTP server(0:12:57:33) Firmware update: Beginning firmware update(0:12:57:33) ERROR: Firmware Update: Invalid file or directoryI tried all the different files on the Keysight site - Nothing seems to work for the update.Any tips on this?Thanks,TonyG

author: plesa
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 29, 2016, 05:29:40 pm
content: Quote from: Tony_G on December 29, 2016, 04:58:45 pmIt is pretty easy. Keysight changed FTP structure.Just replace on following pagehttp://Your_E5810_IP_Address/html/passwordupdate.htmlftp.agilent.com byftp://ftp.keysight.comand from folder name delete pub folder.So there must be/e5810/e5810_latest_firmware.hexinstead of/pub/e5810/e5810_latest_firmware.hex

author: Tony_G
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 29, 2016, 06:37:32 pm
content: Thanks for getting back to me Plesa,I tried that and I'm still getting:(0:15:12:05) Firmware update: Looking for FTP server(0:15:12:06) Firmware update: Beginning firmware update(0:15:12:06) ERROR: Firmware Update: Invalid file or directoryKeysight specifically said that you'd need to use an internal FTP server if you had firmware prior to 1.07 so there has to be some FTP setting or something (while it's not beyond belief that they'd make you go through the process of setting up a private server instead of simply documenting the address/folder changes it does seem like an indicator).Any thoughts?TonyG

author: Tony_G
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 29, 2016, 06:48:19 pm
content: I tried resetting the unit to factory defaults again and then tried the update - Worked fine now.Thanks again for your help.It must have been some configuration option that I'd set that caused the issue.TonyG

author: plesa
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 29, 2016, 07:39:15 pm
content: Interesting, congratulation.If you needs some examples how to use it in python automation check this threadhttps://www.eevblog.com/forum/metrology/raspberry-pi23-logging-platform-for-voltnuts/or on GitHub check Alex websiteCheckhttp://alexforencich.com/wiki/en/python-vxi11/readmeThe most useful function is webpage for sending commands manually.It is easy to use across multiple platforms and instruments are available from all machines on ethernet.

author: plesa
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2017, 06:13:01 pm
content: Another E5810A which is not working needs to be repaired.Searching any debug output on P701 was not sucessfull. But debug output is on RS232 interfacespeed 9600Code:VxWorks System BootCopyright 1984-1998 Wind River Systems, Inc.CPU: Agilent Technologies P1000, 405GP Rev. EVersion: 5.4.2BSP version: 1.6/0Creation date: Mar 15 2002, 14:16:48Press any key to stop auto-boot...76543210auto-booting...boot device : em??unit number : 0processor number : 0host name : agmbest06file name : E5810_mt_01_09inet on ethernet (e) : 192.168.1.101host inet (h) : 192.168.1.100gateway inet (g) : 192.168.1.1user (u) : bootftp password (pw) : bootflags (f) : 0x0target name (tn) : jetscreamerCan not load boot file!!Boot mode: 0x00000100Processor version: 0x40110145Enabling instruction cacheSetting ROM speedTesting on chip RAMBoard Config Reg: 0xC535Configuring LAN hardwareEnabling 25Mhz Timer ClockProcessor clock frequency: 0x0BCD3800Agilent Technologies P1000Micro Boot version A.02.02Built Sep 30 2002, 16:15:49Chip Strapping Reg: 0x6AB28800GPIO Input Reg: 0x7B7FBF00Not PCI MonarchSDRAM Size: 0x04000000Testing SDRAM accessEnabling data cacheTesting SDRAMTesting LAN hardwareTesting the MII interfaceTesting USBUSB RevID: 0x11Searching for boot codeBoot from 0xFFFB0000 ()? y/nwhen pressing n dialog ask forCode:Searching for boot codeBoot from 0xFFFB0000 ()? y/nBoot from 0xFFF00000 (P1000 vxWorks)? y/nBoot from 0xFFA00000 (A.01.09 )? y/nBoot from 0xFF800000 (A.01.09 )? y/nafter that units seems to boot correctly, LCD is working but it is unable to obtain DHCP address

author: plesa
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2017, 09:55:31 pm
content: Keysight decided to remove firmware from FTP, so update of firmware is no longer working.

author: Tony_G
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2017, 10:47:26 pm
content: When looking for other stuff I've found it to be there, be gone and then be there. I think they don't have the most reliable server array so maybe it'll come back soon.If you know what the file name is then I may still have a copy of it somewhere.TonyG

author: Tony_G
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2017, 10:48:56 pm
content: When looking for other stuff I've found it to be there, be gone and then be there. I think they don't have the most reliable server array so maybe it'll come back soon.If you know what the file name is then I may still have a copy of it somewhere.TonyG

author: kaz911
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2017, 11:08:23 pm
content: hmm 14/3 they cleaned up..If anyone needs it I have the latest firmware for the E5810

author: kaz911
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2017, 11:10:59 pm
content: hmm 14/3 they cleaned up..If anyone needs it I have the latest firmware for the E5810

author: plesa
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 24, 2017, 07:25:05 am
content: Quote from: Tony_G on March 23, 2017, 10:47:26 pmThank.I needs version 1.09 , the latest one I have.To prove that during the bootup with firmware 1.09 the debug output was on RS232 interface, which can corrupt the boot settings.

author: kaz911
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 24, 2017, 07:48:25 am
content: Quote from: plesa on March 24, 2017, 07:25:05 amI only have V1.10. I might be able to put it on my ftp server for EEVBlog users

author: plesa
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 24, 2017, 07:59:13 am
content: Quote from: kaz911 on March 24, 2017, 07:48:25 amOK. Maybe put it to TiN ftp and post the path and other modification for other to perform FTP firmware upgrade from ftp (http://Your_gatewayIP_address/html/update_firmware.html

author: kaz911
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 24, 2017, 08:29:44 am
content: I have put up the firmware on my ftp serverFirmware FTP Server Hostname: ftp.uclip.comuser: eevblogpass: eev!blog!2017filename: /e5810_v110.hexworks perfect - even with older 1.03 and up (where Keysight did not like anything < 1.06)Quote

author: Samogon
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 07, 2017, 04:10:17 am
content: Thank you for sharing FW and repair notes.I have unit which seams to hang on getting DHCP server indefinitely. Reset button does not work. I assume it is FW corruption.I wonder if it is possible to update FW other than via FTP?I probably going to remove NVRAM and write FW which i have downloaded from kaz911 ftp.

author: plesa
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 07, 2017, 08:27:21 am
content: Quote from: Samogon on July 07, 2017, 04:10:17 amDid you tried to connect to RS232 and in console select the backup firmware?

author: Samogon
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 07, 2017, 01:19:07 pm
content: My serial cable is male and just ordered gender changer.

author: alm
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 07, 2017, 04:24:49 pm
content: A gender changer may not be enough. If the connector is male, then you may well need a null modem cable with RX and TX reversed.

author: plesa
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 07, 2017, 05:58:48 pm
content: Quote from: alm on July 07, 2017, 04:24:49 pmYes, you needs null modem or cross the wires.On this interface is boot log where you can select to boot second image (for recovery probably?).I have one board which first image does not boot ( no message on LCD) and when I try to boot second image it boot up correctly but is unable to lease IP.Maybe it is similar to your problem.

author: Samogon
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 08, 2017, 02:33:33 am
content: Ordered null modem converter.It appears that first boot image ok, but second hangs on getting ip settings even reset button doesnt work.It works on first image because i was able to default on boot by holding it and turning power on

author: Samogon
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 11, 2017, 07:42:06 pm
content: Ok null modem cable appears to be working i see RS232 led activity when type in the putty, but no response.Nothing displayed in the terminal on boot time.

author: TheSteve
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 23, 2017, 04:40:07 am
content: Picked up a "parts only" E5810A for $55.00 the other day. Sometimes it would boot fine, sometimes it would hang with the power and fault LED's on. I was able to update it to the newest firmware no problem. I opened it up and checked the power supply. It had 3.3 and 5 volts but had horrible ripple on both. I swapped all of the output capacitors on the power supply and the ripple is gone - it boots properly all the time now. The removed caps test just fine in terms of capacity and ESR and there was no sign of any leakage, yet they clearly had problems.I did look for debug output on the serial port and never see anything - does it need to be enabled and does anyone know how to do that?edit - just noticed there is a service note describing my exact issue -http://literature.cdn.keysight.com/litweb/pdf/E5810A-02.pdf

author: HighVoltage
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 23, 2017, 06:38:00 am
content: Quote from: TheSteve on August 23, 2017, 04:40:07 amHow funny:Service Solution/Action:Return the defective E5810A to nearest service centre to have the unit exchanged.You got lucky again with a simple repair, congratulationsUsually the ESR should show some increase in the old caps.

author: Tony_G
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 23, 2017, 02:56:52 pm
content: Quote from: TheSteve on August 23, 2017, 04:40:07 amYou'll have to let me know if you can have your E5810A on the bus and another device as the system controller - In my setup I can't print from my 8563E as it needs to take control of the bus to do that, or turn my 8714C into the system controller because my E5810A refuses to give up as the system controller. If I turn it off then everything works as expected.TonyG

author: TheSteve
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 24, 2017, 05:26:38 am
content: I doubt mine will behave any differently. I have quite a few devices with GPIB but no scenarios I can think of where the device would need to be the system controller. Are you also trying to print with your 8714C? I grab screen shots from my 8714C via its built in web server.

author: Tony_G
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 24, 2017, 06:05:32 am
content: Mostly the same here but now that I have some plotters, I'd like to get the grabbing of 'system controller' working...

author: plesa
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 26, 2017, 09:58:09 pm
content: I just tried on non faulty unit and there is no debug output.Also there is difference between units.The newer unit has power resistor mounted on chassis and connected between PSU and boards.

author: TheSteve
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 27, 2017, 12:56:46 am
content: My unit is from 2008 I do believe, there is no power resistor mounted to the board. I guess debug output isn't super important as new caps fixed it but it would have been nice to try swapping between flash images etc.

author: iouzzr
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 07, 2018, 12:29:48 pm
content: Quote from: plesa on July 07, 2017, 05:58:48 pmFor me, the first image stuck at searching for DHCP server, trying to update from .02 to .10 does not fix.Thanks for the second image idea, I do not use RS232 to choose it, I just unplug power during the firmware update, successfully rolled back to .01, which I think is the secondary backup image.However, this still does not fix stuck at searching DHCP issue. I then tried my last attempt, update from .01 to .03, holy shit, the DCHP works!!!Hopes this can help anyone who has the same issue like me.

author: branadic
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2023, 09:42:53 pm
content: Just my two cent on E5810A.I yesterday receiveda used unitand played with it today.It had firmware version A.01.02 installed, so a very early version. I then tried implementing an FTP server under windows 10, but unfortunately the unit declined the update with the message "Firmware updated not successful".I then implemented an FTP server on my Pi following the instructions givenhere. Unfortunately, the unit still declined updating the firmware to the latest version, although I was able to access the firmware file via FileZilla. I finally checked the "Current Configuration of E5810 LAN/GPIB Gateway" and saw that "I/O Timeout (sec)" was set to "0". So I ended up restoring the factory settings and afterwards the firmware update worked straight away. It now runs A.01.10 and everyone is very happy-branadic-

author: garrettm
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 12, 2024, 06:22:53 am
content: I was unable to get my E5810A to update using ftp.keysight.com or kaz911's FTP server. Instead, I managed to get my unit updated using a "local" FTP server on a Windows 10 laptop using ftpdmin.Procedure:1) Connect the E5810A to a router/switch with DHCP capability or use a crossover cable to connect it to a PC with an Ethernet port.1.1) The E5810A's IPv4 address is shown on the front panel LCD. Default for my unit was 169.254.58.10 when a DHCP server was absent.1.2) If connecting directly, configure your PC with an IPv4 address in the same network as the E5810A (e.g., 169.254.58.11).2) Connect to the E5810A using a web browser (using its IPv4 address as the URL) and reset the unit back to factory defaults.3) Download the attached e5810.zip file and extract it to your C drive. E.g., C:/e5810.3.1) Open Windows command prompt (Winkey+R and type cmd). Navigate to the e5810 directory: cd C:/ cd e58103.2) Disable all networking cards except for the one needed to connect to the E8510A. !!! This is to guarantee the FTP server will use the correct IPv4 address and NIC !!!3.3) Run ftpdmin.exe inside the opened command prompt window.3.4) TEMPORARILY disable Windows firewall. !!! THIS MUST BE DONE TO ALLOW ACCESS TO THE FTP SERVER !!!At this point the FTP server should be accessible from the E5810A or another PC on the network. NOTE: Only the contents of the folder containing ftpdmin.exe are accessible over FTP.4) Inside a browser, go to 169.254.58.10/html/update_firmware.html and replace "ftp.agilent.com" with the local FTP server's IPv4 address (if you don't know, its shown in the command prompt window where ftpdmin.exe was ran from).4.1) Click "Update Firmware"and watch the CMD window containing the FTP server: It should show the E5810A connecting and copying the FW.4.2) After the E5810A reboots, connect to it using a browser and check the FW version is now A.01.10 and re-configure your E5810A's settings.4.3) Close the CMD window and re-enable Windows Firewall and delete the e5810 folder.NOTES:The simple FTP server was download from:https://github.com/ngrcld/FtpdminModThe E8510A A.01.10 FW was obtained from xdevs.com:https://xdevs.com/guide/e5810a/

author: d-el
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 10, 2025, 03:12:53 pm
content: - Initial version E5810A Rev. A.01.02- Set up my FTP and put the file e5810_latest_firmware.hex in it- Entered the data in the form fttp://192.168.88.109/html/update_firmware.htmlAfter trying to update, I received a log at the address like this:Code:ERROR: Firmware Update: Invalid file or directoryhttp://192.168.88.109/systemLog.htmAfter that, I reset to factory settings (View & Modify Configuration / Modify Configuration / ...) and tried updating again.Hurray, it updated to A.01.10.