HP spectrum analyzer is on the blink - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / repair

author: joeqsmith
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 01, 2018, 07:41:08 pm
content: My old HP 3589A. This relic was built in 1992. I've owned it for about 12 years now. It was one of the few used bits of test equipment I bought used that actually worked. The only problem it had was one of the connectors was loose. I use it a fair amount still but it's in need of a new battery. It's getting some cleaning and a few other checks while it's apart. The original battery.

author: SaabFAN
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 01, 2018, 09:51:41 pm
content: Are you making a video of the restoration / repair?Btw. I find this particular type of SpecAn quite interesting. They have not nearly enough Bandwidth for RF-Stuff (except if you stay below 50 MHz with your model - far less if one has the predecessor), while at the same time their Frequency-Range goes so far beyond Audio that it's more than overkill. Add to that the fact FFT-Analyzers are much better suited for Audio-Stuff because of their "real time"-capability.What's the real purpose of these instruments between "true" RF-SpecAns and FFT-Analyzers?

author: AF6LJ
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 02, 2018, 11:57:59 pm
content: That battery looks tired for sure.

author: joeqsmith
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 03, 2018, 12:24:57 am
content: Quote from: SaabFAN on July 01, 2018, 09:51:41 pmNot sure what RF-stuff would mean. Place a 1 in front of the 50.I am not sure how to answer the real purpose. It's like any other test equipment. The last video I made, I show it in use. I doubt I will make a video while it's in parts but I do plan to use it for an upcoming video.

author: precaud
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 03, 2018, 12:38:10 am
content: Quote from: joeqsmith on July 01, 2018, 07:41:08 pmJeez - nearly everything on my bench was made before '92 ...

author: chris_leyson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 03, 2018, 12:54:28 am
content: Built in '92, that's quite new compared to a 3585A. Nice analyzer and half the size of a 3585A. Not sure how the phase noise compares but it's good for audio and HF and low VHF. Good luck with the repairs

author: joeqsmith
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 03, 2018, 12:56:57 am
content: Quote from: AF6LJ on July 02, 2018, 11:57:59 pmIt belongs in a museum in France.I've used a lot of Tadiran batteries over the years.

author: joeqsmith
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 03, 2018, 01:02:27 am
content: Quote from: precaud on July 03, 2018, 12:38:10 amI have a fair amount of vintage equipment myself. A couple are pre 70's.Quote from: chris_leyson on July 03, 2018, 12:54:28 amI've never used it for audio but it does get used a fair amount for sub 100MHz work. I was going to build a test set for it at one time but never found anyone that owned one that would provide me with the codes. I tried to sniff them and had a little program to attempt to simulate a test set but never broke the protocol. I was also going to write some code for it similar to what I did for my old HP8754A VNA but never got around to it. I did write some code to handle the receiver but the system for the most part does what I need it to do stand alone.I looked on eBay about 6 months ago and people wanted a fair amount for these now. I figured these may sell for $500 USD by now but I was seeing $2500 and up. Crazy.

author: SaabFAN
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 03, 2018, 05:15:04 pm
content: What I meant was: What's the advantage over a HP 8561 or 8568? Apart from the fact they start at 50 Hz instead of 10 Hz.Is there a specific field of applications for 10 Hz to 150 MHz? Or does the 3589 have some features necessary for a particular application that a 8561 doesn't?Or were these devices just cheaper enough to get their own little niche in the market?Btw. about the age of T&M-Equipment: Everything up to 1989 is cool, then the SMD Cap-Plague hits and doesn't leave until the early 2000s.Plus the ASICs typically run quite hot.So I try to avoid anything from the 90s

author: joeqsmith
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 06, 2018, 05:24:52 pm
content: Quote from: SaabFAN on July 03, 2018, 05:15:04 pmI don't know the details for the two SAs you mention. Are you asking why you would use a NA over an SA or an NA over an SA w/ tracking generator? Maybe you missed that the 3589A is a sort of hybrid SA and NA. I think the manuals for the 3589A are available on-line if you wanted to have a look.The basic software for the 3589A is a bit lacking IMO but all the data is there if you use Labview or something to do your own post processing.Cost wise, the 1992 catalog list the 3589A for about $25K for the one I have. Test S-parameter test set would add another $4K.

author: bob91343
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2019, 02:30:39 am
content: Where does one find the battery in this unit?