Value of a functional HP8591E - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Miti
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 09, 2019, 12:19:56 am
content: Hi,How much would you be willing to pay for a functional HP8591E to consider it a good deal?The SA is listed as functional, it shows the 300MHz cal signal, but the seller is honest enough to mention that it has an intermittent contact in the display. Probably a cold solder somewhere, should be an easy repair.Thanks,Miti

author: mc172
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 09, 2019, 12:34:28 am
content: This sounds like it could be a multitude of things. I've seen SAs with blown up input stages, amongst other problems, that draw sharp, maximum-ranging, vertical lines on the sweep, even with a terminated input. These lines are drawn randomly and some sweeps can complete with none drawn, others can have six or seven drawn - more if the RBW is set to a very low value. This could be described as "an intermittent contact in the display" to someone that doesn't know how these work.The question isn't how good a deal is it on the face of things - the question is: if the problem with it is deeper than you think, can you fix it on your own, and if not, is it such a good deal?

author: Miti
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 09, 2019, 12:39:40 am
content: Thanks,Let's assume that I test it and it is good. I'm just trying to put a dollar value on an instrument like this from the perspective of the members of this forum.

author: EE-digger
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 09, 2019, 01:21:23 am
content: I've had 8590L and now an 8596E with tracking generator and most options (RBW, fast acquisition, am/fm demod, etc.). The 8596E will be going on Ebay soon as a newer Agilent series has taken its place.While I've had a lengthy love of HP, Agilent and now, despite the name, Keysight, I have to draw the line on low old analyzers.They are very old units. I believe that for under $1000, you're in the neighborhood of a new Rigol DSA815.The Rigol blows away the old HP in all areas, from very low DANL (displayed noise) to low resolution BW, etc. These depend heavily on modern DSP technology which the HP wishes it had.On Ebay, the last 8591E auction closed just under $600. For the $300 or so increase to the DSA815, I wouldn't touch the HP, unless your budget dictates a much lower cost and you can test it adequately. Fortunately, I believe the 8591E is a single band unit (1.8GHz is covered in one shot) and does not use any fancy YIG filters (unobtainium and they do break over time).Add modern storage, file handling, graphics, speed and accuracy and I think the Rigol wins.Did I mention that the 8591E weighs about a thousand lbs. (Ok, so it just feels like it when you have to cart it).Good luck with your decision !

author: Miti
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 09, 2019, 01:59:13 am
content: I already have an 8594E with 004, 101,103,130,041, this is just as TEAas I think I can get it for a reasonable price, in my view, local pickup.I just wanted to see if my view is aligned with the view of others with more experience than me.It seems to be removed from an automated test equipment in manufacturing.

author: EE-digger
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 11, 2019, 03:52:39 am
content: Ok, TEA explains it. I've been there but am at an age where the wife wants the un-used stuff gone.No one has offered you a number so here's my take. My 12GHz 8596E, loaded, excellent shape, with tracking generator, will only pull maybe $2800 if I wait and get lucky. The 1.8GHz unit, competing with a sub $1k, new unit, may pull $700 or so IF someone really wants it (i.e. TEA). For a new unit, you have a warranty while it lasts. I have no idea what Rigol service is like afterwards. For the old unit, you're on your own with Ebay but the 1.8GHz is mostly non-exotic parts. But at least be sure the input attenuator is good and the full span has no oddities.If it works fine and considering TEA effect, I'd probably go $500.

author: Miti
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 11, 2019, 05:11:16 pm
content: Thanks EE-digger. I bought it for $400 CAD. It looks pretty clean and, as far as I can tell, everything works. It failed confidence test first time I tested it, but after timebase cal and a self cal, it passed multiple times. I also loaded the EMC personality. The display intermittence didn’t show up yet.