[time-nuts] time-nuts Digest, Vol 67, Issue 142

Bob Camp lists at cq.nu
Mon Feb 22 12:43:25 UTC 2010


Hi

If the guy selling the 8590 also has a "backup" unit for parts - have him throw that in on the deal. Spending more money on a replacement board than on a "good deal" buy is a very real possibility. I have a parts donor backing up the one I own. 

Bob


On Feb 22, 2010, at 4:35 AM, Dave Baxter wrote:

> Hi..
> 
> If the price is right, the 8590 analyzer if healthy makes a good
> introduction to that class of instruments, you'll learn a lot.
> 
> Yes, they are not the top of the range, but they are not shabby either.
> 
> Get yourself signed up to the HP_Agilent group (also on Yahoo) for
> detailed info, and they are not too dificult to fix either.
> 
> There is a lithium backup battery that perhaps should be replaced if
> there is no evidence it has already been done, but look up the correct
> procedure before you go wading in.
> 
> Re dim traces/screens.  The faceplate protector often gets crudded up on
> the inside, making things darker than you'd think.  Bit of a task to
> remove and clean, but not dificult.   Manuals are available if you ask
> in the right places.   Again, ask before getting the toolbox out.
> 
> It's also relativley trivial to make a crude "converter" to get up to
> 3GHz.  In essance, all you need is a stable oscilator, a mixer, and
> perhaps a crude band pass filter.   Not "calibrated" but you'll see
> stuff that can help whatever you are trying to do.  The choice of
> frequencies is the interesting bit, avoiding any posible IF leakage, and
> knowing how to identify (and ignore) images etc.
> 
> As to usability, bit of a mixed bag.  They can be easy to drive, but
> there are layers of menus too.  However, once you find your way round
> them, no problem.
> 
> As it has GPIB, look at KE5FX's GPIB software tools for sa's.   Very
> good indeed.
> 
> As above, if the price is right, get it.   A good first SA to own.  But
> see it working first, even if it's just looking at the local broacast FM
> stations with a bit of wire in the front input socket.  No signals
> (especialy if no "0Hz" spur = no buy, unless the price is very very very
> low, even then, it may just end up as a parts donor.)
> 
> Dave G0WBX.
> 
> 
> 
> ---- Original Message ----
> 
> Message: 1
> Date: Fri, 19 Feb 2010 17:38:50 -0700
> From: Joseph Gray <jgray at zianet.com>
> Subject: [time-nuts] OT: HP 8590A
> To: Discussion of precise time and frequency measurement
> 	<time-nuts at febo.com>
> Message-ID:
> 	<c793a5fe1002191638j24a8913dnad62d8800dee3b5d at mail.gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
> 
> Since the list members are familiar with lots of test equipment, I'd
> like to ask what the folks here think about the HP 8590A Spectrum
> Analyzer. Is this model ok? Are there any particular failures I should
> be aware of in this 20+ year old equipment?
> 
> I have a chance to buy one locally. The only option is has is GPIB. I
> took a preliminary look at it and it passes the simple test/cal
> procedure from chapter 1 of the Ops manual. This model only goes to
> 1.5GHz, but would still be useful for Amateur use. I do wish it would go
> up to 3GHz, however. I have never owned a spec an, but am somewhat
> familiar with their usage.
> 
> Thanks for the input.
> 
> Joe
> KA5ZEC
> 
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