8663A: Impressed with HP yet again. Also, questions...

[HalFoster]

Scored an 8663A a few months ago and had not done more than a quick initial check out.  Will be needing it soon, so over the last couple of days replaced all of the PS electrolytic caps and changed to a DC fan.  Buttoned it back up and checked the output levels with the one power head (and meter) that has a current valid calibration.  Specifications are +- 1 dBm for this range so I think a worst case error of .28 dBm and an average of the absolute error values of .0641 dBm is pretty respectable.  From appearances this unit had been banged around quite a bit (thankfully, all damage is the the covers) and has been out of service for a while so, yet again, I am impressed with the engineering and build quality that went in to this generation of their products.

Now, a question:  This piece is going to become a centerpiece of my personal working collection and I would very much welcome any suggestions from those familiar with it on things to watch for and, in general how to make the most of it: tips on care and utilization not found in the manuals, hidden "gotchas" and such.

TIA,

Hal

[0culus]

I'd say the usual stuff about spectrum analyzers...don't TX directly into the front end. Use a sampling tee or a directional coupler with additional attentuation as needed. Be careful of DC biases.

[HalFoster]

Thanks - will clarify that it's a 100KHz to 2.5GHz synthesized signal generator.  One thing I was told is that it has a NiCd battery inside to save the start-up settings - it's not necessary for operation, so can just remove.

Hal

[0culus]

Thanks - will clarify that it's a 100KHz to 2.5GHz synthesized signal generator.  One thing I was told is that it has a NiCd battery inside to save the start-up settings - it's not necessary for operation, so can just remove.

Hal

Ahh my bad. I read 8563 in my head. 

If it uses that standard battery pack with three cells like the older calculators there is a guy on eBay who sells new ones.

[HalFoster]

I took it out for now.  The best suggestion that I have had so far, and the one I will probably go with if I even bother, is to just extend the wires out the back to a small stick on holder.

Hal

[Tony_G]

These are great units as long as your health insurance is current in case you ever need to lift it

I have one that FedEx dropped and the 10MHz reference module is now free-floating so I have to do an investigation and repair video at some point. Replaced it with an 8340B which was an upgrade for my purposes.

Enjoy the unit and watch out for your back...

TonyG

[HalFoster]

Health insurance is definitely needed - I've been pretty much having to lug it around one handed due to shoulder surgery a while back... the need for which was caused by lifting things I should have had sense enough not to try.  I really do like it though - once it's in position anyway; I've been using it quite a bit the last couple of days calibrating a few 5335A's I'm about to list - works perfectly and those relay's going clickety-clack are just music to my ears.

I haven't had a chance to work with a 8340B before - nothing I do really needs frequencies that high.  Of course, I never let a little thing like "need" stand between me and new TE    Hope nothing else is wrong other than the OCXO.  BTW, I very much enjoy your videos - I first came across them when I was working on one of my 3335A's. 

As for the weight, I think my 5105A beats it by a pound or so... certainly when combined with the required 5110B - almost 130 lbs total if I remember right.

Hal

[0culus]

Oh man...I have an 8664A and I just had to move it to a new house.    Two person lift is pretty much required.