Hi Bob: I finally figured that out. I had the manuals printed, anyway. kinda added to the cost, but... Don
Bob Camp > Hi > > The 2.x firmware is the magic that lets it run down to HF type > frequencies. You really do not want to "upgrade" the firmware. > > It would be very nice to find a back shelf somewhere with a set of > original manuals for the 2.x version. > > Now if it just had a SR-620 counter built into it .... > > Bob > > > On Feb 2, 2010, at 1:20 AM, Don Latham wrote: > >> Oh, forgot. My firmware appears to be something like A.02.4 or something >> like that, and the manuals are A.05.0 or so. another possible problem. >> Don >> >> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Bob Camp" <li...@cq.nu> >> To: "Discussion of precise time and frequency measurement" >> <time-nuts@febo.com> >> Sent: Monday, February 01, 2010 6:42 PM >> Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment >> >> >>> Hi >>> >>> The big question in my mind about these is how well they do below 30 >>> MHz. Until I know I can trust them it down there, I'm not selling very >>> much stuff. >>> >>> I have yet to find a data sheet from before 2000 when they shipped with >>> the sub-800 MHz stuff enabled. I get the impression that the E8285's >>> never quite did as well below 30 MHz as the 8920's do. >>> >>> Bob >>> >>> >>> On Feb 1, 2010, at 7:29 PM, Don Latham wrote: >>> >>>> Hi Bob. Display shows use, definitely, but I can see info over the >>>> whole >>>> tube. I have a couple of things to do before I can start the learning >>>> curve, but am looking forward to using it. >>>> I'll have a bunch of test stuff for sale if this thing works out ;-) >>>> Don >>>> >>>> Bob Camp >>>>> Hi >>>>> >>>>> I *suspect* that any size that was common in 2003 will be ok. I have >>>>> no >>>>> basis for that claim. That likely will limit you to 2 gig and down. >>>>> >>>>> Each time I called Amtronix, Rick answered on the first ring. It's >>>>> definitely someplace I would recommend dealing with. >>>>> >>>>> How's the display on your unit? That sees to be the weakness of a lot >>>>> of >>>>> test gear these days. >>>>> >>>>> Can't wait to measure -100 dbc/Hz phase noise with mine :) .... >>>>> >>>>> Bob >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> On Feb 1, 2010, at 5:34 PM, Don Latham wrote: >>>>> >>>>>> Just bought one last week. As advertised, came with a cal and >>>>>> checkout >>>>>> sheet. BTW, cost another $150 to have manuals printed out. But, I'm >>>>>> old >>>>>> fashioned and have a hard time using manuals onscreen... >>>>>> I also got the feeling (phone order) that I can call Amtronix and at >>>>>> least >>>>>> reach a Real Person who will talk to me. >>>>>> I think the E8285A will replace at least three present instruments >>>>>> with >>>>>> better, once I master Instrument Basic :-). >>>>>> Does anyone know which low-cost PCMCIA memory card will work? >>>>>> They're on >>>>>> Epay for as little as $10 >>>>>> Don >>>>>> >>>>>> Bob Camp >>>>>>> Hi >>>>>>> >>>>>>> I do believe the last (or maybe next to last) of the Amtronix >>>>>>> E8285A's >>>>>>> is >>>>>>> now on it's way to a basement in Pennsylvania. If anybody else here >>>>>>> is >>>>>>> looking for one, I'd sure call Rick pretty quick. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Bob >>>>>>> >>>>>>> -----Original Message----- >>>>>>> From: time-nuts-boun...@febo.com >>>>>>> [mailto:time-nuts-boun...@febo.com] On >>>>>>> Behalf Of John Ackermann N8UR >>>>>>> Sent: Thursday, January 21, 2010 4:14 PM >>>>>>> To: john.fo...@gmail.com; Discussion of precise time and frequency >>>>>>> measurement >>>>>>> Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment >>>>>>> >>>>>>> If RF measurement is your bag, and you're able to spend a couple of >>>>>>> $K >>>>>>> (actually, <$2K if what I've seen recently holds), consider a >>>>>>> communications service monitor like the HP >>>>>>> 8920A/8920B/8921/8924/8935/E8285 (all pretty much the same thing). >>>>>>> >>>>>>> You get an RF generator, RF power meter, RX frequency meter and >>>>>>> modulation analyzer, audio generator, audio analyzer, digital >>>>>>> o'scope, >>>>>>> and in most units a spectrum analyzer (many have a tracking >>>>>>> generator, >>>>>>> too) in one box. And I've probably forgotten a few things. If you >>>>>>> get >>>>>>> one with spec analyzer and tracking generator, there's software >>>>>>> that >>>>>>> lets you do swept insertion/return loss and cable fault finding. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> None of its capabilities are as good as those of a dedicated box >>>>>>> performing a single function, but they're good enough for the vast >>>>>>> majority of uses. An 8920 was the first significant piece of test >>>>>>> gear >>>>>>> I bought, and if I ever have to sell out, it'll be the last one to >>>>>>> go. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> The prices came down a lot when Lucent surplused hundreds >>>>>>> (thousands?) >>>>>>> of them from their portable and cell phone production lines. I saw >>>>>>> an >>>>>>> 8935 with spec an, fully functional (as far as I could tell) for >>>>>>> about >>>>>>> $1500 this summer. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> A guy who sells and services a lot of these boxes is Rick at >>>>>>> http://www.amtronix.com -- that web site will give you lots of info >>>>>>> about the various versions and options. (I just noticed he has >>>>>>> some >>>>>>> Agilent 8285As as a "hobbyist special" with spec an and tracking >>>>>>> generator for $650. That looks like a deal.) >>>>>>> >>>>>>> John >>>>>>> ---- >>>>>>> john.fo...@gmail.com said the following on 01/21/2010 03:43 PM: >>>>>>>> Just that John, I'm looking to setup a general purpose lab. I'd >>>>>>>> lean >>>>>>> towards RF type stuff since I'm a HAM. >>>>>>>> Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> -----Original Message----- >>>>>>>> From: "J. Forster" <j...@quik.com> >>>>>>>> Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 12:22:11 >>>>>>>> To: <did...@cox.net>; Discussion of precise time and frequency >>>>>>> measurement<time-nuts@febo.com> >>>>>>>> Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> I made the mistake of setting up a purpose-built lab once, and >>>>>>>> soon >>>>>>>> discovered to do most things, you really need at least a basic >>>>>>>> general >>>>>>>> purpose lab. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> The only exception is, I suppose, if you are going to repair a >>>>>>>> specific >>>>>>>> instrument and do nothing else. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Also, as others have pointed out, you really need to define what >>>>>>>> are >>>>>>>> your >>>>>>>> area(s) of interest. Specialized gear gets $$$ pretty quickly. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> -John >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> ==================== >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> John, >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> That sounds like asking what is the best vehicle for you to buy. >>>>>>>>> If >>>>>>>>> you >>>>>>> do >>>>>>>>> not know what you want to do with it, I am not sure we can help >>>>>>>>> you >>>>>>>>> all >>>>>>>>> that much. However, if you have a specific objective, I am sure >>>>>>>>> you >>>>>>>>> will >>>>>>>>> get a lot of valuable information here. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> You have a (good) analog scope, you may want a power supply or >>>>>>>>> two, a >>>>>>>>> soldering iron and maybe a desoldering station if you do surface >>>>>>>>> mount. >>>>>>>>> You also want a good hand-held multimeter. Some sort of signal or >>>>>>> function >>>>>>>>> generator may be useful too. These vary widely depending on >>>>>>>>> frequency >>>>>>>>> range and features. There is no good single answer to any of >>>>>>>>> these >>>>>>>>> questions without knowing more about what you do with it. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Many of us on this list have more than one of pretty much >>>>>>>>> everything >>>>>>>>> (I >>>>>>> am >>>>>>>>> guilty of that too) to reflect the fact that no single instrument >>>>>>>>> is >>>>>>>>> universal, with possibly one exception: my favorite hand held DMM >>>>>>>>> is >>>>>>>>> a >>>>>>>>> Fluke 8060A, but I am sure some people will have another favorite >>>>>>>>> :) >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Don't start spending what little money you have until you know >>>>>>>>> what >>>>>>>>> you >>>>>>>>> need. If you just need to spend money, may I interest you in a >>>>>>>>> wonderful >>>>>>>>> business opportunity in Nigeria? >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Didier KO4BB >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> ------------------------ Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless thingy >>>>>>>>> while >>>>>>>>> I >>>>>>>>> do other things... >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> -----Original Message----- >>>>>>>>> From: John Foege <john.fo...@gmail.com> >>>>>>>>> Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:35:22 >>>>>>>>> To: Discussion of precise time and frequency >>>>>>>>> measurement<time-nuts@febo.com> >>>>>>>>> Subject: [time-nuts] Test Equipment >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> I realize that this e-mail is somewhat off topic, however, I also >>>>>>>>> believe that I will get some of the best answers from the members >>>>>>>>> of >>>>>>>>> this list: >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> I have recently started to build an electronics lab, and am >>>>>>>>> currently >>>>>>>>> trying to acquire test and general equipment for my little >>>>>>>>> basement >>>>>>>>> workshop of horrors. So far, being on a limited budget, I have >>>>>>>>> acquired a Tek 2465A in good working order, a Fluke 1953A >>>>>>>>> counter, >>>>>>>>> and >>>>>>>>> my little gem (ok not quite so little) HP5345A with the 4-ghz >>>>>>>>> freq >>>>>>>>> converter plugin w/ opt 11 & 12. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> I'd just like to ask everyone what they would be, if they were in >>>>>>>>> my >>>>>>>>> shoes, attempting to acquire. Unforunately, however, I am just >>>>>>>>> out of >>>>>>>>> engineering school and not working with much of a budget here. >>>>>>>>> I'd >>>>>>>>> kill to have all the fancy gear some of you nuts have. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> I'd really love a DSO instead of the Tek 2465A I have. I'd kill >>>>>>>>> for a >>>>>>>>> good spectrum analyzer or VNA etc. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Any suggestions on what I should acquire and/or suggestions for >>>>>>>>> economical equipment that I should make that is a must have? I am >>>>>>>>> a >>>>>>>>> good DIYer when it comes to building equipment, so often I >>>>>>>>> attempt to >>>>>>>>> build that which I cannot afford. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> I appreciate everyone's' opinions in advance. Thank you. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Sincerely, >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> John Foege >>>>>>>>> KB1FSX >>>>>>>>> starving-engineer! >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>>>>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com >>>>>>>>> To unsubscribe, go to >>>>>>>>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts >>>>>>>>> and follow the instructions there. >>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>>>>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com >>>>>>>>> To unsubscribe, go to >>>>>>>>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts >>>>>>>>> and follow the instructions there. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>>>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com >>>>>>>> To unsubscribe, go to >>>>>>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts >>>>>>>> and follow the instructions there. >>>>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>>>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com >>>>>>>> To unsubscribe, go to >>>>>>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts >>>>>>>> and follow the instructions there. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com >>>>>>> To unsubscribe, go to >>>>>>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts >>>>>>> and follow the instructions there. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com >>>>>>> To unsubscribe, go to >>>>>>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts >>>>>>> and follow the instructions there. >>>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> -- >>>>>> Dr. Don Latham AJ7LL >>>>>> Six Mile Systems LLP >>>>>> 17850 Six Mile Road >>>>>> POB 134 >>>>>> Huson, MT, 59846 >>>>>> VOX 406-626-4304 >>>>>> www.lightningforensics.com >>>>>> www.sixmilesystems.com >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com >>>>>> To unsubscribe, go to >>>>>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts >>>>>> and follow the instructions there. >>>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com >>>>> To unsubscribe, go to >>>>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts >>>>> and follow the instructions there. >>>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> -- >>>> Dr. Don Latham AJ7LL >>>> Six Mile Systems LLP >>>> 17850 Six Mile Road >>>> POB 134 >>>> Huson, MT, 59846 >>>> VOX 406-626-4304 >>>> www.lightningforensics.com >>>> www.sixmilesystems.com >>>> >>>> >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com >>>> To unsubscribe, go to >>>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts >>>> and follow the instructions there. >>>> >>> >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com >>> To unsubscribe, go to >>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts >>> and follow the instructions there. >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com >> To unsubscribe, go to >> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts >> and follow the instructions there. >> > > > _______________________________________________ > time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com > To unsubscribe, go to > https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts > and follow the instructions there. > -- Dr. Don Latham AJ7LL Six Mile Systems LLP 17850 Six Mile Road POB 134 Huson, MT, 59846 VOX 406-626-4304 www.lightningforensics.com www.sixmilesystems.com _______________________________________________ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.