Wavetek 9100 calibrator repair - Fixed!!!

[kyleaudio]

Last night I was troubleshooting a few error codes that I was getting on my recently acquired Wavetek 9100 and managed to clear all readings except for two related to the DDS amp. I figured that they might be related to option 600 (600 MHz oscilloscope calibration module) so I disconnected the two ribbon cables  from the module and ran the self tests again and got no errors! BUT when I connected the scope module again, the unit no longer recognizes the module and none of the features are available... 

I've been trying to get it working again for a few hours and have had no luck so far. Unfortunately service manuals are not available for this so I'm flying blind. Has anybody out there had any experience with this problem?

Photo of the scope board around the ribbon cables attached.

Thank you,
Kyle

[TiN]

Wavetek parts, heh. Do you have more photos of the guts, please?

[kyleaudio]

I was getting there! Teardown photos are now posted here:

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/wavetek-9100-calibrator-teardown-photos/

[kyleaudio]

I've battled it out with Fluke trying to get a service manual or some help getting the scope option going again and haven't really gotten anywhere. These units are still supported by their lab in the UK and they've quoted me a repair and calibration charge, but it's over $3000.00 USD! As a hobbyist, this isn't affordable. I didn't even pay that much for the calibrator.

Next step, I've ordered a TL866CS programmer and will read out data from the Dallas SRAM and see if the code is simple enough to enable the function again. If anything, it'll be good to have a backup of the data if the battery decides to die. 

[ebclr]

3000 USD isn't that expensive for this class of product

[kyleaudio]

Yes, I agree. Especially for a calibrator that has been obsolete for this long, it's a good price.

For hobby use at home, it's way over budget. My wife would probably kill me!

[AnJu]

I can tell how to activate any options in the 9100 calibrator.
The exchange requires Portocal-II / 9010 software or Procedure Library:
https://web.archive.org/web/20010420223246/http:/www.wavetek.com:80/products/PP.html

Free Download Procedures: (Approx. 275 Procedures) all the procedures included in Portocal-II/9010 Version 1.91. Available to anyone.

[kyleaudio]

It's fixed! AnJu was able to get me the passcode to enter the factory use only menu where you can enable/disable the different options. I enabled option 600 and all oscilloscope calibrator functions are now returned.

Thank you AnJu for helping me out with this!

[ZhuraYuk]

I can tell how to activate any options in the 9100 calibrator.
The exchange requires Portocal-II / 9010 software or Procedure Library:
https://web.archive.org/web/20010420223246/http:/www.wavetek.com:80/products/PP.html

Free Download Procedures: (Approx. 275 Procedures) all the procedures included in Portocal-II/9010 Version 1.91. Available to anyone.

Do you have the software and procedures downloaded somewhere? It looks looks like the files are no longer available.
Or I assume I need the passcode to enter factory menu to unlock all the options?

[kyleaudio]

Hi ZhuraYuk,

It seems like the software isn't required you just need the password. I've tried it on two units and helped a couple other people with it and it's worked for all of them. Keep in mind, you can't unlock options that aren't installed. These options are separate boards that are installed at the factory. Here are the steps and password:

- Once booted up press the "Mode" button
- Select "CALIB"
- Enter the password - 2357
- Select "FACTORY USE ONLY" at the top right corner
- Enter the password - D1TR4N
- Select "DEFINE OPTIONS"
- Select the installed options

I hope this helps!