HP 3456a Self-Test Failure ("-4.00000")

[JP16A60]

I'm stumped by this error, and the HP 3456a manual is of no help here (ref. Section 3-17 "Self Test Operation on page 3-3 of the manual). I'm baffled that the manual would run to 385 pages, yet only dedicate a single, vague paragraph to self-test errors, and not even a simple table to describe each error.

I've searched high and low on this forum, to no avail. Any hints?

The meter displays an overload value on every setting except 4-wire ohms measurement.

I also have a newer (soft key) version of the 3456a, which I'm quite keen on--would love to get its "Not Working or for Parts" eBay sister working again!

JP
Cincinnati, OH
USA

[saturation]

IIRC that section of the error code in the service manual then points you to entire chapters that contain detailed troubleshooting guides, the 'service groups'.  OL reading occurs on most functions during error code -4.

But the good news is -4 code is commonly the PSU, and usually just the filter capacitors.  I'd give that a look see before doing anything more.

[Jwalling]

If you don't get an answer here, try the Yahoo Agilent group:
https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/hp_agilent_equipment/info

Those guys know their stuff on vintage equipment! 

Jay

[MarkL]

I'm stumped by this error, and the HP 3456a manual is of no help here (ref. Section 3-17 "Self Test Operation on page 3-3 of the manual). I'm baffled that the manual would run to 385 pages, yet only dedicate a single, vague paragraph to self-test errors, and not even a simple table to describe each error.

Take a look at page 8-58 (sec. 8-327 "Selecting the Self-Test") in the service manual.

There is a table and a description of each of the tests.  -4 indicates test #4 has failed.  The next page, 8-59, describes where to start troubleshooting for each test failure.  Detailed step-by-step troubleshooting is then provided in a subsequent section (service group B or C, for your problem).

But, yeah, check the power supply rails for proper voltage and ripple before heading down more involved troubleshooting paths.

[JP16A60]

Take a look at page 8-58 (sec. 8-327 "Selecting the Self-Test") in the service manual.

As I live and breathe, there it is...boy, what I wouldn't give for an OCR'd, searchable PDF for this manual. =)

I'll have to do a better job of RTFM next time--thanks to all!

JP
Cincinnati, OH
USA

[MarkL]

Take a look at page 8-58 (sec. 8-327 "Selecting the Self-Test") in the service manual.

As I live and breathe, there it is...boy, what I wouldn't give for an OCR'd, searchable PDF for this manual. =)

Well, you could give $7.50 to Artek manuals:

  http://artekmanuals.com/manuals/hp-manuals/

Excellent scans and everything is OCR'd.  I highly recommend them.

Main page:

  http://artekmanuals.com/

[Jwalling]

Take a look at page 8-58 (sec. 8-327 "Selecting the Self-Test") in the service manual.

As I live and breathe, there it is...boy, what I wouldn't give for an OCR'd, searchable PDF for this manual. =)

Well, you could give $7.50 to Artek manuals:

  http://artekmanuals.com/manuals/hp-manuals/

Excellent scans and everything is OCR'd.  I highly recommend them.

Main page:

  http://artekmanuals.com/

+1 on that. Dave's a good guy as well. He'll give you credit for manuals he doesn't have and would like to get.

Jay

[JP16A60]

Take a look at page 8-58 (sec. 8-327 "Selecting the Self-Test") in the service manual.

As I live and breathe, there it is...boy, what I wouldn't give for an OCR'd, searchable PDF for this manual. =)

Well, you could give $7.50 to Artek manuals:

  http://artekmanuals.com/manuals/hp-manuals/

Excellent scans and everything is OCR'd.  I highly recommend them.

Main page:

  http://artekmanuals.com/

I've obtained a printed 3456A manual from eBay ($45, a real steal, I think), but having the OCR'd PDF from Artek will be a nice tool to have on hand, too. (Try hitting CTRL-F in a binder-style paper manual!)

EDIT: Done!

I've ordered several hard-to-find Tektronix manuals from Artek in the past (e.g., 2901 Time Mark Generator), and they were high-quality, complete editions.

JP