Electronics > Repair
INSTEK spectrum analyzer GSP-827 -6 dBm down than the real value
Adal:
Bad news.
I made the same test than
Andrew and noting appears. Additionally I lost the tracking generator option because I check the backup battery and the machine doesn't remember the installed options |O
Maybe is time to call Instek México distributors for help
G4JMO:
Oh no! Sorry to hear of your problems.That is unfortunate. I was lucky I suppose that I have no options fitted otherwise I would have shared the same fate!
I guess you have no other option but to contact the service centre.
Best regards
Andrew
Fraser:
I truly hate designs that use a volatile memory to hold calibration data or option keys.
I have several pieces of quality equipment that contain lithium memory batteries with a predicted life of 10 Years. the service manuals just specify a p.d check. One manual provides details of placing a temporary supply across the lithium battery contacts while the cell is removed and a new one fitted. Anyone owning older test equipment should really check that such does not have a battery backed memory containing essential data. If so, check the battery every year and fit a new one if the p.d drops significantly from its stated output. I change 3.6V lithium batteries when the reach 3.0V. Some volatile memory suffers corruption issues at voltages less than 2.6V. Remember to apply a 'holding' voltage across the lithium battery terminals though. From memory you need two AA alkaline cells (approx 3.2V p.d) supplying the memory via a 10K resistor.
There is little excuse for volatile memory being used for mission critical data inside modern equipment. Blimey, eeproms have been around for so long now, why would anyone want to have a flippin battery backed memory except maybe for an RTC module.
Rant over, but I really feel for Adal. He is in a situation that now makes OEM support essential and that could be costly and inconvenient.
Aurora
G4JMO:
I completely agree. It's a poor way to design. I've just faced a similar issue with my Gigatronics 6100 sig gen. It must be at least 20 to 30 years old. Whilst fixing it recently, I got hold of the service manual and discovered that a Dallas NV Ram held critical calibration data that if lost would render the machine useless. Gigatronics refused to even discuss the unit because of its age so they wouldn't have been any help if the worst had happened. Fortunately I could still read out the contents using my EPROM programmer so it's all safely backed up now and I've also replaced the Dallas device. In a way, I'm lucky the unit needed fixing, otherwise I'd have never discovered this Achilles Heel until it was too late.
Adal:
Dear all, thanks for your help and comments. Yes, I have bad luck with my GSP-827 due the design of the configuration info. I attach some pictures of the inners for your info.
Best regards
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