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HP 8510C owners
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veedub565:
I'm starting to build a 8510C network analyser system, I've already got some parts

85101C Display unit (option 010 and 011)
8530A IF Detector / Receiver
8341B Sweeper

Originally it was an antenna test setup, but as I understood it, I thought option 011 allowed 8530A to run both VNA and Antenna test firmware ( though not both at the same time). Looking at the myriad of options, upgrades, and datasheets I'm not so sure now. The display unit has option 011, but should it be on the Receiver unit? but the receiver hardware is basically the same, and the firmware lives in the display unit   ???

Option 85395C upgrades an 8510C to 8530A, option 111 deletes network analyser capability.

Mine is a true 8530A to begin with though, so presumably never had network analyser function. As far as I know the hardware is basically the same, 8530A is just an upgraded 85102 with some extra bits. I would guess option 111 removes the 8510C PAL chip (and adds the 8530A one).  Mine most likely only has the PAL chip for an 8530A, and I'd need a different one if I wanted to run 8510C firmware and use it as a VNA :palm:

I can probably get a PAL chip for an 8510C from a scrapper, I don't think they are serial coded.


Just wanted a sanity check here.... my 8530A only has a PAL chip for 8530A, and a PAL chip for option 010 time domain. I can add a 3rd PAL chip from a scrap 8510C, load the 8510C firmware, and use it as a VNA. All sound sensible ?

or... my 8530A already has both 8530 and 8510 PAL chips because it's got option 011


Oh and the 8341B, yeah not ideal, these systems seem designed for the 8360 series,  but they're out of budget.  8341B should work ok though, even up to v7.XX (with feature limitations)
rplabs:
For the PAL chips you need to open the Display unit and check the board on the right side inline with the floppy disk.
veedub565:
Thanks, I haven't actually picked the unit up yet so i will check when once I've collected it. Looking through all the manuals and datasheets I did notice

there are security IC’s fitted to the security board to enable different options & firmware, there are 4 sockets
1.   8510C Firmware (opt 011 in an 8530A system)
2.   Time Domain (opt 010 all systems)
3.   8530A Firmware (opt??? in an 8510C system)
4.   Blank

The following upgrade kits are available:
•   85395A – Converts 8510A (SN prefix lower than 03000) to an 8530A with 8510C capability. Option 111 deletes 8510C operation
•   85395B – Converts 8510A (sn prefix greater than 03000) or any 8510B to an 8530A with 8510C capability. Option 111 deletes 8510C operation
•   85396A – Adds 8510C operation to an 8530A
•   85012D – Adds time domain to an 8530A
•   85012C – Adds time domain to an 8510C (or any A/B that has been upgraded to a C)

So it looks like I might be ok
jonsikul:
I seem to be on a similar path as you were at a little over a year ago with putting together a 8510C system with 8341B source.

What are the devices in your setup now?
Did you ever get the right PAL chips?
Does the entire system work now?

I am really interested in any experience you gained on your way as I do not have fully functioning system as of yet.

I only have the PAL allowing for v.7.xx at the moment but I am interested in adding a 8530 and time domain functionality later on when I find them.

coppercone2:
its loud, I still need to replace batteries, and it acts up if you have bad cables

its a lot of work to put this together. just don't freak out that its broken, I had some cables 'go off' on me (must have missed a strand in the shield that got into the conductor to short it out). For some reason this can cause the machine to freeze up and whatnot. All I can say is that the digital part of the machine might halt if you have bad analog coaxial stuff, maybe for EMC reasons or something.... common sense makes you think that this should not happen, but it does. Like I had a bad sweep cable or some shit cause the machine to literarly freeze when it sagged enough to cause a short or whatever inside. Like freeze the screen on a sweep ???  it made me think the digital boxes are bad. but when I replaced that particular cable it was fine ???

you would think it would just display BS on the screen but run fine... instead it can freeze out user input and totally crash!  I guess when you have 4 boxes linked with tons of cables and RF it starts getting spooky

make this machine so you can get behind it... it can be temperamental. I seem to have to fight a little war once in a while to get it to run... but I learned more since then, I recommend for sure to get the proper crimp tools and spend the extra time to figure out how to get the coaxial cables perfect for this one (don't use the ones that you screw together on the shield, get crimp). it can really make you feel like your losing your shit when it acts up lol


I suspect these things have trolled ALOT of people that don't think that the god damn analog cables are making the digital side act up !


I would say that its not a super economical machine, it will take you some money, if you think its the cheap skate approach.. no way. have spare money before buying this because you can end up on shit creek if you think it will let you run cheap. its an advanced big boy toy

I definitely would not recommend this for a introduction to RF electronics if you don't already have a SA, signal generator, and experience with mainframe shit
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