Products > Test Equipment
Seaward Sceptre EMC measurement system
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ESTechnical:
Hey all,

I realise this thread goes back ages but since it's at the top of google, why not keep it here :)

I got a seaward sceptre taken apart and I'm working my way through the synthesizer board. So far I've managed to rig up an arduino and code to control the NJ88C24 frequency synthesizer IC. I can see that the PLL locks on some frequencies/bandwidth settings but not others.

I have compiled quite a lot of the datasheets for the synth board, does anyone want to join me in this (possibly silly) quest to make these usable with modern software? I'm happy to share the code and what I've learned so far. Thanks for the manuals and software zip, spod.

Ed

ESTechnical:

--- Quote ---My Seaward Sceptre is stuck.
Is there anyone that have a memory dump of the EEPROM in bin or hex format?
So yes, could i become this file so that i can repear him. (or can you make a copy of this eeprom)

--- End quote ---

I can try and get a dump of the eeprom from the MCU board.
ESTechnical:
Just progressed further and can sweep the pll frequency using my Arduino test code, successfully getting the pll locked at each step. Seems I was freaking out the old frequency synthesiser ic with one edge out of order on the interface.

Found a dead /64 prescaler in the second pll loop and ordered a replacement. Hopefully this will resurrect this unit. I'll look into acquisition of the data from the detector board/controlling the attenuators etc soon.

:-)
artag:
I only just noticed this thread had revived, even though I started it :)

I still have the unit along with manuals and software (if the discs are still readable). The only thing I don't have is the nearfield probe - I actually had one of these long before I owned the rest of it, and unfortunately didn't keep it !

It looks as though most of the parts have been pulled together to get the system going, but I can look for anything not yet found.

I don't actually need it - I have a more modern spectrum analyser now - but will certainly hang on to the antenna and possibly the LISN (which is part of the main unit). Other bits might be available.
ESTechnical:
Sadly the probe is missing from mine too. But there's one on eBay at the moment with probe.

I'm looking for a spectrum/network analyser with tracking generator, faster the better, but that's me getting off-topic :-)

I'd be very interested in comparison between two of these units, since I appear to have a broken one. Mine arrived missing screws and with incorrect diagnosis of problems written on labels on the PCBs.

While I was testing the frequency synthesiser board I developed some code to control the synthesiser and there's only about three control inputs left on this board to worry about. I haven't actually found anything wrong with the synthesiser board, it sweeps the vco no problem. LO seems to be working but is beyond the range of the test gear I have here now. I can see there's 18MHz leaving a /64 prescaler :-)
If anything it's been a fun process to understand how they built this...

Thanks for coming back to this ancient thread!
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