[Lowfer] using HP 3581 or 3586 on VLF / LF

Mon, 20 May 2002 18:22:27 -0500

The HP3586C goes from 50hz to 32mhz. I have one and it works excellent on
LF. It is extremely stable and accurate as well as very sensitive. It has a
0dbm (1mw) output that tracks with the receive frequency. I use mine as an
exciter for a final amp. I highly recommend this one. It cost $350.00 and is
in mint condition and had a warrantee. I have heard of others that use the
"B" model and are satisfied with them as well.
73's,
Mike>WE0H
http://www.geocities.com/we0h/lf.html

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]]On
Behalf Of Roger Rehr W3SZ
Sent: Monday, May 20, 2002 10:54 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [Lowfer] using HP 3581 or 3586 on VLF / LF

Hello, All!

I saw a reference somewhere (I think) to using HP Signal Analyzers [like the
3581 (for 0-50 KHz) or the 3586 (for 50 KHz and up) ]  receivers.  But now I
can't find the references.

I did find a nice site on using the HP 310 in this manner.

Since I have come back from Dayton with a couple of 3581A's I was hoping
someone could guide me on this.  It seems that I can get two types of output
from the 3581

1.      At the 'output' BNC, I get a signal the same frequency as the
original,
but at much larger amplitude (several Volts out from -79 dBm in, for
example)

2.      A signal meant for an X-Y plotter that also up to several volts
output,
but at the low frequencies you'd expect for an X-Y plotter.

My thoughts thus far are:

1.      to use the 3581's as a preselector/preamplifier and feed the outputs
(which will need attenuation) into an existing VLF receiver (then all they
do is narrow the bandwidth and amplify) or

2.      use the pen plotter output to trigger an audio oscillator when the
signal
comes above a certain level, thus producing a CW signal.

Are there other approaches people have tried with the 3581A?

How about with the 3586?  How is is done with those?  Is it worth my picking
up a 3586 A / B / C if I find one cheaply?

Thanks in advance.

Thus far there seem to be a good number of 3581A's out there, so I hope they
are useful.  I paid 25$, and 2 of 2 I got seem to work OK.

73,

Roger Rehr
W3SZ   FN20ah
2 Merrymount Road
Reading, PA  19609-1718
http://www.qsl.net/w3sz

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