[R-390] HP 3589A and HP 140T

[David Wise]

I know the 141T, not the 140T.  If the latter is not
a storage mainframe, it's much less desirable for spectrum
analyzer service than the 141T.  You wouldn't be able to
use the narrow resolution bandwidths, because they require
a slow sweep.

That's just the scope frame.  You
plug into it an 8552A or -B IF module
and an 8553L, -A, or -B RF module.  I'm familiar with
the 8553B and both 8552's.  The 8552B adds tighter
resolution bandwidths, better stability (required to
utilize said bandwidths), a "manual scan" mode, and
a 2dB log mode to supplement the standard 10dB log mode.

None of this is necessary for aligning our favorite radio,
but it's sure fun, and stuff of this vintage is not
expensive.  Beware that they're old enough to have
developed their own problems.  Unless you buy one
that's known-good (and maybe not even then!) don't
expect it to work without some sleuthing.

For measuring filter bandpass, you'll want a tracking
generator to go with the SA.  It'll be an 8443A or -B.
(Or an 8601A with Option <mumble> if the RF is an 8553L.)
In this case the -B is not an improvement; it's an -A
with the frequency counter section removed.  Early 8443A's
have nixie displays, which are cool in their own right.
Late ones have LED displays and interact more smoothly
with the SA, provided it's using an 8552B or a high-S/N 8552A.
The cable that interconnects these two is rare.  You can buy
a made-up one from glkinst.com for 100-some bucks or make your
own ugly but functional one for 1/4 to 1/2 that.  You will
probably have difficulty finding a parts guy who recognizes
the connectors.

HTH,
Dave Wise

> -----Original Message-----
> From: r-390-bounces at mailman.qth.net
> [mailto:r-390-bounces at mailman.qth.net]On Behalf Of Barry Williams
> Sent: Monday, August 21, 2006 5:00 PM
> Cc: R-390 at mailman.qth.net
> Subject: [R-390] HP 3589A and HP 140T
> 
> 
> Has anyone used either of these units as a spectrum analyzer 
> for HF or 
> MW? I recall someone using these and am hoping that someone 
> can let me 
> know how to use them, if they are worth using, etc.
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> 
> Barry Williams
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