[Test-Equipment] HP 8000 Series Spectrum Analyzer / Tracking Generator troubles

[Carl Walker]

Greetings, all. 

I'm having a bit of difficulty getting some old HP 8000 series gear up and 
working together. Specifically, I've got an 8443A Tracking Generator / 
Counter, and an 8553B plug-in for my 141T system. I've also got the 
interconnection cable that ties the back of the mainframe to the generator.

The tracking generator seems to only put out broad-band noise when connected 
to the mainframe and plug-in - as a matter of fact, it behaves the same way 
when disconnected as well. The counter is operational in the External mode, 
but selecting Marker or Scan-Hold modes, the counter resets. Likewise, 
selecting Track or Restore Signal modes for the generator section has no 
effect on the output.

Also of note is the fact that the Marker control knobs have no effect on the 
Spectrum Analyzer display. The voltages appear good inside the 8443A at the 
power supply test points. The interconnection cable ohm's out without 
problem, too.

My first silly question is, should this RF plug-in work with this tracking 
generator? The only other "low" frequency plug-in I have is the 8553L, and 
the L version obviously won't work (it  has no Cannon connector with the coax 
inserts on the back - but rather has the LO output's on the front. This 
plug-in works FB with my 8444A tracking generator, but that's another story).

The 8553B, unfortunately, does not have external LO connectors, so I can't 
test it with the 8444A.

Anyone have any ideas? Even though I've got the tracking generator that goes 
to 1500 MHz (the 8444A), I'd really like to use the lower frequency one when 
doing work below 100 MHz - having the marker display and counter would be 
really nice down there.

Thanks,

Carl - WA1RAJ - Wilton, NH