I seem to have a problem with the input attenuator. The 20db section is intermittant. Sometimes I get 20db sometimes its all over the place. Sometimes it passes amplitude cal sometimes fails. The control signals are good. The unit in question is a Wavetek 0955-0453. Has anyone been inside one of these? I have the RF assembly out and on the bench, I suppose I will take the attenuator out and run some tests on it to verify the problem first.
Chris
N9LLO
Chris
N9LLO
It sounds like your attenuator is faulty, I recommend you replace it instead of attempting a repair. The Agilent 8591E Service guide states that the input attenuator is not repairable at the component level and should be replaced if defective. 0955-0453 is still available from Agilent if you choose to order one.
It isn't supported, but I've heard of people repairing these assemblies if one of the pads inside is bad, however it sounds like you attenuator has a switching problem. There may be some super tech on the forum somewhere who may have some other ideas for you.
Best regards,