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HP Agilent 8935/E6380A questions

Question asked by KC8QVO on Oct 20, 2011
Latest reply on Oct 28, 2011 by tabbott

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This is my first post here and I am diving in to my first service monitor. I got an HP Agilent 8935/E6380A. It is still in transit so I haven't powered it up yet.

A couple of questions -
The screen looks nice and bright but how good is the resolution? Is there anything that it won't resolve to an acceptable level?
Is there a way to run it through a computer? Is software easily attainable?
Is there a way to input modulation to the RF generator (digital, analog - audio)?
What kinds of programs (if any) would be useful for this unit? I suppose that would depend on what all I am trying to do... but ideas anyway?
Why is there a frequency gap between 1.0 and 1.7gHz? In other words, it won't monitor the GPS band around 1.5gig.

I am sure I will be in for a lot of learning. I hope I made a good purchase. I am a Ham and would like to get some decent test equipment, but I also work with RF in my career and need better tools.

Steve, KC8QVO

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tabbott

Oct 24, 2011 11:25 AM

Hi Steve -

Welcome. Here are answers to your questions...

The screen looks nice and bright but how good is the resolution? Is there anything that it won't resolve to an acceptable level?
Refer to the Reference Guide and specs: http://www.home.agilent.com/agilent/red ... nal%20File

Is there a way to run it through a computer? Is software easily attainable?
No.

Is there a way to input modulation to the RF generator (digital, analog - audio)?
Yes, Analog Mod In, Audio In, Data In; see chapter 8, Connectors, in the Reference Guide.

What kinds of programs (if any) would be useful for this unit? I suppose that would depend on what all I am trying to do... but ideas anyway?
This unit only runs custom IBASIC programs internally.

Why is there a frequency gap between 1.0 and 1.7gHz? In other words, it won't monitor the GPS band around 1.5gig.
This unit was built to only cover up to the AMPS/CDMA 800 MHz Cellular bands and then the CDMA PCS Cellular bands for the Cellular Service Provider customers; therefore 1.0 GHz to 1.7 GHz was not needed.

I hope this helps -

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KC8QVO Oct 27, 2011 4:28 PM

I have been playing around with this monitor for the past couple days and I just ran through the Instrument Quick Check (in the manual here http://www.amtronix.com/E6380-90019.pdf) and my Rho measurement is blank on the screen. The SpecAn shows the CDMA form just like its supposed to though. Why is my Rho measurement not showing anything? Should I be concerned? EDIT: I might have found my answer - my software revision is B.02.11, the manual I was reading is for versions B.03.10 and above. I am hoping this is the reasoning.

Another question I have is I am trying to scan a frequency spectrum (starting with the 2m ham band right now - 144-148mHz, 2mHz spectrum). I am trying to get the SpecAn to show all the signals within the band. The filter on the SpecAn shows up at 300Hz, theres no audio, and I can't see any signals on the screen. I am scanning the manuals here so I will try and figure it out. If anyone has some tips though that would be great

Steve

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tabbott

Oct 28, 2011 12:04 PM

Hi Steve -

To make a Rho measurement (CDMA modulated signal) with the E6380A, the base station has to be put in ‘maintenance mode’ and transmit a Pilot only signal. You also have to be connected to the ‘Even second clock signal’ from the base station radio under test and the Time Reference signal at the base station site. Newer test sets do not require this as they have built in GPS receivers to generate the Even second clock signal, Time reference signal and can decode ‘Estimated Rho’ on a live active carrier.

To receive signals ‘Off-The-Air’ (OTA) you need to be connected to the Antenna-In port on the E6380A and set the measurement port on the E6380A to ‘Ant In’ (not RF In/Out). See page 283.

To ‘Look and Listen’ to signals you need to set the span to < 1.5 MHz. See pages 213 - 216

Regards -

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tabbott Oct 24, 2011 11:25 AM
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Correct Answer
Hi Steve -

Welcome. Here are answers to your questions...

The screen looks nice and bright but how good is the resolution? Is there anything that it won't resolve to an acceptable level?
Refer to the Reference Guide and specs: http://www.home.agilent.com/agilent/red ... nal%20File

Is there a way to run it through a computer? Is software easily attainable?
No.

Is there a way to input modulation to the RF generator (digital, analog - audio)?
Yes, Analog Mod In, Audio In, Data In; see chapter 8, Connectors, in the Reference Guide.

What kinds of programs (if any) would be useful for this unit? I suppose that would depend on what all I am trying to do... but ideas anyway?
This unit only runs custom IBASIC programs internally.

Why is there a frequency gap between 1.0 and 1.7gHz? In other words, it won't monitor the GPS band around 1.5gig.
This unit was built to only cover up to the AMPS/CDMA 800 MHz Cellular bands and then the CDMA PCS Cellular bands for the Cellular Service Provider customers; therefore 1.0 GHz to 1.7 GHz was not needed.

I hope this helps -
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KC8QVO Oct 27, 2011 4:28 PM
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I have been playing around with this monitor for the past couple days and I just ran through the Instrument Quick Check (in the manual here http://www.amtronix.com/E6380-90019.pdf) and my Rho measurement is blank on the screen. The SpecAn shows the CDMA form just like its supposed to though. Why is my Rho measurement not showing anything? Should I be concerned? EDIT: I might have found my answer - my software revision is B.02.11, the manual I was reading is for versions B.03.10 and above. I am hoping this is the reasoning.

Another question I have is I am trying to scan a frequency spectrum (starting with the 2m ham band right now - 144-148mHz, 2mHz spectrum). I am trying to get the SpecAn to show all the signals within the band. The filter on the SpecAn shows up at 300Hz, theres no audio, and I can't see any signals on the screen. I am scanning the manuals here so I will try and figure it out. If anyone has some tips though that would be great

Steve
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tabbott Oct 28, 2011 12:04 PM
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Hi Steve -

To make a Rho measurement (CDMA modulated signal) with the E6380A, the base station has to be put in ‘maintenance mode’ and transmit a Pilot only signal. You also have to be connected to the ‘Even second clock signal’ from the base station radio under test and the Time Reference signal at the base station site. Newer test sets do not require this as they have built in GPS receivers to generate the Even second clock signal, Time reference signal and can decode ‘Estimated Rho’ on a live active carrier.

To receive signals ‘Off-The-Air’ (OTA) you need to be connected to the Antenna-In port on the E6380A and set the measurement port on the E6380A to ‘Ant In’ (not RF In/Out). See page 283.

To ‘Look and Listen’ to signals you need to set the span to < 1.5 MHz. See pages 213 - 216

Regards -
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