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THE AM BULLETIN BOARD => QSO => Topic started by: Opcom on November 17, 2020, 01:07:41 PM



Title: HP 53310A
Post by: Opcom on November 17, 2020, 01:07:41 PM
Looks like an 53310A Modulation domain Analyzer is on its way here. Someone has called it a frequency microscope, and it is. I remember watching it being demonstrated in 1992 and was amazed at its analysis of frequency hopping systems and its ability to measure jitter and phase noise to less than 1Hz resolution. Good for working with VFOs and evaluating GPS disciplined oscillators and other precision applications. Not sure what if anything has replaced it, but the price was right. The picture shows one displaying a 1.1Hz wide histogram of a 10MHz signal. Sure the signal is good but compating several signal sources could show which is the most stable and noise free. It's also a  scope. Pretty cool!

there's a video on the modulation domain
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBLEfVUVGyU


Title: Re: HP 53310A
Post by: WA2TTP Steve on November 17, 2020, 04:33:48 PM
I can’t imagine what the typical boat anchor VFO would look like on that instrument!


Title: Re: HP 53310A
Post by: Opcom on November 18, 2020, 12:22:16 AM
Like a nightmare LOL  - but bugs look like monsters under a microscope too.

So, lots of radios and signal generators around here -
Due to their age, do they have a dirty signal that could annoy others?


It will be interesting to see how stable the old Logimetrics 925 is. Looks great in the rack, useful inputs up front, should be a decent VFO.




Title: Re: HP 53310A
Post by: Opcom on November 26, 2020, 03:21:20 AM
The unit showed up yesterday in good order except a broken intensity control, probably the extra-rotten packing job and USPS together. It's an easy fix, and the unit works well. Must-fix, as the CRT running is at the bright end of its normal calibration, no sense in wearing it out.

It has shown me some things I never considered. There's a ton of garbage coming from my Yaesu HT.. but it's all 'in spec' garbage.

Later after the intensity control is fixed maybe I can set it up in a stack with a good scope, spectrum analyzer, Racal deviation meter, and put a few things under the microscope, see how things look on each instrument.

There is much to be learned. The most important learning may be to understand the difference between chasing ghosts and chasing true problems.
AMfone - Dedicated to Amplitude Modulation on the Amateur Radio Bands