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Discussion of precise voltage measurement

Keysight 3458A

Frank Stellmach

Wed, Apr 22, 2020 9:15 AM

Hello Dave,

At first, this error 110 is probably caused by a hardware error. The
full error message, if you scroll right might read: 110 "Calibration
Required -- ACAL".
On eevblog, we had a 3458A with exactly this message, which was caused
by a faulty OpAmp in the input MUX, which was successfully repaired,
with remote failure tracing.

So I doubt that a CAL is required.

Memory errors concerning the three nvSRAMs usually create different
messages, I think it's # 212 or alike.

Therefore, please make a complete self test with the front panel TEST
function, and report back, which additional errors show up.

Your serial number relates to a basic instrument from around 1995, which
may have been refurbished, at least the front panel in the last 5 years.

The high calibration count denotes that it still has the old processor
board with 6 EPROMs.
Probably it has old nvSRAM, with nearly exhausted batteries.
Both you can easily see if you open the upper case lid and read the date
codes of the 3 DALLAS RAMs. Please report back.

I can't recommend at all to 'simply' let KS calibrate your instrument,
for several reasons.

If the DALLAS RAMs are affected, they will replace the A5 µP board for
1-2k$.
You could instead save the CAL RAM and exchange the RAMs on your own for
much less money, even if you'd have to buy an appropriate programmer.

If there's a HW error on the analogue board, KS will as well exchange
the whole board for 2-3k$, which you might repair yourself instead.

Now, I just want to wish you a successful knee surgery, and then
discussing your case soon.

Frank

Hello Dave, At first, this error 110 is probably caused by a hardware error. The full error message, if you scroll right might read: 110 "Calibration Required -- ACAL". On eevblog, we had a 3458A with exactly this message, which was caused by a faulty OpAmp in the input MUX, which was successfully repaired, with remote failure tracing. So I doubt that a CAL is required. Memory errors concerning the three nvSRAMs usually create different messages, I think it's # 212 or alike. Therefore, please make a complete self test with the front panel TEST function, and report back, which additional errors show up. Your serial number relates to a basic instrument from around 1995, which may have been refurbished, at least the front panel in the last 5 years. The high calibration count denotes that it still has the old processor board with 6 EPROMs. Probably it has old nvSRAM, with nearly exhausted batteries. Both you can easily see if you open the upper case lid and read the date codes of the 3 DALLAS RAMs. Please report back. I can't recommend at all to 'simply' let KS calibrate your instrument, for several reasons. If the DALLAS RAMs are affected, they will replace the A5 µP board for 1-2k$. You could instead save the CAL RAM and exchange the RAMs on your own for much less money, even if you'd have to buy an appropriate programmer. If there's a HW error on the analogue board, KS will as well exchange the whole board for 2-3k$, which you might repair yourself instead. Now, I just want to wish you a successful knee surgery, and then discussing your case soon. Frank

David Smith

Wed, Apr 22, 2020 8:46 PM

Hello Frank,

Thank you for your valuable input. From your comments, I can see why the prior owner decided to put it on the auction block. This 3458A came from a company in Fairbanks, AK. Pipeline miniatous, I think, as they had a bunch of SCADA stuff along with this DMM. They probably decided to replace it rather than repairing it. I'm guessing.

There is a list member who has graciously offered to upgrade and calibrate the unit for me. That is a very kind gesture that I very much appreciate. If I had to send it back to KS for repairs, that would be out of the question as I just don't have that kind of disposable income lying around.

I've removed the covers and see that it has options 001 and 002 installed. The date codes on the Dallas chips are 1336D. I'm guessing that's the manufacturer's date of the 36'th week in 2013. I have no idea what the "D" stands for. There's a Keysight sticker on the back that shows they last had hands-on in Sept. 2018.

Thanks again for your input.

Dave

-----Original Message-----
From: volt-nuts volt-nuts-bounces@lists.febo.com On Behalf Of Frank Stellmach
Sent: Wednesday, April 22, 2020 2:16 AM
To: volt-nuts@lists.febo.com
Subject: [volt-nuts] Keysight 3458A

Hello Dave,

At first, this error 110 is probably caused by a hardware error. The full error message, if you scroll right might read: 110 "Calibration Required -- ACAL".
On eevblog, we had a 3458A with exactly this message, which was caused by a faulty OpAmp in the input MUX, which was successfully repaired, with remote failure tracing.

So I doubt that a CAL is required.

Memory errors concerning the three nvSRAMs usually create different messages, I think it's # 212 or alike.

Therefore, please make a complete self test with the front panel TEST function, and report back, which additional errors show up.

Your serial number relates to a basic instrument from around 1995, which may have been refurbished, at least the front panel in the last 5 years.

The high calibration count denotes that it still has the old processor board with 6 EPROMs.
Probably it has old nvSRAM, with nearly exhausted batteries.
Both you can easily see if you open the upper case lid and read the date codes of the 3 DALLAS RAMs. Please report back.

I can't recommend at all to 'simply' let KS calibrate your instrument, for several reasons.

If the DALLAS RAMs are affected, they will replace the A5 µP board for 1-2k$.
You could instead save the CAL RAM and exchange the RAMs on your own for much less money, even if you'd have to buy an appropriate programmer.

If there's a HW error on the analogue board, KS will as well exchange the whole board for 2-3k$, which you might repair yourself instead.

Now, I just want to wish you a successful knee surgery, and then discussing your case soon.

Frank

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Hello Frank, Thank you for your valuable input. From your comments, I can see why the prior owner decided to put it on the auction block. This 3458A came from a company in Fairbanks, AK. Pipeline miniatous, I think, as they had a bunch of SCADA stuff along with this DMM. They probably decided to replace it rather than repairing it. I'm guessing. There is a list member who has graciously offered to upgrade and calibrate the unit for me. That is a very kind gesture that I very much appreciate. If I had to send it back to KS for repairs, that would be out of the question as I just don't have that kind of disposable income lying around. I've removed the covers and see that it has options 001 and 002 installed. The date codes on the Dallas chips are 1336D. I'm guessing that's the manufacturer's date of the 36'th week in 2013. I have no idea what the "D" stands for. There's a Keysight sticker on the back that shows they last had hands-on in Sept. 2018. Thanks again for your input. Dave -----Original Message----- From: volt-nuts <volt-nuts-bounces@lists.febo.com> On Behalf Of Frank Stellmach Sent: Wednesday, April 22, 2020 2:16 AM To: volt-nuts@lists.febo.com Subject: [volt-nuts] Keysight 3458A Hello Dave, At first, this error 110 is probably caused by a hardware error. The full error message, if you scroll right might read: 110 "Calibration Required -- ACAL". On eevblog, we had a 3458A with exactly this message, which was caused by a faulty OpAmp in the input MUX, which was successfully repaired, with remote failure tracing. So I doubt that a CAL is required. Memory errors concerning the three nvSRAMs usually create different messages, I think it's # 212 or alike. Therefore, please make a complete self test with the front panel TEST function, and report back, which additional errors show up. Your serial number relates to a basic instrument from around 1995, which may have been refurbished, at least the front panel in the last 5 years. The high calibration count denotes that it still has the old processor board with 6 EPROMs. Probably it has old nvSRAM, with nearly exhausted batteries. Both you can easily see if you open the upper case lid and read the date codes of the 3 DALLAS RAMs. Please report back. I can't recommend at all to 'simply' let KS calibrate your instrument, for several reasons. If the DALLAS RAMs are affected, they will replace the A5 µP board for 1-2k$. You could instead save the CAL RAM and exchange the RAMs on your own for much less money, even if you'd have to buy an appropriate programmer. If there's a HW error on the analogue board, KS will as well exchange the whole board for 2-3k$, which you might repair yourself instead. Now, I just want to wish you a successful knee surgery, and then discussing your case soon. Frank _______________________________________________ volt-nuts mailing list -- volt-nuts@lists.febo.com To unsubscribe, go to http://lists.febo.com/mailman/listinfo/volt-nuts_lists.febo.com and follow the instructions there.