[volt-nuts] 3458a with 202: Slave Test Convergence (sigh)

[Frank Stellmach]

"I know that HP will (gladly?) take your sick 3458 and bring it up to current specs, followed by a calibration. Since my sick one is at engineering level 2 or 3.something, it must be like it was built in 1989 - the dates on some components."

Should I try to do any troubleshooting, or just send it to HP?"


Hi,

agilent simply replaces boards, but will not desolder and replace components.
Therefore, they will definitely replace the processor board completely (several hundred $), but then the latest firmware 9 will be inside. Additionally, a new calibration will have to be paid (+ several hundred $).

Alternatively, simply replace the 3 NVRAMs (DALLAS/maxim or digikey, <50$), and the 6 EPROMs for firmware 9 (agilent, 180$), if you are able to copy the CAL RAM and/or to recalibrate on your own.
And on the old processor board you can upgrade opt. 01 by DIY (<10$), instead of agilent (+ several 100 $).
Another fellow volt-nuts did that on a 1989 unit, came up fresh like a daisy. I.e. no need for further replacement of any other boards.


@Tom Knox: Would you mind sharing your knowledge about error 202 here on that list, instead?
THX.

Frank