[time-nuts] Problem with HP 83623A 20 GHz sweep generator stepping up/down 100 Hz when not wanted.

[David]

On Thu, 22 Dec 2016 12:39:27 +0000, you wrote:

>But I find it a bit odd that HP would have a 1 Hz software option on this
>instrument, if the instrument jumped up/down 100 Hz.
>
>Now I don't yet have the 1 Hz option programmed in, and it might well
>change the behavior completely, but I'd still like to find a way, if one
>exists, of checking this with the equipment I have.
>
>The signal generator is no longer supported, but I could try my luck seeing
>if there are any known problems with this unit, or firmware upgrades
>available - currently revision 29, May 1991.
>
>...
>
>Dave

I agree with Bill, maybe something is going on at the other end.

While I do not expect this sort of thing from HP, could they have
deliberately designed the sweep generator to include those 100 Hz
bumps unless the 1 HZ software option was purchased?

Like Paul, I would not expect the kind of stability you need from a
sweep generator but that 100 Hz jump is just weird.  It does kind of
remind me of popcorn noise but without a time scale and a longer
record, it is difficult to tell.