HP8903A Service Manual, anyone?

[bsgd]

Hi Guys!

So, I just got myself a 8903A HP Audio Analyzer and I need the Service Manual for it. I did find some manuals online, but they all seem to be incomplete, missing the calibration steps and circuit schematics.

Does any of you have the complete 8903A Service Manual??

Thank you very much for any help!

[jackinnj]

Did you check the agilent website?

[tomchr]

You can download the manual for the 8903B on Agilent | United States Home. The differences between the A and B models are:

- More highpass filters available as options on the B.
- The B has an actual differential input rather than pseudo-differential.

The calibration steps are similar, though, the component designators may differ. The function of each trimmer is marked on the board, though. Aside from the different filters and (I think) higher voltage tolerance on the IN/OUT LOW ports on the 8903B, the two instruments are identical in operation.

There are plenty of sellers on eBay who sell CD's with scans of service manuals. If you go that route, pay the extra couple of bucks to get a good quality scan (300 dpi for the text, 600 dpi for schematics). You can also buy the manuals. I got my paper manual (complete) for the 8903A on eBay for $85. Manuals Plus - Test Equipment Manuals is another source.

It's a sweet analyzer. I use mine a lot.

~Tom

[bsgd]

Thanks for the tip, never crossed my mind to look for the 8903B manual. Anyway, why doesnt HP carry the 8903A manual? I know its an outdated instrument, but it aint THAT old...

I just bought this intrument and Im sure it should help me on my DIY projects. BTW, I just noticed Agilent has a (new?) U8903A analyzer (never heard about it), and it looks good! Too bad it costs a fortune! Here where I live it probably costs 2 fortunes hehehehe.

Either way, I'll still try to find the 8903A manual as I usually like to have the original manuals for my equipment. I dont know why, I just have to have it!

[Enzo]

I didn't read through it, but this might help?

HP Agilent Download Page - HP8903A-HP8903E_audio_analyser.pdf || ABELtronics

[pcawthron]

I've just taken delivery of my 8903A this week. The only issue with it was several keys has loss their 'bounce' due to the springs being dislodged. I've repaired some and just have two left to do. It doesn't effect the operation, though.

Annoyingly Agilent just have the first half of the service manual on their web site. A CD of the manual is avaialble on EBay for $9.95 plus shipping so I may go for that.

A question: I've gone through the Operator's Check in Section 3.9 of the 8903A manual. When I do the SINAD Meter Check I get a result or 18.5-19 dB but the manual says this "should be around 14 dB". I notice the 8903B manual says the value should be between 12 and 19 dB.

Is my machine out of spec. or getting close to being out of spec.?

Regards,

Peter

[pcawthron]

Originally Posted by Enzo

I didn't read through it, but this might help?

HP Agilent Download Page - HP8903A-HP8903E_audio_analyser.pdf || ABELtronics

That's the one on the Agilent site. It stops at Section 3 instead of Section 8 plus service sheets etc.

Regards,

Peter

[bsgd]

Originally Posted by Enzo

I didn't read through it, but this might help?

HP Agilent Download Page - HP8903A-HP8903E_audio_analyser.pdf || ABELtronics

Hi Enzo,interesting document, but it does not have the calibration steps for the 8903A... either way I saved it with my other 8903 PDFs

[bsgd]

Originally Posted by pcawthron

I've just taken delivery of my 8903A this week. The only issue with it was several keys has loss their 'bounce' due to the springs being dislodged. I've repaired some and just have two left to do. It doesn't effect the operation, though.

Annoyingly Agilent just have the first half of the service manual on their web site. A CD of the manual is avaialble on EBay for $9.95 plus shipping so I may go for that.

A question: I've gone through the Operator's Check in Section 3.9 of the 8903A manual. When I do the SINAD Meter Check I get a result or 18.5-19 dB but the manual says this "should be around 14 dB". I notice the 8903B manual says the value should be between 12 and 19 dB.

Is my machine out of spec. or getting close to being out of spec.?

Regards,

Peter

Not sure whats the exact value that it should read, but for comparison purposes mine reads 16dB.
If you do get the Service Manual from Ebay let me know. A CD version is not really good for me as I'd pay lots for shipping and it would take forever to get here, so Im looking for a downloadable version...

[pcawthron]

Originally Posted by bsgd

Not sure whats the exact value that it should read, but for comparison purposes mine reads 16dB.
If you do get the Service Manual from Ebay let me know. A CD version is not really good for me as I'd pay lots for shipping and it would take forever to get here, so Im looking for a downloadable version...

I'll PM you once it's arrived.

Another question - when you select SINAD does your meter go to full scale deflection i.e. 24 dB? I hope it does as mine does!

Regards,

Peter