1401: Difference between revisions

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[[Image:Tek1401a-front.jpg|thumb|600px|right|Tektronix 1401A Spectrum Analyzer Module]]
[[Image:Tek1401a-front.jpg|thumb|600px|right|Tektronix 1401A Spectrum Analyzer Module]]


It covers the frequency range from 1MHz to 500MHz.
The Tektronix 1401A is a swept front-end spectrum analyzer covering the frequency range
It uses an external oscilloscope,  
of 1 MHz to 500 MHz. It is designed to use an external oscilloscope, typically a [[323]],
typically a [[323]] or [[324]],
[[324]] or [[326]].  It has internal rechargable NiCd batteries and can also operate
as a display.
from AC power (using an unusual power cord) or external DC from 6V to 16V.
The 1401A can be operated on batteries or 12V or wall power.
 
There appear to be two variants of the 1401A, both the manual and
catalog specify the resolution bandwidth selector as 1000, 100 and 3 KHz,
but the later versions are 100, 100, and 10 KHz.
 
The 1401A is designed to be used with an oscilloscope with 10 horizontal
divisions and 6 vertical divisions.  Note that most full sized Tektronix
oscilloscopes have 8 vertical divisions so use care when doing the
initial setup and reading the scale in dBm.


See TekScope January 1972 pages 14-15 for some servicing notes that
See TekScope January 1972 pages 14-15 for some servicing notes that
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It is a 152-0402-00, a 2mA, 25pF tunnel diode in a DO-17 package.
It is a 152-0402-00, a 2mA, 25pF tunnel diode in a DO-17 package.
It's only necessary if you use the external trigger input.
It's only necessary if you use the external trigger input.
There is one Tektronix custom IC, 155-0042-02, listed as a Miller Integrator.
It is used to generate the sweep ramp voltage.  The package is a
10 pin metal can.


The input attenuator is a fairly custom part due to the IF gain pot
The input attenuator is a fairly custom part due to the IF gain pot
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attenuator is easy after removing it from the 1401A.  Note that the
attenuator is easy after removing it from the 1401A.  Note that the
IF gain pot is removed via two allen setscrews.  To bench test the
IF gain pot is removed via two allen setscrews.  To bench test the
attenuator with DC, use a 50 ohm terminator
attenuator with DC, use a 50 ohm terminator on SMA input and connect
the output SMA to an ohm meter.  Each of the seven steps should read
around 50 ohms.  The contacts on the ceramic attenuator elements
can wear, they can be repaired with silver solder.  Before reassembly,
remove the two SMA housings to avoid damaging the contacts and remove
the setscrews that hold spring tension on the two ball bearings
that align the shaft steps.  Reinstall these parts after the housing
has been screwed together.
 
 
<gallery>
Image:Tek1401a-front.jpg|Front panel
Image:tek1401a-top.jpg|Top PCB:  IF board
Image:tek1401a-bottom.jpg|Bottom PCBs:gate/cal, power supply
Image:tek1401a-batterypcb.jpg|PCB on the battery pack
</gallery>
 


* [[List of manuals that are needed|Manual needed]]
* [[List of manuals that are needed|Manual needed]]

Revision as of 21:51, 11 October 2014

Tektronix 1401A Spectrum Analyzer Module

The Tektronix 1401A is a swept front-end spectrum analyzer covering the frequency range of 1 MHz to 500 MHz. It is designed to use an external oscilloscope, typically a 323, 324 or 326. It has internal rechargable NiCd batteries and can also operate from AC power (using an unusual power cord) or external DC from 6V to 16V.

There appear to be two variants of the 1401A, both the manual and catalog specify the resolution bandwidth selector as 1000, 100 and 3 KHz, but the later versions are 100, 100, and 10 KHz.

The 1401A is designed to be used with an oscilloscope with 10 horizontal divisions and 6 vertical divisions. Note that most full sized Tektronix oscilloscopes have 8 vertical divisions so use care when doing the initial setup and reading the scale in dBm.

See TekScope January 1972 pages 14-15 for some servicing notes that Tek wrote after the manual was published.

There is one tunnel diode found in the external trigger circuit. It is a 152-0402-00, a 2mA, 25pF tunnel diode in a DO-17 package. It's only necessary if you use the external trigger input.

There is one Tektronix custom IC, 155-0042-02, listed as a Miller Integrator. It is used to generate the sweep ramp voltage. The package is a 10 pin metal can.

The input attenuator is a fairly custom part due to the IF gain pot that is concentric with the RF atten control. Dissassembly of the attenuator is easy after removing it from the 1401A. Note that the IF gain pot is removed via two allen setscrews. To bench test the attenuator with DC, use a 50 ohm terminator on SMA input and connect the output SMA to an ohm meter. Each of the seven steps should read around 50 ohms. The contacts on the ceramic attenuator elements can wear, they can be repaired with silver solder. Before reassembly, remove the two SMA housings to avoid damaging the contacts and remove the setscrews that hold spring tension on the two ball bearings that align the shaft steps. Reinstall these parts after the housing has been screwed together.