HP B, C, 3586A guide

and carrier buttons are only active in the SSB channel modes. The tone button is only useful for phone line analysis and won’t be used or discussed in this document.

4.4Status Group - This small status sub panel on the top far right indicates if the instrument is receiving or sending data to a remote computer and weather it’s under local or remote control. If the remote annunciator is on, press [LOCAL]. For our use it should always be in local front panel control mode.

4.5Measurement Mode Group - On the lower LH side is the measurement mode sub panel that’s used for selection of how level a measurement will be made by the instrument. All versions have the selective mode buttons, but only the A and B versions have the specialized SSB channel modes for performing many SSB channel measurements. The only useful SSB modes I have found a use for are noise/demod, carrier, and impulse modes. With the shift key light off, press the selective [LO DIST] key to select the maximum dynamic measurement range for the instrument.

4.6Termination Group – Never put more than +27dbm or .5 watts total power into the input 50 ohm or 75 ohm connector of a HP3586 when using the internal termination. Never put more than +42 volts total AC + DC into an unterminated connector.

The termination sub panel is also located on the lower LH of the control panel. This panel is used to select the input termination for an input signal. The 50 or 75 ohm unbalanced input on the LH side of the panel is the only ones useful for radio work and used in the examples of this document. The others use non- standard RF circuit impedances and are for telephone applications. See Chapter 3 for a complete description on how to connect to the unbalanced low impedance input.

For the measurements we’ll be doing in the following chapter, press the [100K 50pf] button on an A or B versions. On the C version press the [50 ohm] button and the unlabeled shift key to the right of the 75 ohm key to remove its 50 ohm load. If you’re not connected in parallel with a terminated load like a radio receiver, and need a termination such as when being directly connected to an antenna feed line, turn off the shift key’s light on the C version to provide a load. For unterminated 50 ohm loads using the A or B version you will need to provide an external 50 ohm termination. In Appendix C is a schematic for a termination box with a blocking capacitor that I use with my HP3586B.

4.7Entry Group - On the lower center of the front panel is located the entry sub panel. This sub panel is used for entry of frequencies, data offsets, frequency tuning steps, full scale measurement values, and transferring frequency and offset values to their respective registers by using its keyboard buttons.

One very important key is the measurement continue key, [MEAS CONT]. During many data entries that use one of the LED displays this key’s red light will turn on or flash indicating the instrument’s measurement process has been interrupted. Anytime you see this button’s light and want to return to the measurement mode press this key to continue measuring. You can also press it to cancel a mistaken partially keyboard entry.

Another useful feature of the HP3586 is its ability to store its configuration settings for future use in making similar future measurements. To do this you can press [STORE] on the entry sub panel followed by any number from 1 to 9 on the keyboard. This will store the present configuration of the instrument in the memory location of the number pressed for future recall and to save setup time. To recall the configuration press [RECALL] followed by the register number to rapidly configure the instrument to a previously stored configuration. To return to the default power up configuration, press [RECALL] then enter 0. These configurations will be stored after the front panel power button is off and the instrument is in standby as long is AC power is connected to the instrument or its internal battery is charged. Unfortunately many surplus HP3586’s have dead batteries or their batteries removed and will loose their stored configurations when disconnected from AC power.

B, 3586A, C specifications

The HP C3586A and C3586B tape drives are notable components in the realm of data storage solutions, primarily designed for enterprise-class environments. These SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) tape drives are regarded for their efficiency, reliability, and capacity to meet the growing demands of data backup and archival processes in businesses.

The C3586A model utilizes the DAT (Digital Audio Tape) technology, which allows it to deliver high performance and high data density. It features a native capacity of 2.3 GB per cartridge, which can be extended to 4.6 GB with the use of compression. This is particularly advantageous for businesses requiring significant amounts of data storage without the necessity for multiple tapes. The transfer rate is rated at up to 12 MB per minute, which ensures quick backups and restores, minimizing the operational downtime.

In terms of data integrity and security, both models incorporate advanced error correction techniques to guarantee that data remains pristine and intact throughout the storage duration. They are designed to work seamlessly with a variety of operating systems and backup applications, enhancing compatibility and user convenience.

The HP C3586B, on the other hand, offers similar foundational technologies but with enhanced features. It supports higher capacity tapes and is engineered to work seamlessly in high-performance environments. With the integration of SCSI-2 interfacing, users can expect faster data transfer rates, which is critical for organizations dealing with large volumes of data.

Another key aspect of both models is their rugged design, which provides durability and reliability needed for long-term storage solutions. The drives are built to withstand extended usage, which makes them a cost-effective choice for businesses looking to invest in dependable data storage systems.

Furthermore, these drives come with a user-friendly interface and straightforward maintenance. This allows IT personnel to handle backups with ease while keeping the workflow uninterrupted.

In summary, the HP C3586A and C3586B tape drives epitomize the union of technology, usability, and dependability. Their robust features, including high data capacity, fast transfer rates, and durable construction, make them a formidable choice for enterprises seeking efficient data backup and archival solutions in the ever-evolving digital landscape.