Firmware to HP 8591A spectrum analyzer

[Zdenek Z. (minolta1)]

Hello
I need firmware ICs (U6,U7,U23,U24) to spectrum analyzer HP 8591A. This 
is version from y.1990. The board type is 08590-60102. Eprom type is 
27C512.

Has anybody this analyzer where is possible read memories? Or knows 
anybody where is possible to download?

FW from another analyzers (8591E, 8592...) are not compatibles. Must be 
only 8591A .

Thanks!

[Dr.Kater (Gast)]

Here you have the latest Firmware REV.F 17.7.91 for the HP 8591A.
But the BIN-Files for U6  U7  U23 / U24 are for 27C010 (128k x 8) 
devices each. They come from a Main-Board 08591-60039.
You have to check for compatibility.
Be aware, that after a Firmware Update some Calibration Data are lost. 
Later on, you have to recalibrate the device completely. Before you 
start you have to write down the device specific Correction Constants 
according to Service Manual 9-2.

[Zdenek Z. (minolta1)]

Hello, thanks you, but not working. On my board 08590-60102 there are 
only possible to insert 27C512. The rest of pins are unsoldered. I tried 
to solder the rest pins (27C010 is longer), but it is not working too. 
Probably becaouse different logic in PAL array. On my board there is 
08590-80094 and 08590-80095 PALs. These PALS are adreesing EPROMs, so 
the larger EPROMS probably can not be used. You can see my board on the 
attached photo.

[Dr.Kater (Gast)]

On my board there also is the PAL 08590-80095. But in stead of your 
08590-80094 I have a PAL named 08590-80159. That is your problem. Sorry, 
but I have no access to the contents of this PAL.

[Zdenek Z. (minolta1)]

Thanks a lot, now I am in contact with person who is working in Keysight 
(HP) and he has the original memories and maybe dumps for versions I 
need (there must be 08590-. He promised send them to me.
In these positions must be probably only 512kb types with label 
08590-80154 ... 157. Expansion to use larger 1Mbit memories needs 
(probably) install longer DIL socket (I have done it) and change PAL IC 
(this IC I hav in second spectrum analyzer, but I have experience with 
very difficul reading of its flash with possibility of destroy - it is 
very dabger becouse exact PAL type used in HP analyzers I have not in my 
programmer Beeprog Elnec). But I am not sure if it is everything or 
another problem stands (RAM differences and so on). Better way is wait 
till the original memories arrives.

Dr.Kater , can you make a photo of your board near to the EPROMs where 
are viible PALs and RAMs?

[Dr.Kater (Gast)]

Yes I can, here you go.
I'm not the owner of the HP 8591A anymore, I have sold it some time ago. 
But I still have some pictures available.

[Soul E. (Gast)]

Does anybody know what's the difference between firmware rev 17.7.91 and 
3.1.90? All service and operating manuals available on the net, 
including the ones at the Keysight website, refer to 3.1.90 only.

[Osche R. (Gast)]

Dr.Kater schrieb:

> On my board there also is the PAL 08590-80095. But in stead of your
> 08590-80094 I have a PAL named 08590-80159. That is your problem. Sorry,
> but I have no access to the contents of this PAL.

Attached are JEDEC and PLD files for the 08590-80159. This has to be 
burned into a 22V10 type PAL.


Zdenek, send me a personal message in case you need a programmed chip.

[Osche R. (Gast)]

just for reference: attached are the image files for Firmware Rev.C 
(3.1.90) and address decoder PAL 8590-80094.

[Zdenek (Gast)]

Hello, friends,
after time, I found a lot of HP 8590/ 8591E analyzers and everywhere I 
uploaded EPROMS. Si now I have all for version

08590 900103: 08590-80154 .. 08590-80157  (it means 512kbit)

and

08590 910717  08590 - 80171 .. ¨08590 - 80174 (1Mbit)

and

08590 940822: 08590-80228 .. 08590-80231  (1Mbit)

and

08590 950914: 08590-80244 .. 08590-80247  (2Mbits!!)

and

08590 980615 (2Mbits)


Who want the dump, write me. But important is to see original EPROM 
size, in case of another size or counts of EPROM, you must change PAL 
IC. I have PAL for Card reader, for ID for tracking generator and in 
worst case when somebody need, I can read pal from mainboard.

[Richard Goldston (Gast)]

Can some one help me to resurrect a HP8591A Analyser, Please find the 4 
attached files that I have un "ZIPPED" regards U16, U17, U23, U24.
As the version on my eproms are Version "C", I am also using a DATAMAN 
S4.
But it gives me the dreaded CHK sum error, well I am at a loss, at the 
moment.
Thanks for any feed back

[Zdenek (Gast)]

Hello,
I found your version, this should work!

[Soul E. (Gast)]

Zdenek schrieb:
> Hello,
> I found your version, this should work!

This is Rev C, 3.1.90. Exactly what has been posted here 
Beitrag "Re: Firmware to HP 8591A spectrum analyzer"

Depending on the EPROM size you will need the chip select PAL 8590-80094 
(27C512) or 8590-80159 (27C1001). Both are attached above in the thread.

For the EPROMs, use 200 ns or faster.

[Zdenek (Gast)]

So what version exactly do you want (eprom numbers)? From your post I 
thought you want collection 08590-80154 on U6 etc, that failed on your 
machine due to check sum. When you use properly downloaded and right 
dump, there should be no these problems.