Unlocking a spectrum analyzer

[me_super]

Hi,

we have a PSA E4443A spectrum analyzer, which covers 3 Hz - 6.7 GHz range. Several weeks ago I discovered that something is wrong after powering up, there was an error about NVRAM or something like that. And I discovered that our SA magically turned into different model, I was able to set span to 26 GHz. I checked the amplitude calibration using 8257D and it was ok. Right now the range is again limited to 6.7 GHz. Does anybody knows how to use that feature (without disconnecting a power cord for a few days)?
As far as I remember that device was purchased from an official dealer as a used unit after some refreshing.

 

[wa1kij]

Was it actually functioning above 6.7 GHz, or did it just seem that way? Did you generate a signal in that range and get a correct response?

 

[me_super]

Was it actually functioning above 6.7 GHz, or did it just seem that way? Did you generate a signal in that range and get a correct response?

It was fully functional. I was able to see signals above 6.7 GHz genrated by 8257D and I even tested gain of my amplifier around 8-9 GHz.

 

[wa1kij]

That's not to say it would go all the way up to 26 GHz, but it's certainly a plus. I'm afraid I don't have a clue as to what tricked it into loading the operating parameters of the wider-ranged version, which must have been in its memory somewhere.

---------- Post added at 12:25 ---------- Previous post was at 12:17 ----------

Or perhaps the error you got the message about was a failure to read the upper-frequency limit into the operating software. That would make this a random, nonrepeatable event.