HP 8590 E & L Series Spectrum Analyzers and HP 8591C Cable TV ...

Preparing for Use
What You’ll Learn in This Chapter
This chapter tells you how to connect a computer to your spectrum analyzer via the
Hewlett-Packard Interface Bus (HP-IB) or the RS-232 Interface and how to connect a printer
or a plotter. The remainder of the chapter covers procedures to follow if a problem is
encountered.
Connecting Your Spectrum Analyzer to a Computer
The spectrum analyzer works with many popular computers. However, the steps required to
connect your spectrum analyzer to a specific computer depend on the computer you are using.
Before turning to the interconnection instructions for your computer, please read the following
general information.
Configuring Your Computer System
Every computer system has a specific configuration. Your system configuration might include
a printer, external disk drive, or plotter. Whenever you add another piece of equipment (for
example, your spectrum analyzer), you may need to reconfigure your computer system so that
the computer knows where and how to send information to the newly added device.
Some computers do not require configuring when a spectrum analyzer is connected; others
require a simple modification. The most common modification is changing the configuration
information stored on the computer’s operating system disk. A few computers require the
insertion of an add-on board, or “card.” Refer to your computer documentation if your system
needs these modifications.
All of the test programs for HP-IB and RS-232 interfaces are written using the BASIC language
of the computer under consideration. If you have never entered or run a BASIC program, refer
to your computer documentation.
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Preparing for Use l-1