Service manual
T
C-
Handling and
Storing
Cables
Avoiding Cable
Movement
Remember!
Avoiding Electrostatic
Discharge
HP
85133E/F
General Information l-3
Handle cables carefully, and inspect all connectors before you make a
connection. When not using a cable, store it in a way that gives it
maximum protection.
D
Keep connectors clean.
1
Do not touch connector mating plane surfaces. Natural skin
oils and microscopic particles of dirt are easily transferred to a
connector interface, and are very difficult to remove.
l
Do not set cable connectors contact-end down on a hard surface.
The plating and the mating plane surfaces can be damaged if the
interface comes in contact with
a
hard surface.
II
When you are not using a cable, use plastic end caps over the
connectors to keep them clean and protected.
I
Never store cables loose in a box, in a desk, or in a bench drawer.
This is the most common cause of connector damage during
storage.
l
Store cables in the same shape they have when you use them; do
not either straighten a cable or flex it more tightly. Even flexible
cables last longer if you flex them as little as possible.
When you use cables to make a precise calibration, you may have
to fixture the cables to prevent excessive movement after the
calibration. In come cases, unless you restrict cable movement, you
may not be able to
perform
a verification after the calibration,
especially if you use a
precision
calibration kit.
After you perform a calibration, move the test port return cables as
little as possible. Every time you bend a cable, the phase changes
.
slightly.
You must protect against electrostatic discharge before cleaning,
inspecting, or connecting connectors attached to a static-sensitive
circuit (such as those found in test sets).
Static electricity builds up on the body and can easily damage
sensitive internal circuit elements when discharged by contact with
the center conductor. Static discharges too
small
to be felt can
nevertheless cause permanent damage. Devices such as calibration
components and devices under test can also carry an electrostatic
charge.
m
Always have a grounded anti-static mat in front of your test
equipment, and wear a grounded wrist strap attached to it.
w
Ground yourself before you clean, inspect, or making a connection
.
to a static-sensitive device or test port. You can, for example grasp
the grounded, outer shell of the test port briefly.