Learner said:
Hi guys,
Did some more reading on the net and appreantly I would need a z axis modulation input on the CRO to make this work, its seems to be a fairly standard function of a CRO. I don't have a manual for my Hitachi V660 and can not find any where on the front panal that says anything about z axis, would this be the Ext input on my CRO?
The Z input is for brightness, I don't see as you would need it for your spectrum analyser.
You said your HP3581 has two outputs, labelled X and Y, these connect (fairly obviously) to the X and Y inputs of your scope. The Y input is the normal vertical input channel, either CH1 or CH2, whichever you like (depending on the scope).
The X input is a horizontal input, and you need to turn your timebase off - the X input may be an extra input on the front, on the back, or it may use CH2 as the X input.
I've got a Grundig scope here at work, it's a dual-timebase scope and has a switch marked 'A, Alt, B, X/Y' - to disable the timebase you simply select X/Y with that switch, CH1 remains the Y input and CH2 becomes the X input. These are all clearly marked on the front.
The socket labelled 'Ext Input' is most probably an external sync input, and won't be needed.
I have an Hitachi scope at home, I can't remember the model number, I'll have a look tonight and see how that works.
BTW - Hitachi UK were very helpful with my scope, I rang them and they happily sold me a service manual for the scope, and a knob that was missing. Presumably you could do the same where you are?, I always like to have service manuals if I can.