FAQs

Q: My Cesium will not lock up. Does this mean I have a bad Cesium tube?

A: Not necessarily. There are several other things that can keep your system from locking up. A few examples are; a failed crystal oscillator, a failed oven controller, or a bad ion pump power supply. Before you condemn your standard, have it tested to make certain you aren't scrapping a very serviceable unit.

Q: What is the C-field really for on my Hewlett Packard Cesium? A: It actually compensates for the variations in the earth's magnetic field. The variations in the earth's field can cause your Hewlett Packard Cesium to have an increased amount of drift. Your unit will probably still be within specifications but, by adjusting the C-field per your manual, you can optimize the system for your locale and improve your system's performance.

Q: Hewlett Packard (Agilent) says they no longer sell the internal parts for my 5061A/B. Does this mean I will have to scrap it the next time it fails?

A: While it is true that Agilent no longer supplies parts for the 5061A/B, they do a "Best Effort Repair." This means that if they have a board in a scrap unit, they can install it for you and fix your problem. They do still sell new tubes for these units and at present do not have plans to discontinue them. Frequency Standards and Services repairs all of the modules in these units to the component level. HP DOES NOT do this. The only module we do not open and repair is the Cesium tube itself. We do install new tubes for our customers and offer a wide range of other repair services as well.

Q: How much will it cost to have Frequency Standards & Services repair my frequency standard?

A: This isn't a question that lends itself to an easy answer. A unit can need anything from minor adjustments to a Cesium tube replacement. This means a difference of thousands of dollars. Contact us first and we will be able to help you do some quick checks on many models to ensure you don't have a simple problem that can be taken care of by you. If it does need to be sent in for evaluation, we do a thorough check of the unit and provide you with an estimate of repair cost. We will be up front with you if it isn't cost effective to repair your standard. Contact us for a price quote on your model.

Q: I have found a used standard for sale. How can I know if it is working or if it is about ready for the scrap pile?

A: Contact us. We can often tell you some checks to make that will help you determine if it is worth the risk or not. Frequency Standards & Services also offers a "Buyer/Seller Peace of Mind" program. The seller sends the item to us for evaluation. We send the report to both parties. If the deal is agreed upon after the report, Frequency Standards & Services can hold the unit until the two parties have completed the monetary transaction to the satisfaction of both parties. FS & S would then ship it to the new owner. Contact us for more information on this program.