Suggestions for Spectrum/Antenna  analyser - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: marpelto
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 07, 2019, 04:23:12 pm
content: I'm looking for a Spectrum Analyser which can also be used to measure Antennas (VSWR) up to 3-4GHz.There are several options I found already..although not sure if all these fits the requirements.-Rohde & Schwarz FPC1500 with all option price is more than 6000USD, a bit pricy but options can be bought over time.-ROHDE & SCHWARZ ZVH used 4500USD-ROHDE & SCHWARZ FSH Is this only spectrun analyser? But from ebay as "cheap" as 1100USD-Keysight fieldfox-Siglent SSA3032X with TG-ANRITSU S332D Cable / Antenna & Spectrum Analyzer. 2500-4000USD on ebayWhat about older Agilent/HP models?Any suggestions for best bang for buck?

author: TheSteve
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 07, 2019, 05:46:03 pm
content: Agilent N1996A 6 GHz model with the tracking gen enabled - has a builtin RLB for antenna measurements.My personal favorite is a FieldFox - but finding a deal on one with the right options installed will be a challenge.

author: Bicurico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 07, 2019, 06:02:02 pm
content: Siglent SSA3000X series goes only up to 3.2GHz.All other options are expensive and you did not specify your budget.Eventually - for hobby use - you could get away with a cheap ADALM Pluto, HackRF or NWT6000.Regards,Vitor

author: marpelto
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 08, 2019, 11:51:03 pm
content: Initially I was thinking of buying Rohde & Schwarz FPC1500.The basic unit is $2970 for the 1 GHz support. Upgrading to the full 3 GHz takes the price up to $5030.VNA is another $920 (S11, S21, Cable Loss, DTF, and Smith Chart.) So it would be $6kI could upgrade it step by step so the initial investment would be $3k.But could I get similar (or even better) used one with maybe less money, say $4.5k?

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 08, 2019, 11:58:37 pm
content: Might I suggest the 1.5 GHz SVA1015X for now and then upgrade to a 3.2 GHz SVA3***X when they are released.Can you get by with 1.5 GHz for now ?I'll shoot an email to one of the SVA beta testers I know to see if he's got one yet which might indicate they are not too far away.

author: VK5RC
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 09, 2019, 12:12:05 am
content: I have the venerable HP 8561E with its brother tracking generator 85640a, the SA goes to 6GHz but from 30Hz, the TG only 2.9GHz, I use a coupler for return loss/vswr etc. Mixers are available for higher frequencies (on receive) - the prices are not too bad - if the screen goes west you can update to lcd, lots of them around so bits and experience are not impossible to find.Rob

author: marpelto
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 09, 2019, 12:13:45 am
content: Found one used FiledFox $4500..looks promising."Agilent HP Keysight N9912A FieldFox 4GHzRF Analyzer Calibrated (Opt.Quick Cal)with accessories - Near perfect condition -The Agilent N9912A is a 4GHz Fieldfox RF Analyzer With Options 104, 111, .Options:104: 4 GHz cable and antenna analyzer111: QuickCalMeasurements:Cable and antenna analyzer for return loss, one-port cable loss, distance to fault, line sweeping, and VSWR measurementsHandheld network analyzer (S11, S21, phase, and Smith Chart)Handheld spectrum analyzer"ORHP Agilent Keysight N1996A 100 kHz to 3 GHz CSA $2600This unit has RF IN and OUT and internal Return Loss Bridge so suits as well.Interesting....I could easily go with N1996A. But could it be worth of spending another $2k for firefox (my max budget)?

author: marpelto
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 09, 2019, 12:16:00 am
content: Quote from: tautech on April 08, 2019, 11:58:37 pmThe SVA1015X would be perfect but it's only for 1.5GHz. So there is coming a 3.2GHz model from Siglent? Or is it SW upgrade?

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 09, 2019, 12:21:24 am
content: Quote from: marpelto on April 09, 2019, 12:16:00 amNo it's not a SW upgrade but a new model series.Yes, it was spied at last years Electronica show in Europe..Specs are unknown ATM other than we expect 2.1 and 3.2 GHz models.https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/new-siglent-products-sds2000x-e-sva3032x-and-a-dc-load/msg1988441/#msg1988441The internal layout should be quite different to SVA1015X in that we expect the PCB to be something much better than FR4.

author: marpelto
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 09, 2019, 12:38:52 am
content: Nice!! Hope they will release it asap. Or at least some info...

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 09, 2019, 12:44:23 am
content: Quote from: marpelto on April 09, 2019, 12:38:52 amI'll see what I can rat out about it.Gimme a day of so.Still in prototype phase at the factory apparently.

author: TheSteve
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 09, 2019, 12:50:04 am
content: The N1996A is a nice machine - the tracking gen portion is a licensed feature but I don't think they sell it anymore, so with a few fun tricks it can be enabled. The 3 and 6 GHz versions are technically the same and there is also a way to get the 3 GHz version working to 6 GHz, however it will have no calibration correction values between 3 and 6 GHz. For a 3 GHz version I would be looking to spend 2K or less.The Fieldfox is an amazing machine - but again the features are licensed. With only CAT and Quickcal you won't have an SA or the NA features enabled. The Keysight ebay store cleared out a bunch of the 6 GHz N9912A model last year for around 5-6K with every option they support licensed. It might be worth contacting them to see if they will be listing more in the near future.Both are wonderful options but getting a great deal on them requires patience.I owned both an N1996A and an N9912A, so I'm pretty experienced with both.

author: marpelto
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 09, 2019, 02:05:38 am
content: Quote from: TheSteve on April 09, 2019, 12:50:04 amSo basically with 2k I could have 6GHz and TG if I just know the "tricks"...

author: DaJMasta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 09, 2019, 03:54:31 am
content: Take a look at some other Anritsu models if you're looking for an affordable handheld, the BTS Master MT8222 has a cable/antenna analyzer to 4GHz, with an optional through 2 port measurement, and since it's from the older generation it can be found for a pretty reasonable price. Some CellMaster options also have the functionality, the newer MT8212E or MT8213E do cable/antenna analysis and spectrum analysis base to 4GHz and 6GHz respectively, have an option for a through two power measurement, have a CW generator output option, and then have demodulation/analysis options for whatever cell radio system they're configured for. Same sort of functionality as a SiteMaster, but somewhat overlooked because they are geared to be more telecom specific, though the functionality is often the same.Just be sure it has the right span, though, for example the MT8221 does the same analysis, but it's cable and antenna analysis starts at 400MHz where the 8222 starts at 10MHz (if I remember right), so while most funcionality is available pretty much across the range of the instrument, you want to make sure the one in question suits your needs.The R&H FSH series can do it, but you need an external SWR bridge and the TG option, so figure it will cost a lot more unless you find a package. ZVH has the bridge integrated.

author: marpelto
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 09, 2019, 01:42:20 pm
content: Found one Anritsu MT8222A BTS Master 100 kHz to 7.1 GHz with options 19/25/27/28/31/33/34/42/43/62/63 under $2k! This looks promisingBut isn't this BTS master more for mobile tower use? Does it suit well for HAM use as well?The FSH is out since the FSH-Z2 VSWR Bridge is$1699alone....wooow

author: DaJMasta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 09, 2019, 03:50:04 pm
content: It is designed for that, as that's what the products are designed around, but the Spectrum analyzer software package is a normal analyzer (and is the only feature of the instrument that has that bandwidth, I believe the cable/antenna analyzer goes to 4GHz), just like the cable/antenna analyzer just measures the reflected signals and can give you SWR/complex impedance/return loss/etc. It should be what you're expecting with some software options to deal with specific telecom modulation schemes, but check the user manual to be sure. Anritsu probably put out the most portable spectrum analyzers of any company, so there's some availability on the used market and not quite the price premium those big name test equipment brands can command.

author: marpelto
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 09, 2019, 04:31:34 pm
content: Thanks..I did download some manuals.It says:MT8222A - BTS Master100 kHz to 7.1 GHzStandardCable and Antenna AnalyzerFrequency Range: 10 MHz to 4 GHz (when eg. MT8221 starts at 400MHz)Spectrum AnalyzerFrequency Range: 100 kHz to 7.1 GHzPower MeterFrequency Range: 100 kHz to 7.1 GHzAll the other options are related to extra functionality for 2G, 3G or 4G...but the standard features are enough.

author: TheSteve
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 09, 2019, 08:22:21 pm
content: Will probably be tough to beat the features for the price of the Anritsu gear if you get one with the features you need.

author: SWR
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 10, 2019, 06:03:54 am
content: I bought the SSA3021X for $1400 including tracking generator and hacked it to 3,2GHz with EMI and advanced measurement options enabled like described elsewhere on this forum. I also bought a bunch of SMA cables and connectors on AliExpress including this reflection bridge:https://www.aliexpress.com/item/new-quality-500KHz-2-5GHz-40dB-RF-bridge-reflection-bridge-VSWR-Network-Analyzer/32777409762.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.27424c4d2tPYSwAs supplement I bought this little network analyzer on AliExpress:https://www.aliexpress.com/item/miniVNA-Tiny-Vector-Network-Analyzer-Antenna-Analyzer-Frequency1-3000-Mhz/32718775348.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.27424c4d2tPYSw

author: marpelto
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 10, 2019, 03:09:26 pm
content: Definately will look into that option. Thanks for tip! Does the hack work on newer (if there is any) SW versions?

author: Mr Nutts
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 10, 2019, 05:31:20 pm
content: How about a Gencomm GC747A (aka JDSU JD747A)?Had a discussion recently with a certain former member who shall not be namedand we touched the subject of affordable spectrum analyzers and VNAs. This Gencomm GC747A was one he recommended, same size as these Anritsu portables but apparently these are often a lot cheaperI found one on Ebay:https://www.ebay.com/itm/JDSU-Gencomm-GC747A-LTE-Spectrum-Cable-Antenna-Analyzer-Signal-Gen-S332D/262834139945

author: mark03
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 10, 2019, 06:31:01 pm
content: It sounds like you may find what you need in a transmitter tester / communications analyzer type of instrument, but just to add another possibility, the late-90s-era HP 4395/4396 combined a decent spectrum analyzer with a proper VNA (comparable to the 8753 series). They aren't very popular now, so I was able to put together a 4396B plus S-parameter test set for < $2k (some repair was required). Frequency range up to 1.8 GHz only.

author: marpelto
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 10, 2019, 07:15:41 pm
content: ALL suggestions are welcome...and there has been plenty of them!!Now I just need to pick one (or two:)

author: john95
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 24, 2019, 06:10:34 pm
content: Quote from: SWR on April 10, 2019, 06:03:54 amhow is the bridge working? thanks. any other recommendations?

author: LogicalDave
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 23, 2021, 03:47:18 pm
content: The MT822x are pretty awesome *except* for amplitude accuracy which is +/-1.25dB or more; perhaps this is OK for field measurements, but for lab measurements, even the lowly Rigol DS815 does better.See:https://dl.cdn-anritsu.com/en-us/test-measurement/files/Brochures-Datasheets-Catalogs/datasheet/11410-00442R.pdf

author: Feynman
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 23, 2021, 04:47:44 pm
content: Quote from: marpelto on April 07, 2019, 04:23:12 pmAt least in Europe there is the "FPC-COM2" package: All options for 4.400 €. Did you check if this package is available in your region?

author: ocw
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 23, 2021, 05:32:46 pm
content: QuoteAt first glance Rigol's published best case specifications look nice compared to Anritsu's worst case specifications, but I think you would prefer the Anritsu more in the long run. Its good typical accuracy, better design, better endurance and life make the Anritsu the choice of the professionals, not the Rigol. While the Anritsu has good actual frequency accuracy without it, the GPS option is nice.

author: ocw
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 23, 2021, 08:07:47 pm
content: Since I own a MT8222A, I thought that I would provide some examples of measurements made with it.The first shows the VSWR of a broadcast TV antenna. The attachments were prepared using the free Anritsu software. The marker frequencies were added after the measurement using the Anritsu software. The channel information was added by PhotoStudio software.The second attachment is a Smith Chart of a different antenna. Since the VSWR was so good I have a zoom of the chart to better show the details. Note the antenna resistance and reactance on the marker frequencies.The third attachment shows a transmission line sweep. The markers are at connector points, with the final one being at the antenna.The fourth attachment shows the frequency response of a filter while the MT8222A is in the "Gain" mode. It is acting as a spectrum analyzer with a tracking generator. Again, the markers were added after the fact.The fifth attachment shows my measurement of the 99th harmonic of a 10 MHz GPSDO. Note the 10 Hz span with a 1 Hz RBW. The 99th harmonic is measured as less than 0.1 Hz off frequency.The final attachment shows the measurement for a harmonic around 4.88 GHz. Note the levels being measured: -160 to -170 dBm. I am going to extreme to show compliance with the FCC -110 dB requirement.Hopefully the attachments allow you to better evaluate the MT8222A.