Portable Spectrum Analyser + VNA - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: labnet
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 29, 2017, 05:48:50 am
content: Can anyone recommend a 9kHz - 3GHz(or higher) specan with a 2 port VNA built in?There isAnritsu MS2038C at $40kR&S FSH series at $20k+We were wanting to spend sub 15k. Used is OK.

author: DaJMasta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 29, 2017, 05:57:54 am
content: Have you looked at the older Anritsu VNA Master series? MS2024/2028 are a couple variants and they're typically within that pricerange used. Another potential option is the Keysight FieldFox series, I think you have to look for the right collection of options, but I know at least basic VNA and full SA functionality is available among them.

author: labnet
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 29, 2017, 06:59:09 am
content: Had a look at the field fox.They say $15k for the N9913A 'typical configuration', but when you look at the options nothing is included.eg if you tick Spectrum Analyser (why is that even an option?), it adds $7.5k to the price?Then if you want the VNA to actually work, that's another 6k.Will have to call them.

author: Pitrsek
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 29, 2017, 08:45:32 am
content: USB devices are no-go? You probably end up with two separate devices, but it might not be bigger or heavier than handheld/portable SA.Of course if you need to climb BTS tower with it, it's probably no-go.

author: w2aew
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 29, 2017, 02:09:52 pm
content: Quote from: labnet on September 29, 2017, 05:48:50 amDo you need full 2-port VNA capabilities - or would 2-port, 1-way scalar measurements be sufficient. In other words, would transmission gain/loss magnitude, return loss magnitude, VSWR, Distance to Fault, Cable Loss measurements be sufficient? If so, then something like the Tek RSA503A with Tracking Generator options would fit the bill, at well under $10k. This uses your own laptop or tablet with Win7 & USB3.

author: DaJMasta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 29, 2017, 03:44:04 pm
content: Quote from: labnet on September 29, 2017, 06:59:09 amHave you checked the Keysight store on ebay? Same folks selling refub units, but they're generally pretty heavily discounted and frequently have options available for purchase (at a comparable discount) or cal certificates available. Right now I see a N9914A with SA and VNA options ticked for $15,500, and a couple units without the options you're looking for installed, but which are on the list of things that could be added, for quite a bit less.

author: TK
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 29, 2017, 06:33:31 pm
content: There are some GenComm (JDSU, VIAVI) Spectrum Analyzer + Cable / Antenna Tester on the market that can do Spectrum Analysis, 1 and 2 Port measurements, and some Cellular signal analysis (CMDA, LTE, etc) on eBay for around $1K. There are JD746A, GC7051B and other models. These are portable units that were designed for remote use on cell towers.

author: ogden
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 29, 2017, 06:59:08 pm
content: QuoteThank you, this is good find.QuoteActually there's even better offer, "Premium Used N9912A" for $4,684.00 with just 6G cable analyzer option installed. By adding other options you will have what you need and some change off your budget.

author: labnet
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 29, 2017, 09:21:26 pm
content: Thanks for the great suggestions.Most of the VNA work will be 1 port.We are dropping VHF & UHF antennas into holes with different dielectrics (like rocks, soil, water) and want to see in real time a smith chart of how their matching reactance changes, but we also need a general spec an for very low frequency applications and to check some UHF radio links.