How would you spent Eu4000 on measurement tools? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: RAPo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 20, 2023, 03:49:58 pm
content: I got the news that some financial resources (4kEu) are coming my way this week.I would spend that on measurement tools.There are three restrictions:-each tool must be the best of the best in terms of quality for money,-there must be a spectrum analyzer in the bunch,-do not include multimeters (I already have enough).What would your preferred set of equipment be?

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 20, 2023, 04:45:33 pm
content: Quote from: RAPo on June 20, 2023, 03:49:58 pmMypreferred set of equipment would be stuff that metmysetof measurementrequirements.There's no way I could afford a 21GHz spectrum analyser with that budget, nor network analyser, and even a decent voltage source would be non-trivial.If you don't know your measurement requirements, then a suitable course is to buy the cheapest, determine where it isn't sufficient, and finally spend real money.

author: RAPo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 20, 2023, 05:25:32 pm
content: This question is not about my requirements (except no multimeters) but about the requirements of who is willing to answer.So hypothetically if you've got 4k to spend on measurement tools what would be it?

author: Kean
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 20, 2023, 06:14:55 pm
content: Quote from: RAPo on June 20, 2023, 05:25:32 pmRight this minute I'd spend it on a Siglent SSA3032X-R, but I'd also settle for a Rigol RSA3030N (currently using a Rigol DSA815-TG)I am already happy with my scopes (RTB2004, MSO5074), bench PSUs (2 x BB3, TH6412, HMC8042), DMMs & DAQs (34465A, 34401A, 2 x HMC8012, 34972A), SMU (K236), DC loads, AC power & analysis, etc.

author: RAPo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 20, 2023, 06:26:17 pm
content: Funny, I was thinking about Rigol RSA3015N (that one is below the 4K, the 3030N I 700 euros more).At the moment, the EMI and Pre-amplifier options are free. And I was thinking about adding a Rigol DG2052 .

author: tv84
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 20, 2023, 06:33:25 pm
content: If you only look at $$$:Siglent SDS2104X Plus- 1.500€ and upgrade it to 500MHz with full options (aprox. 7.000€ total)Rigol RSA3015N- 2.500€ and upgrade it to Rigol RSA5032N with full options (9,395€ + aprox. 5.500€)Can't beat this package for 4k€!

author: Neepa
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 20, 2023, 06:39:41 pm
content: I'm gonna bite...Spectrum/Network Analyzer: HP 89441 or 4195A alternatively a Signalhound : Although those would probably already eat half the budget. Or maybe the whole budget if you could get a more modern late 90ies or early 2000s model.Signal Generator: again something from Signalhound. Seems affordable for what it does at first glance. Benchtop options doing similar stuff are gonna be four times the price and more looking at Keysight/ R&S.LeoBodnar GPDSO and a distribution amplifier. Used Stanford Research ones are currently available on ebay. Just convenient to establish an accurate frequency source for all the instruments you could ever have.Picoscope 5000 series like the 5443D USB oscilloscope. Capture EVERYTHING till 100MHz and below.An used SMU Keithley 2400 or similar or even a Curve Tracer when you can find one. HP4155 and up.A reasonable high power DC Supply. Like a TTI CPX. I got one and having a relyable easy to use supply is just a godsend. R&S or Gossen Konstanter ones are nice too.A Selective Level Meter. W&G SPM-16. Around 500 and the best and heaviest (analog) radio you can ever have if you want to misuse it for that. I would do it just to do it.50controlable attenuator. Just convenient to get Signal Levels to where you need them on instruments. R&S DPSP or similar. Some higher power fixed ones too. Like 3dB 5 Watts or so.BNC or N connector peripherals in general. Some DC Blocks, Shorts, even Dust caps (expensive for what they are) maybe even a quite complete 50Ohm mechanical Cal Kit combined with getting it characterized if possible.Tbh for me the (older) Instruments themselves are as much as a hobby as doing projects with them. So take this selection with a grain of salt. Although I would seriously consider getting "Peripherals". All the stuff you might need to make the instrumetns themself useable to you immediately after buying it. Like a set of 500MHz probes for example. Having the Instruments is one thing but having the cabling to immediately play with them after arrival is another. So some standard stuff would be money well spent the rest you can put in the bank to get a good ebay opportunity.EDIT: teh SDS2104 can only go to 350MHz upgraded afaik. The 2304 can be upgraded to 500MHz iirc.

author: Kean
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 20, 2023, 06:44:46 pm
content: Quote from: RAPo on June 20, 2023, 06:26:17 pmI saw the Rigol RSA3030N on special at Batronix for €3,955 - of course, that doesn't include VAT or shipping. I'd buy locally in Australia. Just wishful thinking...

author: tv84
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 20, 2023, 07:02:03 pm
content: Quote from: Neepa on June 20, 2023, 06:39:41 pmNot so. All SDS2000X+ can be upgraded to 500MHz.@Kean, regarding the RSA look out for what you wish:here

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 20, 2023, 07:36:37 pm
content: Quote from: RAPo on June 20, 2023, 05:25:32 pmSo you are willing to spend 4k on things somebody else wants?!That's remarkable and a way to get a set of tools that aren't useful to you.

author: Neepa
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 20, 2023, 08:17:03 pm
content: It's just to get some inspiration what might be useful/neat. Or that is my reading of it.Don't read too much into it. Might as well be just "shooting the shit" here.

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 20, 2023, 09:03:47 pm
content: Quote from: Neepa on June 20, 2023, 08:17:03 pmGiven the OP's response, I suspect "shooting the shit" is right - even though the oddly detailed request implies more. There's no problem with that, of course.But encouraging people to spend a lot of their time with detailed responses is impolite.