Spectrum Analyzer recommendation for HAM radio repair - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: warnberg
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2017, 09:20:49 pm
content: So started shopping and the more I shop the more confused I get.. so open to suggestions for a budget limited Spectrum Analyzer specifically being used for HAM radio repair (UHF / VHF / HF... specifically 23cm - 630 m)Would like to stay around the 1000.00 mark but could stretch the budget to 2KThanksDavid

author: TheSteve
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 28, 2017, 09:32:11 pm
content: For ham radio repair I'd rather have an HP 8920b or 8921a with the right options. You'd have a RF signal generator, spectrum analyzer, 100 watt dummy load/power meter, frequency counter, etc. You could tune filters and duplexers as well. And measure return loss (swr) if you add a cheap directional coupler. All from 0.4 to 1000 MHz.

author: warnberg
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2017, 10:29:20 pm
content: An HP 8920 That's about twice the budget... used... guess I'd better keep saving my pennies

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2017, 10:45:34 pm
content: IMHO the 8920's can be bought much cheaper. Don't go by asking prices but make a lowball offer because they are old, very heavy and limited.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2017, 10:51:09 pm
content: If you scroll back through this Test Equipment board there's been a # of threads lately that can possibly give you some guidance.These two are worth a look:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/comparison-rigol-dsa815-tg-with-siglent-ssa3021x-spectrum-analyzer/Keep an eye out for the spreadsheets by member videobruce.https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/used-spectrum-analyzer-buyer's-guide/

author: kj7e
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2017, 12:08:04 am
content: A Tektronix 2712 will do everything you want and do it well, they can be found for under 1G in good condition. I used a 2712 for many years, until my old company bought me an Agilent E4402B (I miss that device).

author: Joel_l
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2017, 12:16:01 am
content: I have one ( 8920B) in the for sale section. It's in great shape.

author: usagi
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2017, 04:07:00 am
content: for HAM use especialy HF, you will want low RBW, and you wont care at all about huge spans.

author: tecman
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2017, 02:11:13 pm
content: I picked up a Tek 2714 from ebay for $600. 1.8 ghz range. Needed a minor repair (keypad partially unresponsive-needed a 74LS chip replaced). It is a cable TV intended unit and has a 75 ohm input. You can set it to be a standard analyzer. Just don't use the canned special CATV modes. Looking at the circuit in the manual, it is a 50 ohm design with a 25 ohm series R in the input connector. I bought a replacement connector w/o any R for about $ 15. i did not recal, so the absolute amplitude accuracy is off a few db, but works great for me.paul

author: KD0CAC John
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2017, 02:47:10 pm
content: Similar boat here , but lot of questions to help batter guide .What are you intended ideas on why you need a spectrum analyzer , do you have the space for larger non portable ?With the mention of the HP , that is kinda there .Then what abilities do you have for diagnosing / repair , even if you find a working unit , and relative to your starting position - the HP .You will find that , there is repair in your future , power supplies / electrolytic's .I would venture to guess , the vast majority of used gear has issues somewhere in some function , unless you buy a refurbished unit - but now your looking at $$$ .Before I suggest other options [ VNA etc. ] you want a tracking generator , either internal or external - like the HP T141 .So already mentioned the Rigol 815TG , is minimal , but suitable for ham radio and near your budget .Depending on what your intended wants / needs , something like a miniVNA Prohttp://miniradiosolutions.com/54-2/may get you started , but I want both .Something that can cover 2 areas of ham repair bench , a scope with FFT [ the spectrum analyze aspect is limited , but useful ] .Putting a bench together , can be big / many devices .So what gear do you have already ?

author: cncjerry
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 30, 2017, 02:44:52 am
content: I love my 8566b ($500), 8568b's ($500 and $175) and I also have an Advantest r3131 with TG ($750). The HP are large but very, very functional and easy to repair with tons of support on the web. I bought all on craigs list and there are two more HP locally listed in San Francisco right now. I wouldn't hesitate to use them for everything related to ham radio below 1.5G.

author: bozidarms
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2017, 04:06:27 pm
content: Without too much thinking - Siglent SSA3021!Regards