Survey:  HAM Radio Communications Service Monitors - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Crambone
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 05, 2022, 10:13:07 pm
content: Ok I was reading a few posts on EEV about Ham Radio Service Monitors and ran down the rabbit hole. I’m wondering what everyone’s choice repair unit is. I use a Marconi 2995 myself and have great luck with it for what it is.

author: Wallace Gasiewicz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 05, 2022, 10:53:18 pm
content: You did not include the HP cell test sets which are good Service Monitors to 1 GHz.I have two.

author: TheSteve
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 06, 2022, 02:54:39 am
content: HP 8920b with the mechanical attenuator option.

author: DeepLink
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 06, 2022, 01:41:34 pm
content: R&S CMT-52 (CMT-xx many versions)

author: dshorthill
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 06, 2022, 03:56:04 pm
content: I use the IFR-500A… purchased in the mid 80s for a business I had back then servicing two way radios. It still works great !https://www.testequipmenthq.com/datasheets/Aeroflex-IFR-Marconi-500A-Datasheet.pdf

author: pdenisowski
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 06, 2022, 08:45:48 pm
content: You forgot the Rohde and Schwarz CMA180. In fact, our "official" product photos show it hooked up to an Elecraft KX2, etc.I may or may not have used one to test my own personal radios

author: pdenisowski
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 06, 2022, 08:50:21 pm
content: A couple of videos I made about using the CMA180 to test sensitivity and CTCSS/DCS

author: TheSteve
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 06, 2022, 11:55:05 pm
content: If price is no object don't forget the Motorola/General Dynamics/Freedom R8000

author: Tony_G
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 07, 2022, 12:35:23 am
content: Hey TheSteve,Random question and I apologize for doing absolutely no research on this but do you know if anyone has been successful in retrofitting the mechanical attenuator to an 8920B?I managed to pick up one cheaply for my Dad back in Australia but it didn't have the mechanical attenuator, so I'm just wondering if I can pick up the parts for him and have him do an "upgrade".TonyG

author: TheSteve
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 07, 2022, 01:27:46 am
content: Quote from: Tony_G on December 07, 2022, 12:35:23 amThe entire Input/Output module would have to be swapped out.

author: mojoe
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 18, 2022, 12:37:40 am
content: Contact Amtronix. He specializes in the HP 8920 series and similar. I have dealt with him a few times.

author: Wallace Gasiewicz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 18, 2022, 12:06:47 pm
content: For further information on the HP Service Monitors:https://groups.io/g/HP8924-Family-Spectrum-Analyzers/messagesI have also dealt with Amtronix, they are quite good, in my experience.

author: TELCO
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 10, 2025, 01:22:35 am
content: I personally use the Freedom now Astronics R8100 and have no complaints whatsoever. If you are into DMR or NXDN radio testing it will be an awesome tool to have in your lab. Best of luck.

author: ME
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 10, 2025, 05:07:25 am
content: Talking of coms monitors ,Has anyone got a spare demod meter board for my wavetek si4015 they want to part with?,Or even a shematic for the demod meter pcb , if so contact me. please.