WTB: Spectrum Analyzer - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: davorin
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 28, 2014, 10:52:52 pm
content: One of the last thing I miss in my lab is what the title says....What feature it should have is a GPIB interface for remote controlling....Frequency range?...hmm....mostly doing AM/FM radio and TV broadcasting stuff....so no need for ultra GHz bandwidth (o;Preferably somewhere in Europe to keep shipping costs low as well....

author: mrflibble
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2014, 10:59:07 pm
content: You don't mention your requirements or price-range, but you might want check the Rigol DSA815-TG. There's several threads on that one.If you want really cheap you could try one of those usb TV-tuner dongles and go the SDR route. No true spec analyzer, but what the hell. Just throwing it out there as option since you mention AM/FM + TV.

author: Flump
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2014, 11:37:59 pm
content: been playing with one of them tv dongle things with sdr sharp program, works really quite goodand only £16 delivered hereI am not sure how you would interface it to use probes and stuff as you plug an antenna in to ithttps://www.cosycave.co.uk/product.php?id_product=282

author: KJDS
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 29, 2014, 06:03:49 am
content: I've got some HP8594E in stock, some are listed on ebay but I have others missing handles or other bits of case available cheaper. PM me for details.

author: davorin
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 29, 2014, 06:30:14 am
content: HP8594E sounds nice....but what I've seen on the bay was that prices are roughly GHz * $1000 (o;I ordered a few DVB-T sticks...the one with 820 tuner inside..as well as a Fun Dongle Pro+ to play with...they are shipped currently until end of July for free...Ah yes...my budget is around $500...

author: G0HZU
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 29, 2014, 10:47:19 pm
content: Jeez...for $500 you might be able to buy a very scruffy and tired (but generally working) HP8568A. It has GPIB and covers up to 1500MHz.The GPIB will give you full control of the instrument and will also allow you to capture/dump the screen data in 1000x1000 digital format on a PC.But it will be 35+ years old and is huge and heavy and makes a LOT of fan noise. For $500 you are looking at one where the CRT display will probably be going a bit dim and soft as well.It's a fabulous, FABULOUS spectrum analyser despite its age and is going to be way too good for what you need but I can't think of a realistic alternative that has GPIB for similar money unless you strike lucky with someone who sells you something better for $500. But you also have to factor in that an old analyser like this might stop working soon after you buy it! So you have to be a bit brave unless you are competent at fixing stuff like this.I paid £125 for a newer HP8568B model many years ago so bargains are out there.

author: alex.forencich
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 30, 2014, 07:49:29 am
content: I have an 8590L with a bad 75 ohm matching pad that I'm selling. Frequency range is 1 MHz to 1.8 GHz, or 9 kHz to 1.8 GHz with the pad removed. The pad either needs to be replaced or the unit needs to be converted to 50 ohms. Asking $500. I can also convert it to 50 ohms for you for a little bit more as I would have to procure a few parts. I can ship internationally via USPS (from zip code 92037). Not sure if that would interest you at all.

author: davorin
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 30, 2014, 11:09:57 am
content: What do you think of this one?http://www.ebay.com/itm/271561317060?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

author: AnarchNark
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 31, 2014, 02:19:57 am
content: I could get you a 8590B for $850.

author: idpromnut
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 31, 2014, 12:32:48 pm
content: @alex.forencich: interesting! I don't have the cash now, but I will keep this in mind!

author: davorin
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 31, 2014, 10:28:18 pm
content: Quote from: gazelle on July 31, 2014, 06:56:57 amHmm..I totally must have missed this one....this low bandwidth I could cover with my existing LeCroy scopes (o;BTW: When I search for spectrum analyzer on ebay...there are two different outcomes...spectrum analyzers and network analyzers...So bare with me my ignorance...but what is a network analyzer?For me at my job network is matter of ethernet/dsl/tcpip and the like...but I guess this most be something else (o;

author: G0HZU
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 01, 2014, 11:39:41 pm
content: QuoteThere are a few old school spectrum analysers that can also work as a vector network analyser when you fit an external bridge. Some of them are just about in your price range if you are happy to do some repairs/servicing on it.eg I recently bought an old 1980s Advantest (1800MHz) analyser that is a high performance spectrum analyser with inbuilt tracking gen that can also be configured as a VNA with an external bridge. I paid £250 for it although it did need a minor repair/service to get it running properly.

author: alex.forencich
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 05, 2014, 02:00:47 am
content: Quote from: G0HZU on August 01, 2014, 11:39:41 pmYou sure about that? Network analyzer I can see, but to be a VNA you have to be able to measure the phase difference (vector = magnitude and phase). Generally spectrum analyzers cannot do that and you need a specialized VNA receiver.

author: joelby
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 05, 2014, 04:32:54 am
content: Quote from: alex.forencich on September 05, 2014, 02:00:47 amYep! Another example - I used an R&S FSH3 which has an FSH-K2 option for "Vector Transmission and Reflection Measurements", which you use with an external bridge.

author: G0HZU
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 07, 2014, 06:24:01 pm
content: Quote from: alex.forencich on September 05, 2014, 02:00:47 amYes, I'm sureIt measures impedance. eg it has a smith chart display. Also shows phase angle and group delay if required. That's why I used the term VNA (Vector Network Analyser) rather than Scalar Network Analyser. Model number = TR4172