FW: [Microwave] Spectrum Analyzer wanted

[Dave Emery]

On Wed, May 21, 2003 at 07:52:16PM -0700, Richard Schultz wrote:
> Marius,
> I purchased one on eBay and got a good deal eBay has many many spectrum
> analyzers both HP and Tek. Mine is an AILTECH or Eaton.
> Richard

	I've had good luck on Ebay buying spectrum analyzers too...

	Bought a Anritsu MS2670A (a 1997 vintage special version of the
Anritsu MS2661B/C built for the US Navy) that covers from 100 hz to 1.8
ghz with a tracking generator built in and color LCD display for $1900 a
while back. Did have to fix a cpu crashing problem due to a EPROM socket
failure, but otherwise it works fine.  Fully synthesized, OXCO standard,
programmable, 488 Interface and RS-232 control (both), and resolution
bandwidths down to 10 hz and a built in 1 hz resolution frequency
counter. And lots of fancy firmware features.

	And just this spring I spotted someone selling a Anritsu MS710C
which covers from 10 khz to 23 ghz and 140 ghz with external waveguide
mixers (it uses standard ones also available on Ebay).  I bought it for
$1502.50.  The seller claimed it didn't work (no signal) but the
controls responded normally - but I suspect they didn't know how to use
it as  the only problem I have discovered so far is that it is a bit off
frequency (about 12 khz at 6 ghz).   It is much more of an antique than
the MS2670A as it dates from the late 80s, but it is also a synthesized
instrument with keypad (and knob) frequency entry and full YIG
preselection.  It also talks 488 and has 100 hz minimum resolution. 
Probably its worst liability for ham use is the loud fan...
	
	So it is possible to find usable instruments that aren't
hopelessly antique (1960s, 1970s or early 80s or so) on Ebay for prices
under $2K if you are willing to gamble shamelessly and research what you
are bidding on.

	My observation would be that much under $1200 or $1K on Ebay
tends to get you either obviously broken instruments in need of serious
repair or very old and/or very odd spectrum analyzers, most of them not
synthesized and frequency accurate and many lacking such basic features
as digital storage, phase locking and preselection or any kind of remote
control interface or programablity.

	And of course microwave instruments that cover to 20 ghz or more
command quite a premium over L band instruments that cover only to 1.5
or 1.8 or 2.0 or 2.9 ghz.

	But keep looking - the secret is waiting and watching until
something interesting finally shows up.

	And needless to say, ANYTHING purchased on eBay is a gamble,
most sellers are more or less honest, but there are no guarantees.
Caveat Emptor.

-- 
	Dave Emery N1PRE,  die@die.com  DIE Consulting, Weston, Mass 02493
PGP fingerprint 1024D/8074C7AB 094B E58B 4F74 00C2 D8A6 B987 FB7D F8BA 8074 C7AB