[R-390] Spectrum Analyzer

[Mark Johnson]

I have an older HP 141T with the 8553B RF section and the HP 8552B IF section. I see them at hamfests, complete for around $300 to $500 depending on condition. 
 
Mark V Johnson VE3DJU/VE3LU

 


Date: Mon, 14 Mar 2011 09:17:14 -0500
Subject: Re: [R-390] Spectrum Analyzer
From: brloper at gmail.com
To: mvjohn at sympatico.ca
CC: tshoppa at wmata.com; r-390 at mailman.qth.net

I wanted a sweep generator because I thought it would be more useful, this thing just happened along.  Any recommendations on a good inexpensive sweep generator?


On Mon, Mar 14, 2011 at 9:03 AM, Mark Johnson <mvjohn at sympatico.ca> wrote:


I have an older HP spectrum analyzer; got it cheap, and use it for looking at transmitter outputs - harmonics etc. 
 
I bought some good quality RF attenuators; expensive little beastie's, that allow me to reduce a typical 100 watt transmitter down to a few milliwatts, then feed directly into the spectrum analyzer. Gives a nice view of the signal output. I agree with the previouse posting - if i had to prioritze, I'd keep my O'scope and sweep generator before the Spectrum analyzer....
 
Mark V Johnson VE3DJU/VE3LU
 
> From: tshoppa at wmata.com
> To: brloper at gmail.com; r-390 at mailman.qth.net
> Date: Mon, 14 Mar 2011 09:23:51 -0400
> Subject: Re: [R-390] Spectrum Analyzer



> 
> Many surplus spectrum analyzers are not (by nature) HF spectrum. Many of the ones you'll see on the surplus market are VHF/UHF range. They can be adapted to HF with an upconverter.
> 
> If you want to see how squirrely a typical 40's/50's/60's/70's ham transmitter looks during keying it might be of some use :-). Most likely, you do not want to know! Almost all screen tube PA's and drivers of that era will show some parasitic oscillation during keying.
> 
> For receiver alignment etc. a sweep generator is far more useful than a spectrum analyzer. Here on this list we tend to focus on the lab-type HP equipment but realistically a Sencore-type TV/Radio service shop-oriented unit will do fine.
> 
> Tim.
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: r-390-bounces at mailman.qth.net [mailto:r-390-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Ben Loper
> Sent: Monday, March 14, 2011 9:15 AM
> To: r-390 at mailman.qth.net
> Subject: [R-390] Spectrum Analyzer
> 
> I found a good deal on a spectrum analyzer, but I'm wondering how much use
> it will be working on boat anchors. Are there many alignment procedures
> that would benefit from a spec analyzer or should I pass on it.
> 
> 
> 
> “A fire has burned my hut to the ground -- how much better to see the moon!"
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“A fire has burned my hut to the ground -- how much better to see the moon!"