[Test-Equipment] HP-436A Power Meter

[KLØS]

Dennis -- Figure up to $200 for a nice functional 436A....another $75-$100
for the HP 11730B sensor cable....and anywhere between $400-$700 for a
functional sensor depending on condition and power/frequency range.  You'll
probably need two sensors -- I ended up with the HP 8481D (-70 dBM to -20
dBM) an HP 8482A (-30dBM to +20 dBM).  If you need the low power sensor
you'll also need the HP 11708A 30 dB reference attenuator so you can
calibrate the sensor without frying it with the 50 MHz @ 0 dBM calibration
signal.  Figure another $35-$40 for a copy of the Operating and Service
Manual.

As you see the meter itself can be had relatively inexpensively....it's all
the other stuff you need to make it useful that will cost you the most $$$.

Buying the meter on eBay is probably pretty safe (that's where I got mine);
sensor cable and manual easy there too.  You need to be much more careful
with sight unseen sensors....I bought one of mine from a surplus dealer and
the other on eBay where I think I was pretty lucky -- it was the low power
head which are VERY easy to zap (thus the necessity of the 30 dB
attenuator!).

One way to lower your cost would be to go with a 435B analog meter which you
can get for around $100 if you shop around.  Not as fancy as the 436 but
just as useful (plus it's much easier to see trends on the needle vice a
digital readout).

Of course your mileage may vary.....

Good luck!

Dino KLØS/4