[Test-Equipment] Old HP RF analyzers - are they worth it?

[Dave Brown]

Greg
Even if you scored just one in going order, they are great.
The basic LO range in the 8551 is 2-4 Ghz with a 2GHz first IF(down 
converted to 20 Mhz going into the 851 display section)-so you can 
sweep all the way from DC to 2 GHz on the bottom band. Next band up 
they use a 200 MHz IF and cover 2-4 Ghz input - Higher bands revert to 
the 2 GHz first IF but they use LO harmonics and cal the dial 
accordingly, as per usual in the bad old days!  Useful to 12 GHz (?) 
in the basic box.

You might have struck paydirt - check your 8551s to see if the BWO has 
been replaced with a YIG. Many were. Used to have one at work 
monitoring a 6 GHz sat uplink - it ran 24/7 (after the YIG mod) and 
went for nearly 15 years like that before it was replaced. Sat on a 
trolley beside the racks of gear and you just turned up the brilliance 
to use it and turned it down again when finished.

I think there's a nuvistor in the 2 Ghz IF amp that can be a dog to 
get if it's in need of replacing. Used to have a spare set of 
handbooks round here but no idea where they are at the moment-filing 
system is in chaos as I add yet another cabinet and re-arrange all the 
'overflow'.
73
Dave
ZL3FJ

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Greg Mijal" <bluebirdtele at earthlink.net>
To: <test-equipment at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Friday, January 28, 2005 3:38 PM
Subject: [Test-Equipment] Old HP RF analyzers - are they worth it?


Hi:

I just blew $25 on two HP spectrum analyzers.  Both are the old 
851B/8551B sytems. I think I may have popped something in my back 
getting them in my car today! I also found a Boonton 260A but that's 
another story.
One set is complete, the other less than that so I will call it a 
parts donor for now.
I lost a HP 141T due to old age a couple of years ago but would like 
try it again.
Here's the question. Is it worth the effort? Can I do basic 
transmitter observations up to 500 mhz?  I do not need super accuracy. 
I need a basic idea if I have cleansed the simple transmitter or not. 
A wee wobble on the scope doesn't rule it out for me.
If you have comments or suggestions I would like to hear from you. 
Anything I need to watch out for beyond the basics? Any common failure 
modes? I'm also looking for manuals.
Thanks
Greg
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