[Test-Equipment] RF spectrum analysis

[james.liles at comcast.net]

Good morning Brian:

If you want to go with very low expenses bear with me.

Buy any signal generator that has FM modulation and an external input for 
the audio.

Buy a function generator that includes a ramp function.

Buy an Hp 11710 down converter or any other.

Attach the ramp from the function generator to the audio input for FM 
modulation on the signal generator.  Connect the down converter to the 
signal generator output.  Now you have a signal generator, a function 
generator, and a sweeper ----- probably the least expensive way to go.

Before you ask the question:  The down converter is to enable wider sweeps. 
Most signal generators that have an FM modulation function will limit the 
modulated bandwidth to a percentage of the carrier frequency.  Using the 
down converter you can modulate a carrier at a higher frequency enabling a 
wider sweep range.  Then down convert the output of the signal generator to 
the desired sweep frequency range.

This is really primitive and I used it many years ago.  As for the marker 
generator.  The scope has calibration marks.

This whole mess is really as cheap as it gets, and when you are done putting 
it together and use it you will spend all of your time doing setup.  All the 
above stuff is what you did in the 60's when you were still starving in 
University housing.  Today, even if your income is a paper route ---- don't 
go there.

Now throw the whole idea away and buy the Tektronix 7000 series scope and 
you will have, at your bench, a system that will do anything that you want 
it to do except take the dog for a walk and explain to your wife why you 
stay out late at night.  They are plentiful not expensive.

Good luck Brian --- Kindest regards Jim