[Test-Equipment] RF spectrum analysis

Mon Jan 20 14:52:16 EST 2014

Hey Carl,

Buy your son one of my flamenco guitars so that I can afford some good test
equipment!

Cheers,

Brian

-----Original Message-----
From: test-equipment-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:test-equipment-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Carl
Sent: Monday, January 20, 2014 11:36 AM
To: Discussion of Electronic Test Equipment
Subject: Re: [Test-Equipment] RF spectrum analysis

I didnt find a need for a TG at HF, just use Max Hold. I started with a
cheap $50 used Wavetek sweeper from a hamfest that provided up to 4 markers
and a counter is all that is needed to assure accuracy or align it.

The 141T  8553B 0-110 MHz plug in also has a 0-11 mHz select that makes
doing filters and IF's a snap.

For a cheap signal generator the URM-25D is OK but not very stable for the
higher frequencies and is a PITA to do an overhaul. Unknowns are $50-100
while a properly rebuilt one can run $150 and up. Many are also missing the
adaptors that are mounted in the cover. I retired mine about 15 years ago
and paid $50 for a HP-606A which was what National Radio used even for the
HRO-500 and military gear in the 60's.
A fairly simple overhaul and alignment.

I also have an 8640B which is a pita to use and has many weaknesses which is
why they are so cheap. I parked mine for anything under 60 MHz and picked up
another hamfest 606A for $40 which was an easier overhaul. I use the pair
for IP3 and other measurements as well as having 2 signals when doing
tracking, saves a lot of time.

The HP 8568B is a good SA if you can find one. We used them at a few places
I worked and a dim to unviewable CRT sent them to scrap since a new CRT cost
more than the unit was worth. Of course HP offered a great trade in on a new
model.

Carl
KM1H

----- Original Message -----
From: "W2HX" <w2hx at w2hx.com>
To: "Discussion of Electronic Test Equipment" 
<test-equipment at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Sunday, January 19, 2014 10:02 PM
Subject: Re: [Test-Equipment] RF spectrum analysis

>I agree too, but he will also need a TG. That will probably bring the total

>cost up
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: test-equipment-bounces at mailman.qth.net 
> [mailto:test-equipment-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Francesco 
> Ledda
> Sent: Sunday, January 19, 2014 9:28 PM
> To: Discussion of Electronic Test Equipment
> Cc: Discussion of Electronic Test Equipment
> Subject: Re: [Test-Equipment] RF spectrum analysis
>
> Agree 100%.  There is no need to buy a Chinese toy, when you can get a 
> good and high quality US made unit!
>
> KF5rxv
>
> Sent from my iPad
>
>> On Jan 19, 2014, at 7:50 PM, "Carl" <km1h at jeremy.mv.com> wrote:
>>
>> Find a working HP-141T system, vintage but a decent SA for ham use. I 
>> used one on the workbench about 12 years and now its used for TX 
>> monitoring.
>> They all need a bit of  TLC as caps dry out and take SS parts with them. 
>> Only the CRT is in the unobtainium category so be sure it is nice and 
>> bright. Its better than paying $3-4K for a newer HP prone to the same 
>> issues and has proprietary parts. The 141T is all discrete components, 
>> ie: transistors, diodes, cap, etc.
>>
>> The only thing you will find somewhat reasonable for a VNA is one of the 
>> kits that work with a PC. Not cheap but less pizzas needed.
>>
>>
>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Brian Burns"
>> <brian at lessonsinlutherie.com>
>> To: "'Discussion of Electronic Test Equipment'"
>> <test-equipment at mailman.qth.net>
>> Sent: Sunday, January 19, 2014 7:35 PM
>> Subject: Re: [Test-Equipment] RF spectrum analysis
>>
>>
>>> Hello Ron,
>>>
>>> ~ Maybe something like this will work for you
>>> http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/PHSNA/info
>>> This is a current project and pretty simple to build, still evolving
>>> but very functional right now.
>>>
>>> That certainly looks like what I've had in mind. However my building
>>> experience is from all the way back in the 1950's, and programming is
>>> way over my pay grade! Do you mean I'm finally going to have to wrap
>>> my mind around a "flow of holes"?
>>>
>>> Cheers,
>>>
>>> Brian
>>>
>>>
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