[Test-Equipment] RF spectrum analysis

Mon Jan 20 14:54:14 EST 2014

The 8656A has horrible phase noise plus spurs and the 8656B isnt much 
better. The first decent synthesized HP SG is the 8657A and then the 8657B. 
Ive seen the B model go as low as $500 with a current cal sticker at a local 
belly up sale but they are insane on Fleabay.
 http://www.tevetllc.com/documents/pdf/8657a-b.pdf

Many are picking up obsolete surplus HP CDMA service monitors that combine a 
SA, SG, power meter, scope, tracking generator and more in one box for very 
decent prices, often under $1000
This site gives a lot of info on the models, features and options.
http://www.amtronix.com/hp8924c60.htm

Carl
KM1H

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Fuqua, Bill L" <wlfuqu00 at uky.edu>
To: "Discussion of Electronic Test Equipment" 
<test-equipment at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Monday, January 20, 2014 1:39 AM
Subject: Re: [Test-Equipment] RF spectrum analysis

>   If you are working on receivers the most important instrument you will 
> need is a good stable accurate  signal generator with
> with calibrated output level. Now, saying that, you need to take a look at 
> your budget. If you have a couple hundred to spend you
> can get a good digital one for a reasonable price. I say a good signal 
> generator is necessary because you are going want to measure
> your receiver's sensitivity and you will most likely want modulation 
> capability. Fore some reasons 8640s go for way too much. Never
> understood why. The 8656A is good and you can find them at reasonable 
> price but you are always taking a chance of getting one with
> problems with as-is sales. And if you don't have test equipment it is 
> difficult to repair. Even some of them are getting to be over 30 years
> old.  If you want to go cheap an analog AN/URM25 is good, not real cheap 
> but easy to maintain. Even if you have a good
> digitally synthesized generator it would be helpful to have two so you can 
> use one for a local oscillator perhaps while receiving the other.
>  Then you need some kind of calibrated receiver or detector. a good start 
> would be a AD8307 which is a surface mount part but not too small
> that you can dead bug construct on a ground plane. It cost about $12 at 
> Mouser Electronics.
>  Since I am not in your shoes, I  can't really suggest exactly what you 
> need but I can make some economic suggestions.
>
> 73
> Bill wa4lav
>
>
> ________________________________________
> From: test-equipment-bounces at mailman.qth.net 
> [test-equipment-bounces at mailman.qth.net] on behalf of 
> james.liles at comcast.net [james.liles at comcast.net]
> Sent: Sunday, January 19, 2014 11:03 PM
> To: 'Discussion of Electronic Test Equipment'
> Subject: Re: [Test-Equipment] RF spectrum analysis
>
> Good evening Brian,
>
> A sweep generator that has at least one marker, a 200 meg, two or four
> channel scope, and signal generator will go a long way toward your goal.
>
> An HP 3325A sweeper, a signal generator 8640B or 8656A, and a 200Mc or
> better scope will be a great start and take you a long way without needing
> re-education.  The 3325A will sweep from 1 cycle to 20Mc and provide a
> marker(The marker is an imperative).  It is also rock solid.  The 8640B 
> will
> provide a great signal generator and with the 3325A providing an FM
> modulation input to the 8640B you can sweep above 20Mc ---- if you really
> need to.
>
> Add a demodulator probe and you have a great and simple to use Sweep
> combination.
>
> If you have to go to a spectrum analyzer which is a superb addition you
> really don't have to use a tracking generator.  Simply use max hold to 
> paint
> a complete picture.  An HP 8568B is a 100 cycle to 1.5Gig instrument.  It
> can be used to design and service even audio circuits.  It's low end is 
> 100
> cycles.
>
> I use the 8568B along with an HP 8447D preamp to non-disruptively profile
> every stage in a radio.  Use it like a scope.  Wrap a shield around a tube
> and measure even the lowliest signals without attaching a probe to a
> circuit.  If I have to attach a probe use a series 2pf cap --- again, as 
> non
> disruptive as a FET probe.  You can also measure the passive amplification
> in the front end of the radio or other circuits.  The uses are infinite.
>
> The 8568B is the most expensive part of the equation at about $1200.00.
>
> The 8640B maybe $350.00 ------- or 8656B &450.00
>
> The 3325A $375.00
>
> The scope $300.00 to $600.00
>
> The scope.  I like Tektronix and there are several versions available.  I
> prefer the analog variety and use the 2465B.  The 5000 and 7000 series
> scopes are fairly inexpensive and use plug ins that range from a spectrum
> analyzer, curve tracer, FET probe, back scratcher, and coffee cup holder.
> Whatever you can think of they have a plug in for it.
>
> These are simply my opinions and thoughts regarding the instruments that I
> use on a consistent basis.  When thinking about a spectrum analyzer don't
> forget audio.
>
> Good luck Brian and a great day to you.
>
> Kindest regards Jim K9AXN
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Brian Burns
> Sent: Sunday, January 19, 2014 6:35 PM
> To: 'Discussion of Electronic Test Equipment'
> 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
>
>
> ---
> This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus
> protection is active.
> http://www.avast.com
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Test-Equipment mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/test-equipment
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:Test-Equipment at mailman.qth.net
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Test-Equipment mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/test-equipment
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:Test-Equipment at mailman.qth.net
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> ______________________________________________________________
> Test-Equipment mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/test-equipment
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:Test-Equipment at mailman.qth.net
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>
>
> -----
> No virus found in this message.
> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
> Version: 2014.0.4259 / Virus Database: 3681/7017 - Release Date: 01/20/14
> 