At 11/29/2004 05:06 PM, you wrote:
>I'm wondering what folks recommend using as far as service monitors/spectrum
>analyzers for tuning up rigs and duplexers. I tried searching through the
>message archives but wasn't getting results. I'm looking at stuff in the
>sub $1000 range. One type I've looked at in particular is the Motorola
>R-200x series. If anyone has info on that type or has other suggestions,
>I'd be interested in hearing about it. Thanks.
>
>73 Paul
Since I've been in the market for same, I thought I'd throw my 20 mils in.
Spectrum analyzers: you need something with a tracking generator if you
want to use duplexers easily. Finding anything <$1000 is impossible until
you go with something VERY old or in need of repair.
Having said that, there is a cheap barebones model (only 2 resolution
bandwidths: 20 & 400 kHz) of analyzer out there that's being sold under
various different names (Hameg, Atten, Madell) for just over your
limit. I've used the Hameg unit & it does seem to work, but the one I
played with didn't have a tracking gen. in it.
Service monitors: I hear good things about the Ramsey COM3 & Wavetek
2100. Neither has a scope display, but they show up regularly on
eBay. The COM3 prices have been inflated lately IMO due to a seller
setting a rather high reserve.
If you don't mind the older stuff, you might consider the Singer/Gertsch
FM-10. I currently have 2 of these: an FM-10 without the receiver plug-in
(basically just a CW signal generator) & an FM-10C with deviation meter
plug-in. I normally prefer scope displays to meters for deviation
measurement, but I was surprised at how accurate the FM-10C's meter was
despite being decades since it's last cal. Both have very low close-in
phase noise, making them ideal for performing IF selectivity measurements
(important if you live in a tight 15 kHz environment such as we have here
in SoCal on 2 meters). The FM-10C is very heavy - I don't consider it a
portable instrument. It's generator is also somewhat leaky, making it
difficult to use on poorly-shielded radios like HTs. I suspect this is due
to a failing attenuator on my particular unit. The FM-10 doesn't have this
problem.
If you can afford a little more, the IFR-1200S is the perfect solution
IMO. A service monitor with spectrum analyzer & tracking gen. all in one unit.
Bob NO6B
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