I'd be leaning toward an HP. Even if you have to pay a little more up
front, you'll come out ahead of the game in the long run. I have three HP's
(two 8920B's and an 8921A, with various options), and in the last ten years
or so, only once have I had to get one of them repaired (spectrum analyzer
self-test wasn't passing).
Up until fairly recently I also had an IFR 1500 (I think I got it in 1993 or
thereabouts). While I loved the 1500 in my regards, it became too expensive
to continue to repair. The death knell for it was when the CRT died (the
original CRT's are NLA, Aeroflex wanted something like $2200 to install a
different CRT and replace the power supply with a different type that was
compatible with the new CRT). Thanks but no thanks...
Unless they're abused, the HP's require little maintenance. I check the
reference oscillator every few months (using a rubidium standard), and it's
always right on, usually less than one Hertz error when generating a carrier
at 500 MHz (all of my HP's have the 001 high-stab option; I can't comment on
the standard oscillator). I usually send them in about every two years for
calibration just so I can sleep at night, but usually no adjustments are
required to pass cal.
To summarize, keep in mind repair costs when making a decision, as repair
and cal are unavoidable costs, so choose a unit that is affordable not only
today but through its expected lifespan as well. You might call a few
reputable repair outfits and/or the manufacturers and ask about calibration
costs, maybe get a price on replacing a power supply or CRT, etc. just to
get a feel for what you might expect for each of the models you're
considering.
I've owned or used other IFR's, Motorolas, Cushmans, and the Ramsey. I'll
stick with HP. To quote Dave Karr, "they just work".
I highly recommend Amtronix for HP repairs and sales. Rick at Amtronix is
top notch and his repair rates are quite reasonable. He also has a good
stock of spare parts, both new and used.
--- Jeff WN3A
> -----Original Message-----
> From: [email protected]
> [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of
> [email protected]
> Sent: Monday, July 13, 2009 9:46 PM
> To: [email protected]
> Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Re: Service Monitor Question
>
>
>
> Thanks for the responses so far. I didn't mean to incide a
> war over this, but the going rate for an IFR 1200S is around
> $4,000 - the reason I'm looking for a less expensive option.
>
> If anyone can speak about Cushman monitors (the 4000) I have
> a lead on one of those. Otherwise, I'll try my luck going up
> the ladder.
>
> FWIW, I do have shop experience with both IFR and Moto boxes
> from years ago; just don't have access anymore or deep
> pockets to play with.
>
> Tony
>
> --- In [email protected]
> <mailto:Repeater-Builder%40yahoogroups.com> , Tony KT9AC
> <kt...@...> wrote:
> >
> > Hi Everyone,
> > I'm thinking about buying a used service monitor for
> various projects,
> > and I've come across a few units that look good (from a
> price point) but
> > I can't find any data on them.
> >
> > 1) Racal Dana 6113G Digital Radio Test Set Service Monitor
> > 2) Cushman CE-4000
> > 3) HP 8924C
> > 4) Ramsey COM3
> >
> > I realize these are NOT the preferred field service units
> (I like IFR
> > myself), but for now I just want something usable here and there.
> > Opinions on them are welcome or pros/cons.
> >
> > Thanks!
> > Tony
> >
>
>
>
>
>
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> Date: 07/13/09 05:56:00
>
>
>
