[time-nuts] Spectrum Analyzer Suggestions

[Chris Albertson]

If you are after the cheapest and smallest spectrum analyzer possible look
for a TV tuning USB dongle.  Some of these tune over the range of 64-1700
MHz  There is software to do FFT and plot spectrums  You can set started
plotting in the UHF range for $20.

It is a bit do it yourself in that you likely need a selection of
attenuators and and so on because the dongle expects the signal level of a
cable TV or TV antenna and the bandwidth is not DC to GHz.  But the cost is
right.

Here are some screen shots
http://blog.opensecurityresearch.com/2012/06/getting-started-with-gnu-radio-and-rtl.html




On Sun, Jul 14, 2013 at 7:56 AM, K3wry <k3wry at aol.com> wrote:

> Take a look at the RIGOL analyzer.   You can get this new one for about
> the same money
>
> Dr Joe PALSA
> 804-350-2665
> Sent from my iPhone.
>
>
> On Jul 14, 2013, at 1:18 AM, "Mark C. Stephens" <marks at non-stop.com.au>
> wrote:
>
> Perry I have a 3585A too, The weight isn't so bad once you get used to it.
> :)
> Mines on a rack shelf that I can slide it out onto the workbench for
> maintenance.
>
> Performance wise, they are fantastic for phase noise measurement using
> John Miles's Phase noise software.
> Although a little slow, It is pretty nice to see what's going on down at
> 10 Hz.
>
> I really can't find a replacement for my 3585A, other than the "B" model.
>
> Also the boards come up cheap on eBay if you need parts.
> I have almost a complete set of spare boards I bought for 10 bucks each.
>
> So all in all, you got yourself a good Analyser, cheap to maintain and
> good specs.
>
> Run it through the performance tests as per the manual, this SA will be a
> pleasant surprise for you :)
>
>
> -marki
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: time-nuts-bounces at febo.com [mailto:time-nuts-bounces at febo.com] On
> Behalf Of Perry Sandeen
> Sent: Sunday, 14 July 2013 1:10 PM
> To: time-nuts at febo.com
> Subject: [time-nuts] Spectrum Analyzer Suggestions
>
>
>
> List,
>
> I just purchased a HP 3585 spec analyzer on E bay for a reasonable price.
>  I wanted this instead of the 181 series as the range was more to what I’d
> be using and it was of a newer vintage.  The 3585a goes from
> 10 Hz to 40 MHz which is a most useful range for my purposes. so far, so
> good.
>
> The problem is I didn’t know the beast weighed a svelte
> 88 pounds! Double Hernia time!
>
> What I’d appreciate advice for a used spec analyzer in the $1,000 range
> that is at least much lighter.  A smaller size would also be a benefit.  I
> probably would never use it above 100 MHz. A slightly smaller screen would
> be OK.
>
> Suggestions appreciated.
>
> Regards,
>
> Perrier
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-- 

Chris Albertson
Redondo Beach, California