Best Service Monitor

[BlueDevil]

I am interested in learning how to operate a service monitor. What is the best "entry level" service monitor. I say "entry level" because I know operating a service monitor is not simple or easy. I am looking to learn how to use it in the VHF/UHF analog spectrum.

Suggestions/Recommendations?

 

[zz0468]

"Learning how to operate a service monitor" is a pretty vague description of what you want to do. I mean, I get what you're saying, but different makes and models of service monitors are radically different in how they operate. Also, the definition of "entry level" needs clarification. Do you mean by price or functionality?

What specifically are you looking to do? Are you setting up a test bench to fix radios? Will you be servicing repeaters or otherwise taking it into the field? Frequency range? Does it need a spectrum analyzer and tracking generator? Give us a few ideas as to what you have in mind, and then we can start making specific recommendations. Because as far as I know, "entry level" and "best" are mutually exclusive when it comes to service monitors.

 

[N0IU]

It almost sounds like someone told you that you need a service monitor... whatever that is?

So what if it is not "simple or easy"? If you have a specific need for one (once you find out what they are and what they are used for) and know what features you need, you will need to learn how to use it to get the most use out of it.

You are a firefighter paramedic. If you can learn how to use all of the complex lifesaving gear on your rig and know what every knob and dial and setting is used for under the most adverse and stressful conditions without even thinking about it, learning how to use a service monitor should not be a problem for you.

You didn't ask for an "entry level" defibrilator on your resuce vehicle because you thought that a more advanced unit would be too difficult to learn how to use, did you? Just like in your job, you should choose the right tool for job based on what the tool can do for you, not based on how easy it is to use.

 

[BlueDevil]

N0IU you make good point. I don't have a specific need for a service monitor. However I would like to start learning now. I would like to be able to setup a test bench and field test VHF and UHF radios. I haven't had much in the way of formal education on electrical communications and theory like I have for the Fire Service and Paramedics. This is why I would like something a little more simple to learn on. Your analogy on cardiac monitors/defies is spot on. There are very complicated ones out there and ones that will talk you through the process. I am just trying to learn all I can.

 

[zz0468]

Ok. So your requirements are bit more clear.

A Cushman CE-5 or CE-6 is simple, cheap, and obsolete. But they work. If you see a CE-2 out there in mint condition, grab it. It's an antique! Wavetek/CT Systems 2500 is simple and cheap. IFR500 is simple, but because they're still pretty desirable, they go for a lot more. The Motorola R2xxx series are pretty decent, relatively simple, and abundant. Prices vary wildly. There's a lot of different specific models in that series.

Have more money than sense? Then the IFR 1500 series are good, but not "simple". The HP 8924C is plentiful, cheap for what you get (a most excellent instrument) and, bonus(!), it weighs a ton so you get a good workout everytime it leaves the bench. it doesn't get much better than that. =)

 

[prcguy]

I started in the business 35ys ago with a Singer FM-10C, then upgraded to an IFR-1200, then the IFR-1200S with spectrum analyzer and tracking generator. At the same time I acquired a Motorola R2001D and eventually sold it favoring the IFR-1200S for its portability and ease of servicing. Its still running fine after maybe 25yrs of running up and down mountain tops.

I've used just about every other service monitor on the market and in my opinion the Wavetek/CT systems is a toy that breaks a lot and the IFR-1500 is too large for a portable and also breaks often. HP monitors are real nice and I had to use one a few months ago after not seeing one in 20yrs and I could not remember how to make it do a few things I needed in the short time I had with it.

Unless you have a lot of cash to spend or a particular need I would recommend starting with an older Cushman or Singer for low $ to see if it fills your needs. You can also clean it up to make it an attractive item for someone else and sell for a profit when something better comes along at a good price.

Most of the older Cushman and Singer units do not have built in wattmeters or loads so you will have to compliment that with maybe a Bird 43 and a power attenuator and some other outboard items that are not included in the box like a SINAD meter.
prcguy

Ok. So your requirements are bit more clear.

A Cushman CE-5 or CE-6 is simple, cheap, and obsolete. But they work. If you see a CE-2 out there in mint condition, grab it. It's an antique! Wavetek/CT Systems 2500 is simple and cheap. IFR500 is simple, but because they're still pretty desirable, they go for a lot more. The Motorola R2xxx series are pretty decent, relatively simple, and abundant. Prices vary wildly. There's a lot of different specific models in that series.

Have more money than sense? Then the IFR 1500 series are good, but not "simple". The HP 8924C is plentiful, cheap for what you get (a most excellent instrument) and, bonus(!), it weighs a ton so you get a good workout everytime it leaves the bench. it doesn't get much better than that. =)

 

[BlueDevil]

One project that I would like to start working on is being able to field test a portable radio and also be able to perform a service alignment for the radio. Would a Chusman CE5 or CE6 work well for that? Would this machine allow me to tune my own duplexers? How about the Singer service monitors? How do they compare and is 1 preferred over another? Tuning duplexers would be another goal of mine.

 

[rescue161]

I've got an HP8924C and I agree with zz0468, it is HEAVY, but it does everything I want and more. I got the 100 Watt input option so I can bench test radios with no worries of having to use dB pads to lower the input Wattage. It has a built in tracking generator for tuning duplexers and a whole bunch of other options, including a nice price. You can find them for right at $1000.00, which is pretty good considering all that it can do. We use General Dynamics R2670s at work. I like them, but I can't afford one. The only things the R2670 can do that mine can't is test P25 (for the most part, when aligning Motorola radios, you're aligning them in analog anyway), set up trunking network(s) and encryption testing. You can't go wrong with an HP8924C.