The choices in ascending price and links for the spec sheet & owners manual (if available);
Protek 3201 $1375;
http://www.protektest.com/ProdInfo.asp?prodId=3201
http://www.protektest.com/ProdManual/Man_3201.pdf
Instek GSP-810 $1675 a Swept Analyzer;
http://www.instek.com/GSP-810.htm
http://www.instek.com/manual/GSP-810OM.zip
B&K 2630 around $1860;
http://www.bkprecision.com/www/np_specs.asp?m=2630
http://www.bkprecision.com/manual/2630_manua.pdf
Protek 7830 $2600 (not available yet and no manual):
http://www.gsinstrument.com/eng/pro...ure/rf_7830.htm
Avcom PSA-37XP $3230 (no link for the manual);
http://www.avcomofva.com/downloads/...ets/PSA37XP.pdf
Instek GSP-827 a FFT Analyzer under $3570;
http://www.instek.com/GSP-827.htm
http://www.instek.com/manual/GSP-827.zip
The clear choice if $$ wasn't a object would be the Instek-827 w/ 2.7GHz coverage and a LCD display, but I can't seem to justify spending that much they way I plan on using it at this point in time. I don't know just how much that will change in the future (trying to make the purchase 'furture proof').
Realistically, I'm leaning towards the Instek GSP-810 for $1675. I have the limited Service Manual (from MCM Electronics, no less). There is a 5 day return, no restocking fee offer.
The Protek 3201, while the price is nice, doesn't seem a whole lot better than the SLM with a very linited display I already own and it just doesn't offer any room to grow into. I am afraid I would outgrow the unit too fast finding what it can't do.
The B&K has a TG, but the rest of the specs seem shortchanged to me especially the very limited 20kHz & 800 kHz "IF Bandwidth" (RBW).
The Avcom big plusses are it's the only American made unit and it has a LCD display, but the cost is very close to the 827 which appears to blow away the 37XP, especially only going down to 75 kHz RBW.
Between the two major types of SAs'; 'Swept' and 'FFT' (Fast Fourier Transform), each has it's advantages and disadvantages, but from my reading the FFT is the better choice. Unfortunately, with a price to match. The question is, do I really need all of that?
How this is to be used:
1. 2-way radio spectrum monitoring
2. TV band monitoring and trap tuning (hopefully only a couple of times with the tuning)
3. Looking for sources of RF noise or interference.
4. Wireless data around 2.5GHz would be a plus, but not a priority.
5. Hopefully more as I get more confortable with it.
I am a amatuer radio operator (not active) and have a background in electronics, but no degree. I would considerate myself at a intermediate level at best.
I would appreaciate any input. Thanks.
Protek 3201 $1375;
http://www.protektest.com/ProdInfo.asp?prodId=3201
http://www.protektest.com/ProdManual/Man_3201.pdf
Instek GSP-810 $1675 a Swept Analyzer;
http://www.instek.com/GSP-810.htm
http://www.instek.com/manual/GSP-810OM.zip
B&K 2630 around $1860;
http://www.bkprecision.com/www/np_specs.asp?m=2630
http://www.bkprecision.com/manual/2630_manua.pdf
Protek 7830 $2600 (not available yet and no manual):
http://www.gsinstrument.com/eng/pro...ure/rf_7830.htm
Avcom PSA-37XP $3230 (no link for the manual);
http://www.avcomofva.com/downloads/...ets/PSA37XP.pdf
Instek GSP-827 a FFT Analyzer under $3570;
http://www.instek.com/GSP-827.htm
http://www.instek.com/manual/GSP-827.zip
The clear choice if $$ wasn't a object would be the Instek-827 w/ 2.7GHz coverage and a LCD display, but I can't seem to justify spending that much they way I plan on using it at this point in time. I don't know just how much that will change in the future (trying to make the purchase 'furture proof').
Realistically, I'm leaning towards the Instek GSP-810 for $1675. I have the limited Service Manual (from MCM Electronics, no less). There is a 5 day return, no restocking fee offer.
The Protek 3201, while the price is nice, doesn't seem a whole lot better than the SLM with a very linited display I already own and it just doesn't offer any room to grow into. I am afraid I would outgrow the unit too fast finding what it can't do.
The B&K has a TG, but the rest of the specs seem shortchanged to me especially the very limited 20kHz & 800 kHz "IF Bandwidth" (RBW).
The Avcom big plusses are it's the only American made unit and it has a LCD display, but the cost is very close to the 827 which appears to blow away the 37XP, especially only going down to 75 kHz RBW.
Between the two major types of SAs'; 'Swept' and 'FFT' (Fast Fourier Transform), each has it's advantages and disadvantages, but from my reading the FFT is the better choice. Unfortunately, with a price to match. The question is, do I really need all of that?
How this is to be used:
1. 2-way radio spectrum monitoring
2. TV band monitoring and trap tuning (hopefully only a couple of times with the tuning)
3. Looking for sources of RF noise or interference.
4. Wireless data around 2.5GHz would be a plus, but not a priority.
5. Hopefully more as I get more confortable with it.
I am a amatuer radio operator (not active) and have a background in electronics, but no degree. I would considerate myself at a intermediate level at best.
I would appreaciate any input. Thanks.
Last edited: