This is a tough question since because of the difficulty of describing exactly what I want to accomplish and how I would use the device.
I probably considered this more 'hobby' use, but for the pratical side is for tuning TV channel traps to reduce overload from local TV transmitters without impacting 'desired' signals.
I have locals 7 miles away that 'swamp' my amp that are 'killing' desired reception of stations 55 miles away no less in the same direction.
I do have a SLM that does have a spectrum 'graph' display, but the resolution is poor and it really doesn't make the grade here. Without spending big bucks to get a 'real' spectrum analyzer, I have found these priced between $1400 and $3200;
http://www.protektest.com/ProdInfo.asp?prodId=3201
(which also includes the 3290 with 2.9 GHz coverage for $400 more)
http://www.instek.com/GSP-810.htm
Which is the same as this;
http://www.mcminone.com/product.asp?catalog_name=MCMProducts&product_id=72-6696&info=details
http://www.bkprecision.com/www/np_specs.asp?m=2630
http://www.avcomofva.com/products/default.asp?page=psa65c
(but for a few hundred more you get this);
http://www.avcomofva.com/products/default.asp?page=psa37xp
The Protek models are "Field Strength" Analyzers and the Instrek (Tenma/MCM Electronics), B&K and AVCOM models are true "Spectrum" Analyzers.
While the Protek is the cheapest solution ($1400 for the 3201 and $1900 for the 3290), I don't know if they are really the best choice. The Instrek is $1750, the B&K is $1900, but are limited freq. coverage. The AVCOM 37XP model is the most expensive; $3200 (more than I really wanted to spend), but haven't ruled them out all-together since the freq. coverage is greater and it's a LCD screen. I also would have use for the ability of 'probing' the 2.5 GHz band for Wi-Fi & satellite applications.
I probably considered this more 'hobby' use, but for the pratical side is for tuning TV channel traps to reduce overload from local TV transmitters without impacting 'desired' signals.
I have locals 7 miles away that 'swamp' my amp that are 'killing' desired reception of stations 55 miles away no less in the same direction.
I do have a SLM that does have a spectrum 'graph' display, but the resolution is poor and it really doesn't make the grade here. Without spending big bucks to get a 'real' spectrum analyzer, I have found these priced between $1400 and $3200;
http://www.protektest.com/ProdInfo.asp?prodId=3201
(which also includes the 3290 with 2.9 GHz coverage for $400 more)
http://www.instek.com/GSP-810.htm
Which is the same as this;
http://www.mcminone.com/product.asp?catalog_name=MCMProducts&product_id=72-6696&info=details
http://www.bkprecision.com/www/np_specs.asp?m=2630
http://www.avcomofva.com/products/default.asp?page=psa65c
(but for a few hundred more you get this);
http://www.avcomofva.com/products/default.asp?page=psa37xp
The Protek models are "Field Strength" Analyzers and the Instrek (Tenma/MCM Electronics), B&K and AVCOM models are true "Spectrum" Analyzers.
While the Protek is the cheapest solution ($1400 for the 3201 and $1900 for the 3290), I don't know if they are really the best choice. The Instrek is $1750, the B&K is $1900, but are limited freq. coverage. The AVCOM 37XP model is the most expensive; $3200 (more than I really wanted to spend), but haven't ruled them out all-together since the freq. coverage is greater and it's a LCD screen. I also would have use for the ability of 'probing' the 2.5 GHz band for Wi-Fi & satellite applications.
