Baofeng When we choose W or N, is that setting Deviation?

[RenoHuskerDu]

From the General test pool, we see this:

"To calculate the total bandwidth of an FM phone transmission, use Carson's bandwidth rule by adding together the frequency deviation and the modulating frequency then multiplying the sum by 2"

Is it correct to assume that when we choose Wide or Narrow when programming a given freq on a Baofeng, we're actually changing its Deviation, and so only indirectly its Bandwidth?

 

[prcguy]

It will change transmit deviation from about +/-5KHz on wide to about +/-2.5KHz on narrow. Many radios also switch in a narrow receive IF filter.

 

[RenoHuskerDu]

It will change transmit deviation from about +/-5KHz on wide to about +/-2.5KHz on narrow. Many radios also switch in a narrow receive IF filter.

I'd assumed Baofengs also received in Narrow. Perhaps I was mistaken or presumptive.

 

[RFI-EMI-GUY]

Any Baofeng or Midland GMRS radios claiming aftermarket adjustable bandwidth (like via Chirp, Secret Squirrel Software etc) should be verified with a system analyzer.

 

[RenoHuskerDu]

Any Baofeng or Midland GMRS radios claiming aftermarket adjustable bandwidth (like via Chirp, Secret Squirrel Software etc) should be verified with a system analyzer.

That leads me into another couple of related questions, perhaps OT but here we go.

I would like to add a scope, freq counter, wattmeter, SWR meter. Are these all included in a good system analyzer? Do you have one to recommend? I like to buy older, sturdy equipment at used prices when possible.

 

[mmckenna]

I would like to add a scope, freq counter, wattmeter, SWR meter. Are these all included in a good system analyzer? Do you have one to recommend? I like to buy older, sturdy equipment at used prices when possible.

Yes, depending on how it's optioned out on the newer models.

No advice I can offer on the older stuff, but I'm sure others can. I'm running a Viavi 8800SX at work, but that was about $40K new.

 

[RenoHuskerDu]

Yes, depending on how it's optioned out on the newer models.

No advice I can offer on the older stuff, but I'm sure others can. I'm running a Viavi 8800SX at work, but that was about $40K new.

Seems Jeffy Bezos has some under $100 with good reviews. Example: AURSINC on Amazon

Probably a hobby level toy compared to yours

 

[mmckenna]

Seems Jeffy Bezos has some under $100 with good reviews. Example: AURSINC on Amazon

Probably a hobby level toy compared to yours

Those are a spectrum analyzer with VNA and a tracking generator.
They won't act as a wattmeter/SWR meter. NanoVNA like that I have at home does not have a frequency counter. It will show signals on the spectrum analyzer, but it can be hard to narrow down what frequency it is unless it's a long transmission or control channel.

I probably misunderstood what you were asking. Big difference between the nanoVNA's and a true service monitor. But still, you can do a lot with them.

 

[RFI-EMI-GUY]

That leads me into another couple of related questions, perhaps OT but here we go.

I would like to add a scope, freq counter, wattmeter, SWR meter. Are these all included in a good system analyzer? Do you have one to recommend? I like to buy older, sturdy equipment at used prices when possible.

HP8924-Family-Spectrum-Analyzers groups.io Group

For the discussion of the use, repair, and modification of the vintage Hewlett-Packard RF Test Sets/Spectrum Analyzers of the HP8920/8935 family. As used equipment, these analyzers are much less expensive than most currently available spectrum analyzers, and yet meet the high standards of...

groups.io

 

[AK9R]

HP 8920A or 8920B

• RF frequency counter
• RF signal generator
• Spectrum analyzer with tracking generator (with the correct option)
• RF power meter
• SINAD meter
• FM deviation meter
• Audio tone decoders

These were high-end radio system analyzers in their day, but they fell out of favor with the proliferation of digital voice modes. There are other models in this range, but they are heavier and less convenient to move around. Expect to pay $1500-2500 for one that appears to be fully functional. Expect to pay more for one that has a recent calibration.

There's a company in up-state New York that still services and calibrates them. Here's a comparison chart of the different models and features. Differences between the HP 8920A, 8920B, 8924C, E6380A, E8285A

 

[KD8DVR]

I'd assumed Baofengs also received in Narrow. Perhaps I was mistaken or presumptive.

Most if not all do NOT receive in narrow band, unfortunately. All the wide/narrow does is adjust transmit deviation.