Spectrum Analyzer recommendation for HAM radio repair

[warnberg]

So started shopping and the more I shop the more confused I get.. so open to suggestions for a budget limited Spectrum Analyzer specifically being used for HAM radio repair (UHF / VHF / HF... specifically 23cm - 630 m)

Would like to stay around the 1000.00 mark but could stretch the budget to 2K

Thanks

David

[TheSteve]

For ham radio repair I'd rather have an HP 8920b  or 8921a with the right options. You'd have a RF signal generator, spectrum analyzer, 100 watt dummy load/power meter, frequency counter, etc. You could tune filters and duplexers as well. And measure return loss (swr) if you add a cheap directional coupler. All from 0.4 to 1000 MHz.

[warnberg]

An HP 8920 That's about twice the budget... used... guess I'd better keep saving my pennies

[nctnico]

IMHO the 8920's  can be bought much cheaper. Don't go by asking prices but make a lowball offer because they are old, very heavy and limited.

[tautech]

If you scroll back through this Test Equipment board there's been a # of threads lately that can possibly give you some guidance.
These two are worth a look:
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/comparison-rigol-dsa815-tg-with-siglent-ssa3021x-spectrum-analyzer/
Keep an eye out for the spreadsheets by member videobruce.
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/used-spectrum-analyzer-buyer's-guide/

[kj7e]

A Tektronix 2712 will do everything you want and do it well, they can be found for under 1G in good condition.  I used a 2712 for many years, until my old company bought me an Agilent E4402B (I miss that device).

[Joel_l]

I have one ( 8920B) in the for sale section. It's in great shape.

[usagi]

for HAM use especialy HF, you will want low RBW, and you wont care at all about huge spans.

[tecman]

I picked up a Tek 2714 from ebay for $600.  1.8 ghz range.  Needed a minor repair (keypad partially unresponsive-needed a 74LS chip replaced).  It is a cable TV intended unit and has a 75 ohm input.  You can set it to be a standard analyzer.  Just don't use the canned special CATV modes.  Looking at the circuit in the manual, it is a 50 ohm design with a 25 ohm series R in the input connector.  I bought a replacement connector w/o any R for about $ 15.  i did not recal, so the absolute amplitude accuracy is off a few db, but works great for me.

paul

[KD0CAC John]

Similar boat here , but lot of questions to help batter guide .
What are you intended ideas on why you need a spectrum analyzer , do you have the space for larger non portable ?
With the mention of the HP , that is kinda there .
Then what abilities do you have for diagnosing / repair , even if you find a working unit , and relative to your starting position - the HP .
You will find that , there is repair in your future , power supplies / electrolytic's .
I would venture to guess , the vast majority of used gear has issues somewhere in some function , unless you buy a refurbished unit - but now your looking at $$$ .
Before I suggest other options [ VNA etc. ] you want a tracking generator , either internal or external - like the HP T141 .
So already mentioned the Rigol 815TG , is minimal , but suitable for ham radio and near your budget .
Depending on what your intended wants / needs , something like a miniVNA Pro http://miniradiosolutions.com/54-2/ may get you started , but I want both .
Something that can cover 2 areas of ham repair bench , a scope with FFT [ the spectrum analyze aspect is limited , but useful ] .
Putting a bench together , can be big / many devices .
So what gear do you have already ? 

[cncjerry]

I love my 8566b ($500), 8568b's ($500 and $175) and I also have an Advantest r3131 with TG ($750).   The HP are large but very, very functional and easy to repair with tons of support on the web.  I bought all on craigs list and there are two more HP locally listed in San Francisco right now.  I wouldn't hesitate to use them for everything related to ham radio below 1.5G.

[bozidarms]

Without  too much thinking - Siglent SSA3021!
Regards