Rigol, Siglent, others ... cal kit cross-support?

[EE-digger]

I'm in the process of downsizing and have only looked at the newer RSA/VNA models for a few hours.  I've been fortunate to have a 6GHz PNA for a handful of years and may move to a 3GHz model from one of these brands.

Do either of these companies support other's cal kits, like Agilent/Keysight, Anritsu, etc.?  If not, do they at least allow adequate entry of the cal kit parameters?

I understand the deeper dig tradeoffs and don't expect a 16lb. PNA for $3500.

There was some mention, possibly in a review, of less than stellar calibration of S11.  Have you found this to be a problem?

[rsjsouza]

I am not sure if I understood exactly what you are looking for, but what do you currently have as a cal kit? If it is a purely mechanical cal kit such as the HP 85033E, then it should be usable across any brand. However, if you have an E-cal such as the HP 85093, then I would stay within the same brand - I don't think different brands will "talk" to each other.

[EE-digger]

Yes, mechanical, 85033D and an Anritsu N type Tee.  And to be more clear, I really would just like to know that these instruments can take all the parameters from these kits.  And that they're not simplified or a different topology to match their own kits.

[rsjsouza]

This will not be a problem with any decent VNA, especially S11 which is the most fundamental measure. Just be sure to do the calibration including the cables you will be using with your measurements (be sure they are in good condition).
If you are going to need two port calibration (S21, S12, S22), make sure to check if the equipment's manual covers the cal procedure before making the purchase. That should be mostly standard across the board, but you will want to know what to expect. If possible, rent or get a demo unit before making the purchase.

By all means, don't get rid of your cal kit if it is in good state. Those things are precious.

[tautech]

I'm in the process of downsizing and have only looked at the newer RSA/VNA models for a few hours.  I've been fortunate to have a 6GHz PNA for a handful of years and may move to a 3GHz model from one of these brands.

Do either of these companies support other's cal kits, like Agilent/Keysight, Anritsu, etc.?  If not, do they at least allow adequate entry of the cal kit parameters?

I understand the deeper dig tradeoffs and don't expect a 16lb. PNA for $3500.

There was some mention, possibly in a review, of less than stellar calibration of S11.  Have you found this to be a problem?

No access to gear while on holiday but Siglent VNAs do offer a range of HP Cal kits within their Cal menu.
Some models also allow for Cal kit parameters to be manually added if you have them but you can always save a calibration with a name of your choice.
Cal kit info:
https://siglentna.com/wp-content/uploads/dlm_uploads/2023/08/Mechanical-Calibration-Kit-Datasheet_EN01A-.pdf

[EE-digger]

... If possible, rent or get a demo unit before making the purchase.

By all means, don't get rid of your cal kit if it is in good state. Those things are precious.

A demo is a good idea and I think that's possible.  And yes, they are precious.  I lucked into the Agilent 85033D three hole standard several years ago in good condition.  Do most of my work at an SMA (or smaller) end to the target.  Mostly antenna matching to PCB and some customs.

I had a client buy one of the Rigol RSAs last summer and I was quite pleased with that.  I'm a big Agilent / Keysight fan, especially for SAs but damn, that thing looked fine.

[EE-digger]

No access to gear while on holiday but Siglent VNAs do offer a range of HP Cal kits within their Cal menu.
Some models also allow for Cal kit parameters to be manually added if you have them but you can always save a calibration with a name of your choice.
Cal kit info:
https://siglentna.com/wp-content/uploads/dlm_uploads/2023/08/Mechanical-Calibration-Kit-Datasheet_EN01A-.pdf

I'll have to take a look at that menu.  That's fantastic.  I know you've been a dealer for a while.  How long can one expect to get repair service or parts?  Has Siglent made any commitment to product support for X years?

[tautech]

No access to gear while on holiday but Siglent VNAs do offer a range of HP Cal kits within their Cal menu.
Some models also allow for Cal kit parameters to be manually added if you have them but you can always save a calibration with a name of your choice.
Cal kit info:
https://siglentna.com/wp-content/uploads/dlm_uploads/2023/08/Mechanical-Calibration-Kit-Datasheet_EN01A-.pdf

I'll have to take a look at that menu.  That's fantastic.  I know you've been a dealer for a while.  How long can one expect to get repair service or parts?  Has Siglent made any commitment to product support for X years?

Check the user manuals for images of the Cal kits installed UI.
Maybe another member can take a screenshot with their SNA.

As for parts support, SSA3kX Plus/SNA1kX are current HW but parts for the older SSA3kX but still current models are certainly still available while they are still on sale.
Some parts for now obsolete models are getting hard to get but there still is stock for the popular models last I enquired.