I would like to get an FM deviation meter that could be used for tuning transmitters in at least the 2m band, and preferably in the 70cm. (at the moment I'm trying to tune an APRS beacon, but I'm sure there'll be other uses)
Unfortunately, I have never used one and know nothing about them. There's always a number of used ones on ebay, but I don't know what's worth getting. Something reasonably easy to use and not huge would be great (there are some vintage ones on eBaywith CRT scopes and tubes that appear to be enormous and difficult) . I'm fine with an older used one (though not one that would require a ton of TLC) or a new one, as long as it gave me reasonable results. Ability to go down to very low power levels would also be helpful.
Price on the lower end (under $500? Better yet under $300 or so?) would be a big plus.
I'd love a full-blown service monitor, but those are too expensive, even used.
I've been using an RTL-SDR dongle to try to do this, but I spend so much time fighting the dongle I never know if an error is in the transmitter or in my failure to correctly use the software. Which is why I'd like a standalone unit.
I'd appreciate recommendations for specific makes and models.
Maybe something like this:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Marconi-Instruments-AM-FM-Modulation-Meter-ANALYZER-TF2300B/232488057811?epid=1624645396&hash=item36215e3bd3:g:jNwAAOSwi8xaQkK5 ? Though it still seems on the big side...
Or maybe just an MFJ-224? Though I've never been a fan of MFJ products....