Anritsu MS2721B w/TG - Any good?

[W4PJB]

Hi All! I have the option to purchase an Anritsu MS2721B with option 20 (tracking generator) for a good price. All I know of it is it powers on and passes the self test.

For anyone with experience using these spectrum analyzers, what is the probability this will be a functioning, reasonably accurate unit if it passes the self test?

[DaJMasta]

It, and more generally similar units from Anritsu, have pretty good RF performance - a low DANL, a full range of RBW options, basic demodulation, power measurement, and analysis tools, but it will be a slower sweep speed with fewer input/output options than a fully featured desktop unit.  In my experience, these earlier generation handheld units are also a little slow to respond - the E series with the touchscreen is noticeably more responsive and personally, I think it adds a lot to the feel and usability of it.  The older models will do most of the same stuff and with the same accuracy, but they are less of a pleasure to use.

As to whether this one will have an issue - you have to be willing to accept the risk.  While its self test is at least as comprehensive as any other spectrum analyzer, Anritsu generally doesn't release repair manuals or offer service information aside from board/assembly replacements (and probably not on a unit this old), and these handheld analyzers are highly integrated, so probing and troubleshooting may be more difficult than with desktop SAs should you find the need to.  If you need an SA and this would be your only one, I wouldn't buy one that hasn't been tested to be good, but if you've got a fallback or are dipping your toes in and don't have a solid use case, maybe the gamble can be worth it.

[W4PJB]

Thank you very much for your reply. I understand that a portable unit is a compromise but for my use I believe a handheld SA is the best option. I'm just a simple hobbyist that wants to play around with HF/UHF/VHF/WiFi antennas and filters, and perhaps do some signal hunting. For that last purpose, only a mobile unit makes sense for me. The MS2721 is way above my needs but the price is very right if it's not a dud as the other options are pretty much all boat anchors if I want to include a TG.

Great info about this unit likely no longer being supported by Anritsu and about Anritsu support in general. That would leave me at the mercy of independent board repair or instrument repair shops. I'll have to take that into consideration.

I've asked the vendor (a reputable company in the equipment business) if this unit includes an inspection and return period, or if it's as is/where is only. I expect I won't hear back before the holiday but that's fine. The price is about 1/2 of the going rate or less, so assuming it functions and is 95% accurate, it will do everything I need and exponentially more.

I guess a more pointed question is: Has anyone owned of of these that passed a self-test and NOT functioned?