Radio test set recommendations

[k8tek]

Hello all,

I am looking for < $1,000 options for a radio test set.  I need to be able to make the following adjustments to the radio.

• measure power level
• measure frequency
• generate frequencies to tune radio

I would also like to use the test set as an oscilloscope and spectrum analizer.  (tracking generator a plus, but not required)

I don't know a whole lot about the Rhode & Schwarz CMU-200 but this looks like it might fit the bill.  I was also looking at the HP 8924, but that thing is a dinosaur. 

[Brainbox]

The CMU200 is a great communication tester for frequency's from 10 to 2700 MHz.
Almost all of them come with a load of options you will never need and never use.
They are specific to test cell phones but for general tests of no use.
You can simply remove those boards to speed up the start-up  and reduce power consumption.
Some of them also have the audio option to analyse audio signals and to generate them.

[TheBay]

Hello all,

I am looking for < $1,000 options for a radio test set.  I need to be able to make the following adjustments to the radio.

• measure power level
• measure frequency
• generate frequencies to tune radio

I would also like to use the test set as an oscilloscope and spectrum analizer.  (tracking generator a plus, but not required)

I don't know a whole lot about the Rhode & Schwarz CMU-200 but this looks like it might fit the bill.  I was also looking at the HP 8924, but that thing is a dinosaur.

You don't state what use and frequencies needed?

[oh2ftu]

I was in the exact same position about a month back. So I went and purchased a CMU200.
It really is nice. Spectrum analyzer, signal generator, might have a second generator (mind the 2W input in that case!), power meter etc.
You might get one with the B41 option, ie. audio analyzer.

But here's the rub that I ran into. I cannot use the RF signal generator to put out 1kHz audio @ 3,5kHz deviation AND measure the radio equipments audio deviation at the same time. It's one or the other. Some might say it's doable with CMUgo or some other format of remote control.
And the other rub, it does not show demodulated fm audio deviation from a received RF-signal! It is however possible to measure it manually using minimun and maximum values from the SA, but it's some work.

So. I'm a bit stumped. Gladly I got it a tad under ebay-prices, but still.

So I'm back at square one. Option 1, try to enable option K29 (AMPS) to see if that might help. But they're not available from R&S anymore. So that's that then.
Option 2: Get another one, they are quite cheap - especially since Microsoft shut down factories in Finland.
Option 3: Get a service monitor, CMT, CMTA, CMA, CMS. But these go for kidneys and testicles on ebay.

So to sum it up; It's not the best service monitor, there are better (older) available for the same price that are better as service monitors.

[k8tek]

100 MHz to 1 GHz

[TheSteve]

I'd recommend an HP 8920A, 8920B or 8921A - but they generally won't be in your budget.