"Pete KE9OA" wrote in
news
I would buy both of them. An oscilloscope is something you really need
for doing signal tracing, etc. while a spectrum analyzer is a must if
you are doing synthesizer/oscillator/transmitter design. I have both of
them and use them all of the time. Other good things to have are an RF
power meter, modulation meter, frequency counter, broadband noise
source, RF generator, DVM, VOM, and a good variable power supply. This
just scratches the surface, depending on your needs.

Pete



The choice between the two depends on what you are most interested in
doing. Since both these instruments are designed for different tasks.
However if you are looking for a good all purpose Swiss Army knife sort of
tool for general ham useage, I would look at a gadget called a service
monitor. Depending on make and model, you can find one that combines the
features of most of the instruments on Pete's list They usually have a
scope that will do af and also act as a spectrum analyzer along with power
meters,signal generator,frequency/modulation meter perhaps a DVM etc. All
in one handy dandy portable package.

Here is an example of one of the many on Ebay at present.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...84288 71&rd=1

As a general purpose test and troubleshooting tool I find these hard to beat!!

--
Panzer