RadioBanter - View Single Post

March 6th 05, 08:43 PM

wrote in news:1110132510.879329.152610
@g14g2000cwa.googlegroups.com:

Panzer240 wrote:
dbu wrote in
:

I already have a scope which I use on my work bench, but it sits a
lot
not being used, so it would be kind of handy to plug in a device
which
would enable it to be used as a SA or panadapter type scope for the

shack. This would make my scope much more useful. Anything like
that
around?

Alas I am not aware of such an item. But there maybe someone else who

does. Heathkit made anumber of these in kit form for thier Amateur

Radio kit and you do see them on Ebay and other places. Designed for
use
with the SB-XXX series mostly they do have specific needs as to IF
frequency etc. Thta info is easly available and using it, I'm sure
they
could be adapted quite easily to othere readios that have similar
IF's.

Scopes are very versatile instruments, and can be used for a number
of
purposes right out of the box. The accuracy of results depends on the

"quality" of the instrument. Suitable setup and interpretation of
results
will allow you to make Voltage (p-to-p and RMS) frequency, phase
measurements. Newer instruments have these built in and display them
on
screen without the need to eyeball the waveform and do mental
arithmetic.
Back in the day... the reason an electronics nerd kit included a
small
pocket slide rule was to do quick calculations based on the observed
waveform and control setting While it was fun, I much prefer the
newer
gear, with its on screen of voltage, frequency etc along with the
waveform.

For me at least the most useful peice of test gear is the service
monitor.
Even if you are using it as test gear it can be used as receiver to
tune
in local broadcast stations and send them annoying critiques of their

signal deficencies

Thanks to all for the input, I really appreciate the help. The
Service Monitor idea sounds absolutely perfect! But I was wondering,
because it encompasses so many different instruments into one unit,
does the accuracy or capabilities of each unit suffer a bit, or is it
priced like that of a second home? Who makes a decent Service Monitor
between $3000 to $5000? I tried to follow one response to a link on
Ebay but the item had already expired. Thanks again to everyone.
B. Taylor

Do a Search on Ebay for:

Service Monitor -Sony -"Computer Monitor"

That should get you most of what is currently available. Amkes that I have
used include Cushman, IFR, Marconi, and Motorola. As for prices, your
indicated price range should allow you to find a very suitable instrument.
Look at options carefully. e.g. If the unit has cellular testing
capabilities and you are not repairing or install such things, you really
don't need the capability. But if you do a lot of HF work then having one
with SSB capability would be a great idead

. For amateur radio and SWL
interests one that does AM/FM/SSB would probably be ideal.

Good Hunting !!! And as with all Ebay transactions Caveat Emptor !!!

--
Panzer