Making a basic spectrum analyzer isn't very hard. What's hard is to make
one that has a high dynamic range while at the same time maintaining a
decent noise figure, and one that's free from spurs. Filter quality
(slope factor) and number of bandwidth options are areas that were
expensive and therefore often slighted, although that's probably done
now with digital filtering. I'd take a close look at those specs, and be
cautious if they're absent. There's a reason the well known companies
are well known. They've earned their reputations by producing quality
equipment that always meets the advertised specifications.

Sorry, while I know just what a spectrum analyzer is, I don't know about
a "field strength analyzer".

Roy Lewallen, W7EL

Joel Kolstad wrote:

"J Autt" wrote in message
om...

I am looking for a handheld Spectrum Analyzer BK2650 (Link1 below) or
Field Strength Analyzer Protek 3290 (Link2). The problem is that I
cannot see the major differences between them, yet there's a major
price difference of $1000-2000. Can anyone tell me what the major
differences between a spectrum analyzer and Field Strength Analyzer?


Off-the-cuff, I'd suggest that one large reason for the price difference
that while B+K Precision is a pretty 'well known' US company (not in the
same league as, say, Fluke, but close), Protek is a Taiwanese company that
is nowhere near as well known. Their manufacturing costs may be
significantly less as well. I have a "GC Electronics" brand power supply
that's a virtual clone of a Tektronix power supply... it cost something like
$600, while the Real McCoy was more like $1300!

I'll be curious to see what others have to say...