JF
J. Forster
Thu, Jan 21, 2010 8:22 PM
I made the mistake of setting up a purpose-built lab once, and soon
discovered to do most things, you really need at least a basic general
purpose lab.
The only exception is, I suppose, if you are going to repair a specific
instrument and do nothing else.
Also, as others have pointed out, you really need to define what are your
area(s) of interest. Specialized gear gets $$$ pretty quickly.
-John
====================
John,
That sounds like asking what is the best vehicle for you to buy. If you do
not know what you want to do with it, I am not sure we can help you all
that much. However, if you have a specific objective, I am sure you will
get a lot of valuable information here.
You have a (good) analog scope, you may want a power supply or two, a
soldering iron and maybe a desoldering station if you do surface mount.
You also want a good hand-held multimeter. Some sort of signal or function
generator may be useful too. These vary widely depending on frequency
range and features. There is no good single answer to any of these
questions without knowing more about what you do with it.
Many of us on this list have more than one of pretty much everything (I am
guilty of that too) to reflect the fact that no single instrument is
universal, with possibly one exception: my favorite hand held DMM is a
Fluke 8060A, but I am sure some people will have another favorite :)
Don't start spending what little money you have until you know what you
need. If you just need to spend money, may I interest you in a wonderful
business opportunity in Nigeria?
Didier KO4BB
------------------------ Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless thingy while I
do other things...
-----Original Message-----
From: John Foege john.foege@gmail.com
Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:35:22
To: Discussion of precise time and frequency
measurementtime-nuts@febo.com
Subject: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
I realize that this e-mail is somewhat off topic, however, I also
believe that I will get some of the best answers from the members of
this list:
I have recently started to build an electronics lab, and am currently
trying to acquire test and general equipment for my little basement
workshop of horrors. So far, being on a limited budget, I have
acquired a Tek 2465A in good working order, a Fluke 1953A counter, and
my little gem (ok not quite so little) HP5345A with the 4-ghz freq
converter plugin w/ opt 11 & 12.
I'd just like to ask everyone what they would be, if they were in my
shoes, attempting to acquire. Unforunately, however, I am just out of
engineering school and not working with much of a budget here. I'd
kill to have all the fancy gear some of you nuts have.
I'd really love a DSO instead of the Tek 2465A I have. I'd kill for a
good spectrum analyzer or VNA etc.
Any suggestions on what I should acquire and/or suggestions for
economical equipment that I should make that is a must have? I am a
good DIYer when it comes to building equipment, so often I attempt to
build that which I cannot afford.
I appreciate everyone's' opinions in advance. Thank you.
Sincerely,
John Foege
KB1FSX
starving-engineer!
time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
To unsubscribe, go to
https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
and follow the instructions there.
time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
To unsubscribe, go to
https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
and follow the instructions there.
I made the mistake of setting up a purpose-built lab once, and soon
discovered to do most things, you really need at least a basic general
purpose lab.
The only exception is, I suppose, if you are going to repair a specific
instrument and do nothing else.
Also, as others have pointed out, you really need to define what are your
area(s) of interest. Specialized gear gets $$$ pretty quickly.
-John
====================
> John,
>
> That sounds like asking what is the best vehicle for you to buy. If you do
> not know what you want to do with it, I am not sure we can help you all
> that much. However, if you have a specific objective, I am sure you will
> get a lot of valuable information here.
>
> You have a (good) analog scope, you may want a power supply or two, a
> soldering iron and maybe a desoldering station if you do surface mount.
> You also want a good hand-held multimeter. Some sort of signal or function
> generator may be useful too. These vary widely depending on frequency
> range and features. There is no good single answer to any of these
> questions without knowing more about what you do with it.
>
> Many of us on this list have more than one of pretty much everything (I am
> guilty of that too) to reflect the fact that no single instrument is
> universal, with possibly one exception: my favorite hand held DMM is a
> Fluke 8060A, but I am sure some people will have another favorite :)
>
> Don't start spending what little money you have until you know what you
> need. If you just need to spend money, may I interest you in a wonderful
> business opportunity in Nigeria?
>
> Didier KO4BB
>
>
> ------------------------ Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless thingy while I
> do other things...
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: John Foege <john.foege@gmail.com>
> Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:35:22
> To: Discussion of precise time and frequency
> measurement<time-nuts@febo.com>
> Subject: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
>
> I realize that this e-mail is somewhat off topic, however, I also
> believe that I will get some of the best answers from the members of
> this list:
>
> I have recently started to build an electronics lab, and am currently
> trying to acquire test and general equipment for my little basement
> workshop of horrors. So far, being on a limited budget, I have
> acquired a Tek 2465A in good working order, a Fluke 1953A counter, and
> my little gem (ok not quite so little) HP5345A with the 4-ghz freq
> converter plugin w/ opt 11 & 12.
>
> I'd just like to ask everyone what they would be, if they were in my
> shoes, attempting to acquire. Unforunately, however, I am just out of
> engineering school and not working with much of a budget here. I'd
> kill to have all the fancy gear some of you nuts have.
>
> I'd really love a DSO instead of the Tek 2465A I have. I'd kill for a
> good spectrum analyzer or VNA etc.
>
> Any suggestions on what I should acquire and/or suggestions for
> economical equipment that I should make that is a must have? I am a
> good DIYer when it comes to building equipment, so often I attempt to
> build that which I cannot afford.
>
> I appreciate everyone's' opinions in advance. Thank you.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> John Foege
> KB1FSX
> starving-engineer!
>
> _______________________________________________
> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
> To unsubscribe, go to
> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
> and follow the instructions there.
> _______________________________________________
> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
> To unsubscribe, go to
> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
> and follow the instructions there.
>
>
JF
john.foege@gmail.com
Thu, Jan 21, 2010 8:43 PM
Just that John, I'm looking to setup a general purpose lab. I'd lean towards RF type stuff since I'm a HAM.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
-----Original Message-----
From: "J. Forster" jfor@quik.com
Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 12:22:11
To: didier@cox.net; Discussion of precise time and frequency measurementtime-nuts@febo.com
Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
I made the mistake of setting up a purpose-built lab once, and soon
discovered to do most things, you really need at least a basic general
purpose lab.
The only exception is, I suppose, if you are going to repair a specific
instrument and do nothing else.
Also, as others have pointed out, you really need to define what are your
area(s) of interest. Specialized gear gets $$$ pretty quickly.
-John
====================
John,
That sounds like asking what is the best vehicle for you to buy. If you do
not know what you want to do with it, I am not sure we can help you all
that much. However, if you have a specific objective, I am sure you will
get a lot of valuable information here.
You have a (good) analog scope, you may want a power supply or two, a
soldering iron and maybe a desoldering station if you do surface mount.
You also want a good hand-held multimeter. Some sort of signal or function
generator may be useful too. These vary widely depending on frequency
range and features. There is no good single answer to any of these
questions without knowing more about what you do with it.
Many of us on this list have more than one of pretty much everything (I am
guilty of that too) to reflect the fact that no single instrument is
universal, with possibly one exception: my favorite hand held DMM is a
Fluke 8060A, but I am sure some people will have another favorite :)
Don't start spending what little money you have until you know what you
need. If you just need to spend money, may I interest you in a wonderful
business opportunity in Nigeria?
Didier KO4BB
------------------------ Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless thingy while I
do other things...
-----Original Message-----
From: John Foege john.foege@gmail.com
Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:35:22
To: Discussion of precise time and frequency
measurementtime-nuts@febo.com
Subject: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
I realize that this e-mail is somewhat off topic, however, I also
believe that I will get some of the best answers from the members of
this list:
I have recently started to build an electronics lab, and am currently
trying to acquire test and general equipment for my little basement
workshop of horrors. So far, being on a limited budget, I have
acquired a Tek 2465A in good working order, a Fluke 1953A counter, and
my little gem (ok not quite so little) HP5345A with the 4-ghz freq
converter plugin w/ opt 11 & 12.
I'd just like to ask everyone what they would be, if they were in my
shoes, attempting to acquire. Unforunately, however, I am just out of
engineering school and not working with much of a budget here. I'd
kill to have all the fancy gear some of you nuts have.
I'd really love a DSO instead of the Tek 2465A I have. I'd kill for a
good spectrum analyzer or VNA etc.
Any suggestions on what I should acquire and/or suggestions for
economical equipment that I should make that is a must have? I am a
good DIYer when it comes to building equipment, so often I attempt to
build that which I cannot afford.
I appreciate everyone's' opinions in advance. Thank you.
Sincerely,
John Foege
KB1FSX
starving-engineer!
time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
To unsubscribe, go to
https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
and follow the instructions there.
time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
To unsubscribe, go to
https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
and follow the instructions there.
Just that John, I'm looking to setup a general purpose lab. I'd lean towards RF type stuff since I'm a HAM.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
-----Original Message-----
From: "J. Forster" <jfor@quik.com>
Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 12:22:11
To: <didier@cox.net>; Discussion of precise time and frequency measurement<time-nuts@febo.com>
Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
I made the mistake of setting up a purpose-built lab once, and soon
discovered to do most things, you really need at least a basic general
purpose lab.
The only exception is, I suppose, if you are going to repair a specific
instrument and do nothing else.
Also, as others have pointed out, you really need to define what are your
area(s) of interest. Specialized gear gets $$$ pretty quickly.
-John
====================
> John,
>
> That sounds like asking what is the best vehicle for you to buy. If you do
> not know what you want to do with it, I am not sure we can help you all
> that much. However, if you have a specific objective, I am sure you will
> get a lot of valuable information here.
>
> You have a (good) analog scope, you may want a power supply or two, a
> soldering iron and maybe a desoldering station if you do surface mount.
> You also want a good hand-held multimeter. Some sort of signal or function
> generator may be useful too. These vary widely depending on frequency
> range and features. There is no good single answer to any of these
> questions without knowing more about what you do with it.
>
> Many of us on this list have more than one of pretty much everything (I am
> guilty of that too) to reflect the fact that no single instrument is
> universal, with possibly one exception: my favorite hand held DMM is a
> Fluke 8060A, but I am sure some people will have another favorite :)
>
> Don't start spending what little money you have until you know what you
> need. If you just need to spend money, may I interest you in a wonderful
> business opportunity in Nigeria?
>
> Didier KO4BB
>
>
> ------------------------ Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless thingy while I
> do other things...
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: John Foege <john.foege@gmail.com>
> Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:35:22
> To: Discussion of precise time and frequency
> measurement<time-nuts@febo.com>
> Subject: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
>
> I realize that this e-mail is somewhat off topic, however, I also
> believe that I will get some of the best answers from the members of
> this list:
>
> I have recently started to build an electronics lab, and am currently
> trying to acquire test and general equipment for my little basement
> workshop of horrors. So far, being on a limited budget, I have
> acquired a Tek 2465A in good working order, a Fluke 1953A counter, and
> my little gem (ok not quite so little) HP5345A with the 4-ghz freq
> converter plugin w/ opt 11 & 12.
>
> I'd just like to ask everyone what they would be, if they were in my
> shoes, attempting to acquire. Unforunately, however, I am just out of
> engineering school and not working with much of a budget here. I'd
> kill to have all the fancy gear some of you nuts have.
>
> I'd really love a DSO instead of the Tek 2465A I have. I'd kill for a
> good spectrum analyzer or VNA etc.
>
> Any suggestions on what I should acquire and/or suggestions for
> economical equipment that I should make that is a must have? I am a
> good DIYer when it comes to building equipment, so often I attempt to
> build that which I cannot afford.
>
> I appreciate everyone's' opinions in advance. Thank you.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> John Foege
> KB1FSX
> starving-engineer!
>
> _______________________________________________
> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
> To unsubscribe, go to
> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
> and follow the instructions there.
> _______________________________________________
> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
> To unsubscribe, go to
> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
> and follow the instructions there.
>
>
_______________________________________________
time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
and follow the instructions there.
NG
Neil Gruending
Thu, Jan 21, 2010 8:55 PM
Then you need some multimeters, function generators and power
supplies. The available options vary widely based on your budget.
Neil
On Thu, Jan 21, 2010 at 12:43 PM, john.foege@gmail.com wrote:
Just that John, I'm looking to setup a general purpose lab. I'd lean towards RF type stuff since I'm a HAM.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
Then you need some multimeters, function generators and power
supplies. The available options vary widely based on your budget.
Neil
On Thu, Jan 21, 2010 at 12:43 PM, <john.foege@gmail.com> wrote:
> Just that John, I'm looking to setup a general purpose lab. I'd lean towards RF type stuff since I'm a HAM.
> Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
>
JA
John Ackermann N8UR
Thu, Jan 21, 2010 9:13 PM
If RF measurement is your bag, and you're able to spend a couple of $K
(actually, <$2K if what I've seen recently holds), consider a
communications service monitor like the HP
8920A/8920B/8921/8924/8935/E8285 (all pretty much the same thing).
You get an RF generator, RF power meter, RX frequency meter and
modulation analyzer, audio generator, audio analyzer, digital o'scope,
and in most units a spectrum analyzer (many have a tracking generator,
too) in one box. And I've probably forgotten a few things. If you get
one with spec analyzer and tracking generator, there's software that
lets you do swept insertion/return loss and cable fault finding.
None of its capabilities are as good as those of a dedicated box
performing a single function, but they're good enough for the vast
majority of uses. An 8920 was the first significant piece of test gear
I bought, and if I ever have to sell out, it'll be the last one to go.
The prices came down a lot when Lucent surplused hundreds (thousands?)
of them from their portable and cell phone production lines. I saw an
8935 with spec an, fully functional (as far as I could tell) for about
$1500 this summer.
A guy who sells and services a lot of these boxes is Rick at
http://www.amtronix.com -- that web site will give you lots of info
about the various versions and options. (I just noticed he has some
Agilent 8285As as a "hobbyist special" with spec an and tracking
generator for $650. That looks like a deal.)
John
john.foege@gmail.com said the following on 01/21/2010 03:43 PM:
Just that John, I'm looking to setup a general purpose lab. I'd lean towards RF type stuff since I'm a HAM.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
-----Original Message-----
From: "J. Forster" jfor@quik.com
Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 12:22:11
To: didier@cox.net; Discussion of precise time and frequency measurementtime-nuts@febo.com
Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
I made the mistake of setting up a purpose-built lab once, and soon
discovered to do most things, you really need at least a basic general
purpose lab.
The only exception is, I suppose, if you are going to repair a specific
instrument and do nothing else.
Also, as others have pointed out, you really need to define what are your
area(s) of interest. Specialized gear gets $$$ pretty quickly.
-John
====================
John,
That sounds like asking what is the best vehicle for you to buy. If you do
not know what you want to do with it, I am not sure we can help you all
that much. However, if you have a specific objective, I am sure you will
get a lot of valuable information here.
You have a (good) analog scope, you may want a power supply or two, a
soldering iron and maybe a desoldering station if you do surface mount.
You also want a good hand-held multimeter. Some sort of signal or function
generator may be useful too. These vary widely depending on frequency
range and features. There is no good single answer to any of these
questions without knowing more about what you do with it.
Many of us on this list have more than one of pretty much everything (I am
guilty of that too) to reflect the fact that no single instrument is
universal, with possibly one exception: my favorite hand held DMM is a
Fluke 8060A, but I am sure some people will have another favorite :)
Don't start spending what little money you have until you know what you
need. If you just need to spend money, may I interest you in a wonderful
business opportunity in Nigeria?
Didier KO4BB
------------------------ Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless thingy while I
do other things...
-----Original Message-----
From: John Foege john.foege@gmail.com
Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:35:22
To: Discussion of precise time and frequency
measurementtime-nuts@febo.com
Subject: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
I realize that this e-mail is somewhat off topic, however, I also
believe that I will get some of the best answers from the members of
this list:
I have recently started to build an electronics lab, and am currently
trying to acquire test and general equipment for my little basement
workshop of horrors. So far, being on a limited budget, I have
acquired a Tek 2465A in good working order, a Fluke 1953A counter, and
my little gem (ok not quite so little) HP5345A with the 4-ghz freq
converter plugin w/ opt 11 & 12.
I'd just like to ask everyone what they would be, if they were in my
shoes, attempting to acquire. Unforunately, however, I am just out of
engineering school and not working with much of a budget here. I'd
kill to have all the fancy gear some of you nuts have.
I'd really love a DSO instead of the Tek 2465A I have. I'd kill for a
good spectrum analyzer or VNA etc.
Any suggestions on what I should acquire and/or suggestions for
economical equipment that I should make that is a must have? I am a
good DIYer when it comes to building equipment, so often I attempt to
build that which I cannot afford.
I appreciate everyone's' opinions in advance. Thank you.
Sincerely,
John Foege
KB1FSX
starving-engineer!
time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
To unsubscribe, go to
https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
and follow the instructions there.
time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
To unsubscribe, go to
https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
and follow the instructions there.
If RF measurement is your bag, and you're able to spend a couple of $K
(actually, <$2K if what I've seen recently holds), consider a
communications service monitor like the HP
8920A/8920B/8921/8924/8935/E8285 (all pretty much the same thing).
You get an RF generator, RF power meter, RX frequency meter and
modulation analyzer, audio generator, audio analyzer, digital o'scope,
and in most units a spectrum analyzer (many have a tracking generator,
too) in one box. And I've probably forgotten a few things. If you get
one with spec analyzer and tracking generator, there's software that
lets you do swept insertion/return loss and cable fault finding.
None of its capabilities are as good as those of a dedicated box
performing a single function, but they're good enough for the vast
majority of uses. An 8920 was the first significant piece of test gear
I bought, and if I ever have to sell out, it'll be the last one to go.
The prices came down a lot when Lucent surplused hundreds (thousands?)
of them from their portable and cell phone production lines. I saw an
8935 with spec an, fully functional (as far as I could tell) for about
$1500 this summer.
A guy who sells and services a lot of these boxes is Rick at
http://www.amtronix.com -- that web site will give you lots of info
about the various versions and options. (I just noticed he has some
Agilent 8285As as a "hobbyist special" with spec an and tracking
generator for $650. That looks like a deal.)
John
----
john.foege@gmail.com said the following on 01/21/2010 03:43 PM:
> Just that John, I'm looking to setup a general purpose lab. I'd lean towards RF type stuff since I'm a HAM.
> Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: "J. Forster" <jfor@quik.com>
> Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 12:22:11
> To: <didier@cox.net>; Discussion of precise time and frequency measurement<time-nuts@febo.com>
> Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
>
> I made the mistake of setting up a purpose-built lab once, and soon
> discovered to do most things, you really need at least a basic general
> purpose lab.
>
> The only exception is, I suppose, if you are going to repair a specific
> instrument and do nothing else.
>
> Also, as others have pointed out, you really need to define what are your
> area(s) of interest. Specialized gear gets $$$ pretty quickly.
>
> -John
>
> ====================
>
>> John,
>>
>> That sounds like asking what is the best vehicle for you to buy. If you do
>> not know what you want to do with it, I am not sure we can help you all
>> that much. However, if you have a specific objective, I am sure you will
>> get a lot of valuable information here.
>>
>> You have a (good) analog scope, you may want a power supply or two, a
>> soldering iron and maybe a desoldering station if you do surface mount.
>> You also want a good hand-held multimeter. Some sort of signal or function
>> generator may be useful too. These vary widely depending on frequency
>> range and features. There is no good single answer to any of these
>> questions without knowing more about what you do with it.
>>
>> Many of us on this list have more than one of pretty much everything (I am
>> guilty of that too) to reflect the fact that no single instrument is
>> universal, with possibly one exception: my favorite hand held DMM is a
>> Fluke 8060A, but I am sure some people will have another favorite :)
>>
>> Don't start spending what little money you have until you know what you
>> need. If you just need to spend money, may I interest you in a wonderful
>> business opportunity in Nigeria?
>>
>> Didier KO4BB
>>
>>
>> ------------------------ Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless thingy while I
>> do other things...
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: John Foege <john.foege@gmail.com>
>> Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:35:22
>> To: Discussion of precise time and frequency
>> measurement<time-nuts@febo.com>
>> Subject: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
>>
>> I realize that this e-mail is somewhat off topic, however, I also
>> believe that I will get some of the best answers from the members of
>> this list:
>>
>> I have recently started to build an electronics lab, and am currently
>> trying to acquire test and general equipment for my little basement
>> workshop of horrors. So far, being on a limited budget, I have
>> acquired a Tek 2465A in good working order, a Fluke 1953A counter, and
>> my little gem (ok not quite so little) HP5345A with the 4-ghz freq
>> converter plugin w/ opt 11 & 12.
>>
>> I'd just like to ask everyone what they would be, if they were in my
>> shoes, attempting to acquire. Unforunately, however, I am just out of
>> engineering school and not working with much of a budget here. I'd
>> kill to have all the fancy gear some of you nuts have.
>>
>> I'd really love a DSO instead of the Tek 2465A I have. I'd kill for a
>> good spectrum analyzer or VNA etc.
>>
>> Any suggestions on what I should acquire and/or suggestions for
>> economical equipment that I should make that is a must have? I am a
>> good DIYer when it comes to building equipment, so often I attempt to
>> build that which I cannot afford.
>>
>> I appreciate everyone's' opinions in advance. Thank you.
>>
>> Sincerely,
>>
>> John Foege
>> KB1FSX
>> starving-engineer!
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>> To unsubscribe, go to
>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>> and follow the instructions there.
>> _______________________________________________
>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>> To unsubscribe, go to
>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>> and follow the instructions there.
>>
>>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
> To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
> and follow the instructions there.
> _______________________________________________
> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
> To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
> and follow the instructions there.
DJ
Didier Juges
Thu, Jan 21, 2010 9:31 PM
Another advantage, they don't take 6 feet of bench space and weight 600#
Didier
------------------------ Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless thingy while I do other things...
-----Original Message-----
From: John Ackermann N8UR jra@febo.com
Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 16:13:46
To: john.foege@gmail.com; Discussion of precise time and frequency measurementtime-nuts@febo.com
Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
If RF measurement is your bag, and you're able to spend a couple of $K
(actually, <$2K if what I've seen recently holds), consider a
communications service monitor like the HP
8920A/8920B/8921/8924/8935/E8285 (all pretty much the same thing).
You get an RF generator, RF power meter, RX frequency meter and
modulation analyzer, audio generator, audio analyzer, digital o'scope,
and in most units a spectrum analyzer (many have a tracking generator,
too) in one box. And I've probably forgotten a few things. If you get
one with spec analyzer and tracking generator, there's software that
lets you do swept insertion/return loss and cable fault finding.
None of its capabilities are as good as those of a dedicated box
performing a single function, but they're good enough for the vast
majority of uses. An 8920 was the first significant piece of test gear
I bought, and if I ever have to sell out, it'll be the last one to go.
The prices came down a lot when Lucent surplused hundreds (thousands?)
of them from their portable and cell phone production lines. I saw an
8935 with spec an, fully functional (as far as I could tell) for about
$1500 this summer.
A guy who sells and services a lot of these boxes is Rick at
http://www.amtronix.com -- that web site will give you lots of info
about the various versions and options. (I just noticed he has some
Agilent 8285As as a "hobbyist special" with spec an and tracking
generator for $650. That looks like a deal.)
John
john.foege@gmail.com said the following on 01/21/2010 03:43 PM:
Just that John, I'm looking to setup a general purpose lab. I'd lean towards RF type stuff since I'm a HAM.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
-----Original Message-----
From: "J. Forster" jfor@quik.com
Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 12:22:11
To: didier@cox.net; Discussion of precise time and frequency measurementtime-nuts@febo.com
Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
I made the mistake of setting up a purpose-built lab once, and soon
discovered to do most things, you really need at least a basic general
purpose lab.
The only exception is, I suppose, if you are going to repair a specific
instrument and do nothing else.
Also, as others have pointed out, you really need to define what are your
area(s) of interest. Specialized gear gets $$$ pretty quickly.
-John
====================
John,
That sounds like asking what is the best vehicle for you to buy. If you do
not know what you want to do with it, I am not sure we can help you all
that much. However, if you have a specific objective, I am sure you will
get a lot of valuable information here.
You have a (good) analog scope, you may want a power supply or two, a
soldering iron and maybe a desoldering station if you do surface mount.
You also want a good hand-held multimeter. Some sort of signal or function
generator may be useful too. These vary widely depending on frequency
range and features. There is no good single answer to any of these
questions without knowing more about what you do with it.
Many of us on this list have more than one of pretty much everything (I am
guilty of that too) to reflect the fact that no single instrument is
universal, with possibly one exception: my favorite hand held DMM is a
Fluke 8060A, but I am sure some people will have another favorite :)
Don't start spending what little money you have until you know what you
need. If you just need to spend money, may I interest you in a wonderful
business opportunity in Nigeria?
Didier KO4BB
------------------------ Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless thingy while I
do other things...
-----Original Message-----
From: John Foege john.foege@gmail.com
Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:35:22
To: Discussion of precise time and frequency
measurementtime-nuts@febo.com
Subject: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
I realize that this e-mail is somewhat off topic, however, I also
believe that I will get some of the best answers from the members of
this list:
I have recently started to build an electronics lab, and am currently
trying to acquire test and general equipment for my little basement
workshop of horrors. So far, being on a limited budget, I have
acquired a Tek 2465A in good working order, a Fluke 1953A counter, and
my little gem (ok not quite so little) HP5345A with the 4-ghz freq
converter plugin w/ opt 11 & 12.
I'd just like to ask everyone what they would be, if they were in my
shoes, attempting to acquire. Unforunately, however, I am just out of
engineering school and not working with much of a budget here. I'd
kill to have all the fancy gear some of you nuts have.
I'd really love a DSO instead of the Tek 2465A I have. I'd kill for a
good spectrum analyzer or VNA etc.
Any suggestions on what I should acquire and/or suggestions for
economical equipment that I should make that is a must have? I am a
good DIYer when it comes to building equipment, so often I attempt to
build that which I cannot afford.
I appreciate everyone's' opinions in advance. Thank you.
Sincerely,
John Foege
KB1FSX
starving-engineer!
time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
To unsubscribe, go to
https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
and follow the instructions there.
time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
To unsubscribe, go to
https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
and follow the instructions there.
Another advantage, they don't take 6 feet of bench space and weight 600#
Didier
------------------------ Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless thingy while I do other things...
-----Original Message-----
From: John Ackermann N8UR <jra@febo.com>
Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 16:13:46
To: <john.foege@gmail.com>; Discussion of precise time and frequency measurement<time-nuts@febo.com>
Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
If RF measurement is your bag, and you're able to spend a couple of $K
(actually, <$2K if what I've seen recently holds), consider a
communications service monitor like the HP
8920A/8920B/8921/8924/8935/E8285 (all pretty much the same thing).
You get an RF generator, RF power meter, RX frequency meter and
modulation analyzer, audio generator, audio analyzer, digital o'scope,
and in most units a spectrum analyzer (many have a tracking generator,
too) in one box. And I've probably forgotten a few things. If you get
one with spec analyzer and tracking generator, there's software that
lets you do swept insertion/return loss and cable fault finding.
None of its capabilities are as good as those of a dedicated box
performing a single function, but they're good enough for the vast
majority of uses. An 8920 was the first significant piece of test gear
I bought, and if I ever have to sell out, it'll be the last one to go.
The prices came down a lot when Lucent surplused hundreds (thousands?)
of them from their portable and cell phone production lines. I saw an
8935 with spec an, fully functional (as far as I could tell) for about
$1500 this summer.
A guy who sells and services a lot of these boxes is Rick at
http://www.amtronix.com -- that web site will give you lots of info
about the various versions and options. (I just noticed he has some
Agilent 8285As as a "hobbyist special" with spec an and tracking
generator for $650. That looks like a deal.)
John
----
john.foege@gmail.com said the following on 01/21/2010 03:43 PM:
> Just that John, I'm looking to setup a general purpose lab. I'd lean towards RF type stuff since I'm a HAM.
> Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: "J. Forster" <jfor@quik.com>
> Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 12:22:11
> To: <didier@cox.net>; Discussion of precise time and frequency measurement<time-nuts@febo.com>
> Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
>
> I made the mistake of setting up a purpose-built lab once, and soon
> discovered to do most things, you really need at least a basic general
> purpose lab.
>
> The only exception is, I suppose, if you are going to repair a specific
> instrument and do nothing else.
>
> Also, as others have pointed out, you really need to define what are your
> area(s) of interest. Specialized gear gets $$$ pretty quickly.
>
> -John
>
> ====================
>
>> John,
>>
>> That sounds like asking what is the best vehicle for you to buy. If you do
>> not know what you want to do with it, I am not sure we can help you all
>> that much. However, if you have a specific objective, I am sure you will
>> get a lot of valuable information here.
>>
>> You have a (good) analog scope, you may want a power supply or two, a
>> soldering iron and maybe a desoldering station if you do surface mount.
>> You also want a good hand-held multimeter. Some sort of signal or function
>> generator may be useful too. These vary widely depending on frequency
>> range and features. There is no good single answer to any of these
>> questions without knowing more about what you do with it.
>>
>> Many of us on this list have more than one of pretty much everything (I am
>> guilty of that too) to reflect the fact that no single instrument is
>> universal, with possibly one exception: my favorite hand held DMM is a
>> Fluke 8060A, but I am sure some people will have another favorite :)
>>
>> Don't start spending what little money you have until you know what you
>> need. If you just need to spend money, may I interest you in a wonderful
>> business opportunity in Nigeria?
>>
>> Didier KO4BB
>>
>>
>> ------------------------ Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless thingy while I
>> do other things...
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: John Foege <john.foege@gmail.com>
>> Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:35:22
>> To: Discussion of precise time and frequency
>> measurement<time-nuts@febo.com>
>> Subject: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
>>
>> I realize that this e-mail is somewhat off topic, however, I also
>> believe that I will get some of the best answers from the members of
>> this list:
>>
>> I have recently started to build an electronics lab, and am currently
>> trying to acquire test and general equipment for my little basement
>> workshop of horrors. So far, being on a limited budget, I have
>> acquired a Tek 2465A in good working order, a Fluke 1953A counter, and
>> my little gem (ok not quite so little) HP5345A with the 4-ghz freq
>> converter plugin w/ opt 11 & 12.
>>
>> I'd just like to ask everyone what they would be, if they were in my
>> shoes, attempting to acquire. Unforunately, however, I am just out of
>> engineering school and not working with much of a budget here. I'd
>> kill to have all the fancy gear some of you nuts have.
>>
>> I'd really love a DSO instead of the Tek 2465A I have. I'd kill for a
>> good spectrum analyzer or VNA etc.
>>
>> Any suggestions on what I should acquire and/or suggestions for
>> economical equipment that I should make that is a must have? I am a
>> good DIYer when it comes to building equipment, so often I attempt to
>> build that which I cannot afford.
>>
>> I appreciate everyone's' opinions in advance. Thank you.
>>
>> Sincerely,
>>
>> John Foege
>> KB1FSX
>> starving-engineer!
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>> To unsubscribe, go to
>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>> and follow the instructions there.
>> _______________________________________________
>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>> To unsubscribe, go to
>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>> and follow the instructions there.
>>
>>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
> To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
> and follow the instructions there.
> _______________________________________________
> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
> To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
> and follow the instructions there.
_______________________________________________
time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
and follow the instructions there.
BC
Bob Camp
Mon, Feb 1, 2010 9:57 PM
Hi
I do believe the last (or maybe next to last) of the Amtronix E8285A's is
now on it's way to a basement in Pennsylvania. If anybody else here is
looking for one, I'd sure call Rick pretty quick.
Bob
-----Original Message-----
From: time-nuts-bounces@febo.com [mailto:time-nuts-bounces@febo.com] On
Behalf Of John Ackermann N8UR
Sent: Thursday, January 21, 2010 4:14 PM
To: john.foege@gmail.com; Discussion of precise time and frequency
measurement
Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
If RF measurement is your bag, and you're able to spend a couple of $K
(actually, <$2K if what I've seen recently holds), consider a
communications service monitor like the HP
8920A/8920B/8921/8924/8935/E8285 (all pretty much the same thing).
You get an RF generator, RF power meter, RX frequency meter and
modulation analyzer, audio generator, audio analyzer, digital o'scope,
and in most units a spectrum analyzer (many have a tracking generator,
too) in one box. And I've probably forgotten a few things. If you get
one with spec analyzer and tracking generator, there's software that
lets you do swept insertion/return loss and cable fault finding.
None of its capabilities are as good as those of a dedicated box
performing a single function, but they're good enough for the vast
majority of uses. An 8920 was the first significant piece of test gear
I bought, and if I ever have to sell out, it'll be the last one to go.
The prices came down a lot when Lucent surplused hundreds (thousands?)
of them from their portable and cell phone production lines. I saw an
8935 with spec an, fully functional (as far as I could tell) for about
$1500 this summer.
A guy who sells and services a lot of these boxes is Rick at
http://www.amtronix.com -- that web site will give you lots of info
about the various versions and options. (I just noticed he has some
Agilent 8285As as a "hobbyist special" with spec an and tracking
generator for $650. That looks like a deal.)
John
john.foege@gmail.com said the following on 01/21/2010 03:43 PM:
Just that John, I'm looking to setup a general purpose lab. I'd lean
towards RF type stuff since I'm a HAM.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
-----Original Message-----
From: "J. Forster" jfor@quik.com
Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 12:22:11
To: didier@cox.net; Discussion of precise time and frequency
Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
I made the mistake of setting up a purpose-built lab once, and soon
discovered to do most things, you really need at least a basic general
purpose lab.
The only exception is, I suppose, if you are going to repair a specific
instrument and do nothing else.
Also, as others have pointed out, you really need to define what are your
area(s) of interest. Specialized gear gets $$$ pretty quickly.
-John
====================
John,
That sounds like asking what is the best vehicle for you to buy. If you
not know what you want to do with it, I am not sure we can help you all
that much. However, if you have a specific objective, I am sure you will
get a lot of valuable information here.
You have a (good) analog scope, you may want a power supply or two, a
soldering iron and maybe a desoldering station if you do surface mount.
You also want a good hand-held multimeter. Some sort of signal or
generator may be useful too. These vary widely depending on frequency
range and features. There is no good single answer to any of these
questions without knowing more about what you do with it.
Many of us on this list have more than one of pretty much everything (I
guilty of that too) to reflect the fact that no single instrument is
universal, with possibly one exception: my favorite hand held DMM is a
Fluke 8060A, but I am sure some people will have another favorite :)
Don't start spending what little money you have until you know what you
need. If you just need to spend money, may I interest you in a wonderful
business opportunity in Nigeria?
Didier KO4BB
------------------------ Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless thingy while I
do other things...
-----Original Message-----
From: John Foege john.foege@gmail.com
Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:35:22
To: Discussion of precise time and frequency
measurementtime-nuts@febo.com
Subject: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
I realize that this e-mail is somewhat off topic, however, I also
believe that I will get some of the best answers from the members of
this list:
I have recently started to build an electronics lab, and am currently
trying to acquire test and general equipment for my little basement
workshop of horrors. So far, being on a limited budget, I have
acquired a Tek 2465A in good working order, a Fluke 1953A counter, and
my little gem (ok not quite so little) HP5345A with the 4-ghz freq
converter plugin w/ opt 11 & 12.
I'd just like to ask everyone what they would be, if they were in my
shoes, attempting to acquire. Unforunately, however, I am just out of
engineering school and not working with much of a budget here. I'd
kill to have all the fancy gear some of you nuts have.
I'd really love a DSO instead of the Tek 2465A I have. I'd kill for a
good spectrum analyzer or VNA etc.
Any suggestions on what I should acquire and/or suggestions for
economical equipment that I should make that is a must have? I am a
good DIYer when it comes to building equipment, so often I attempt to
build that which I cannot afford.
I appreciate everyone's' opinions in advance. Thank you.
Sincerely,
John Foege
KB1FSX
starving-engineer!
time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
To unsubscribe, go to
https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
and follow the instructions there.
time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
To unsubscribe, go to
https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
and follow the instructions there.
and follow the instructions there.
time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
To unsubscribe, go to
and follow the instructions there.
Hi
I do believe the last (or maybe next to last) of the Amtronix E8285A's is
now on it's way to a basement in Pennsylvania. If anybody else here is
looking for one, I'd sure call Rick pretty quick.
Bob
-----Original Message-----
From: time-nuts-bounces@febo.com [mailto:time-nuts-bounces@febo.com] On
Behalf Of John Ackermann N8UR
Sent: Thursday, January 21, 2010 4:14 PM
To: john.foege@gmail.com; Discussion of precise time and frequency
measurement
Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
If RF measurement is your bag, and you're able to spend a couple of $K
(actually, <$2K if what I've seen recently holds), consider a
communications service monitor like the HP
8920A/8920B/8921/8924/8935/E8285 (all pretty much the same thing).
You get an RF generator, RF power meter, RX frequency meter and
modulation analyzer, audio generator, audio analyzer, digital o'scope,
and in most units a spectrum analyzer (many have a tracking generator,
too) in one box. And I've probably forgotten a few things. If you get
one with spec analyzer and tracking generator, there's software that
lets you do swept insertion/return loss and cable fault finding.
None of its capabilities are as good as those of a dedicated box
performing a single function, but they're good enough for the vast
majority of uses. An 8920 was the first significant piece of test gear
I bought, and if I ever have to sell out, it'll be the last one to go.
The prices came down a lot when Lucent surplused hundreds (thousands?)
of them from their portable and cell phone production lines. I saw an
8935 with spec an, fully functional (as far as I could tell) for about
$1500 this summer.
A guy who sells and services a lot of these boxes is Rick at
http://www.amtronix.com -- that web site will give you lots of info
about the various versions and options. (I just noticed he has some
Agilent 8285As as a "hobbyist special" with spec an and tracking
generator for $650. That looks like a deal.)
John
----
john.foege@gmail.com said the following on 01/21/2010 03:43 PM:
> Just that John, I'm looking to setup a general purpose lab. I'd lean
towards RF type stuff since I'm a HAM.
> Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: "J. Forster" <jfor@quik.com>
> Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 12:22:11
> To: <didier@cox.net>; Discussion of precise time and frequency
measurement<time-nuts@febo.com>
> Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
>
> I made the mistake of setting up a purpose-built lab once, and soon
> discovered to do most things, you really need at least a basic general
> purpose lab.
>
> The only exception is, I suppose, if you are going to repair a specific
> instrument and do nothing else.
>
> Also, as others have pointed out, you really need to define what are your
> area(s) of interest. Specialized gear gets $$$ pretty quickly.
>
> -John
>
> ====================
>
>> John,
>>
>> That sounds like asking what is the best vehicle for you to buy. If you
do
>> not know what you want to do with it, I am not sure we can help you all
>> that much. However, if you have a specific objective, I am sure you will
>> get a lot of valuable information here.
>>
>> You have a (good) analog scope, you may want a power supply or two, a
>> soldering iron and maybe a desoldering station if you do surface mount.
>> You also want a good hand-held multimeter. Some sort of signal or
function
>> generator may be useful too. These vary widely depending on frequency
>> range and features. There is no good single answer to any of these
>> questions without knowing more about what you do with it.
>>
>> Many of us on this list have more than one of pretty much everything (I
am
>> guilty of that too) to reflect the fact that no single instrument is
>> universal, with possibly one exception: my favorite hand held DMM is a
>> Fluke 8060A, but I am sure some people will have another favorite :)
>>
>> Don't start spending what little money you have until you know what you
>> need. If you just need to spend money, may I interest you in a wonderful
>> business opportunity in Nigeria?
>>
>> Didier KO4BB
>>
>>
>> ------------------------ Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless thingy while I
>> do other things...
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: John Foege <john.foege@gmail.com>
>> Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:35:22
>> To: Discussion of precise time and frequency
>> measurement<time-nuts@febo.com>
>> Subject: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
>>
>> I realize that this e-mail is somewhat off topic, however, I also
>> believe that I will get some of the best answers from the members of
>> this list:
>>
>> I have recently started to build an electronics lab, and am currently
>> trying to acquire test and general equipment for my little basement
>> workshop of horrors. So far, being on a limited budget, I have
>> acquired a Tek 2465A in good working order, a Fluke 1953A counter, and
>> my little gem (ok not quite so little) HP5345A with the 4-ghz freq
>> converter plugin w/ opt 11 & 12.
>>
>> I'd just like to ask everyone what they would be, if they were in my
>> shoes, attempting to acquire. Unforunately, however, I am just out of
>> engineering school and not working with much of a budget here. I'd
>> kill to have all the fancy gear some of you nuts have.
>>
>> I'd really love a DSO instead of the Tek 2465A I have. I'd kill for a
>> good spectrum analyzer or VNA etc.
>>
>> Any suggestions on what I should acquire and/or suggestions for
>> economical equipment that I should make that is a must have? I am a
>> good DIYer when it comes to building equipment, so often I attempt to
>> build that which I cannot afford.
>>
>> I appreciate everyone's' opinions in advance. Thank you.
>>
>> Sincerely,
>>
>> John Foege
>> KB1FSX
>> starving-engineer!
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>> To unsubscribe, go to
>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>> and follow the instructions there.
>> _______________________________________________
>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>> To unsubscribe, go to
>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>> and follow the instructions there.
>>
>>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
> To unsubscribe, go to
https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
> and follow the instructions there.
> _______________________________________________
> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
> To unsubscribe, go to
https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
> and follow the instructions there.
_______________________________________________
time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
To unsubscribe, go to
https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
and follow the instructions there.
DL
Don Latham
Mon, Feb 1, 2010 10:34 PM
Just bought one last week. As advertised, came with a cal and checkout
sheet. BTW, cost another $150 to have manuals printed out. But, I'm old
fashioned and have a hard time using manuals onscreen...
I also got the feeling (phone order) that I can call Amtronix and at least
reach a Real Person who will talk to me.
I think the E8285A will replace at least three present instruments with
better, once I master Instrument Basic :-).
Does anyone know which low-cost PCMCIA memory card will work? They're on
Epay for as little as $10
Don
Bob Camp
Hi
I do believe the last (or maybe next to last) of the Amtronix E8285A's is
now on it's way to a basement in Pennsylvania. If anybody else here is
looking for one, I'd sure call Rick pretty quick.
Bob
-----Original Message-----
From: time-nuts-bounces@febo.com [mailto:time-nuts-bounces@febo.com] On
Behalf Of John Ackermann N8UR
Sent: Thursday, January 21, 2010 4:14 PM
To: john.foege@gmail.com; Discussion of precise time and frequency
measurement
Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
If RF measurement is your bag, and you're able to spend a couple of $K
(actually, <$2K if what I've seen recently holds), consider a
communications service monitor like the HP
8920A/8920B/8921/8924/8935/E8285 (all pretty much the same thing).
You get an RF generator, RF power meter, RX frequency meter and
modulation analyzer, audio generator, audio analyzer, digital o'scope,
and in most units a spectrum analyzer (many have a tracking generator,
too) in one box. And I've probably forgotten a few things. If you get
one with spec analyzer and tracking generator, there's software that
lets you do swept insertion/return loss and cable fault finding.
None of its capabilities are as good as those of a dedicated box
performing a single function, but they're good enough for the vast
majority of uses. An 8920 was the first significant piece of test gear
I bought, and if I ever have to sell out, it'll be the last one to go.
The prices came down a lot when Lucent surplused hundreds (thousands?)
of them from their portable and cell phone production lines. I saw an
8935 with spec an, fully functional (as far as I could tell) for about
$1500 this summer.
A guy who sells and services a lot of these boxes is Rick at
http://www.amtronix.com -- that web site will give you lots of info
about the various versions and options. (I just noticed he has some
Agilent 8285As as a "hobbyist special" with spec an and tracking
generator for $650. That looks like a deal.)
John
john.foege@gmail.com said the following on 01/21/2010 03:43 PM:
Just that John, I'm looking to setup a general purpose lab. I'd lean
towards RF type stuff since I'm a HAM.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
-----Original Message-----
From: "J. Forster" jfor@quik.com
Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 12:22:11
To: didier@cox.net; Discussion of precise time and frequency
Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
I made the mistake of setting up a purpose-built lab once, and soon
discovered to do most things, you really need at least a basic general
purpose lab.
The only exception is, I suppose, if you are going to repair a specific
instrument and do nothing else.
Also, as others have pointed out, you really need to define what are
your
area(s) of interest. Specialized gear gets $$$ pretty quickly.
-John
====================
John,
That sounds like asking what is the best vehicle for you to buy. If you
not know what you want to do with it, I am not sure we can help you all
that much. However, if you have a specific objective, I am sure you
will
get a lot of valuable information here.
You have a (good) analog scope, you may want a power supply or two, a
soldering iron and maybe a desoldering station if you do surface mount.
You also want a good hand-held multimeter. Some sort of signal or
generator may be useful too. These vary widely depending on frequency
range and features. There is no good single answer to any of these
questions without knowing more about what you do with it.
Many of us on this list have more than one of pretty much everything (I
guilty of that too) to reflect the fact that no single instrument is
universal, with possibly one exception: my favorite hand held DMM is a
Fluke 8060A, but I am sure some people will have another favorite :)
Don't start spending what little money you have until you know what you
need. If you just need to spend money, may I interest you in a
wonderful
business opportunity in Nigeria?
Didier KO4BB
------------------------ Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless thingy while
I
do other things...
-----Original Message-----
From: John Foege john.foege@gmail.com
Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:35:22
To: Discussion of precise time and frequency
measurementtime-nuts@febo.com
Subject: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
I realize that this e-mail is somewhat off topic, however, I also
believe that I will get some of the best answers from the members of
this list:
I have recently started to build an electronics lab, and am currently
trying to acquire test and general equipment for my little basement
workshop of horrors. So far, being on a limited budget, I have
acquired a Tek 2465A in good working order, a Fluke 1953A counter, and
my little gem (ok not quite so little) HP5345A with the 4-ghz freq
converter plugin w/ opt 11 & 12.
I'd just like to ask everyone what they would be, if they were in my
shoes, attempting to acquire. Unforunately, however, I am just out of
engineering school and not working with much of a budget here. I'd
kill to have all the fancy gear some of you nuts have.
I'd really love a DSO instead of the Tek 2465A I have. I'd kill for a
good spectrum analyzer or VNA etc.
Any suggestions on what I should acquire and/or suggestions for
economical equipment that I should make that is a must have? I am a
good DIYer when it comes to building equipment, so often I attempt to
build that which I cannot afford.
I appreciate everyone's' opinions in advance. Thank you.
Sincerely,
John Foege
KB1FSX
starving-engineer!
time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
To unsubscribe, go to
https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
and follow the instructions there.
time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
To unsubscribe, go to
https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
and follow the instructions there.
and follow the instructions there.
time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
To unsubscribe, go to
and follow the instructions there.
Just bought one last week. As advertised, came with a cal and checkout
sheet. BTW, cost another $150 to have manuals printed out. But, I'm old
fashioned and have a hard time using manuals onscreen...
I also got the feeling (phone order) that I can call Amtronix and at least
reach a Real Person who will talk to me.
I think the E8285A will replace at least three present instruments with
better, once I master Instrument Basic :-).
Does anyone know which low-cost PCMCIA memory card will work? They're on
Epay for as little as $10
Don
Bob Camp
> Hi
>
> I do believe the last (or maybe next to last) of the Amtronix E8285A's is
> now on it's way to a basement in Pennsylvania. If anybody else here is
> looking for one, I'd sure call Rick pretty quick.
>
> Bob
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: time-nuts-bounces@febo.com [mailto:time-nuts-bounces@febo.com] On
> Behalf Of John Ackermann N8UR
> Sent: Thursday, January 21, 2010 4:14 PM
> To: john.foege@gmail.com; Discussion of precise time and frequency
> measurement
> Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
>
> If RF measurement is your bag, and you're able to spend a couple of $K
> (actually, <$2K if what I've seen recently holds), consider a
> communications service monitor like the HP
> 8920A/8920B/8921/8924/8935/E8285 (all pretty much the same thing).
>
> You get an RF generator, RF power meter, RX frequency meter and
> modulation analyzer, audio generator, audio analyzer, digital o'scope,
> and in most units a spectrum analyzer (many have a tracking generator,
> too) in one box. And I've probably forgotten a few things. If you get
> one with spec analyzer and tracking generator, there's software that
> lets you do swept insertion/return loss and cable fault finding.
>
> None of its capabilities are as good as those of a dedicated box
> performing a single function, but they're good enough for the vast
> majority of uses. An 8920 was the first significant piece of test gear
> I bought, and if I ever have to sell out, it'll be the last one to go.
>
> The prices came down a lot when Lucent surplused hundreds (thousands?)
> of them from their portable and cell phone production lines. I saw an
> 8935 with spec an, fully functional (as far as I could tell) for about
> $1500 this summer.
>
> A guy who sells and services a lot of these boxes is Rick at
> http://www.amtronix.com -- that web site will give you lots of info
> about the various versions and options. (I just noticed he has some
> Agilent 8285As as a "hobbyist special" with spec an and tracking
> generator for $650. That looks like a deal.)
>
> John
> ----
> john.foege@gmail.com said the following on 01/21/2010 03:43 PM:
>> Just that John, I'm looking to setup a general purpose lab. I'd lean
> towards RF type stuff since I'm a HAM.
>> Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: "J. Forster" <jfor@quik.com>
>> Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 12:22:11
>> To: <didier@cox.net>; Discussion of precise time and frequency
> measurement<time-nuts@febo.com>
>> Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
>>
>> I made the mistake of setting up a purpose-built lab once, and soon
>> discovered to do most things, you really need at least a basic general
>> purpose lab.
>>
>> The only exception is, I suppose, if you are going to repair a specific
>> instrument and do nothing else.
>>
>> Also, as others have pointed out, you really need to define what are
>> your
>> area(s) of interest. Specialized gear gets $$$ pretty quickly.
>>
>> -John
>>
>> ====================
>>
>>> John,
>>>
>>> That sounds like asking what is the best vehicle for you to buy. If you
> do
>>> not know what you want to do with it, I am not sure we can help you all
>>> that much. However, if you have a specific objective, I am sure you
>>> will
>>> get a lot of valuable information here.
>>>
>>> You have a (good) analog scope, you may want a power supply or two, a
>>> soldering iron and maybe a desoldering station if you do surface mount.
>>> You also want a good hand-held multimeter. Some sort of signal or
> function
>>> generator may be useful too. These vary widely depending on frequency
>>> range and features. There is no good single answer to any of these
>>> questions without knowing more about what you do with it.
>>>
>>> Many of us on this list have more than one of pretty much everything (I
> am
>>> guilty of that too) to reflect the fact that no single instrument is
>>> universal, with possibly one exception: my favorite hand held DMM is a
>>> Fluke 8060A, but I am sure some people will have another favorite :)
>>>
>>> Don't start spending what little money you have until you know what you
>>> need. If you just need to spend money, may I interest you in a
>>> wonderful
>>> business opportunity in Nigeria?
>>>
>>> Didier KO4BB
>>>
>>>
>>> ------------------------ Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless thingy while
>>> I
>>> do other things...
>>>
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: John Foege <john.foege@gmail.com>
>>> Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:35:22
>>> To: Discussion of precise time and frequency
>>> measurement<time-nuts@febo.com>
>>> Subject: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
>>>
>>> I realize that this e-mail is somewhat off topic, however, I also
>>> believe that I will get some of the best answers from the members of
>>> this list:
>>>
>>> I have recently started to build an electronics lab, and am currently
>>> trying to acquire test and general equipment for my little basement
>>> workshop of horrors. So far, being on a limited budget, I have
>>> acquired a Tek 2465A in good working order, a Fluke 1953A counter, and
>>> my little gem (ok not quite so little) HP5345A with the 4-ghz freq
>>> converter plugin w/ opt 11 & 12.
>>>
>>> I'd just like to ask everyone what they would be, if they were in my
>>> shoes, attempting to acquire. Unforunately, however, I am just out of
>>> engineering school and not working with much of a budget here. I'd
>>> kill to have all the fancy gear some of you nuts have.
>>>
>>> I'd really love a DSO instead of the Tek 2465A I have. I'd kill for a
>>> good spectrum analyzer or VNA etc.
>>>
>>> Any suggestions on what I should acquire and/or suggestions for
>>> economical equipment that I should make that is a must have? I am a
>>> good DIYer when it comes to building equipment, so often I attempt to
>>> build that which I cannot afford.
>>>
>>> I appreciate everyone's' opinions in advance. Thank you.
>>>
>>> Sincerely,
>>>
>>> John Foege
>>> KB1FSX
>>> starving-engineer!
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>>> To unsubscribe, go to
>>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>>> and follow the instructions there.
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>>> To unsubscribe, go to
>>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>>> and follow the instructions there.
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>> To unsubscribe, go to
> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>> and follow the instructions there.
>> _______________________________________________
>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>> To unsubscribe, go to
> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>> and follow the instructions there.
>
> _______________________________________________
> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
> To unsubscribe, go to
> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
> and follow the instructions there.
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
> To unsubscribe, go to
> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
> and follow the instructions there.
>
--
Dr. Don Latham AJ7LL
Six Mile Systems LLP
17850 Six Mile Road
POB 134
Huson, MT, 59846
VOX 406-626-4304
www.lightningforensics.com
www.sixmilesystems.com
BC
Bob Camp
Mon, Feb 1, 2010 10:49 PM
Hi
I suspect that any size that was common in 2003 will be ok. I have no basis for that claim. That likely will limit you to 2 gig and down.
Each time I called Amtronix, Rick answered on the first ring. It's definitely someplace I would recommend dealing with.
How's the display on your unit? That sees to be the weakness of a lot of test gear these days.
Can't wait to measure -100 dbc/Hz phase noise with mine :) ....
Bob
On Feb 1, 2010, at 5:34 PM, Don Latham wrote:
Just bought one last week. As advertised, came with a cal and checkout
sheet. BTW, cost another $150 to have manuals printed out. But, I'm old
fashioned and have a hard time using manuals onscreen...
I also got the feeling (phone order) that I can call Amtronix and at least
reach a Real Person who will talk to me.
I think the E8285A will replace at least three present instruments with
better, once I master Instrument Basic :-).
Does anyone know which low-cost PCMCIA memory card will work? They're on
Epay for as little as $10
Don
Bob Camp
Hi
I do believe the last (or maybe next to last) of the Amtronix E8285A's is
now on it's way to a basement in Pennsylvania. If anybody else here is
looking for one, I'd sure call Rick pretty quick.
Bob
-----Original Message-----
From: time-nuts-bounces@febo.com [mailto:time-nuts-bounces@febo.com] On
Behalf Of John Ackermann N8UR
Sent: Thursday, January 21, 2010 4:14 PM
To: john.foege@gmail.com; Discussion of precise time and frequency
measurement
Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
If RF measurement is your bag, and you're able to spend a couple of $K
(actually, <$2K if what I've seen recently holds), consider a
communications service monitor like the HP
8920A/8920B/8921/8924/8935/E8285 (all pretty much the same thing).
You get an RF generator, RF power meter, RX frequency meter and
modulation analyzer, audio generator, audio analyzer, digital o'scope,
and in most units a spectrum analyzer (many have a tracking generator,
too) in one box. And I've probably forgotten a few things. If you get
one with spec analyzer and tracking generator, there's software that
lets you do swept insertion/return loss and cable fault finding.
None of its capabilities are as good as those of a dedicated box
performing a single function, but they're good enough for the vast
majority of uses. An 8920 was the first significant piece of test gear
I bought, and if I ever have to sell out, it'll be the last one to go.
The prices came down a lot when Lucent surplused hundreds (thousands?)
of them from their portable and cell phone production lines. I saw an
8935 with spec an, fully functional (as far as I could tell) for about
$1500 this summer.
A guy who sells and services a lot of these boxes is Rick at
http://www.amtronix.com -- that web site will give you lots of info
about the various versions and options. (I just noticed he has some
Agilent 8285As as a "hobbyist special" with spec an and tracking
generator for $650. That looks like a deal.)
John
john.foege@gmail.com said the following on 01/21/2010 03:43 PM:
Just that John, I'm looking to setup a general purpose lab. I'd lean
towards RF type stuff since I'm a HAM.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
-----Original Message-----
From: "J. Forster" jfor@quik.com
Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 12:22:11
To: didier@cox.net; Discussion of precise time and frequency
Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
I made the mistake of setting up a purpose-built lab once, and soon
discovered to do most things, you really need at least a basic general
purpose lab.
The only exception is, I suppose, if you are going to repair a specific
instrument and do nothing else.
Also, as others have pointed out, you really need to define what are
your
area(s) of interest. Specialized gear gets $$$ pretty quickly.
-John
====================
John,
That sounds like asking what is the best vehicle for you to buy. If you
not know what you want to do with it, I am not sure we can help you all
that much. However, if you have a specific objective, I am sure you
will
get a lot of valuable information here.
You have a (good) analog scope, you may want a power supply or two, a
soldering iron and maybe a desoldering station if you do surface mount.
You also want a good hand-held multimeter. Some sort of signal or
generator may be useful too. These vary widely depending on frequency
range and features. There is no good single answer to any of these
questions without knowing more about what you do with it.
Many of us on this list have more than one of pretty much everything (I
guilty of that too) to reflect the fact that no single instrument is
universal, with possibly one exception: my favorite hand held DMM is a
Fluke 8060A, but I am sure some people will have another favorite :)
Don't start spending what little money you have until you know what you
need. If you just need to spend money, may I interest you in a
wonderful
business opportunity in Nigeria?
Didier KO4BB
------------------------ Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless thingy while
I
do other things...
-----Original Message-----
From: John Foege john.foege@gmail.com
Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:35:22
To: Discussion of precise time and frequency
measurementtime-nuts@febo.com
Subject: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
I realize that this e-mail is somewhat off topic, however, I also
believe that I will get some of the best answers from the members of
this list:
I have recently started to build an electronics lab, and am currently
trying to acquire test and general equipment for my little basement
workshop of horrors. So far, being on a limited budget, I have
acquired a Tek 2465A in good working order, a Fluke 1953A counter, and
my little gem (ok not quite so little) HP5345A with the 4-ghz freq
converter plugin w/ opt 11 & 12.
I'd just like to ask everyone what they would be, if they were in my
shoes, attempting to acquire. Unforunately, however, I am just out of
engineering school and not working with much of a budget here. I'd
kill to have all the fancy gear some of you nuts have.
I'd really love a DSO instead of the Tek 2465A I have. I'd kill for a
good spectrum analyzer or VNA etc.
Any suggestions on what I should acquire and/or suggestions for
economical equipment that I should make that is a must have? I am a
good DIYer when it comes to building equipment, so often I attempt to
build that which I cannot afford.
I appreciate everyone's' opinions in advance. Thank you.
Sincerely,
John Foege
KB1FSX
starving-engineer!
time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
To unsubscribe, go to
https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
and follow the instructions there.
time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
To unsubscribe, go to
https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
and follow the instructions there.
and follow the instructions there.
time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
To unsubscribe, go to
and follow the instructions there.
Hi
I *suspect* that any size that was common in 2003 will be ok. I have no basis for that claim. That likely will limit you to 2 gig and down.
Each time I called Amtronix, Rick answered on the first ring. It's definitely someplace I would recommend dealing with.
How's the display on your unit? That sees to be the weakness of a lot of test gear these days.
Can't wait to measure -100 dbc/Hz phase noise with mine :) ....
Bob
On Feb 1, 2010, at 5:34 PM, Don Latham wrote:
> Just bought one last week. As advertised, came with a cal and checkout
> sheet. BTW, cost another $150 to have manuals printed out. But, I'm old
> fashioned and have a hard time using manuals onscreen...
> I also got the feeling (phone order) that I can call Amtronix and at least
> reach a Real Person who will talk to me.
> I think the E8285A will replace at least three present instruments with
> better, once I master Instrument Basic :-).
> Does anyone know which low-cost PCMCIA memory card will work? They're on
> Epay for as little as $10
> Don
>
> Bob Camp
>> Hi
>>
>> I do believe the last (or maybe next to last) of the Amtronix E8285A's is
>> now on it's way to a basement in Pennsylvania. If anybody else here is
>> looking for one, I'd sure call Rick pretty quick.
>>
>> Bob
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: time-nuts-bounces@febo.com [mailto:time-nuts-bounces@febo.com] On
>> Behalf Of John Ackermann N8UR
>> Sent: Thursday, January 21, 2010 4:14 PM
>> To: john.foege@gmail.com; Discussion of precise time and frequency
>> measurement
>> Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
>>
>> If RF measurement is your bag, and you're able to spend a couple of $K
>> (actually, <$2K if what I've seen recently holds), consider a
>> communications service monitor like the HP
>> 8920A/8920B/8921/8924/8935/E8285 (all pretty much the same thing).
>>
>> You get an RF generator, RF power meter, RX frequency meter and
>> modulation analyzer, audio generator, audio analyzer, digital o'scope,
>> and in most units a spectrum analyzer (many have a tracking generator,
>> too) in one box. And I've probably forgotten a few things. If you get
>> one with spec analyzer and tracking generator, there's software that
>> lets you do swept insertion/return loss and cable fault finding.
>>
>> None of its capabilities are as good as those of a dedicated box
>> performing a single function, but they're good enough for the vast
>> majority of uses. An 8920 was the first significant piece of test gear
>> I bought, and if I ever have to sell out, it'll be the last one to go.
>>
>> The prices came down a lot when Lucent surplused hundreds (thousands?)
>> of them from their portable and cell phone production lines. I saw an
>> 8935 with spec an, fully functional (as far as I could tell) for about
>> $1500 this summer.
>>
>> A guy who sells and services a lot of these boxes is Rick at
>> http://www.amtronix.com -- that web site will give you lots of info
>> about the various versions and options. (I just noticed he has some
>> Agilent 8285As as a "hobbyist special" with spec an and tracking
>> generator for $650. That looks like a deal.)
>>
>> John
>> ----
>> john.foege@gmail.com said the following on 01/21/2010 03:43 PM:
>>> Just that John, I'm looking to setup a general purpose lab. I'd lean
>> towards RF type stuff since I'm a HAM.
>>> Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
>>>
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: "J. Forster" <jfor@quik.com>
>>> Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 12:22:11
>>> To: <didier@cox.net>; Discussion of precise time and frequency
>> measurement<time-nuts@febo.com>
>>> Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
>>>
>>> I made the mistake of setting up a purpose-built lab once, and soon
>>> discovered to do most things, you really need at least a basic general
>>> purpose lab.
>>>
>>> The only exception is, I suppose, if you are going to repair a specific
>>> instrument and do nothing else.
>>>
>>> Also, as others have pointed out, you really need to define what are
>>> your
>>> area(s) of interest. Specialized gear gets $$$ pretty quickly.
>>>
>>> -John
>>>
>>> ====================
>>>
>>>> John,
>>>>
>>>> That sounds like asking what is the best vehicle for you to buy. If you
>> do
>>>> not know what you want to do with it, I am not sure we can help you all
>>>> that much. However, if you have a specific objective, I am sure you
>>>> will
>>>> get a lot of valuable information here.
>>>>
>>>> You have a (good) analog scope, you may want a power supply or two, a
>>>> soldering iron and maybe a desoldering station if you do surface mount.
>>>> You also want a good hand-held multimeter. Some sort of signal or
>> function
>>>> generator may be useful too. These vary widely depending on frequency
>>>> range and features. There is no good single answer to any of these
>>>> questions without knowing more about what you do with it.
>>>>
>>>> Many of us on this list have more than one of pretty much everything (I
>> am
>>>> guilty of that too) to reflect the fact that no single instrument is
>>>> universal, with possibly one exception: my favorite hand held DMM is a
>>>> Fluke 8060A, but I am sure some people will have another favorite :)
>>>>
>>>> Don't start spending what little money you have until you know what you
>>>> need. If you just need to spend money, may I interest you in a
>>>> wonderful
>>>> business opportunity in Nigeria?
>>>>
>>>> Didier KO4BB
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> ------------------------ Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless thingy while
>>>> I
>>>> do other things...
>>>>
>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>> From: John Foege <john.foege@gmail.com>
>>>> Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:35:22
>>>> To: Discussion of precise time and frequency
>>>> measurement<time-nuts@febo.com>
>>>> Subject: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
>>>>
>>>> I realize that this e-mail is somewhat off topic, however, I also
>>>> believe that I will get some of the best answers from the members of
>>>> this list:
>>>>
>>>> I have recently started to build an electronics lab, and am currently
>>>> trying to acquire test and general equipment for my little basement
>>>> workshop of horrors. So far, being on a limited budget, I have
>>>> acquired a Tek 2465A in good working order, a Fluke 1953A counter, and
>>>> my little gem (ok not quite so little) HP5345A with the 4-ghz freq
>>>> converter plugin w/ opt 11 & 12.
>>>>
>>>> I'd just like to ask everyone what they would be, if they were in my
>>>> shoes, attempting to acquire. Unforunately, however, I am just out of
>>>> engineering school and not working with much of a budget here. I'd
>>>> kill to have all the fancy gear some of you nuts have.
>>>>
>>>> I'd really love a DSO instead of the Tek 2465A I have. I'd kill for a
>>>> good spectrum analyzer or VNA etc.
>>>>
>>>> Any suggestions on what I should acquire and/or suggestions for
>>>> economical equipment that I should make that is a must have? I am a
>>>> good DIYer when it comes to building equipment, so often I attempt to
>>>> build that which I cannot afford.
>>>>
>>>> I appreciate everyone's' opinions in advance. Thank you.
>>>>
>>>> Sincerely,
>>>>
>>>> John Foege
>>>> KB1FSX
>>>> starving-engineer!
>>>>
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>>>> To unsubscribe, go to
>>>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>>>> and follow the instructions there.
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>>>> To unsubscribe, go to
>>>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>>>> and follow the instructions there.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>>> To unsubscribe, go to
>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>>> and follow the instructions there.
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>>> To unsubscribe, go to
>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>>> and follow the instructions there.
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>> To unsubscribe, go to
>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>> and follow the instructions there.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>> To unsubscribe, go to
>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>> and follow the instructions there.
>>
>
>
> --
> Dr. Don Latham AJ7LL
> Six Mile Systems LLP
> 17850 Six Mile Road
> POB 134
> Huson, MT, 59846
> VOX 406-626-4304
> www.lightningforensics.com
> www.sixmilesystems.com
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
> To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
> and follow the instructions there.
>
DL
Don Latham
Tue, Feb 2, 2010 12:29 AM
Hi Bob. Display shows use, definitely, but I can see info over the whole
tube. I have a couple of things to do before I can start the learning
curve, but am looking forward to using it.
I'll have a bunch of test stuff for sale if this thing works out ;-)
Don
Bob Camp
Hi
I suspect that any size that was common in 2003 will be ok. I have no
basis for that claim. That likely will limit you to 2 gig and down.
Each time I called Amtronix, Rick answered on the first ring. It's
definitely someplace I would recommend dealing with.
How's the display on your unit? That sees to be the weakness of a lot of
test gear these days.
Can't wait to measure -100 dbc/Hz phase noise with mine :) ....
Bob
On Feb 1, 2010, at 5:34 PM, Don Latham wrote:
Just bought one last week. As advertised, came with a cal and checkout
sheet. BTW, cost another $150 to have manuals printed out. But, I'm old
fashioned and have a hard time using manuals onscreen...
I also got the feeling (phone order) that I can call Amtronix and at
least
reach a Real Person who will talk to me.
I think the E8285A will replace at least three present instruments with
better, once I master Instrument Basic :-).
Does anyone know which low-cost PCMCIA memory card will work? They're on
Epay for as little as $10
Don
Bob Camp
Hi
I do believe the last (or maybe next to last) of the Amtronix E8285A's
is
now on it's way to a basement in Pennsylvania. If anybody else here is
looking for one, I'd sure call Rick pretty quick.
Bob
-----Original Message-----
From: time-nuts-bounces@febo.com [mailto:time-nuts-bounces@febo.com] On
Behalf Of John Ackermann N8UR
Sent: Thursday, January 21, 2010 4:14 PM
To: john.foege@gmail.com; Discussion of precise time and frequency
measurement
Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
If RF measurement is your bag, and you're able to spend a couple of $K
(actually, <$2K if what I've seen recently holds), consider a
communications service monitor like the HP
8920A/8920B/8921/8924/8935/E8285 (all pretty much the same thing).
You get an RF generator, RF power meter, RX frequency meter and
modulation analyzer, audio generator, audio analyzer, digital o'scope,
and in most units a spectrum analyzer (many have a tracking generator,
too) in one box. And I've probably forgotten a few things. If you get
one with spec analyzer and tracking generator, there's software that
lets you do swept insertion/return loss and cable fault finding.
None of its capabilities are as good as those of a dedicated box
performing a single function, but they're good enough for the vast
majority of uses. An 8920 was the first significant piece of test gear
I bought, and if I ever have to sell out, it'll be the last one to go.
The prices came down a lot when Lucent surplused hundreds (thousands?)
of them from their portable and cell phone production lines. I saw an
8935 with spec an, fully functional (as far as I could tell) for about
$1500 this summer.
A guy who sells and services a lot of these boxes is Rick at
http://www.amtronix.com -- that web site will give you lots of info
about the various versions and options. (I just noticed he has some
Agilent 8285As as a "hobbyist special" with spec an and tracking
generator for $650. That looks like a deal.)
John
john.foege@gmail.com said the following on 01/21/2010 03:43 PM:
Just that John, I'm looking to setup a general purpose lab. I'd lean
towards RF type stuff since I'm a HAM.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
-----Original Message-----
From: "J. Forster" jfor@quik.com
Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 12:22:11
To: didier@cox.net; Discussion of precise time and frequency
Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
I made the mistake of setting up a purpose-built lab once, and soon
discovered to do most things, you really need at least a basic general
purpose lab.
The only exception is, I suppose, if you are going to repair a
specific
instrument and do nothing else.
Also, as others have pointed out, you really need to define what are
your
area(s) of interest. Specialized gear gets $$$ pretty quickly.
-John
====================
John,
That sounds like asking what is the best vehicle for you to buy. If
you
not know what you want to do with it, I am not sure we can help you
all
that much. However, if you have a specific objective, I am sure you
will
get a lot of valuable information here.
You have a (good) analog scope, you may want a power supply or two, a
soldering iron and maybe a desoldering station if you do surface
mount.
You also want a good hand-held multimeter. Some sort of signal or
generator may be useful too. These vary widely depending on frequency
range and features. There is no good single answer to any of these
questions without knowing more about what you do with it.
Many of us on this list have more than one of pretty much everything
(I
guilty of that too) to reflect the fact that no single instrument is
universal, with possibly one exception: my favorite hand held DMM is
a
Fluke 8060A, but I am sure some people will have another favorite :)
Don't start spending what little money you have until you know what
you
need. If you just need to spend money, may I interest you in a
wonderful
business opportunity in Nigeria?
Didier KO4BB
------------------------ Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless thingy
while
I
do other things...
-----Original Message-----
From: John Foege john.foege@gmail.com
Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:35:22
To: Discussion of precise time and frequency
measurementtime-nuts@febo.com
Subject: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
I realize that this e-mail is somewhat off topic, however, I also
believe that I will get some of the best answers from the members of
this list:
I have recently started to build an electronics lab, and am currently
trying to acquire test and general equipment for my little basement
workshop of horrors. So far, being on a limited budget, I have
acquired a Tek 2465A in good working order, a Fluke 1953A counter,
and
my little gem (ok not quite so little) HP5345A with the 4-ghz freq
converter plugin w/ opt 11 & 12.
I'd just like to ask everyone what they would be, if they were in my
shoes, attempting to acquire. Unforunately, however, I am just out of
engineering school and not working with much of a budget here. I'd
kill to have all the fancy gear some of you nuts have.
I'd really love a DSO instead of the Tek 2465A I have. I'd kill for a
good spectrum analyzer or VNA etc.
Any suggestions on what I should acquire and/or suggestions for
economical equipment that I should make that is a must have? I am a
good DIYer when it comes to building equipment, so often I attempt to
build that which I cannot afford.
I appreciate everyone's' opinions in advance. Thank you.
Sincerely,
John Foege
KB1FSX
starving-engineer!
time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
To unsubscribe, go to
https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
and follow the instructions there.
time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
To unsubscribe, go to
https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
and follow the instructions there.
and follow the instructions there.
time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
To unsubscribe, go to
and follow the instructions there.
Hi Bob. Display shows use, definitely, but I can see info over the whole
tube. I have a couple of things to do before I can start the learning
curve, but am looking forward to using it.
I'll have a bunch of test stuff for sale if this thing works out ;-)
Don
Bob Camp
> Hi
>
> I *suspect* that any size that was common in 2003 will be ok. I have no
> basis for that claim. That likely will limit you to 2 gig and down.
>
> Each time I called Amtronix, Rick answered on the first ring. It's
> definitely someplace I would recommend dealing with.
>
> How's the display on your unit? That sees to be the weakness of a lot of
> test gear these days.
>
> Can't wait to measure -100 dbc/Hz phase noise with mine :) ....
>
> Bob
>
>
> On Feb 1, 2010, at 5:34 PM, Don Latham wrote:
>
>> Just bought one last week. As advertised, came with a cal and checkout
>> sheet. BTW, cost another $150 to have manuals printed out. But, I'm old
>> fashioned and have a hard time using manuals onscreen...
>> I also got the feeling (phone order) that I can call Amtronix and at
>> least
>> reach a Real Person who will talk to me.
>> I think the E8285A will replace at least three present instruments with
>> better, once I master Instrument Basic :-).
>> Does anyone know which low-cost PCMCIA memory card will work? They're on
>> Epay for as little as $10
>> Don
>>
>> Bob Camp
>>> Hi
>>>
>>> I do believe the last (or maybe next to last) of the Amtronix E8285A's
>>> is
>>> now on it's way to a basement in Pennsylvania. If anybody else here is
>>> looking for one, I'd sure call Rick pretty quick.
>>>
>>> Bob
>>>
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: time-nuts-bounces@febo.com [mailto:time-nuts-bounces@febo.com] On
>>> Behalf Of John Ackermann N8UR
>>> Sent: Thursday, January 21, 2010 4:14 PM
>>> To: john.foege@gmail.com; Discussion of precise time and frequency
>>> measurement
>>> Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
>>>
>>> If RF measurement is your bag, and you're able to spend a couple of $K
>>> (actually, <$2K if what I've seen recently holds), consider a
>>> communications service monitor like the HP
>>> 8920A/8920B/8921/8924/8935/E8285 (all pretty much the same thing).
>>>
>>> You get an RF generator, RF power meter, RX frequency meter and
>>> modulation analyzer, audio generator, audio analyzer, digital o'scope,
>>> and in most units a spectrum analyzer (many have a tracking generator,
>>> too) in one box. And I've probably forgotten a few things. If you get
>>> one with spec analyzer and tracking generator, there's software that
>>> lets you do swept insertion/return loss and cable fault finding.
>>>
>>> None of its capabilities are as good as those of a dedicated box
>>> performing a single function, but they're good enough for the vast
>>> majority of uses. An 8920 was the first significant piece of test gear
>>> I bought, and if I ever have to sell out, it'll be the last one to go.
>>>
>>> The prices came down a lot when Lucent surplused hundreds (thousands?)
>>> of them from their portable and cell phone production lines. I saw an
>>> 8935 with spec an, fully functional (as far as I could tell) for about
>>> $1500 this summer.
>>>
>>> A guy who sells and services a lot of these boxes is Rick at
>>> http://www.amtronix.com -- that web site will give you lots of info
>>> about the various versions and options. (I just noticed he has some
>>> Agilent 8285As as a "hobbyist special" with spec an and tracking
>>> generator for $650. That looks like a deal.)
>>>
>>> John
>>> ----
>>> john.foege@gmail.com said the following on 01/21/2010 03:43 PM:
>>>> Just that John, I'm looking to setup a general purpose lab. I'd lean
>>> towards RF type stuff since I'm a HAM.
>>>> Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
>>>>
>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>> From: "J. Forster" <jfor@quik.com>
>>>> Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 12:22:11
>>>> To: <didier@cox.net>; Discussion of precise time and frequency
>>> measurement<time-nuts@febo.com>
>>>> Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
>>>>
>>>> I made the mistake of setting up a purpose-built lab once, and soon
>>>> discovered to do most things, you really need at least a basic general
>>>> purpose lab.
>>>>
>>>> The only exception is, I suppose, if you are going to repair a
>>>> specific
>>>> instrument and do nothing else.
>>>>
>>>> Also, as others have pointed out, you really need to define what are
>>>> your
>>>> area(s) of interest. Specialized gear gets $$$ pretty quickly.
>>>>
>>>> -John
>>>>
>>>> ====================
>>>>
>>>>> John,
>>>>>
>>>>> That sounds like asking what is the best vehicle for you to buy. If
>>>>> you
>>> do
>>>>> not know what you want to do with it, I am not sure we can help you
>>>>> all
>>>>> that much. However, if you have a specific objective, I am sure you
>>>>> will
>>>>> get a lot of valuable information here.
>>>>>
>>>>> You have a (good) analog scope, you may want a power supply or two, a
>>>>> soldering iron and maybe a desoldering station if you do surface
>>>>> mount.
>>>>> You also want a good hand-held multimeter. Some sort of signal or
>>> function
>>>>> generator may be useful too. These vary widely depending on frequency
>>>>> range and features. There is no good single answer to any of these
>>>>> questions without knowing more about what you do with it.
>>>>>
>>>>> Many of us on this list have more than one of pretty much everything
>>>>> (I
>>> am
>>>>> guilty of that too) to reflect the fact that no single instrument is
>>>>> universal, with possibly one exception: my favorite hand held DMM is
>>>>> a
>>>>> Fluke 8060A, but I am sure some people will have another favorite :)
>>>>>
>>>>> Don't start spending what little money you have until you know what
>>>>> you
>>>>> need. If you just need to spend money, may I interest you in a
>>>>> wonderful
>>>>> business opportunity in Nigeria?
>>>>>
>>>>> Didier KO4BB
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> ------------------------ Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless thingy
>>>>> while
>>>>> I
>>>>> do other things...
>>>>>
>>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>>> From: John Foege <john.foege@gmail.com>
>>>>> Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:35:22
>>>>> To: Discussion of precise time and frequency
>>>>> measurement<time-nuts@febo.com>
>>>>> Subject: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
>>>>>
>>>>> I realize that this e-mail is somewhat off topic, however, I also
>>>>> believe that I will get some of the best answers from the members of
>>>>> this list:
>>>>>
>>>>> I have recently started to build an electronics lab, and am currently
>>>>> trying to acquire test and general equipment for my little basement
>>>>> workshop of horrors. So far, being on a limited budget, I have
>>>>> acquired a Tek 2465A in good working order, a Fluke 1953A counter,
>>>>> and
>>>>> my little gem (ok not quite so little) HP5345A with the 4-ghz freq
>>>>> converter plugin w/ opt 11 & 12.
>>>>>
>>>>> I'd just like to ask everyone what they would be, if they were in my
>>>>> shoes, attempting to acquire. Unforunately, however, I am just out of
>>>>> engineering school and not working with much of a budget here. I'd
>>>>> kill to have all the fancy gear some of you nuts have.
>>>>>
>>>>> I'd really love a DSO instead of the Tek 2465A I have. I'd kill for a
>>>>> good spectrum analyzer or VNA etc.
>>>>>
>>>>> Any suggestions on what I should acquire and/or suggestions for
>>>>> economical equipment that I should make that is a must have? I am a
>>>>> good DIYer when it comes to building equipment, so often I attempt to
>>>>> build that which I cannot afford.
>>>>>
>>>>> I appreciate everyone's' opinions in advance. Thank you.
>>>>>
>>>>> Sincerely,
>>>>>
>>>>> John Foege
>>>>> KB1FSX
>>>>> starving-engineer!
>>>>>
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>>>>> To unsubscribe, go to
>>>>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>>>>> and follow the instructions there.
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>>>>> To unsubscribe, go to
>>>>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>>>>> and follow the instructions there.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>>>> To unsubscribe, go to
>>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>>>> and follow the instructions there.
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>>>> To unsubscribe, go to
>>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>>>> and follow the instructions there.
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>>> To unsubscribe, go to
>>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>>> and follow the instructions there.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>>> To unsubscribe, go to
>>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>>> and follow the instructions there.
>>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> Dr. Don Latham AJ7LL
>> Six Mile Systems LLP
>> 17850 Six Mile Road
>> POB 134
>> Huson, MT, 59846
>> VOX 406-626-4304
>> www.lightningforensics.com
>> www.sixmilesystems.com
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>> To unsubscribe, go to
>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>> and follow the instructions there.
>>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
> To unsubscribe, go to
> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
> and follow the instructions there.
>
--
Dr. Don Latham AJ7LL
Six Mile Systems LLP
17850 Six Mile Road
POB 134
Huson, MT, 59846
VOX 406-626-4304
www.lightningforensics.com
www.sixmilesystems.com
BC
Bob Camp
Tue, Feb 2, 2010 1:42 AM
Hi
The big question in my mind about these is how well they do below 30 MHz. Until I know I can trust them it down there, I'm not selling very much stuff.
I have yet to find a data sheet from before 2000 when they shipped with the sub-800 MHz stuff enabled. I get the impression that the E8285's never quite did as well below 30 MHz as the 8920's do.
Bob
On Feb 1, 2010, at 7:29 PM, Don Latham wrote:
Hi Bob. Display shows use, definitely, but I can see info over the whole
tube. I have a couple of things to do before I can start the learning
curve, but am looking forward to using it.
I'll have a bunch of test stuff for sale if this thing works out ;-)
Don
Bob Camp
Hi
I suspect that any size that was common in 2003 will be ok. I have no
basis for that claim. That likely will limit you to 2 gig and down.
Each time I called Amtronix, Rick answered on the first ring. It's
definitely someplace I would recommend dealing with.
How's the display on your unit? That sees to be the weakness of a lot of
test gear these days.
Can't wait to measure -100 dbc/Hz phase noise with mine :) ....
Bob
On Feb 1, 2010, at 5:34 PM, Don Latham wrote:
Just bought one last week. As advertised, came with a cal and checkout
sheet. BTW, cost another $150 to have manuals printed out. But, I'm old
fashioned and have a hard time using manuals onscreen...
I also got the feeling (phone order) that I can call Amtronix and at
least
reach a Real Person who will talk to me.
I think the E8285A will replace at least three present instruments with
better, once I master Instrument Basic :-).
Does anyone know which low-cost PCMCIA memory card will work? They're on
Epay for as little as $10
Don
Bob Camp
Hi
I do believe the last (or maybe next to last) of the Amtronix E8285A's
is
now on it's way to a basement in Pennsylvania. If anybody else here is
looking for one, I'd sure call Rick pretty quick.
Bob
-----Original Message-----
From: time-nuts-bounces@febo.com [mailto:time-nuts-bounces@febo.com] On
Behalf Of John Ackermann N8UR
Sent: Thursday, January 21, 2010 4:14 PM
To: john.foege@gmail.com; Discussion of precise time and frequency
measurement
Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
If RF measurement is your bag, and you're able to spend a couple of $K
(actually, <$2K if what I've seen recently holds), consider a
communications service monitor like the HP
8920A/8920B/8921/8924/8935/E8285 (all pretty much the same thing).
You get an RF generator, RF power meter, RX frequency meter and
modulation analyzer, audio generator, audio analyzer, digital o'scope,
and in most units a spectrum analyzer (many have a tracking generator,
too) in one box. And I've probably forgotten a few things. If you get
one with spec analyzer and tracking generator, there's software that
lets you do swept insertion/return loss and cable fault finding.
None of its capabilities are as good as those of a dedicated box
performing a single function, but they're good enough for the vast
majority of uses. An 8920 was the first significant piece of test gear
I bought, and if I ever have to sell out, it'll be the last one to go.
The prices came down a lot when Lucent surplused hundreds (thousands?)
of them from their portable and cell phone production lines. I saw an
8935 with spec an, fully functional (as far as I could tell) for about
$1500 this summer.
A guy who sells and services a lot of these boxes is Rick at
http://www.amtronix.com -- that web site will give you lots of info
about the various versions and options. (I just noticed he has some
Agilent 8285As as a "hobbyist special" with spec an and tracking
generator for $650. That looks like a deal.)
John
john.foege@gmail.com said the following on 01/21/2010 03:43 PM:
Just that John, I'm looking to setup a general purpose lab. I'd lean
towards RF type stuff since I'm a HAM.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
-----Original Message-----
From: "J. Forster" jfor@quik.com
Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 12:22:11
To: didier@cox.net; Discussion of precise time and frequency
Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
I made the mistake of setting up a purpose-built lab once, and soon
discovered to do most things, you really need at least a basic general
purpose lab.
The only exception is, I suppose, if you are going to repair a
specific
instrument and do nothing else.
Also, as others have pointed out, you really need to define what are
your
area(s) of interest. Specialized gear gets $$$ pretty quickly.
-John
====================
John,
That sounds like asking what is the best vehicle for you to buy. If
you
not know what you want to do with it, I am not sure we can help you
all
that much. However, if you have a specific objective, I am sure you
will
get a lot of valuable information here.
You have a (good) analog scope, you may want a power supply or two, a
soldering iron and maybe a desoldering station if you do surface
mount.
You also want a good hand-held multimeter. Some sort of signal or
generator may be useful too. These vary widely depending on frequency
range and features. There is no good single answer to any of these
questions without knowing more about what you do with it.
Many of us on this list have more than one of pretty much everything
(I
guilty of that too) to reflect the fact that no single instrument is
universal, with possibly one exception: my favorite hand held DMM is
a
Fluke 8060A, but I am sure some people will have another favorite :)
Don't start spending what little money you have until you know what
you
need. If you just need to spend money, may I interest you in a
wonderful
business opportunity in Nigeria?
Didier KO4BB
------------------------ Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless thingy
while
I
do other things...
-----Original Message-----
From: John Foege john.foege@gmail.com
Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:35:22
To: Discussion of precise time and frequency
measurementtime-nuts@febo.com
Subject: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
I realize that this e-mail is somewhat off topic, however, I also
believe that I will get some of the best answers from the members of
this list:
I have recently started to build an electronics lab, and am currently
trying to acquire test and general equipment for my little basement
workshop of horrors. So far, being on a limited budget, I have
acquired a Tek 2465A in good working order, a Fluke 1953A counter,
and
my little gem (ok not quite so little) HP5345A with the 4-ghz freq
converter plugin w/ opt 11 & 12.
I'd just like to ask everyone what they would be, if they were in my
shoes, attempting to acquire. Unforunately, however, I am just out of
engineering school and not working with much of a budget here. I'd
kill to have all the fancy gear some of you nuts have.
I'd really love a DSO instead of the Tek 2465A I have. I'd kill for a
good spectrum analyzer or VNA etc.
Any suggestions on what I should acquire and/or suggestions for
economical equipment that I should make that is a must have? I am a
good DIYer when it comes to building equipment, so often I attempt to
build that which I cannot afford.
I appreciate everyone's' opinions in advance. Thank you.
Sincerely,
John Foege
KB1FSX
starving-engineer!
time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
To unsubscribe, go to
https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
and follow the instructions there.
time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
To unsubscribe, go to
https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
and follow the instructions there.
and follow the instructions there.
time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
To unsubscribe, go to
and follow the instructions there.
Hi
The big question in my mind about these is how well they do below 30 MHz. Until I know I can trust them it down there, I'm not selling very much stuff.
I have yet to find a data sheet from before 2000 when they shipped with the sub-800 MHz stuff enabled. I get the impression that the E8285's never quite did as well below 30 MHz as the 8920's do.
Bob
On Feb 1, 2010, at 7:29 PM, Don Latham wrote:
> Hi Bob. Display shows use, definitely, but I can see info over the whole
> tube. I have a couple of things to do before I can start the learning
> curve, but am looking forward to using it.
> I'll have a bunch of test stuff for sale if this thing works out ;-)
> Don
>
> Bob Camp
>> Hi
>>
>> I *suspect* that any size that was common in 2003 will be ok. I have no
>> basis for that claim. That likely will limit you to 2 gig and down.
>>
>> Each time I called Amtronix, Rick answered on the first ring. It's
>> definitely someplace I would recommend dealing with.
>>
>> How's the display on your unit? That sees to be the weakness of a lot of
>> test gear these days.
>>
>> Can't wait to measure -100 dbc/Hz phase noise with mine :) ....
>>
>> Bob
>>
>>
>> On Feb 1, 2010, at 5:34 PM, Don Latham wrote:
>>
>>> Just bought one last week. As advertised, came with a cal and checkout
>>> sheet. BTW, cost another $150 to have manuals printed out. But, I'm old
>>> fashioned and have a hard time using manuals onscreen...
>>> I also got the feeling (phone order) that I can call Amtronix and at
>>> least
>>> reach a Real Person who will talk to me.
>>> I think the E8285A will replace at least three present instruments with
>>> better, once I master Instrument Basic :-).
>>> Does anyone know which low-cost PCMCIA memory card will work? They're on
>>> Epay for as little as $10
>>> Don
>>>
>>> Bob Camp
>>>> Hi
>>>>
>>>> I do believe the last (or maybe next to last) of the Amtronix E8285A's
>>>> is
>>>> now on it's way to a basement in Pennsylvania. If anybody else here is
>>>> looking for one, I'd sure call Rick pretty quick.
>>>>
>>>> Bob
>>>>
>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>> From: time-nuts-bounces@febo.com [mailto:time-nuts-bounces@febo.com] On
>>>> Behalf Of John Ackermann N8UR
>>>> Sent: Thursday, January 21, 2010 4:14 PM
>>>> To: john.foege@gmail.com; Discussion of precise time and frequency
>>>> measurement
>>>> Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
>>>>
>>>> If RF measurement is your bag, and you're able to spend a couple of $K
>>>> (actually, <$2K if what I've seen recently holds), consider a
>>>> communications service monitor like the HP
>>>> 8920A/8920B/8921/8924/8935/E8285 (all pretty much the same thing).
>>>>
>>>> You get an RF generator, RF power meter, RX frequency meter and
>>>> modulation analyzer, audio generator, audio analyzer, digital o'scope,
>>>> and in most units a spectrum analyzer (many have a tracking generator,
>>>> too) in one box. And I've probably forgotten a few things. If you get
>>>> one with spec analyzer and tracking generator, there's software that
>>>> lets you do swept insertion/return loss and cable fault finding.
>>>>
>>>> None of its capabilities are as good as those of a dedicated box
>>>> performing a single function, but they're good enough for the vast
>>>> majority of uses. An 8920 was the first significant piece of test gear
>>>> I bought, and if I ever have to sell out, it'll be the last one to go.
>>>>
>>>> The prices came down a lot when Lucent surplused hundreds (thousands?)
>>>> of them from their portable and cell phone production lines. I saw an
>>>> 8935 with spec an, fully functional (as far as I could tell) for about
>>>> $1500 this summer.
>>>>
>>>> A guy who sells and services a lot of these boxes is Rick at
>>>> http://www.amtronix.com -- that web site will give you lots of info
>>>> about the various versions and options. (I just noticed he has some
>>>> Agilent 8285As as a "hobbyist special" with spec an and tracking
>>>> generator for $650. That looks like a deal.)
>>>>
>>>> John
>>>> ----
>>>> john.foege@gmail.com said the following on 01/21/2010 03:43 PM:
>>>>> Just that John, I'm looking to setup a general purpose lab. I'd lean
>>>> towards RF type stuff since I'm a HAM.
>>>>> Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
>>>>>
>>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>>> From: "J. Forster" <jfor@quik.com>
>>>>> Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 12:22:11
>>>>> To: <didier@cox.net>; Discussion of precise time and frequency
>>>> measurement<time-nuts@febo.com>
>>>>> Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
>>>>>
>>>>> I made the mistake of setting up a purpose-built lab once, and soon
>>>>> discovered to do most things, you really need at least a basic general
>>>>> purpose lab.
>>>>>
>>>>> The only exception is, I suppose, if you are going to repair a
>>>>> specific
>>>>> instrument and do nothing else.
>>>>>
>>>>> Also, as others have pointed out, you really need to define what are
>>>>> your
>>>>> area(s) of interest. Specialized gear gets $$$ pretty quickly.
>>>>>
>>>>> -John
>>>>>
>>>>> ====================
>>>>>
>>>>>> John,
>>>>>>
>>>>>> That sounds like asking what is the best vehicle for you to buy. If
>>>>>> you
>>>> do
>>>>>> not know what you want to do with it, I am not sure we can help you
>>>>>> all
>>>>>> that much. However, if you have a specific objective, I am sure you
>>>>>> will
>>>>>> get a lot of valuable information here.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> You have a (good) analog scope, you may want a power supply or two, a
>>>>>> soldering iron and maybe a desoldering station if you do surface
>>>>>> mount.
>>>>>> You also want a good hand-held multimeter. Some sort of signal or
>>>> function
>>>>>> generator may be useful too. These vary widely depending on frequency
>>>>>> range and features. There is no good single answer to any of these
>>>>>> questions without knowing more about what you do with it.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Many of us on this list have more than one of pretty much everything
>>>>>> (I
>>>> am
>>>>>> guilty of that too) to reflect the fact that no single instrument is
>>>>>> universal, with possibly one exception: my favorite hand held DMM is
>>>>>> a
>>>>>> Fluke 8060A, but I am sure some people will have another favorite :)
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Don't start spending what little money you have until you know what
>>>>>> you
>>>>>> need. If you just need to spend money, may I interest you in a
>>>>>> wonderful
>>>>>> business opportunity in Nigeria?
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Didier KO4BB
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> ------------------------ Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless thingy
>>>>>> while
>>>>>> I
>>>>>> do other things...
>>>>>>
>>>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>>>> From: John Foege <john.foege@gmail.com>
>>>>>> Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:35:22
>>>>>> To: Discussion of precise time and frequency
>>>>>> measurement<time-nuts@febo.com>
>>>>>> Subject: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I realize that this e-mail is somewhat off topic, however, I also
>>>>>> believe that I will get some of the best answers from the members of
>>>>>> this list:
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I have recently started to build an electronics lab, and am currently
>>>>>> trying to acquire test and general equipment for my little basement
>>>>>> workshop of horrors. So far, being on a limited budget, I have
>>>>>> acquired a Tek 2465A in good working order, a Fluke 1953A counter,
>>>>>> and
>>>>>> my little gem (ok not quite so little) HP5345A with the 4-ghz freq
>>>>>> converter plugin w/ opt 11 & 12.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I'd just like to ask everyone what they would be, if they were in my
>>>>>> shoes, attempting to acquire. Unforunately, however, I am just out of
>>>>>> engineering school and not working with much of a budget here. I'd
>>>>>> kill to have all the fancy gear some of you nuts have.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I'd really love a DSO instead of the Tek 2465A I have. I'd kill for a
>>>>>> good spectrum analyzer or VNA etc.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Any suggestions on what I should acquire and/or suggestions for
>>>>>> economical equipment that I should make that is a must have? I am a
>>>>>> good DIYer when it comes to building equipment, so often I attempt to
>>>>>> build that which I cannot afford.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I appreciate everyone's' opinions in advance. Thank you.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Sincerely,
>>>>>>
>>>>>> John Foege
>>>>>> KB1FSX
>>>>>> starving-engineer!
>>>>>>
>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>>>>>> To unsubscribe, go to
>>>>>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>>>>>> and follow the instructions there.
>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>>>>>> To unsubscribe, go to
>>>>>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>>>>>> and follow the instructions there.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>>>>> To unsubscribe, go to
>>>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>>>>> and follow the instructions there.
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>>>>> To unsubscribe, go to
>>>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>>>>> and follow the instructions there.
>>>>
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>>>> To unsubscribe, go to
>>>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>>>> and follow the instructions there.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>>>> To unsubscribe, go to
>>>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>>>> and follow the instructions there.
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> --
>>> Dr. Don Latham AJ7LL
>>> Six Mile Systems LLP
>>> 17850 Six Mile Road
>>> POB 134
>>> Huson, MT, 59846
>>> VOX 406-626-4304
>>> www.lightningforensics.com
>>> www.sixmilesystems.com
>>>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>>> To unsubscribe, go to
>>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>>> and follow the instructions there.
>>>
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>> To unsubscribe, go to
>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>> and follow the instructions there.
>>
>
>
> --
> Dr. Don Latham AJ7LL
> Six Mile Systems LLP
> 17850 Six Mile Road
> POB 134
> Huson, MT, 59846
> VOX 406-626-4304
> www.lightningforensics.com
> www.sixmilesystems.com
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
> To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
> and follow the instructions there.
>
JC
James C Cotton
Tue, Feb 2, 2010 3:35 AM
Don,
Funny thing I bought a HP E8285A non-SA from Amtronix for $250 +
shipping as a RF source and spare parts for my $1200 HP 8935A...
Do you by any chance have a HP 8620A/B/C (or HP 8350B/11869A) and
HP 8709A/H10 and some 862xx RF plug-ins...(poor man's TG from .01 Mhz to
18 Ghz with the right plug-ins with 3 kHz RBW, and a 21.4 Mhz IF SA)?
I have some Cisco cards I need to try floating around my desk
somewhere... I will let you know what I find.
Jim Cotton, N8QOH | jim.cotton@wmich.edu
Western Michigan University | Phone: (269) 387-6421
Network Systems Group | Fax: (269) 387-5473
On Feb 1, 2010 at 15:34 -0700, Don Latham wrote:
Date: Mon, 01 Feb 2010 15:34:57 -0700 (MST)
From: Don Latham djl@montana.com
Reply-To: Discussion of precise time and frequency measurement
time-nuts@febo.com
To: Discussion of precise time and frequency measurement
time-nuts@febo.com
Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
Just bought one last week. As advertised, came with a cal and checkout
sheet. BTW, cost another $150 to have manuals printed out. But, I'm old
fashioned and have a hard time using manuals onscreen...
I also got the feeling (phone order) that I can call Amtronix and at least
reach a Real Person who will talk to me.
I think the E8285A will replace at least three present instruments with
better, once I master Instrument Basic :-).
Does anyone know which low-cost PCMCIA memory card will work? They're on
Epay for as little as $10
Don
Bob Camp
Hi
I do believe the last (or maybe next to last) of the Amtronix E8285A's is
now on it's way to a basement in Pennsylvania. If anybody else here is
looking for one, I'd sure call Rick pretty quick.
Bob
-----Original Message-----
From: time-nuts-bounces@febo.com [mailto:time-nuts-bounces@febo.com] On
Behalf Of John Ackermann N8UR
Sent: Thursday, January 21, 2010 4:14 PM
To: john.foege@gmail.com; Discussion of precise time and frequency
measurement
Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
If RF measurement is your bag, and you're able to spend a couple of $K
(actually, <$2K if what I've seen recently holds), consider a
communications service monitor like the HP
8920A/8920B/8921/8924/8935/E8285 (all pretty much the same thing).
You get an RF generator, RF power meter, RX frequency meter and
modulation analyzer, audio generator, audio analyzer, digital o'scope,
and in most units a spectrum analyzer (many have a tracking generator,
too) in one box. And I've probably forgotten a few things. If you get
one with spec analyzer and tracking generator, there's software that
lets you do swept insertion/return loss and cable fault finding.
None of its capabilities are as good as those of a dedicated box
performing a single function, but they're good enough for the vast
majority of uses. An 8920 was the first significant piece of test gear
I bought, and if I ever have to sell out, it'll be the last one to go.
The prices came down a lot when Lucent surplused hundreds (thousands?)
of them from their portable and cell phone production lines. I saw an
8935 with spec an, fully functional (as far as I could tell) for about
$1500 this summer.
A guy who sells and services a lot of these boxes is Rick at
http://www.amtronix.com -- that web site will give you lots of info
about the various versions and options. (I just noticed he has some
Agilent 8285As as a "hobbyist special" with spec an and tracking
generator for $650. That looks like a deal.)
John
john.foege@gmail.com said the following on 01/21/2010 03:43 PM:
Just that John, I'm looking to setup a general purpose lab. I'd lean
towards RF type stuff since I'm a HAM.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
-----Original Message-----
From: "J. Forster" jfor@quik.com
Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 12:22:11
To: didier@cox.net; Discussion of precise time and frequency
Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
I made the mistake of setting up a purpose-built lab once, and soon
discovered to do most things, you really need at least a basic general
purpose lab.
The only exception is, I suppose, if you are going to repair a specific
instrument and do nothing else.
Also, as others have pointed out, you really need to define what are
your
area(s) of interest. Specialized gear gets $$$ pretty quickly.
-John
====================
John,
That sounds like asking what is the best vehicle for you to buy. If you
not know what you want to do with it, I am not sure we can help you all
that much. However, if you have a specific objective, I am sure you
will
get a lot of valuable information here.
You have a (good) analog scope, you may want a power supply or two, a
soldering iron and maybe a desoldering station if you do surface mount.
You also want a good hand-held multimeter. Some sort of signal or
generator may be useful too. These vary widely depending on frequency
range and features. There is no good single answer to any of these
questions without knowing more about what you do with it.
Many of us on this list have more than one of pretty much everything (I
guilty of that too) to reflect the fact that no single instrument is
universal, with possibly one exception: my favorite hand held DMM is a
Fluke 8060A, but I am sure some people will have another favorite :)
Don't start spending what little money you have until you know what you
need. If you just need to spend money, may I interest you in a
wonderful
business opportunity in Nigeria?
Didier KO4BB
------------------------ Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless thingy while
I
do other things...
-----Original Message-----
From: John Foege john.foege@gmail.com
Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:35:22
To: Discussion of precise time and frequency
measurementtime-nuts@febo.com
Subject: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
I realize that this e-mail is somewhat off topic, however, I also
believe that I will get some of the best answers from the members of
this list:
I have recently started to build an electronics lab, and am currently
trying to acquire test and general equipment for my little basement
workshop of horrors. So far, being on a limited budget, I have
acquired a Tek 2465A in good working order, a Fluke 1953A counter, and
my little gem (ok not quite so little) HP5345A with the 4-ghz freq
converter plugin w/ opt 11 & 12.
I'd just like to ask everyone what they would be, if they were in my
shoes, attempting to acquire. Unforunately, however, I am just out of
engineering school and not working with much of a budget here. I'd
kill to have all the fancy gear some of you nuts have.
I'd really love a DSO instead of the Tek 2465A I have. I'd kill for a
good spectrum analyzer or VNA etc.
Any suggestions on what I should acquire and/or suggestions for
economical equipment that I should make that is a must have? I am a
good DIYer when it comes to building equipment, so often I attempt to
build that which I cannot afford.
I appreciate everyone's' opinions in advance. Thank you.
Sincerely,
John Foege
KB1FSX
starving-engineer!
time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
To unsubscribe, go to
https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
and follow the instructions there.
time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
To unsubscribe, go to
https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
and follow the instructions there.
and follow the instructions there.
time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
To unsubscribe, go to
and follow the instructions there.
Don,
Funny thing I bought a HP E8285A non-SA from Amtronix for $250 +
shipping as a RF source and spare parts for my $1200 HP 8935A...
Do you by any chance have a HP 8620A/B/C (or HP 8350B/11869A) and
HP 8709A/H10 and some 862xx RF plug-ins...(poor man's TG from .01 Mhz to
18 Ghz with the right plug-ins with 3 kHz RBW, and a 21.4 Mhz IF SA)?
I have some Cisco cards I need to try floating around my desk
somewhere... I will let you know what I find.
Jim Cotton, N8QOH | jim.cotton@wmich.edu
Western Michigan University | Phone: (269) 387-6421
Network Systems Group | Fax: (269) 387-5473
On Feb 1, 2010 at 15:34 -0700, Don Latham wrote:
> Date: Mon, 01 Feb 2010 15:34:57 -0700 (MST)
> From: Don Latham <djl@montana.com>
> Reply-To: Discussion of precise time and frequency measurement
> <time-nuts@febo.com>
> To: Discussion of precise time and frequency measurement
> <time-nuts@febo.com>
> Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
>
> Just bought one last week. As advertised, came with a cal and checkout
> sheet. BTW, cost another $150 to have manuals printed out. But, I'm old
> fashioned and have a hard time using manuals onscreen...
> I also got the feeling (phone order) that I can call Amtronix and at least
> reach a Real Person who will talk to me.
> I think the E8285A will replace at least three present instruments with
> better, once I master Instrument Basic :-).
> Does anyone know which low-cost PCMCIA memory card will work? They're on
> Epay for as little as $10
> Don
>
> Bob Camp
> > Hi
> >
> > I do believe the last (or maybe next to last) of the Amtronix E8285A's is
> > now on it's way to a basement in Pennsylvania. If anybody else here is
> > looking for one, I'd sure call Rick pretty quick.
> >
> > Bob
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: time-nuts-bounces@febo.com [mailto:time-nuts-bounces@febo.com] On
> > Behalf Of John Ackermann N8UR
> > Sent: Thursday, January 21, 2010 4:14 PM
> > To: john.foege@gmail.com; Discussion of precise time and frequency
> > measurement
> > Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
> >
> > If RF measurement is your bag, and you're able to spend a couple of $K
> > (actually, <$2K if what I've seen recently holds), consider a
> > communications service monitor like the HP
> > 8920A/8920B/8921/8924/8935/E8285 (all pretty much the same thing).
> >
> > You get an RF generator, RF power meter, RX frequency meter and
> > modulation analyzer, audio generator, audio analyzer, digital o'scope,
> > and in most units a spectrum analyzer (many have a tracking generator,
> > too) in one box. And I've probably forgotten a few things. If you get
> > one with spec analyzer and tracking generator, there's software that
> > lets you do swept insertion/return loss and cable fault finding.
> >
> > None of its capabilities are as good as those of a dedicated box
> > performing a single function, but they're good enough for the vast
> > majority of uses. An 8920 was the first significant piece of test gear
> > I bought, and if I ever have to sell out, it'll be the last one to go.
> >
> > The prices came down a lot when Lucent surplused hundreds (thousands?)
> > of them from their portable and cell phone production lines. I saw an
> > 8935 with spec an, fully functional (as far as I could tell) for about
> > $1500 this summer.
> >
> > A guy who sells and services a lot of these boxes is Rick at
> > http://www.amtronix.com -- that web site will give you lots of info
> > about the various versions and options. (I just noticed he has some
> > Agilent 8285As as a "hobbyist special" with spec an and tracking
> > generator for $650. That looks like a deal.)
> >
> > John
> > ----
> > john.foege@gmail.com said the following on 01/21/2010 03:43 PM:
> >> Just that John, I'm looking to setup a general purpose lab. I'd lean
> > towards RF type stuff since I'm a HAM.
> >> Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
> >>
> >> -----Original Message-----
> >> From: "J. Forster" <jfor@quik.com>
> >> Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 12:22:11
> >> To: <didier@cox.net>; Discussion of precise time and frequency
> > measurement<time-nuts@febo.com>
> >> Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
> >>
> >> I made the mistake of setting up a purpose-built lab once, and soon
> >> discovered to do most things, you really need at least a basic general
> >> purpose lab.
> >>
> >> The only exception is, I suppose, if you are going to repair a specific
> >> instrument and do nothing else.
> >>
> >> Also, as others have pointed out, you really need to define what are
> >> your
> >> area(s) of interest. Specialized gear gets $$$ pretty quickly.
> >>
> >> -John
> >>
> >> ====================
> >>
> >>> John,
> >>>
> >>> That sounds like asking what is the best vehicle for you to buy. If you
> > do
> >>> not know what you want to do with it, I am not sure we can help you all
> >>> that much. However, if you have a specific objective, I am sure you
> >>> will
> >>> get a lot of valuable information here.
> >>>
> >>> You have a (good) analog scope, you may want a power supply or two, a
> >>> soldering iron and maybe a desoldering station if you do surface mount.
> >>> You also want a good hand-held multimeter. Some sort of signal or
> > function
> >>> generator may be useful too. These vary widely depending on frequency
> >>> range and features. There is no good single answer to any of these
> >>> questions without knowing more about what you do with it.
> >>>
> >>> Many of us on this list have more than one of pretty much everything (I
> > am
> >>> guilty of that too) to reflect the fact that no single instrument is
> >>> universal, with possibly one exception: my favorite hand held DMM is a
> >>> Fluke 8060A, but I am sure some people will have another favorite :)
> >>>
> >>> Don't start spending what little money you have until you know what you
> >>> need. If you just need to spend money, may I interest you in a
> >>> wonderful
> >>> business opportunity in Nigeria?
> >>>
> >>> Didier KO4BB
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> ------------------------ Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless thingy while
> >>> I
> >>> do other things...
> >>>
> >>> -----Original Message-----
> >>> From: John Foege <john.foege@gmail.com>
> >>> Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:35:22
> >>> To: Discussion of precise time and frequency
> >>> measurement<time-nuts@febo.com>
> >>> Subject: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
> >>>
> >>> I realize that this e-mail is somewhat off topic, however, I also
> >>> believe that I will get some of the best answers from the members of
> >>> this list:
> >>>
> >>> I have recently started to build an electronics lab, and am currently
> >>> trying to acquire test and general equipment for my little basement
> >>> workshop of horrors. So far, being on a limited budget, I have
> >>> acquired a Tek 2465A in good working order, a Fluke 1953A counter, and
> >>> my little gem (ok not quite so little) HP5345A with the 4-ghz freq
> >>> converter plugin w/ opt 11 & 12.
> >>>
> >>> I'd just like to ask everyone what they would be, if they were in my
> >>> shoes, attempting to acquire. Unforunately, however, I am just out of
> >>> engineering school and not working with much of a budget here. I'd
> >>> kill to have all the fancy gear some of you nuts have.
> >>>
> >>> I'd really love a DSO instead of the Tek 2465A I have. I'd kill for a
> >>> good spectrum analyzer or VNA etc.
> >>>
> >>> Any suggestions on what I should acquire and/or suggestions for
> >>> economical equipment that I should make that is a must have? I am a
> >>> good DIYer when it comes to building equipment, so often I attempt to
> >>> build that which I cannot afford.
> >>>
> >>> I appreciate everyone's' opinions in advance. Thank you.
> >>>
> >>> Sincerely,
> >>>
> >>> John Foege
> >>> KB1FSX
> >>> starving-engineer!
> >>>
> >>> _______________________________________________
> >>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
> >>> To unsubscribe, go to
> >>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
> >>> and follow the instructions there.
> >>> _______________________________________________
> >>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
> >>> To unsubscribe, go to
> >>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
> >>> and follow the instructions there.
> >>>
> >>>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> _______________________________________________
> >> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
> >> To unsubscribe, go to
> > https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
> >> and follow the instructions there.
> >> _______________________________________________
> >> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
> >> To unsubscribe, go to
> > https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
> >> and follow the instructions there.
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
> > To unsubscribe, go to
> > https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
> > and follow the instructions there.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
> > To unsubscribe, go to
> > https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
> > and follow the instructions there.
> >
>
>
>
DL
Don Latham
Tue, Feb 2, 2010 6:19 AM
Amtronix did tell me that the power measurements were off, according to some
folks who had compared them to Birds. Of course the E's could be
calibrated. I don't have much below 30 MHz at present either. I sense that
there may be enough around to warrant a Yahoo or Google group???
Don
----- Original Message -----
From: "Bob Camp" lists@cq.nu
To: "Discussion of precise time and frequency measurement"
time-nuts@febo.com
Sent: Monday, February 01, 2010 6:42 PM
Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
Hi
The big question in my mind about these is how well they do below 30 MHz.
Until I know I can trust them it down there, I'm not selling very much
stuff.
I have yet to find a data sheet from before 2000 when they shipped with
the sub-800 MHz stuff enabled. I get the impression that the E8285's never
quite did as well below 30 MHz as the 8920's do.
Bob
On Feb 1, 2010, at 7:29 PM, Don Latham wrote:
Hi Bob. Display shows use, definitely, but I can see info over the whole
tube. I have a couple of things to do before I can start the learning
curve, but am looking forward to using it.
I'll have a bunch of test stuff for sale if this thing works out ;-)
Don
Bob Camp
Hi
I suspect that any size that was common in 2003 will be ok. I have no
basis for that claim. That likely will limit you to 2 gig and down.
Each time I called Amtronix, Rick answered on the first ring. It's
definitely someplace I would recommend dealing with.
How's the display on your unit? That sees to be the weakness of a lot of
test gear these days.
Can't wait to measure -100 dbc/Hz phase noise with mine :) ....
Bob
On Feb 1, 2010, at 5:34 PM, Don Latham wrote:
Just bought one last week. As advertised, came with a cal and checkout
sheet. BTW, cost another $150 to have manuals printed out. But, I'm
old
fashioned and have a hard time using manuals onscreen...
I also got the feeling (phone order) that I can call Amtronix and at
least
reach a Real Person who will talk to me.
I think the E8285A will replace at least three present instruments with
better, once I master Instrument Basic :-).
Does anyone know which low-cost PCMCIA memory card will work? They're
on
Epay for as little as $10
Don
Bob Camp
Hi
I do believe the last (or maybe next to last) of the Amtronix E8285A's
is
now on it's way to a basement in Pennsylvania. If anybody else here is
looking for one, I'd sure call Rick pretty quick.
Bob
-----Original Message-----
From: time-nuts-bounces@febo.com [mailto:time-nuts-bounces@febo.com]
On
Behalf Of John Ackermann N8UR
Sent: Thursday, January 21, 2010 4:14 PM
To: john.foege@gmail.com; Discussion of precise time and frequency
measurement
Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
If RF measurement is your bag, and you're able to spend a couple of $K
(actually, <$2K if what I've seen recently holds), consider a
communications service monitor like the HP
8920A/8920B/8921/8924/8935/E8285 (all pretty much the same thing).
You get an RF generator, RF power meter, RX frequency meter and
modulation analyzer, audio generator, audio analyzer, digital o'scope,
and in most units a spectrum analyzer (many have a tracking generator,
too) in one box. And I've probably forgotten a few things. If you
get
one with spec analyzer and tracking generator, there's software that
lets you do swept insertion/return loss and cable fault finding.
None of its capabilities are as good as those of a dedicated box
performing a single function, but they're good enough for the vast
majority of uses. An 8920 was the first significant piece of test
gear
I bought, and if I ever have to sell out, it'll be the last one to go.
The prices came down a lot when Lucent surplused hundreds (thousands?)
of them from their portable and cell phone production lines. I saw an
8935 with spec an, fully functional (as far as I could tell) for about
$1500 this summer.
A guy who sells and services a lot of these boxes is Rick at
http://www.amtronix.com -- that web site will give you lots of info
about the various versions and options. (I just noticed he has some
Agilent 8285As as a "hobbyist special" with spec an and tracking
generator for $650. That looks like a deal.)
John
john.foege@gmail.com said the following on 01/21/2010 03:43 PM:
Just that John, I'm looking to setup a general purpose lab. I'd lean
towards RF type stuff since I'm a HAM.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
-----Original Message-----
From: "J. Forster" jfor@quik.com
Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 12:22:11
To: didier@cox.net; Discussion of precise time and frequency
Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
I made the mistake of setting up a purpose-built lab once, and soon
discovered to do most things, you really need at least a basic
general
purpose lab.
The only exception is, I suppose, if you are going to repair a
specific
instrument and do nothing else.
Also, as others have pointed out, you really need to define what are
your
area(s) of interest. Specialized gear gets $$$ pretty quickly.
-John
====================
John,
That sounds like asking what is the best vehicle for you to buy. If
you
not know what you want to do with it, I am not sure we can help you
all
that much. However, if you have a specific objective, I am sure you
will
get a lot of valuable information here.
You have a (good) analog scope, you may want a power supply or two,
a
soldering iron and maybe a desoldering station if you do surface
mount.
You also want a good hand-held multimeter. Some sort of signal or
generator may be useful too. These vary widely depending on
frequency
range and features. There is no good single answer to any of these
questions without knowing more about what you do with it.
Many of us on this list have more than one of pretty much everything
(I
guilty of that too) to reflect the fact that no single instrument is
universal, with possibly one exception: my favorite hand held DMM is
a
Fluke 8060A, but I am sure some people will have another favorite :)
Don't start spending what little money you have until you know what
you
need. If you just need to spend money, may I interest you in a
wonderful
business opportunity in Nigeria?
Didier KO4BB
------------------------ Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless thingy
while
I
do other things...
-----Original Message-----
From: John Foege john.foege@gmail.com
Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:35:22
To: Discussion of precise time and frequency
measurementtime-nuts@febo.com
Subject: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
I realize that this e-mail is somewhat off topic, however, I also
believe that I will get some of the best answers from the members of
this list:
I have recently started to build an electronics lab, and am
currently
trying to acquire test and general equipment for my little basement
workshop of horrors. So far, being on a limited budget, I have
acquired a Tek 2465A in good working order, a Fluke 1953A counter,
and
my little gem (ok not quite so little) HP5345A with the 4-ghz freq
converter plugin w/ opt 11 & 12.
I'd just like to ask everyone what they would be, if they were in my
shoes, attempting to acquire. Unforunately, however, I am just out
of
engineering school and not working with much of a budget here. I'd
kill to have all the fancy gear some of you nuts have.
I'd really love a DSO instead of the Tek 2465A I have. I'd kill for
a
good spectrum analyzer or VNA etc.
Any suggestions on what I should acquire and/or suggestions for
economical equipment that I should make that is a must have? I am a
good DIYer when it comes to building equipment, so often I attempt
to
build that which I cannot afford.
I appreciate everyone's' opinions in advance. Thank you.
Sincerely,
John Foege
KB1FSX
starving-engineer!
time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
To unsubscribe, go to
https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
and follow the instructions there.
time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
To unsubscribe, go to
https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
and follow the instructions there.
and follow the instructions there.
time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
To unsubscribe, go to
and follow the instructions there.
Amtronix did tell me that the power measurements were off, according to some
folks who had compared them to Birds. Of course the E's could be
calibrated. I don't have much below 30 MHz at present either. I sense that
there may be enough around to warrant a Yahoo or Google group???
Don
----- Original Message -----
From: "Bob Camp" <lists@cq.nu>
To: "Discussion of precise time and frequency measurement"
<time-nuts@febo.com>
Sent: Monday, February 01, 2010 6:42 PM
Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
> Hi
>
> The big question in my mind about these is how well they do below 30 MHz.
> Until I know I can trust them it down there, I'm not selling very much
> stuff.
>
> I have yet to find a data sheet from before 2000 when they shipped with
> the sub-800 MHz stuff enabled. I get the impression that the E8285's never
> quite did as well below 30 MHz as the 8920's do.
>
> Bob
>
>
> On Feb 1, 2010, at 7:29 PM, Don Latham wrote:
>
>> Hi Bob. Display shows use, definitely, but I can see info over the whole
>> tube. I have a couple of things to do before I can start the learning
>> curve, but am looking forward to using it.
>> I'll have a bunch of test stuff for sale if this thing works out ;-)
>> Don
>>
>> Bob Camp
>>> Hi
>>>
>>> I *suspect* that any size that was common in 2003 will be ok. I have no
>>> basis for that claim. That likely will limit you to 2 gig and down.
>>>
>>> Each time I called Amtronix, Rick answered on the first ring. It's
>>> definitely someplace I would recommend dealing with.
>>>
>>> How's the display on your unit? That sees to be the weakness of a lot of
>>> test gear these days.
>>>
>>> Can't wait to measure -100 dbc/Hz phase noise with mine :) ....
>>>
>>> Bob
>>>
>>>
>>> On Feb 1, 2010, at 5:34 PM, Don Latham wrote:
>>>
>>>> Just bought one last week. As advertised, came with a cal and checkout
>>>> sheet. BTW, cost another $150 to have manuals printed out. But, I'm
>>>> old
>>>> fashioned and have a hard time using manuals onscreen...
>>>> I also got the feeling (phone order) that I can call Amtronix and at
>>>> least
>>>> reach a Real Person who will talk to me.
>>>> I think the E8285A will replace at least three present instruments with
>>>> better, once I master Instrument Basic :-).
>>>> Does anyone know which low-cost PCMCIA memory card will work? They're
>>>> on
>>>> Epay for as little as $10
>>>> Don
>>>>
>>>> Bob Camp
>>>>> Hi
>>>>>
>>>>> I do believe the last (or maybe next to last) of the Amtronix E8285A's
>>>>> is
>>>>> now on it's way to a basement in Pennsylvania. If anybody else here is
>>>>> looking for one, I'd sure call Rick pretty quick.
>>>>>
>>>>> Bob
>>>>>
>>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>>> From: time-nuts-bounces@febo.com [mailto:time-nuts-bounces@febo.com]
>>>>> On
>>>>> Behalf Of John Ackermann N8UR
>>>>> Sent: Thursday, January 21, 2010 4:14 PM
>>>>> To: john.foege@gmail.com; Discussion of precise time and frequency
>>>>> measurement
>>>>> Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
>>>>>
>>>>> If RF measurement is your bag, and you're able to spend a couple of $K
>>>>> (actually, <$2K if what I've seen recently holds), consider a
>>>>> communications service monitor like the HP
>>>>> 8920A/8920B/8921/8924/8935/E8285 (all pretty much the same thing).
>>>>>
>>>>> You get an RF generator, RF power meter, RX frequency meter and
>>>>> modulation analyzer, audio generator, audio analyzer, digital o'scope,
>>>>> and in most units a spectrum analyzer (many have a tracking generator,
>>>>> too) in one box. And I've probably forgotten a few things. If you
>>>>> get
>>>>> one with spec analyzer and tracking generator, there's software that
>>>>> lets you do swept insertion/return loss and cable fault finding.
>>>>>
>>>>> None of its capabilities are as good as those of a dedicated box
>>>>> performing a single function, but they're good enough for the vast
>>>>> majority of uses. An 8920 was the first significant piece of test
>>>>> gear
>>>>> I bought, and if I ever have to sell out, it'll be the last one to go.
>>>>>
>>>>> The prices came down a lot when Lucent surplused hundreds (thousands?)
>>>>> of them from their portable and cell phone production lines. I saw an
>>>>> 8935 with spec an, fully functional (as far as I could tell) for about
>>>>> $1500 this summer.
>>>>>
>>>>> A guy who sells and services a lot of these boxes is Rick at
>>>>> http://www.amtronix.com -- that web site will give you lots of info
>>>>> about the various versions and options. (I just noticed he has some
>>>>> Agilent 8285As as a "hobbyist special" with spec an and tracking
>>>>> generator for $650. That looks like a deal.)
>>>>>
>>>>> John
>>>>> ----
>>>>> john.foege@gmail.com said the following on 01/21/2010 03:43 PM:
>>>>>> Just that John, I'm looking to setup a general purpose lab. I'd lean
>>>>> towards RF type stuff since I'm a HAM.
>>>>>> Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
>>>>>>
>>>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>>>> From: "J. Forster" <jfor@quik.com>
>>>>>> Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 12:22:11
>>>>>> To: <didier@cox.net>; Discussion of precise time and frequency
>>>>> measurement<time-nuts@febo.com>
>>>>>> Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I made the mistake of setting up a purpose-built lab once, and soon
>>>>>> discovered to do most things, you really need at least a basic
>>>>>> general
>>>>>> purpose lab.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> The only exception is, I suppose, if you are going to repair a
>>>>>> specific
>>>>>> instrument and do nothing else.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Also, as others have pointed out, you really need to define what are
>>>>>> your
>>>>>> area(s) of interest. Specialized gear gets $$$ pretty quickly.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> -John
>>>>>>
>>>>>> ====================
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> John,
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> That sounds like asking what is the best vehicle for you to buy. If
>>>>>>> you
>>>>> do
>>>>>>> not know what you want to do with it, I am not sure we can help you
>>>>>>> all
>>>>>>> that much. However, if you have a specific objective, I am sure you
>>>>>>> will
>>>>>>> get a lot of valuable information here.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> You have a (good) analog scope, you may want a power supply or two,
>>>>>>> a
>>>>>>> soldering iron and maybe a desoldering station if you do surface
>>>>>>> mount.
>>>>>>> You also want a good hand-held multimeter. Some sort of signal or
>>>>> function
>>>>>>> generator may be useful too. These vary widely depending on
>>>>>>> frequency
>>>>>>> range and features. There is no good single answer to any of these
>>>>>>> questions without knowing more about what you do with it.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Many of us on this list have more than one of pretty much everything
>>>>>>> (I
>>>>> am
>>>>>>> guilty of that too) to reflect the fact that no single instrument is
>>>>>>> universal, with possibly one exception: my favorite hand held DMM is
>>>>>>> a
>>>>>>> Fluke 8060A, but I am sure some people will have another favorite :)
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Don't start spending what little money you have until you know what
>>>>>>> you
>>>>>>> need. If you just need to spend money, may I interest you in a
>>>>>>> wonderful
>>>>>>> business opportunity in Nigeria?
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Didier KO4BB
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> ------------------------ Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless thingy
>>>>>>> while
>>>>>>> I
>>>>>>> do other things...
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>>>>> From: John Foege <john.foege@gmail.com>
>>>>>>> Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:35:22
>>>>>>> To: Discussion of precise time and frequency
>>>>>>> measurement<time-nuts@febo.com>
>>>>>>> Subject: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> I realize that this e-mail is somewhat off topic, however, I also
>>>>>>> believe that I will get some of the best answers from the members of
>>>>>>> this list:
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> I have recently started to build an electronics lab, and am
>>>>>>> currently
>>>>>>> trying to acquire test and general equipment for my little basement
>>>>>>> workshop of horrors. So far, being on a limited budget, I have
>>>>>>> acquired a Tek 2465A in good working order, a Fluke 1953A counter,
>>>>>>> and
>>>>>>> my little gem (ok not quite so little) HP5345A with the 4-ghz freq
>>>>>>> converter plugin w/ opt 11 & 12.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> I'd just like to ask everyone what they would be, if they were in my
>>>>>>> shoes, attempting to acquire. Unforunately, however, I am just out
>>>>>>> of
>>>>>>> engineering school and not working with much of a budget here. I'd
>>>>>>> kill to have all the fancy gear some of you nuts have.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> I'd really love a DSO instead of the Tek 2465A I have. I'd kill for
>>>>>>> a
>>>>>>> good spectrum analyzer or VNA etc.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Any suggestions on what I should acquire and/or suggestions for
>>>>>>> economical equipment that I should make that is a must have? I am a
>>>>>>> good DIYer when it comes to building equipment, so often I attempt
>>>>>>> to
>>>>>>> build that which I cannot afford.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> I appreciate everyone's' opinions in advance. Thank you.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Sincerely,
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> John Foege
>>>>>>> KB1FSX
>>>>>>> starving-engineer!
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>>>>>>> To unsubscribe, go to
>>>>>>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>>>>>>> and follow the instructions there.
>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>>>>>>> To unsubscribe, go to
>>>>>>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>>>>>>> and follow the instructions there.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>>>>>> To unsubscribe, go to
>>>>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>>>>>> and follow the instructions there.
>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>>>>>> To unsubscribe, go to
>>>>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>>>>>> and follow the instructions there.
>>>>>
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>>>>> To unsubscribe, go to
>>>>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>>>>> and follow the instructions there.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>>>>> To unsubscribe, go to
>>>>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>>>>> and follow the instructions there.
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> --
>>>> Dr. Don Latham AJ7LL
>>>> Six Mile Systems LLP
>>>> 17850 Six Mile Road
>>>> POB 134
>>>> Huson, MT, 59846
>>>> VOX 406-626-4304
>>>> www.lightningforensics.com
>>>> www.sixmilesystems.com
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>>>> To unsubscribe, go to
>>>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>>>> and follow the instructions there.
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>>> To unsubscribe, go to
>>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>>> and follow the instructions there.
>>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> Dr. Don Latham AJ7LL
>> Six Mile Systems LLP
>> 17850 Six Mile Road
>> POB 134
>> Huson, MT, 59846
>> VOX 406-626-4304
>> www.lightningforensics.com
>> www.sixmilesystems.com
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>> To unsubscribe, go to
>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>> and follow the instructions there.
>>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
> To unsubscribe, go to
> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
> and follow the instructions there.
DL
Don Latham
Tue, Feb 2, 2010 6:20 AM
Oh, forgot. My firmware appears to be something like A.02.4 or something
like that, and the manuals are A.05.0 or so. another possible problem.
Don
----- Original Message -----
From: "Bob Camp" lists@cq.nu
To: "Discussion of precise time and frequency measurement"
time-nuts@febo.com
Sent: Monday, February 01, 2010 6:42 PM
Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
Hi
The big question in my mind about these is how well they do below 30 MHz.
Until I know I can trust them it down there, I'm not selling very much
stuff.
I have yet to find a data sheet from before 2000 when they shipped with
the sub-800 MHz stuff enabled. I get the impression that the E8285's never
quite did as well below 30 MHz as the 8920's do.
Bob
On Feb 1, 2010, at 7:29 PM, Don Latham wrote:
Hi Bob. Display shows use, definitely, but I can see info over the whole
tube. I have a couple of things to do before I can start the learning
curve, but am looking forward to using it.
I'll have a bunch of test stuff for sale if this thing works out ;-)
Don
Bob Camp
Hi
I suspect that any size that was common in 2003 will be ok. I have no
basis for that claim. That likely will limit you to 2 gig and down.
Each time I called Amtronix, Rick answered on the first ring. It's
definitely someplace I would recommend dealing with.
How's the display on your unit? That sees to be the weakness of a lot of
test gear these days.
Can't wait to measure -100 dbc/Hz phase noise with mine :) ....
Bob
On Feb 1, 2010, at 5:34 PM, Don Latham wrote:
Just bought one last week. As advertised, came with a cal and checkout
sheet. BTW, cost another $150 to have manuals printed out. But, I'm
old
fashioned and have a hard time using manuals onscreen...
I also got the feeling (phone order) that I can call Amtronix and at
least
reach a Real Person who will talk to me.
I think the E8285A will replace at least three present instruments with
better, once I master Instrument Basic :-).
Does anyone know which low-cost PCMCIA memory card will work? They're
on
Epay for as little as $10
Don
Bob Camp
Hi
I do believe the last (or maybe next to last) of the Amtronix E8285A's
is
now on it's way to a basement in Pennsylvania. If anybody else here is
looking for one, I'd sure call Rick pretty quick.
Bob
-----Original Message-----
From: time-nuts-bounces@febo.com [mailto:time-nuts-bounces@febo.com]
On
Behalf Of John Ackermann N8UR
Sent: Thursday, January 21, 2010 4:14 PM
To: john.foege@gmail.com; Discussion of precise time and frequency
measurement
Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
If RF measurement is your bag, and you're able to spend a couple of $K
(actually, <$2K if what I've seen recently holds), consider a
communications service monitor like the HP
8920A/8920B/8921/8924/8935/E8285 (all pretty much the same thing).
You get an RF generator, RF power meter, RX frequency meter and
modulation analyzer, audio generator, audio analyzer, digital o'scope,
and in most units a spectrum analyzer (many have a tracking generator,
too) in one box. And I've probably forgotten a few things. If you
get
one with spec analyzer and tracking generator, there's software that
lets you do swept insertion/return loss and cable fault finding.
None of its capabilities are as good as those of a dedicated box
performing a single function, but they're good enough for the vast
majority of uses. An 8920 was the first significant piece of test
gear
I bought, and if I ever have to sell out, it'll be the last one to go.
The prices came down a lot when Lucent surplused hundreds (thousands?)
of them from their portable and cell phone production lines. I saw an
8935 with spec an, fully functional (as far as I could tell) for about
$1500 this summer.
A guy who sells and services a lot of these boxes is Rick at
http://www.amtronix.com -- that web site will give you lots of info
about the various versions and options. (I just noticed he has some
Agilent 8285As as a "hobbyist special" with spec an and tracking
generator for $650. That looks like a deal.)
John
john.foege@gmail.com said the following on 01/21/2010 03:43 PM:
Just that John, I'm looking to setup a general purpose lab. I'd lean
towards RF type stuff since I'm a HAM.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
-----Original Message-----
From: "J. Forster" jfor@quik.com
Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 12:22:11
To: didier@cox.net; Discussion of precise time and frequency
Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
I made the mistake of setting up a purpose-built lab once, and soon
discovered to do most things, you really need at least a basic
general
purpose lab.
The only exception is, I suppose, if you are going to repair a
specific
instrument and do nothing else.
Also, as others have pointed out, you really need to define what are
your
area(s) of interest. Specialized gear gets $$$ pretty quickly.
-John
====================
John,
That sounds like asking what is the best vehicle for you to buy. If
you
not know what you want to do with it, I am not sure we can help you
all
that much. However, if you have a specific objective, I am sure you
will
get a lot of valuable information here.
You have a (good) analog scope, you may want a power supply or two,
a
soldering iron and maybe a desoldering station if you do surface
mount.
You also want a good hand-held multimeter. Some sort of signal or
generator may be useful too. These vary widely depending on
frequency
range and features. There is no good single answer to any of these
questions without knowing more about what you do with it.
Many of us on this list have more than one of pretty much everything
(I
guilty of that too) to reflect the fact that no single instrument is
universal, with possibly one exception: my favorite hand held DMM is
a
Fluke 8060A, but I am sure some people will have another favorite :)
Don't start spending what little money you have until you know what
you
need. If you just need to spend money, may I interest you in a
wonderful
business opportunity in Nigeria?
Didier KO4BB
------------------------ Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless thingy
while
I
do other things...
-----Original Message-----
From: John Foege john.foege@gmail.com
Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:35:22
To: Discussion of precise time and frequency
measurementtime-nuts@febo.com
Subject: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
I realize that this e-mail is somewhat off topic, however, I also
believe that I will get some of the best answers from the members of
this list:
I have recently started to build an electronics lab, and am
currently
trying to acquire test and general equipment for my little basement
workshop of horrors. So far, being on a limited budget, I have
acquired a Tek 2465A in good working order, a Fluke 1953A counter,
and
my little gem (ok not quite so little) HP5345A with the 4-ghz freq
converter plugin w/ opt 11 & 12.
I'd just like to ask everyone what they would be, if they were in my
shoes, attempting to acquire. Unforunately, however, I am just out
of
engineering school and not working with much of a budget here. I'd
kill to have all the fancy gear some of you nuts have.
I'd really love a DSO instead of the Tek 2465A I have. I'd kill for
a
good spectrum analyzer or VNA etc.
Any suggestions on what I should acquire and/or suggestions for
economical equipment that I should make that is a must have? I am a
good DIYer when it comes to building equipment, so often I attempt
to
build that which I cannot afford.
I appreciate everyone's' opinions in advance. Thank you.
Sincerely,
John Foege
KB1FSX
starving-engineer!
time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
To unsubscribe, go to
https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
and follow the instructions there.
time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
To unsubscribe, go to
https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
and follow the instructions there.
and follow the instructions there.
time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
To unsubscribe, go to
and follow the instructions there.
Oh, forgot. My firmware appears to be something like A.02.4 or something
like that, and the manuals are A.05.0 or so. another possible problem.
Don
----- Original Message -----
From: "Bob Camp" <lists@cq.nu>
To: "Discussion of precise time and frequency measurement"
<time-nuts@febo.com>
Sent: Monday, February 01, 2010 6:42 PM
Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
> Hi
>
> The big question in my mind about these is how well they do below 30 MHz.
> Until I know I can trust them it down there, I'm not selling very much
> stuff.
>
> I have yet to find a data sheet from before 2000 when they shipped with
> the sub-800 MHz stuff enabled. I get the impression that the E8285's never
> quite did as well below 30 MHz as the 8920's do.
>
> Bob
>
>
> On Feb 1, 2010, at 7:29 PM, Don Latham wrote:
>
>> Hi Bob. Display shows use, definitely, but I can see info over the whole
>> tube. I have a couple of things to do before I can start the learning
>> curve, but am looking forward to using it.
>> I'll have a bunch of test stuff for sale if this thing works out ;-)
>> Don
>>
>> Bob Camp
>>> Hi
>>>
>>> I *suspect* that any size that was common in 2003 will be ok. I have no
>>> basis for that claim. That likely will limit you to 2 gig and down.
>>>
>>> Each time I called Amtronix, Rick answered on the first ring. It's
>>> definitely someplace I would recommend dealing with.
>>>
>>> How's the display on your unit? That sees to be the weakness of a lot of
>>> test gear these days.
>>>
>>> Can't wait to measure -100 dbc/Hz phase noise with mine :) ....
>>>
>>> Bob
>>>
>>>
>>> On Feb 1, 2010, at 5:34 PM, Don Latham wrote:
>>>
>>>> Just bought one last week. As advertised, came with a cal and checkout
>>>> sheet. BTW, cost another $150 to have manuals printed out. But, I'm
>>>> old
>>>> fashioned and have a hard time using manuals onscreen...
>>>> I also got the feeling (phone order) that I can call Amtronix and at
>>>> least
>>>> reach a Real Person who will talk to me.
>>>> I think the E8285A will replace at least three present instruments with
>>>> better, once I master Instrument Basic :-).
>>>> Does anyone know which low-cost PCMCIA memory card will work? They're
>>>> on
>>>> Epay for as little as $10
>>>> Don
>>>>
>>>> Bob Camp
>>>>> Hi
>>>>>
>>>>> I do believe the last (or maybe next to last) of the Amtronix E8285A's
>>>>> is
>>>>> now on it's way to a basement in Pennsylvania. If anybody else here is
>>>>> looking for one, I'd sure call Rick pretty quick.
>>>>>
>>>>> Bob
>>>>>
>>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>>> From: time-nuts-bounces@febo.com [mailto:time-nuts-bounces@febo.com]
>>>>> On
>>>>> Behalf Of John Ackermann N8UR
>>>>> Sent: Thursday, January 21, 2010 4:14 PM
>>>>> To: john.foege@gmail.com; Discussion of precise time and frequency
>>>>> measurement
>>>>> Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
>>>>>
>>>>> If RF measurement is your bag, and you're able to spend a couple of $K
>>>>> (actually, <$2K if what I've seen recently holds), consider a
>>>>> communications service monitor like the HP
>>>>> 8920A/8920B/8921/8924/8935/E8285 (all pretty much the same thing).
>>>>>
>>>>> You get an RF generator, RF power meter, RX frequency meter and
>>>>> modulation analyzer, audio generator, audio analyzer, digital o'scope,
>>>>> and in most units a spectrum analyzer (many have a tracking generator,
>>>>> too) in one box. And I've probably forgotten a few things. If you
>>>>> get
>>>>> one with spec analyzer and tracking generator, there's software that
>>>>> lets you do swept insertion/return loss and cable fault finding.
>>>>>
>>>>> None of its capabilities are as good as those of a dedicated box
>>>>> performing a single function, but they're good enough for the vast
>>>>> majority of uses. An 8920 was the first significant piece of test
>>>>> gear
>>>>> I bought, and if I ever have to sell out, it'll be the last one to go.
>>>>>
>>>>> The prices came down a lot when Lucent surplused hundreds (thousands?)
>>>>> of them from their portable and cell phone production lines. I saw an
>>>>> 8935 with spec an, fully functional (as far as I could tell) for about
>>>>> $1500 this summer.
>>>>>
>>>>> A guy who sells and services a lot of these boxes is Rick at
>>>>> http://www.amtronix.com -- that web site will give you lots of info
>>>>> about the various versions and options. (I just noticed he has some
>>>>> Agilent 8285As as a "hobbyist special" with spec an and tracking
>>>>> generator for $650. That looks like a deal.)
>>>>>
>>>>> John
>>>>> ----
>>>>> john.foege@gmail.com said the following on 01/21/2010 03:43 PM:
>>>>>> Just that John, I'm looking to setup a general purpose lab. I'd lean
>>>>> towards RF type stuff since I'm a HAM.
>>>>>> Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
>>>>>>
>>>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>>>> From: "J. Forster" <jfor@quik.com>
>>>>>> Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 12:22:11
>>>>>> To: <didier@cox.net>; Discussion of precise time and frequency
>>>>> measurement<time-nuts@febo.com>
>>>>>> Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I made the mistake of setting up a purpose-built lab once, and soon
>>>>>> discovered to do most things, you really need at least a basic
>>>>>> general
>>>>>> purpose lab.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> The only exception is, I suppose, if you are going to repair a
>>>>>> specific
>>>>>> instrument and do nothing else.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Also, as others have pointed out, you really need to define what are
>>>>>> your
>>>>>> area(s) of interest. Specialized gear gets $$$ pretty quickly.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> -John
>>>>>>
>>>>>> ====================
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> John,
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> That sounds like asking what is the best vehicle for you to buy. If
>>>>>>> you
>>>>> do
>>>>>>> not know what you want to do with it, I am not sure we can help you
>>>>>>> all
>>>>>>> that much. However, if you have a specific objective, I am sure you
>>>>>>> will
>>>>>>> get a lot of valuable information here.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> You have a (good) analog scope, you may want a power supply or two,
>>>>>>> a
>>>>>>> soldering iron and maybe a desoldering station if you do surface
>>>>>>> mount.
>>>>>>> You also want a good hand-held multimeter. Some sort of signal or
>>>>> function
>>>>>>> generator may be useful too. These vary widely depending on
>>>>>>> frequency
>>>>>>> range and features. There is no good single answer to any of these
>>>>>>> questions without knowing more about what you do with it.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Many of us on this list have more than one of pretty much everything
>>>>>>> (I
>>>>> am
>>>>>>> guilty of that too) to reflect the fact that no single instrument is
>>>>>>> universal, with possibly one exception: my favorite hand held DMM is
>>>>>>> a
>>>>>>> Fluke 8060A, but I am sure some people will have another favorite :)
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Don't start spending what little money you have until you know what
>>>>>>> you
>>>>>>> need. If you just need to spend money, may I interest you in a
>>>>>>> wonderful
>>>>>>> business opportunity in Nigeria?
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Didier KO4BB
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> ------------------------ Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless thingy
>>>>>>> while
>>>>>>> I
>>>>>>> do other things...
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>>>>> From: John Foege <john.foege@gmail.com>
>>>>>>> Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:35:22
>>>>>>> To: Discussion of precise time and frequency
>>>>>>> measurement<time-nuts@febo.com>
>>>>>>> Subject: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> I realize that this e-mail is somewhat off topic, however, I also
>>>>>>> believe that I will get some of the best answers from the members of
>>>>>>> this list:
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> I have recently started to build an electronics lab, and am
>>>>>>> currently
>>>>>>> trying to acquire test and general equipment for my little basement
>>>>>>> workshop of horrors. So far, being on a limited budget, I have
>>>>>>> acquired a Tek 2465A in good working order, a Fluke 1953A counter,
>>>>>>> and
>>>>>>> my little gem (ok not quite so little) HP5345A with the 4-ghz freq
>>>>>>> converter plugin w/ opt 11 & 12.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> I'd just like to ask everyone what they would be, if they were in my
>>>>>>> shoes, attempting to acquire. Unforunately, however, I am just out
>>>>>>> of
>>>>>>> engineering school and not working with much of a budget here. I'd
>>>>>>> kill to have all the fancy gear some of you nuts have.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> I'd really love a DSO instead of the Tek 2465A I have. I'd kill for
>>>>>>> a
>>>>>>> good spectrum analyzer or VNA etc.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Any suggestions on what I should acquire and/or suggestions for
>>>>>>> economical equipment that I should make that is a must have? I am a
>>>>>>> good DIYer when it comes to building equipment, so often I attempt
>>>>>>> to
>>>>>>> build that which I cannot afford.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> I appreciate everyone's' opinions in advance. Thank you.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Sincerely,
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> John Foege
>>>>>>> KB1FSX
>>>>>>> starving-engineer!
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>>>>>>> To unsubscribe, go to
>>>>>>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>>>>>>> and follow the instructions there.
>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>>>>>>> To unsubscribe, go to
>>>>>>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>>>>>>> and follow the instructions there.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>>>>>> To unsubscribe, go to
>>>>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>>>>>> and follow the instructions there.
>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>>>>>> To unsubscribe, go to
>>>>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>>>>>> and follow the instructions there.
>>>>>
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>>>>> To unsubscribe, go to
>>>>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>>>>> and follow the instructions there.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>>>>> To unsubscribe, go to
>>>>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>>>>> and follow the instructions there.
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> --
>>>> Dr. Don Latham AJ7LL
>>>> Six Mile Systems LLP
>>>> 17850 Six Mile Road
>>>> POB 134
>>>> Huson, MT, 59846
>>>> VOX 406-626-4304
>>>> www.lightningforensics.com
>>>> www.sixmilesystems.com
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>>>> To unsubscribe, go to
>>>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>>>> and follow the instructions there.
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>>> To unsubscribe, go to
>>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>>> and follow the instructions there.
>>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> Dr. Don Latham AJ7LL
>> Six Mile Systems LLP
>> 17850 Six Mile Road
>> POB 134
>> Huson, MT, 59846
>> VOX 406-626-4304
>> www.lightningforensics.com
>> www.sixmilesystems.com
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>> To unsubscribe, go to
>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>> and follow the instructions there.
>>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
> To unsubscribe, go to
> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
> and follow the instructions there.
BC
Bob Camp
Tue, Feb 2, 2010 12:54 PM
Hi
The 2.x firmware is the magic that lets it run down to HF type frequencies. You really do not want to "upgrade" the firmware.
It would be very nice to find a back shelf somewhere with a set of original manuals for the 2.x version.
Now if it just had a SR-620 counter built into it ....
Bob
On Feb 2, 2010, at 1:20 AM, Don Latham wrote:
Oh, forgot. My firmware appears to be something like A.02.4 or something like that, and the manuals are A.05.0 or so. another possible problem.
Don
----- Original Message ----- From: "Bob Camp" lists@cq.nu
To: "Discussion of precise time and frequency measurement" time-nuts@febo.com
Sent: Monday, February 01, 2010 6:42 PM
Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
Hi
The big question in my mind about these is how well they do below 30 MHz. Until I know I can trust them it down there, I'm not selling very much stuff.
I have yet to find a data sheet from before 2000 when they shipped with the sub-800 MHz stuff enabled. I get the impression that the E8285's never quite did as well below 30 MHz as the 8920's do.
Bob
On Feb 1, 2010, at 7:29 PM, Don Latham wrote:
Hi Bob. Display shows use, definitely, but I can see info over the whole
tube. I have a couple of things to do before I can start the learning
curve, but am looking forward to using it.
I'll have a bunch of test stuff for sale if this thing works out ;-)
Don
Bob Camp
Hi
I suspect that any size that was common in 2003 will be ok. I have no
basis for that claim. That likely will limit you to 2 gig and down.
Each time I called Amtronix, Rick answered on the first ring. It's
definitely someplace I would recommend dealing with.
How's the display on your unit? That sees to be the weakness of a lot of
test gear these days.
Can't wait to measure -100 dbc/Hz phase noise with mine :) ....
Bob
On Feb 1, 2010, at 5:34 PM, Don Latham wrote:
Just bought one last week. As advertised, came with a cal and checkout
sheet. BTW, cost another $150 to have manuals printed out. But, I'm old
fashioned and have a hard time using manuals onscreen...
I also got the feeling (phone order) that I can call Amtronix and at
least
reach a Real Person who will talk to me.
I think the E8285A will replace at least three present instruments with
better, once I master Instrument Basic :-).
Does anyone know which low-cost PCMCIA memory card will work? They're on
Epay for as little as $10
Don
Bob Camp
Hi
I do believe the last (or maybe next to last) of the Amtronix E8285A's
is
now on it's way to a basement in Pennsylvania. If anybody else here is
looking for one, I'd sure call Rick pretty quick.
Bob
-----Original Message-----
From: time-nuts-bounces@febo.com [mailto:time-nuts-bounces@febo.com] On
Behalf Of John Ackermann N8UR
Sent: Thursday, January 21, 2010 4:14 PM
To: john.foege@gmail.com; Discussion of precise time and frequency
measurement
Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
If RF measurement is your bag, and you're able to spend a couple of $K
(actually, <$2K if what I've seen recently holds), consider a
communications service monitor like the HP
8920A/8920B/8921/8924/8935/E8285 (all pretty much the same thing).
You get an RF generator, RF power meter, RX frequency meter and
modulation analyzer, audio generator, audio analyzer, digital o'scope,
and in most units a spectrum analyzer (many have a tracking generator,
too) in one box. And I've probably forgotten a few things. If you get
one with spec analyzer and tracking generator, there's software that
lets you do swept insertion/return loss and cable fault finding.
None of its capabilities are as good as those of a dedicated box
performing a single function, but they're good enough for the vast
majority of uses. An 8920 was the first significant piece of test gear
I bought, and if I ever have to sell out, it'll be the last one to go.
The prices came down a lot when Lucent surplused hundreds (thousands?)
of them from their portable and cell phone production lines. I saw an
8935 with spec an, fully functional (as far as I could tell) for about
$1500 this summer.
A guy who sells and services a lot of these boxes is Rick at
http://www.amtronix.com -- that web site will give you lots of info
about the various versions and options. (I just noticed he has some
Agilent 8285As as a "hobbyist special" with spec an and tracking
generator for $650. That looks like a deal.)
John
john.foege@gmail.com said the following on 01/21/2010 03:43 PM:
Just that John, I'm looking to setup a general purpose lab. I'd lean
towards RF type stuff since I'm a HAM.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
-----Original Message-----
From: "J. Forster" jfor@quik.com
Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 12:22:11
To: didier@cox.net; Discussion of precise time and frequency
Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
I made the mistake of setting up a purpose-built lab once, and soon
discovered to do most things, you really need at least a basic general
purpose lab.
The only exception is, I suppose, if you are going to repair a
specific
instrument and do nothing else.
Also, as others have pointed out, you really need to define what are
your
area(s) of interest. Specialized gear gets $$$ pretty quickly.
-John
====================
John,
That sounds like asking what is the best vehicle for you to buy. If
you
not know what you want to do with it, I am not sure we can help you
all
that much. However, if you have a specific objective, I am sure you
will
get a lot of valuable information here.
You have a (good) analog scope, you may want a power supply or two, a
soldering iron and maybe a desoldering station if you do surface
mount.
You also want a good hand-held multimeter. Some sort of signal or
generator may be useful too. These vary widely depending on frequency
range and features. There is no good single answer to any of these
questions without knowing more about what you do with it.
Many of us on this list have more than one of pretty much everything
(I
guilty of that too) to reflect the fact that no single instrument is
universal, with possibly one exception: my favorite hand held DMM is
a
Fluke 8060A, but I am sure some people will have another favorite :)
Don't start spending what little money you have until you know what
you
need. If you just need to spend money, may I interest you in a
wonderful
business opportunity in Nigeria?
Didier KO4BB
------------------------ Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless thingy
while
I
do other things...
-----Original Message-----
From: John Foege john.foege@gmail.com
Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:35:22
To: Discussion of precise time and frequency
measurementtime-nuts@febo.com
Subject: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
I realize that this e-mail is somewhat off topic, however, I also
believe that I will get some of the best answers from the members of
this list:
I have recently started to build an electronics lab, and am currently
trying to acquire test and general equipment for my little basement
workshop of horrors. So far, being on a limited budget, I have
acquired a Tek 2465A in good working order, a Fluke 1953A counter,
and
my little gem (ok not quite so little) HP5345A with the 4-ghz freq
converter plugin w/ opt 11 & 12.
I'd just like to ask everyone what they would be, if they were in my
shoes, attempting to acquire. Unforunately, however, I am just out of
engineering school and not working with much of a budget here. I'd
kill to have all the fancy gear some of you nuts have.
I'd really love a DSO instead of the Tek 2465A I have. I'd kill for a
good spectrum analyzer or VNA etc.
Any suggestions on what I should acquire and/or suggestions for
economical equipment that I should make that is a must have? I am a
good DIYer when it comes to building equipment, so often I attempt to
build that which I cannot afford.
I appreciate everyone's' opinions in advance. Thank you.
Sincerely,
John Foege
KB1FSX
starving-engineer!
time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
To unsubscribe, go to
https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
and follow the instructions there.
time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
To unsubscribe, go to
https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
and follow the instructions there.
and follow the instructions there.
time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
To unsubscribe, go to
and follow the instructions there.
Hi
The 2.x firmware is the magic that lets it run down to HF type frequencies. You really do not want to "upgrade" the firmware.
It would be very nice to find a back shelf somewhere with a set of original manuals for the 2.x version.
Now if it just had a SR-620 counter built into it ....
Bob
On Feb 2, 2010, at 1:20 AM, Don Latham wrote:
> Oh, forgot. My firmware appears to be something like A.02.4 or something like that, and the manuals are A.05.0 or so. another possible problem.
> Don
>
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Bob Camp" <lists@cq.nu>
> To: "Discussion of precise time and frequency measurement" <time-nuts@febo.com>
> Sent: Monday, February 01, 2010 6:42 PM
> Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
>
>
>> Hi
>>
>> The big question in my mind about these is how well they do below 30 MHz. Until I know I can trust them it down there, I'm not selling very much stuff.
>>
>> I have yet to find a data sheet from before 2000 when they shipped with the sub-800 MHz stuff enabled. I get the impression that the E8285's never quite did as well below 30 MHz as the 8920's do.
>>
>> Bob
>>
>>
>> On Feb 1, 2010, at 7:29 PM, Don Latham wrote:
>>
>>> Hi Bob. Display shows use, definitely, but I can see info over the whole
>>> tube. I have a couple of things to do before I can start the learning
>>> curve, but am looking forward to using it.
>>> I'll have a bunch of test stuff for sale if this thing works out ;-)
>>> Don
>>>
>>> Bob Camp
>>>> Hi
>>>>
>>>> I *suspect* that any size that was common in 2003 will be ok. I have no
>>>> basis for that claim. That likely will limit you to 2 gig and down.
>>>>
>>>> Each time I called Amtronix, Rick answered on the first ring. It's
>>>> definitely someplace I would recommend dealing with.
>>>>
>>>> How's the display on your unit? That sees to be the weakness of a lot of
>>>> test gear these days.
>>>>
>>>> Can't wait to measure -100 dbc/Hz phase noise with mine :) ....
>>>>
>>>> Bob
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> On Feb 1, 2010, at 5:34 PM, Don Latham wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> Just bought one last week. As advertised, came with a cal and checkout
>>>>> sheet. BTW, cost another $150 to have manuals printed out. But, I'm old
>>>>> fashioned and have a hard time using manuals onscreen...
>>>>> I also got the feeling (phone order) that I can call Amtronix and at
>>>>> least
>>>>> reach a Real Person who will talk to me.
>>>>> I think the E8285A will replace at least three present instruments with
>>>>> better, once I master Instrument Basic :-).
>>>>> Does anyone know which low-cost PCMCIA memory card will work? They're on
>>>>> Epay for as little as $10
>>>>> Don
>>>>>
>>>>> Bob Camp
>>>>>> Hi
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I do believe the last (or maybe next to last) of the Amtronix E8285A's
>>>>>> is
>>>>>> now on it's way to a basement in Pennsylvania. If anybody else here is
>>>>>> looking for one, I'd sure call Rick pretty quick.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Bob
>>>>>>
>>>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>>>> From: time-nuts-bounces@febo.com [mailto:time-nuts-bounces@febo.com] On
>>>>>> Behalf Of John Ackermann N8UR
>>>>>> Sent: Thursday, January 21, 2010 4:14 PM
>>>>>> To: john.foege@gmail.com; Discussion of precise time and frequency
>>>>>> measurement
>>>>>> Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
>>>>>>
>>>>>> If RF measurement is your bag, and you're able to spend a couple of $K
>>>>>> (actually, <$2K if what I've seen recently holds), consider a
>>>>>> communications service monitor like the HP
>>>>>> 8920A/8920B/8921/8924/8935/E8285 (all pretty much the same thing).
>>>>>>
>>>>>> You get an RF generator, RF power meter, RX frequency meter and
>>>>>> modulation analyzer, audio generator, audio analyzer, digital o'scope,
>>>>>> and in most units a spectrum analyzer (many have a tracking generator,
>>>>>> too) in one box. And I've probably forgotten a few things. If you get
>>>>>> one with spec analyzer and tracking generator, there's software that
>>>>>> lets you do swept insertion/return loss and cable fault finding.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> None of its capabilities are as good as those of a dedicated box
>>>>>> performing a single function, but they're good enough for the vast
>>>>>> majority of uses. An 8920 was the first significant piece of test gear
>>>>>> I bought, and if I ever have to sell out, it'll be the last one to go.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> The prices came down a lot when Lucent surplused hundreds (thousands?)
>>>>>> of them from their portable and cell phone production lines. I saw an
>>>>>> 8935 with spec an, fully functional (as far as I could tell) for about
>>>>>> $1500 this summer.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> A guy who sells and services a lot of these boxes is Rick at
>>>>>> http://www.amtronix.com -- that web site will give you lots of info
>>>>>> about the various versions and options. (I just noticed he has some
>>>>>> Agilent 8285As as a "hobbyist special" with spec an and tracking
>>>>>> generator for $650. That looks like a deal.)
>>>>>>
>>>>>> John
>>>>>> ----
>>>>>> john.foege@gmail.com said the following on 01/21/2010 03:43 PM:
>>>>>>> Just that John, I'm looking to setup a general purpose lab. I'd lean
>>>>>> towards RF type stuff since I'm a HAM.
>>>>>>> Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>>>>> From: "J. Forster" <jfor@quik.com>
>>>>>>> Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 12:22:11
>>>>>>> To: <didier@cox.net>; Discussion of precise time and frequency
>>>>>> measurement<time-nuts@febo.com>
>>>>>>> Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> I made the mistake of setting up a purpose-built lab once, and soon
>>>>>>> discovered to do most things, you really need at least a basic general
>>>>>>> purpose lab.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> The only exception is, I suppose, if you are going to repair a
>>>>>>> specific
>>>>>>> instrument and do nothing else.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Also, as others have pointed out, you really need to define what are
>>>>>>> your
>>>>>>> area(s) of interest. Specialized gear gets $$$ pretty quickly.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> -John
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> ====================
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> John,
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> That sounds like asking what is the best vehicle for you to buy. If
>>>>>>>> you
>>>>>> do
>>>>>>>> not know what you want to do with it, I am not sure we can help you
>>>>>>>> all
>>>>>>>> that much. However, if you have a specific objective, I am sure you
>>>>>>>> will
>>>>>>>> get a lot of valuable information here.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> You have a (good) analog scope, you may want a power supply or two, a
>>>>>>>> soldering iron and maybe a desoldering station if you do surface
>>>>>>>> mount.
>>>>>>>> You also want a good hand-held multimeter. Some sort of signal or
>>>>>> function
>>>>>>>> generator may be useful too. These vary widely depending on frequency
>>>>>>>> range and features. There is no good single answer to any of these
>>>>>>>> questions without knowing more about what you do with it.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Many of us on this list have more than one of pretty much everything
>>>>>>>> (I
>>>>>> am
>>>>>>>> guilty of that too) to reflect the fact that no single instrument is
>>>>>>>> universal, with possibly one exception: my favorite hand held DMM is
>>>>>>>> a
>>>>>>>> Fluke 8060A, but I am sure some people will have another favorite :)
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Don't start spending what little money you have until you know what
>>>>>>>> you
>>>>>>>> need. If you just need to spend money, may I interest you in a
>>>>>>>> wonderful
>>>>>>>> business opportunity in Nigeria?
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Didier KO4BB
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> ------------------------ Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless thingy
>>>>>>>> while
>>>>>>>> I
>>>>>>>> do other things...
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>>>>>> From: John Foege <john.foege@gmail.com>
>>>>>>>> Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:35:22
>>>>>>>> To: Discussion of precise time and frequency
>>>>>>>> measurement<time-nuts@febo.com>
>>>>>>>> Subject: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> I realize that this e-mail is somewhat off topic, however, I also
>>>>>>>> believe that I will get some of the best answers from the members of
>>>>>>>> this list:
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> I have recently started to build an electronics lab, and am currently
>>>>>>>> trying to acquire test and general equipment for my little basement
>>>>>>>> workshop of horrors. So far, being on a limited budget, I have
>>>>>>>> acquired a Tek 2465A in good working order, a Fluke 1953A counter,
>>>>>>>> and
>>>>>>>> my little gem (ok not quite so little) HP5345A with the 4-ghz freq
>>>>>>>> converter plugin w/ opt 11 & 12.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> I'd just like to ask everyone what they would be, if they were in my
>>>>>>>> shoes, attempting to acquire. Unforunately, however, I am just out of
>>>>>>>> engineering school and not working with much of a budget here. I'd
>>>>>>>> kill to have all the fancy gear some of you nuts have.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> I'd really love a DSO instead of the Tek 2465A I have. I'd kill for a
>>>>>>>> good spectrum analyzer or VNA etc.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Any suggestions on what I should acquire and/or suggestions for
>>>>>>>> economical equipment that I should make that is a must have? I am a
>>>>>>>> good DIYer when it comes to building equipment, so often I attempt to
>>>>>>>> build that which I cannot afford.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> I appreciate everyone's' opinions in advance. Thank you.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Sincerely,
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> John Foege
>>>>>>>> KB1FSX
>>>>>>>> starving-engineer!
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>>>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>>>>>>>> To unsubscribe, go to
>>>>>>>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>>>>>>>> and follow the instructions there.
>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>>>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>>>>>>>> To unsubscribe, go to
>>>>>>>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>>>>>>>> and follow the instructions there.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>>>>>>> To unsubscribe, go to
>>>>>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>>>>>>> and follow the instructions there.
>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>>>>>>> To unsubscribe, go to
>>>>>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>>>>>>> and follow the instructions there.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>>>>>> To unsubscribe, go to
>>>>>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>>>>>> and follow the instructions there.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>>>>>> To unsubscribe, go to
>>>>>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>>>>>> and follow the instructions there.
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> --
>>>>> Dr. Don Latham AJ7LL
>>>>> Six Mile Systems LLP
>>>>> 17850 Six Mile Road
>>>>> POB 134
>>>>> Huson, MT, 59846
>>>>> VOX 406-626-4304
>>>>> www.lightningforensics.com
>>>>> www.sixmilesystems.com
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>>>>> To unsubscribe, go to
>>>>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>>>>> and follow the instructions there.
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>>>> To unsubscribe, go to
>>>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>>>> and follow the instructions there.
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> --
>>> Dr. Don Latham AJ7LL
>>> Six Mile Systems LLP
>>> 17850 Six Mile Road
>>> POB 134
>>> Huson, MT, 59846
>>> VOX 406-626-4304
>>> www.lightningforensics.com
>>> www.sixmilesystems.com
>>>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>>> To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>>> and follow the instructions there.
>>>
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>> To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>> and follow the instructions there.
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
> To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
> and follow the instructions there.
>
RA
Robert Atkinson
Tue, Feb 2, 2010 1:42 PM
Hi Don,
Congratulations on the E8285A. I've an 8924C that does me nicely and came with a bunch of other stuff including two 10811A's and a crystal impedance meter (gotta keep on-topic) for £300 (~$500). Another useful instrument in the range that can sometimes be picked up cheaply is the 8922X if you get the 06 or 106 option you get a nice 1GHz digital SA with TG, a CW RF generator and low frequency scope. The GSM test stuff is an unwanted extra. A bit big, but better than a 141T setup. I think you will find that the E8285A is the same as the 8924C and uses non-volatile RAM cards, not flash. These cards are rare now and have CMOS ram and a lithium coin cell. You MIGHT be able to read a flash card, but I'm pretty certain you can't write to them.
Robert G8RPI.
--- On Mon, 1/2/10, Don Latham djl@montana.com wrote:
From: Don Latham djl@montana.com
Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
To: "Discussion of precise time and frequency measurement" time-nuts@febo.com
Date: Monday, 1 February, 2010, 22:34
Just bought one last week. As advertised, came with a cal and checkout
sheet. BTW, cost another $150 to have manuals printed out. But, I'm old
fashioned and have a hard time using manuals onscreen...
I also got the feeling (phone order) that I can call Amtronix and at least
reach a Real Person who will talk to me.
I think the E8285A will replace at least three present instruments with
better, once I master Instrument Basic :-).
Does anyone know which low-cost PCMCIA memory card will work? They're on
Epay for as little as $10
Don
Bob Camp
Hi
I do believe the last (or maybe next to last) of the Amtronix E8285A's is
now on it's way to a basement in Pennsylvania. If anybody else here is
looking for one, I'd sure call Rick pretty quick.
Bob
-----Original Message-----
From: time-nuts-bounces@febo.com [mailto:time-nuts-bounces@febo.com] On
Behalf Of John Ackermann N8UR
Sent: Thursday, January 21, 2010 4:14 PM
To: john.foege@gmail.com; Discussion of precise time and frequency
measurement
Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
If RF measurement is your bag, and you're able to spend a couple of $K
(actually, <$2K if what I've seen recently holds), consider a
communications service monitor like the HP
8920A/8920B/8921/8924/8935/E8285 (all pretty much the same thing).
You get an RF generator, RF power meter, RX frequency meter and
modulation analyzer, audio generator, audio analyzer, digital o'scope,
and in most units a spectrum analyzer (many have a tracking generator,
too) in one box. And I've probably forgotten a few things. If you get
one with spec analyzer and tracking generator, there's software that
lets you do swept insertion/return loss and cable fault finding.
None of its capabilities are as good as those of a dedicated box
performing a single function, but they're good enough for the vast
majority of uses. An 8920 was the first significant piece of test gear
I bought, and if I ever have to sell out, it'll be the last one to go.
The prices came down a lot when Lucent surplused hundreds (thousands?)
of them from their portable and cell phone production lines. I saw an
8935 with spec an, fully functional (as far as I could tell) for about
$1500 this summer.
A guy who sells and services a lot of these boxes is Rick at
http://www.amtronix.com -- that web site will give you lots of info
about the various versions and options. (I just noticed he has some
Agilent 8285As as a "hobbyist special" with spec an and tracking
generator for $650. That looks like a deal.)
John
john.foege@gmail.com said the following on 01/21/2010 03:43 PM:
Just that John, I'm looking to setup a general purpose lab. I'd lean
towards RF type stuff since I'm a HAM.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
-----Original Message-----
From: "J. Forster" jfor@quik.com
Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 12:22:11
To: didier@cox.net; Discussion of precise time and frequency
Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
I made the mistake of setting up a purpose-built lab once, and soon
discovered to do most things, you really need at least a basic general
purpose lab.
The only exception is, I suppose, if you are going to repair a specific
instrument and do nothing else.
Also, as others have pointed out, you really need to define what are
your
area(s) of interest. Specialized gear gets $$$ pretty quickly.
-John
====================
John,
That sounds like asking what is the best vehicle for you to buy. If you
not know what you want to do with it, I am not sure we can help you all
that much. However, if you have a specific objective, I am sure you
will
get a lot of valuable information here.
You have a (good) analog scope, you may want a power supply or two, a
soldering iron and maybe a desoldering station if you do surface mount.
You also want a good hand-held multimeter. Some sort of signal or
generator may be useful too. These vary widely depending on frequency
range and features. There is no good single answer to any of these
questions without knowing more about what you do with it.
Many of us on this list have more than one of pretty much everything (I
guilty of that too) to reflect the fact that no single instrument is
universal, with possibly one exception: my favorite hand held DMM is a
Fluke 8060A, but I am sure some people will have another favorite :)
Don't start spending what little money you have until you know what you
need. If you just need to spend money, may I interest you in a
wonderful
business opportunity in Nigeria?
Didier KO4BB
------------------------ Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless thingy while
I
do other things...
-----Original Message-----
From: John Foege john.foege@gmail.com
Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:35:22
To: Discussion of precise time and frequency
measurementtime-nuts@febo.com
Subject: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
I realize that this e-mail is somewhat off topic, however, I also
believe that I will get some of the best answers from the members of
this list:
I have recently started to build an electronics lab, and am currently
trying to acquire test and general equipment for my little basement
workshop of horrors. So far, being on a limited budget, I have
acquired a Tek 2465A in good working order, a Fluke 1953A counter, and
my little gem (ok not quite so little) HP5345A with the 4-ghz freq
converter plugin w/ opt 11 & 12.
I'd just like to ask everyone what they would be, if they were in my
shoes, attempting to acquire. Unforunately, however, I am just out of
engineering school and not working with much of a budget here. I'd
kill to have all the fancy gear some of you nuts have.
I'd really love a DSO instead of the Tek 2465A I have. I'd kill for a
good spectrum analyzer or VNA etc.
Any suggestions on what I should acquire and/or suggestions for
economical equipment that I should make that is a must have? I am a
good DIYer when it comes to building equipment, so often I attempt to
build that which I cannot afford.
I appreciate everyone's' opinions in advance. Thank you.
Sincerely,
John Foege
KB1FSX
starving-engineer!
time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
To unsubscribe, go to
https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
and follow the instructions there.
time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
To unsubscribe, go to
https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
and follow the instructions there.
and follow the instructions there.
time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
To unsubscribe, go to
and follow the instructions there.
Hi Don,
Congratulations on the E8285A. I've an 8924C that does me nicely and came with a bunch of other stuff including two 10811A's and a crystal impedance meter (gotta keep on-topic) for £300 (~$500). Another useful instrument in the range that can sometimes be picked up cheaply is the 8922X if you get the 06 or 106 option you get a nice 1GHz digital SA with TG, a CW RF generator and low frequency scope. The GSM test stuff is an unwanted extra. A bit big, but better than a 141T setup. I think you will find that the E8285A is the same as the 8924C and uses non-volatile RAM cards, not flash. These cards are rare now and have CMOS ram and a lithium coin cell. You MIGHT be able to read a flash card, but I'm pretty certain you can't write to them.
Robert G8RPI.
--- On Mon, 1/2/10, Don Latham <djl@montana.com> wrote:
From: Don Latham <djl@montana.com>
Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
To: "Discussion of precise time and frequency measurement" <time-nuts@febo.com>
Date: Monday, 1 February, 2010, 22:34
Just bought one last week. As advertised, came with a cal and checkout
sheet. BTW, cost another $150 to have manuals printed out. But, I'm old
fashioned and have a hard time using manuals onscreen...
I also got the feeling (phone order) that I can call Amtronix and at least
reach a Real Person who will talk to me.
I think the E8285A will replace at least three present instruments with
better, once I master Instrument Basic :-).
Does anyone know which low-cost PCMCIA memory card will work? They're on
Epay for as little as $10
Don
Bob Camp
> Hi
>
> I do believe the last (or maybe next to last) of the Amtronix E8285A's is
> now on it's way to a basement in Pennsylvania. If anybody else here is
> looking for one, I'd sure call Rick pretty quick.
>
> Bob
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: time-nuts-bounces@febo.com [mailto:time-nuts-bounces@febo.com] On
> Behalf Of John Ackermann N8UR
> Sent: Thursday, January 21, 2010 4:14 PM
> To: john.foege@gmail.com; Discussion of precise time and frequency
> measurement
> Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
>
> If RF measurement is your bag, and you're able to spend a couple of $K
> (actually, <$2K if what I've seen recently holds), consider a
> communications service monitor like the HP
> 8920A/8920B/8921/8924/8935/E8285 (all pretty much the same thing).
>
> You get an RF generator, RF power meter, RX frequency meter and
> modulation analyzer, audio generator, audio analyzer, digital o'scope,
> and in most units a spectrum analyzer (many have a tracking generator,
> too) in one box. And I've probably forgotten a few things. If you get
> one with spec analyzer and tracking generator, there's software that
> lets you do swept insertion/return loss and cable fault finding.
>
> None of its capabilities are as good as those of a dedicated box
> performing a single function, but they're good enough for the vast
> majority of uses. An 8920 was the first significant piece of test gear
> I bought, and if I ever have to sell out, it'll be the last one to go.
>
> The prices came down a lot when Lucent surplused hundreds (thousands?)
> of them from their portable and cell phone production lines. I saw an
> 8935 with spec an, fully functional (as far as I could tell) for about
> $1500 this summer.
>
> A guy who sells and services a lot of these boxes is Rick at
> http://www.amtronix.com -- that web site will give you lots of info
> about the various versions and options. (I just noticed he has some
> Agilent 8285As as a "hobbyist special" with spec an and tracking
> generator for $650. That looks like a deal.)
>
> John
> ----
> john.foege@gmail.com said the following on 01/21/2010 03:43 PM:
>> Just that John, I'm looking to setup a general purpose lab. I'd lean
> towards RF type stuff since I'm a HAM.
>> Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: "J. Forster" <jfor@quik.com>
>> Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 12:22:11
>> To: <didier@cox.net>; Discussion of precise time and frequency
> measurement<time-nuts@febo.com>
>> Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
>>
>> I made the mistake of setting up a purpose-built lab once, and soon
>> discovered to do most things, you really need at least a basic general
>> purpose lab.
>>
>> The only exception is, I suppose, if you are going to repair a specific
>> instrument and do nothing else.
>>
>> Also, as others have pointed out, you really need to define what are
>> your
>> area(s) of interest. Specialized gear gets $$$ pretty quickly.
>>
>> -John
>>
>> ====================
>>
>>> John,
>>>
>>> That sounds like asking what is the best vehicle for you to buy. If you
> do
>>> not know what you want to do with it, I am not sure we can help you all
>>> that much. However, if you have a specific objective, I am sure you
>>> will
>>> get a lot of valuable information here.
>>>
>>> You have a (good) analog scope, you may want a power supply or two, a
>>> soldering iron and maybe a desoldering station if you do surface mount.
>>> You also want a good hand-held multimeter. Some sort of signal or
> function
>>> generator may be useful too. These vary widely depending on frequency
>>> range and features. There is no good single answer to any of these
>>> questions without knowing more about what you do with it.
>>>
>>> Many of us on this list have more than one of pretty much everything (I
> am
>>> guilty of that too) to reflect the fact that no single instrument is
>>> universal, with possibly one exception: my favorite hand held DMM is a
>>> Fluke 8060A, but I am sure some people will have another favorite :)
>>>
>>> Don't start spending what little money you have until you know what you
>>> need. If you just need to spend money, may I interest you in a
>>> wonderful
>>> business opportunity in Nigeria?
>>>
>>> Didier KO4BB
>>>
>>>
>>> ------------------------ Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless thingy while
>>> I
>>> do other things...
>>>
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: John Foege <john.foege@gmail.com>
>>> Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:35:22
>>> To: Discussion of precise time and frequency
>>> measurement<time-nuts@febo.com>
>>> Subject: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
>>>
>>> I realize that this e-mail is somewhat off topic, however, I also
>>> believe that I will get some of the best answers from the members of
>>> this list:
>>>
>>> I have recently started to build an electronics lab, and am currently
>>> trying to acquire test and general equipment for my little basement
>>> workshop of horrors. So far, being on a limited budget, I have
>>> acquired a Tek 2465A in good working order, a Fluke 1953A counter, and
>>> my little gem (ok not quite so little) HP5345A with the 4-ghz freq
>>> converter plugin w/ opt 11 & 12.
>>>
>>> I'd just like to ask everyone what they would be, if they were in my
>>> shoes, attempting to acquire. Unforunately, however, I am just out of
>>> engineering school and not working with much of a budget here. I'd
>>> kill to have all the fancy gear some of you nuts have.
>>>
>>> I'd really love a DSO instead of the Tek 2465A I have. I'd kill for a
>>> good spectrum analyzer or VNA etc.
>>>
>>> Any suggestions on what I should acquire and/or suggestions for
>>> economical equipment that I should make that is a must have? I am a
>>> good DIYer when it comes to building equipment, so often I attempt to
>>> build that which I cannot afford.
>>>
>>> I appreciate everyone's' opinions in advance. Thank you.
>>>
>>> Sincerely,
>>>
>>> John Foege
>>> KB1FSX
>>> starving-engineer!
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>>> To unsubscribe, go to
>>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>>> and follow the instructions there.
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>>> To unsubscribe, go to
>>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>>> and follow the instructions there.
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>> To unsubscribe, go to
> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>> and follow the instructions there.
>> _______________________________________________
>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>> To unsubscribe, go to
> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>> and follow the instructions there.
>
> _______________________________________________
> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
> To unsubscribe, go to
> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
> and follow the instructions there.
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
> To unsubscribe, go to
> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
> and follow the instructions there.
>
--
Dr. Don Latham AJ7LL
Six Mile Systems LLP
17850 Six Mile Road
POB 134
Huson, MT, 59846
VOX 406-626-4304
www.lightningforensics.com
www.sixmilesystems.com
_______________________________________________
time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
and follow the instructions there.
SN
Scott Newell
Tue, Feb 2, 2010 2:07 PM
At 07:42 AM 2/2/2010 , Robert Atkinson wrote:
than a 141T setup. I think you will find that the E8285A is the same as the
8924C and uses non-volatile RAM cards, not flash. These cards are rare now
have CMOS ram and a lithium coin cell. You MIGHT be able to read a flash
but I'm pretty certain you can't write to them.
If you're looking for PCMCIA SRAM cards, they're also used with vintage
Fanuc CNC controls. You might end up paying a premium, but they are out
there. (On the other side, I'm using an el-cheapo PCMCIA / PCI adapter in
a desktop PC, with the stock XP drivers. No problems yet.)
--
newell N5TNL
At 07:42 AM 2/2/2010 , Robert Atkinson wrote:
>than a 141T setup. I think you will find that the E8285A is the same as the
>8924C and uses non-volatile RAM cards, not flash. These cards are rare now
and
>have CMOS ram and a lithium coin cell. You MIGHT be able to read a flash
card,
>but I'm pretty certain you can't write to them.
If you're looking for PCMCIA SRAM cards, they're also used with vintage
Fanuc CNC controls. You might end up paying a premium, but they are out
there. (On the other side, I'm using an el-cheapo PCMCIA / PCI adapter in
a desktop PC, with the stock XP drivers. No problems yet.)
--
newell N5TNL
CH
Chuck Harris
Tue, Feb 2, 2010 2:07 PM
Bird wattmeters, such as the model 43 thruline, are far from
accurate devices. They are spec'd to be +/- 5% of the full scale
reading of the installed slug.
That means for a 100W slug, the error band is +/- 5W!
If you happen to read 20W on the meter, the error band says your
true power could be anywhere from 15 to 25 watts!
As a comparison, an HP 432A wattmeter can achieve an ultimate
accuracy of +/-0.2% +/- 10uW.
-Chuck Harris
Don Latham wrote:
Amtronix did tell me that the power measurements were off, according to
some folks who had compared them to Birds. Of course the E's could be
calibrated. I don't have much below 30 MHz at present either. I sense
that there may be enough around to warrant a Yahoo or Google group???
Don
----- Original Message ----- From: "Bob Camp" lists@cq.nu
To: "Discussion of precise time and frequency measurement"
time-nuts@febo.com
Sent: Monday, February 01, 2010 6:42 PM
Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
Hi
The big question in my mind about these is how well they do below 30
MHz. Until I know I can trust them it down there, I'm not selling very
much stuff.
I have yet to find a data sheet from before 2000 when they shipped
with the sub-800 MHz stuff enabled. I get the impression that the
E8285's never quite did as well below 30 MHz as the 8920's do.
Bob
Bird wattmeters, such as the model 43 thruline, are far from
accurate devices. They are spec'd to be +/- 5% of the full scale
reading of the installed slug.
That means for a 100W slug, the error band is +/- 5W!
If you happen to read 20W on the meter, the error band says your
true power could be anywhere from 15 to 25 watts!
As a comparison, an HP 432A wattmeter can achieve an ultimate
accuracy of +/-0.2% +/- 10uW.
-Chuck Harris
Don Latham wrote:
> Amtronix did tell me that the power measurements were off, according to
> some folks who had compared them to Birds. Of course the E's could be
> calibrated. I don't have much below 30 MHz at present either. I sense
> that there may be enough around to warrant a Yahoo or Google group???
> Don
>
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Bob Camp" <lists@cq.nu>
> To: "Discussion of precise time and frequency measurement"
> <time-nuts@febo.com>
> Sent: Monday, February 01, 2010 6:42 PM
> Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
>
>
>> Hi
>>
>> The big question in my mind about these is how well they do below 30
>> MHz. Until I know I can trust them it down there, I'm not selling very
>> much stuff.
>>
>> I have yet to find a data sheet from before 2000 when they shipped
>> with the sub-800 MHz stuff enabled. I get the impression that the
>> E8285's never quite did as well below 30 MHz as the 8920's do.
>>
>> Bob
BC
Bob Camp
Tue, Feb 2, 2010 5:36 PM
Hi
The memory in the E8285A has a lithium cell associated with it. One of my
big questions is weather the firmware goes away when the coin cell dies
(battery backed SRAM) or if the firmware is in something a bit more robust.
Hopefully it's sitting on the porch when I get home tonight....
141T ... how many do you need in addition to an E8285 ... all sorts of
questions to be answered.
Bob
-----Original Message-----
From: time-nuts-bounces@febo.com [mailto:time-nuts-bounces@febo.com] On
Behalf Of Robert Atkinson
Sent: Tuesday, February 02, 2010 8:42 AM
To: Discussion of precise time and frequency measurement
Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment -Memory cards
Hi Don,
Congratulations on the E8285A. I've an 8924C that does me nicely and came
with a bunch of other stuff including two 10811A's and a crystal impedance
meter (gotta keep on-topic) for £300 (~$500). Another useful instrument in
the range that can sometimes be picked up cheaply is the 8922X if you get
the 06 or 106 option you get a nice 1GHz digital SA with TG, a CW RF
generator and low frequency scope. The GSM test stuff is an unwanted extra.
A bit big, but better than a 141T setup. I think you will find that the
E8285A is the same as the 8924C and uses non-volatile RAM cards, not flash.
These cards are rare now and have CMOS ram and a lithium coin cell. You
MIGHT be able to read a flash card, but I'm pretty certain you can't write
to them.
Robert G8RPI.
--- On Mon, 1/2/10, Don Latham djl@montana.com wrote:
From: Don Latham djl@montana.com
Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
To: "Discussion of precise time and frequency measurement"
time-nuts@febo.com
Date: Monday, 1 February, 2010, 22:34
Just bought one last week. As advertised, came with a cal and checkout
sheet. BTW, cost another $150 to have manuals printed out. But, I'm old
fashioned and have a hard time using manuals onscreen...
I also got the feeling (phone order) that I can call Amtronix and at least
reach a Real Person who will talk to me.
I think the E8285A will replace at least three present instruments with
better, once I master Instrument Basic :-).
Does anyone know which low-cost PCMCIA memory card will work? They're on
Epay for as little as $10
Don
Bob Camp
Hi
I do believe the last (or maybe next to last) of the Amtronix E8285A's is
now on it's way to a basement in Pennsylvania. If anybody else here is
looking for one, I'd sure call Rick pretty quick.
Bob
-----Original Message-----
From: time-nuts-bounces@febo.com [mailto:time-nuts-bounces@febo.com] On
Behalf Of John Ackermann N8UR
Sent: Thursday, January 21, 2010 4:14 PM
To: john.foege@gmail.com; Discussion of precise time and frequency
measurement
Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
If RF measurement is your bag, and you're able to spend a couple of $K
(actually, <$2K if what I've seen recently holds), consider a
communications service monitor like the HP
8920A/8920B/8921/8924/8935/E8285 (all pretty much the same thing).
You get an RF generator, RF power meter, RX frequency meter and
modulation analyzer, audio generator, audio analyzer, digital o'scope,
and in most units a spectrum analyzer (many have a tracking generator,
too) in one box. And I've probably forgotten a few things. If you get
one with spec analyzer and tracking generator, there's software that
lets you do swept insertion/return loss and cable fault finding.
None of its capabilities are as good as those of a dedicated box
performing a single function, but they're good enough for the vast
majority of uses. An 8920 was the first significant piece of test gear
I bought, and if I ever have to sell out, it'll be the last one to go.
The prices came down a lot when Lucent surplused hundreds (thousands?)
of them from their portable and cell phone production lines. I saw an
8935 with spec an, fully functional (as far as I could tell) for about
$1500 this summer.
A guy who sells and services a lot of these boxes is Rick at
http://www.amtronix.com -- that web site will give you lots of info
about the various versions and options. (I just noticed he has some
Agilent 8285As as a "hobbyist special" with spec an and tracking
generator for $650. That looks like a deal.)
John
john.foege@gmail.com said the following on 01/21/2010 03:43 PM:
Just that John, I'm looking to setup a general purpose lab. I'd lean
towards RF type stuff since I'm a HAM.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
-----Original Message-----
From: "J. Forster" jfor@quik.com
Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 12:22:11
To: didier@cox.net; Discussion of precise time and frequency
Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
I made the mistake of setting up a purpose-built lab once, and soon
discovered to do most things, you really need at least a basic general
purpose lab.
The only exception is, I suppose, if you are going to repair a specific
instrument and do nothing else.
Also, as others have pointed out, you really need to define what are
your
area(s) of interest. Specialized gear gets $$$ pretty quickly.
-John
====================
John,
That sounds like asking what is the best vehicle for you to buy. If you
not know what you want to do with it, I am not sure we can help you all
that much. However, if you have a specific objective, I am sure you
will
get a lot of valuable information here.
You have a (good) analog scope, you may want a power supply or two, a
soldering iron and maybe a desoldering station if you do surface mount.
You also want a good hand-held multimeter. Some sort of signal or
generator may be useful too. These vary widely depending on frequency
range and features. There is no good single answer to any of these
questions without knowing more about what you do with it.
Many of us on this list have more than one of pretty much everything (I
guilty of that too) to reflect the fact that no single instrument is
universal, with possibly one exception: my favorite hand held DMM is a
Fluke 8060A, but I am sure some people will have another favorite :)
Don't start spending what little money you have until you know what you
need. If you just need to spend money, may I interest you in a
wonderful
business opportunity in Nigeria?
Didier KO4BB
------------------------ Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless thingy while
I
do other things...
-----Original Message-----
From: John Foege john.foege@gmail.com
Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:35:22
To: Discussion of precise time and frequency
measurementtime-nuts@febo.com
Subject: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
I realize that this e-mail is somewhat off topic, however, I also
believe that I will get some of the best answers from the members of
this list:
I have recently started to build an electronics lab, and am currently
trying to acquire test and general equipment for my little basement
workshop of horrors. So far, being on a limited budget, I have
acquired a Tek 2465A in good working order, a Fluke 1953A counter, and
my little gem (ok not quite so little) HP5345A with the 4-ghz freq
converter plugin w/ opt 11 & 12.
I'd just like to ask everyone what they would be, if they were in my
shoes, attempting to acquire. Unforunately, however, I am just out of
engineering school and not working with much of a budget here. I'd
kill to have all the fancy gear some of you nuts have.
I'd really love a DSO instead of the Tek 2465A I have. I'd kill for a
good spectrum analyzer or VNA etc.
Any suggestions on what I should acquire and/or suggestions for
economical equipment that I should make that is a must have? I am a
good DIYer when it comes to building equipment, so often I attempt to
build that which I cannot afford.
I appreciate everyone's' opinions in advance. Thank you.
Sincerely,
John Foege
KB1FSX
starving-engineer!
time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
To unsubscribe, go to
https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
and follow the instructions there.
time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
To unsubscribe, go to
https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
and follow the instructions there.
and follow the instructions there.
time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
To unsubscribe, go to
and follow the instructions there.
Hi
The memory in the E8285A has a lithium cell associated with it. One of my
big questions is weather the firmware goes away when the coin cell dies
(battery backed SRAM) or if the firmware is in something a bit more robust.
Hopefully it's sitting on the porch when I get home tonight....
------
141T ... how many do you need in addition to an E8285 ... all sorts of
questions to be answered.
Bob
-----Original Message-----
From: time-nuts-bounces@febo.com [mailto:time-nuts-bounces@febo.com] On
Behalf Of Robert Atkinson
Sent: Tuesday, February 02, 2010 8:42 AM
To: Discussion of precise time and frequency measurement
Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment -Memory cards
Hi Don,
Congratulations on the E8285A. I've an 8924C that does me nicely and came
with a bunch of other stuff including two 10811A's and a crystal impedance
meter (gotta keep on-topic) for £300 (~$500). Another useful instrument in
the range that can sometimes be picked up cheaply is the 8922X if you get
the 06 or 106 option you get a nice 1GHz digital SA with TG, a CW RF
generator and low frequency scope. The GSM test stuff is an unwanted extra.
A bit big, but better than a 141T setup. I think you will find that the
E8285A is the same as the 8924C and uses non-volatile RAM cards, not flash.
These cards are rare now and have CMOS ram and a lithium coin cell. You
MIGHT be able to read a flash card, but I'm pretty certain you can't write
to them.
Robert G8RPI.
--- On Mon, 1/2/10, Don Latham <djl@montana.com> wrote:
From: Don Latham <djl@montana.com>
Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
To: "Discussion of precise time and frequency measurement"
<time-nuts@febo.com>
Date: Monday, 1 February, 2010, 22:34
Just bought one last week. As advertised, came with a cal and checkout
sheet. BTW, cost another $150 to have manuals printed out. But, I'm old
fashioned and have a hard time using manuals onscreen...
I also got the feeling (phone order) that I can call Amtronix and at least
reach a Real Person who will talk to me.
I think the E8285A will replace at least three present instruments with
better, once I master Instrument Basic :-).
Does anyone know which low-cost PCMCIA memory card will work? They're on
Epay for as little as $10
Don
Bob Camp
> Hi
>
> I do believe the last (or maybe next to last) of the Amtronix E8285A's is
> now on it's way to a basement in Pennsylvania. If anybody else here is
> looking for one, I'd sure call Rick pretty quick.
>
> Bob
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: time-nuts-bounces@febo.com [mailto:time-nuts-bounces@febo.com] On
> Behalf Of John Ackermann N8UR
> Sent: Thursday, January 21, 2010 4:14 PM
> To: john.foege@gmail.com; Discussion of precise time and frequency
> measurement
> Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
>
> If RF measurement is your bag, and you're able to spend a couple of $K
> (actually, <$2K if what I've seen recently holds), consider a
> communications service monitor like the HP
> 8920A/8920B/8921/8924/8935/E8285 (all pretty much the same thing).
>
> You get an RF generator, RF power meter, RX frequency meter and
> modulation analyzer, audio generator, audio analyzer, digital o'scope,
> and in most units a spectrum analyzer (many have a tracking generator,
> too) in one box. And I've probably forgotten a few things. If you get
> one with spec analyzer and tracking generator, there's software that
> lets you do swept insertion/return loss and cable fault finding.
>
> None of its capabilities are as good as those of a dedicated box
> performing a single function, but they're good enough for the vast
> majority of uses. An 8920 was the first significant piece of test gear
> I bought, and if I ever have to sell out, it'll be the last one to go.
>
> The prices came down a lot when Lucent surplused hundreds (thousands?)
> of them from their portable and cell phone production lines. I saw an
> 8935 with spec an, fully functional (as far as I could tell) for about
> $1500 this summer.
>
> A guy who sells and services a lot of these boxes is Rick at
> http://www.amtronix.com -- that web site will give you lots of info
> about the various versions and options. (I just noticed he has some
> Agilent 8285As as a "hobbyist special" with spec an and tracking
> generator for $650. That looks like a deal.)
>
> John
> ----
> john.foege@gmail.com said the following on 01/21/2010 03:43 PM:
>> Just that John, I'm looking to setup a general purpose lab. I'd lean
> towards RF type stuff since I'm a HAM.
>> Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: "J. Forster" <jfor@quik.com>
>> Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 12:22:11
>> To: <didier@cox.net>; Discussion of precise time and frequency
> measurement<time-nuts@febo.com>
>> Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
>>
>> I made the mistake of setting up a purpose-built lab once, and soon
>> discovered to do most things, you really need at least a basic general
>> purpose lab.
>>
>> The only exception is, I suppose, if you are going to repair a specific
>> instrument and do nothing else.
>>
>> Also, as others have pointed out, you really need to define what are
>> your
>> area(s) of interest. Specialized gear gets $$$ pretty quickly.
>>
>> -John
>>
>> ====================
>>
>>> John,
>>>
>>> That sounds like asking what is the best vehicle for you to buy. If you
> do
>>> not know what you want to do with it, I am not sure we can help you all
>>> that much. However, if you have a specific objective, I am sure you
>>> will
>>> get a lot of valuable information here.
>>>
>>> You have a (good) analog scope, you may want a power supply or two, a
>>> soldering iron and maybe a desoldering station if you do surface mount.
>>> You also want a good hand-held multimeter. Some sort of signal or
> function
>>> generator may be useful too. These vary widely depending on frequency
>>> range and features. There is no good single answer to any of these
>>> questions without knowing more about what you do with it.
>>>
>>> Many of us on this list have more than one of pretty much everything (I
> am
>>> guilty of that too) to reflect the fact that no single instrument is
>>> universal, with possibly one exception: my favorite hand held DMM is a
>>> Fluke 8060A, but I am sure some people will have another favorite :)
>>>
>>> Don't start spending what little money you have until you know what you
>>> need. If you just need to spend money, may I interest you in a
>>> wonderful
>>> business opportunity in Nigeria?
>>>
>>> Didier KO4BB
>>>
>>>
>>> ------------------------ Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless thingy while
>>> I
>>> do other things...
>>>
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: John Foege <john.foege@gmail.com>
>>> Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:35:22
>>> To: Discussion of precise time and frequency
>>> measurement<time-nuts@febo.com>
>>> Subject: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
>>>
>>> I realize that this e-mail is somewhat off topic, however, I also
>>> believe that I will get some of the best answers from the members of
>>> this list:
>>>
>>> I have recently started to build an electronics lab, and am currently
>>> trying to acquire test and general equipment for my little basement
>>> workshop of horrors. So far, being on a limited budget, I have
>>> acquired a Tek 2465A in good working order, a Fluke 1953A counter, and
>>> my little gem (ok not quite so little) HP5345A with the 4-ghz freq
>>> converter plugin w/ opt 11 & 12.
>>>
>>> I'd just like to ask everyone what they would be, if they were in my
>>> shoes, attempting to acquire. Unforunately, however, I am just out of
>>> engineering school and not working with much of a budget here. I'd
>>> kill to have all the fancy gear some of you nuts have.
>>>
>>> I'd really love a DSO instead of the Tek 2465A I have. I'd kill for a
>>> good spectrum analyzer or VNA etc.
>>>
>>> Any suggestions on what I should acquire and/or suggestions for
>>> economical equipment that I should make that is a must have? I am a
>>> good DIYer when it comes to building equipment, so often I attempt to
>>> build that which I cannot afford.
>>>
>>> I appreciate everyone's' opinions in advance. Thank you.
>>>
>>> Sincerely,
>>>
>>> John Foege
>>> KB1FSX
>>> starving-engineer!
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>>> To unsubscribe, go to
>>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>>> and follow the instructions there.
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>>> To unsubscribe, go to
>>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>>> and follow the instructions there.
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>> To unsubscribe, go to
> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>> and follow the instructions there.
>> _______________________________________________
>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>> To unsubscribe, go to
> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>> and follow the instructions there.
>
> _______________________________________________
> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
> To unsubscribe, go to
> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
> and follow the instructions there.
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
> To unsubscribe, go to
> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
> and follow the instructions there.
>
--
Dr. Don Latham AJ7LL
Six Mile Systems LLP
17850 Six Mile Road
POB 134
Huson, MT, 59846
VOX 406-626-4304
www.lightningforensics.com
www.sixmilesystems.com
_______________________________________________
time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
To unsubscribe, go to
https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
and follow the instructions there.
_______________________________________________
time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
To unsubscribe, go to
https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
and follow the instructions there.
DL
Don Latham
Tue, Feb 2, 2010 7:12 PM
Hi Bob: I finally figured that out. I had the manuals printed, anyway.
kinda added to the cost, but...
Don
Bob Camp
Hi
The 2.x firmware is the magic that lets it run down to HF type
frequencies. You really do not want to "upgrade" the firmware.
It would be very nice to find a back shelf somewhere with a set of
original manuals for the 2.x version.
Now if it just had a SR-620 counter built into it ....
Bob
On Feb 2, 2010, at 1:20 AM, Don Latham wrote:
Oh, forgot. My firmware appears to be something like A.02.4 or something
like that, and the manuals are A.05.0 or so. another possible problem.
Don
----- Original Message ----- From: "Bob Camp" lists@cq.nu
To: "Discussion of precise time and frequency measurement"
time-nuts@febo.com
Sent: Monday, February 01, 2010 6:42 PM
Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
Hi
The big question in my mind about these is how well they do below 30
MHz. Until I know I can trust them it down there, I'm not selling very
much stuff.
I have yet to find a data sheet from before 2000 when they shipped with
the sub-800 MHz stuff enabled. I get the impression that the E8285's
never quite did as well below 30 MHz as the 8920's do.
Bob
On Feb 1, 2010, at 7:29 PM, Don Latham wrote:
Hi Bob. Display shows use, definitely, but I can see info over the
whole
tube. I have a couple of things to do before I can start the learning
curve, but am looking forward to using it.
I'll have a bunch of test stuff for sale if this thing works out ;-)
Don
Bob Camp
Hi
I suspect that any size that was common in 2003 will be ok. I have
no
basis for that claim. That likely will limit you to 2 gig and down.
Each time I called Amtronix, Rick answered on the first ring. It's
definitely someplace I would recommend dealing with.
How's the display on your unit? That sees to be the weakness of a lot
of
test gear these days.
Can't wait to measure -100 dbc/Hz phase noise with mine :) ....
Bob
On Feb 1, 2010, at 5:34 PM, Don Latham wrote:
Just bought one last week. As advertised, came with a cal and
checkout
sheet. BTW, cost another $150 to have manuals printed out. But, I'm
old
fashioned and have a hard time using manuals onscreen...
I also got the feeling (phone order) that I can call Amtronix and at
least
reach a Real Person who will talk to me.
I think the E8285A will replace at least three present instruments
with
better, once I master Instrument Basic :-).
Does anyone know which low-cost PCMCIA memory card will work?
They're on
Epay for as little as $10
Don
Bob Camp
Hi
I do believe the last (or maybe next to last) of the Amtronix
E8285A's
is
now on it's way to a basement in Pennsylvania. If anybody else here
is
looking for one, I'd sure call Rick pretty quick.
Bob
-----Original Message-----
From: time-nuts-bounces@febo.com
[mailto:time-nuts-bounces@febo.com] On
Behalf Of John Ackermann N8UR
Sent: Thursday, January 21, 2010 4:14 PM
To: john.foege@gmail.com; Discussion of precise time and frequency
measurement
Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
If RF measurement is your bag, and you're able to spend a couple of
$K
(actually, <$2K if what I've seen recently holds), consider a
communications service monitor like the HP
8920A/8920B/8921/8924/8935/E8285 (all pretty much the same thing).
You get an RF generator, RF power meter, RX frequency meter and
modulation analyzer, audio generator, audio analyzer, digital
o'scope,
and in most units a spectrum analyzer (many have a tracking
generator,
too) in one box. And I've probably forgotten a few things. If you
get
one with spec analyzer and tracking generator, there's software
that
lets you do swept insertion/return loss and cable fault finding.
None of its capabilities are as good as those of a dedicated box
performing a single function, but they're good enough for the vast
majority of uses. An 8920 was the first significant piece of test
gear
I bought, and if I ever have to sell out, it'll be the last one to
go.
The prices came down a lot when Lucent surplused hundreds
(thousands?)
of them from their portable and cell phone production lines. I saw
an
8935 with spec an, fully functional (as far as I could tell) for
about
$1500 this summer.
A guy who sells and services a lot of these boxes is Rick at
http://www.amtronix.com -- that web site will give you lots of info
about the various versions and options. (I just noticed he has
some
Agilent 8285As as a "hobbyist special" with spec an and tracking
generator for $650. That looks like a deal.)
John
john.foege@gmail.com said the following on 01/21/2010 03:43 PM:
Just that John, I'm looking to setup a general purpose lab. I'd
lean
towards RF type stuff since I'm a HAM.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
-----Original Message-----
From: "J. Forster" jfor@quik.com
Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 12:22:11
To: didier@cox.net; Discussion of precise time and frequency
Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
I made the mistake of setting up a purpose-built lab once, and
soon
discovered to do most things, you really need at least a basic
general
purpose lab.
The only exception is, I suppose, if you are going to repair a
specific
instrument and do nothing else.
Also, as others have pointed out, you really need to define what
are
your
area(s) of interest. Specialized gear gets $$$ pretty quickly.
-John
====================
John,
That sounds like asking what is the best vehicle for you to buy.
If
you
not know what you want to do with it, I am not sure we can help
you
all
that much. However, if you have a specific objective, I am sure
you
will
get a lot of valuable information here.
You have a (good) analog scope, you may want a power supply or
two, a
soldering iron and maybe a desoldering station if you do surface
mount.
You also want a good hand-held multimeter. Some sort of signal or
generator may be useful too. These vary widely depending on
frequency
range and features. There is no good single answer to any of
these
questions without knowing more about what you do with it.
Many of us on this list have more than one of pretty much
everything
(I
guilty of that too) to reflect the fact that no single instrument
is
universal, with possibly one exception: my favorite hand held DMM
is
a
Fluke 8060A, but I am sure some people will have another favorite
:)
Don't start spending what little money you have until you know
what
you
need. If you just need to spend money, may I interest you in a
wonderful
business opportunity in Nigeria?
Didier KO4BB
------------------------ Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless thingy
while
I
do other things...
-----Original Message-----
From: John Foege john.foege@gmail.com
Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:35:22
To: Discussion of precise time and frequency
measurementtime-nuts@febo.com
Subject: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
I realize that this e-mail is somewhat off topic, however, I also
believe that I will get some of the best answers from the members
of
this list:
I have recently started to build an electronics lab, and am
currently
trying to acquire test and general equipment for my little
basement
workshop of horrors. So far, being on a limited budget, I have
acquired a Tek 2465A in good working order, a Fluke 1953A
counter,
and
my little gem (ok not quite so little) HP5345A with the 4-ghz
freq
converter plugin w/ opt 11 & 12.
I'd just like to ask everyone what they would be, if they were in
my
shoes, attempting to acquire. Unforunately, however, I am just
out of
engineering school and not working with much of a budget here.
I'd
kill to have all the fancy gear some of you nuts have.
I'd really love a DSO instead of the Tek 2465A I have. I'd kill
for a
good spectrum analyzer or VNA etc.
Any suggestions on what I should acquire and/or suggestions for
economical equipment that I should make that is a must have? I am
a
good DIYer when it comes to building equipment, so often I
attempt to
build that which I cannot afford.
I appreciate everyone's' opinions in advance. Thank you.
Sincerely,
John Foege
KB1FSX
starving-engineer!
time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
To unsubscribe, go to
https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
and follow the instructions there.
time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
To unsubscribe, go to
https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
and follow the instructions there.
and follow the instructions there.
time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
To unsubscribe, go to
and follow the instructions there.
Hi Bob: I finally figured that out. I had the manuals printed, anyway.
kinda added to the cost, but...
Don
Bob Camp
> Hi
>
> The 2.x firmware is the magic that lets it run down to HF type
> frequencies. You really do not want to "upgrade" the firmware.
>
> It would be very nice to find a back shelf somewhere with a set of
> original manuals for the 2.x version.
>
> Now if it just had a SR-620 counter built into it ....
>
> Bob
>
>
> On Feb 2, 2010, at 1:20 AM, Don Latham wrote:
>
>> Oh, forgot. My firmware appears to be something like A.02.4 or something
>> like that, and the manuals are A.05.0 or so. another possible problem.
>> Don
>>
>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Bob Camp" <lists@cq.nu>
>> To: "Discussion of precise time and frequency measurement"
>> <time-nuts@febo.com>
>> Sent: Monday, February 01, 2010 6:42 PM
>> Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
>>
>>
>>> Hi
>>>
>>> The big question in my mind about these is how well they do below 30
>>> MHz. Until I know I can trust them it down there, I'm not selling very
>>> much stuff.
>>>
>>> I have yet to find a data sheet from before 2000 when they shipped with
>>> the sub-800 MHz stuff enabled. I get the impression that the E8285's
>>> never quite did as well below 30 MHz as the 8920's do.
>>>
>>> Bob
>>>
>>>
>>> On Feb 1, 2010, at 7:29 PM, Don Latham wrote:
>>>
>>>> Hi Bob. Display shows use, definitely, but I can see info over the
>>>> whole
>>>> tube. I have a couple of things to do before I can start the learning
>>>> curve, but am looking forward to using it.
>>>> I'll have a bunch of test stuff for sale if this thing works out ;-)
>>>> Don
>>>>
>>>> Bob Camp
>>>>> Hi
>>>>>
>>>>> I *suspect* that any size that was common in 2003 will be ok. I have
>>>>> no
>>>>> basis for that claim. That likely will limit you to 2 gig and down.
>>>>>
>>>>> Each time I called Amtronix, Rick answered on the first ring. It's
>>>>> definitely someplace I would recommend dealing with.
>>>>>
>>>>> How's the display on your unit? That sees to be the weakness of a lot
>>>>> of
>>>>> test gear these days.
>>>>>
>>>>> Can't wait to measure -100 dbc/Hz phase noise with mine :) ....
>>>>>
>>>>> Bob
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> On Feb 1, 2010, at 5:34 PM, Don Latham wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>> Just bought one last week. As advertised, came with a cal and
>>>>>> checkout
>>>>>> sheet. BTW, cost another $150 to have manuals printed out. But, I'm
>>>>>> old
>>>>>> fashioned and have a hard time using manuals onscreen...
>>>>>> I also got the feeling (phone order) that I can call Amtronix and at
>>>>>> least
>>>>>> reach a Real Person who will talk to me.
>>>>>> I think the E8285A will replace at least three present instruments
>>>>>> with
>>>>>> better, once I master Instrument Basic :-).
>>>>>> Does anyone know which low-cost PCMCIA memory card will work?
>>>>>> They're on
>>>>>> Epay for as little as $10
>>>>>> Don
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Bob Camp
>>>>>>> Hi
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> I do believe the last (or maybe next to last) of the Amtronix
>>>>>>> E8285A's
>>>>>>> is
>>>>>>> now on it's way to a basement in Pennsylvania. If anybody else here
>>>>>>> is
>>>>>>> looking for one, I'd sure call Rick pretty quick.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Bob
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>>>>> From: time-nuts-bounces@febo.com
>>>>>>> [mailto:time-nuts-bounces@febo.com] On
>>>>>>> Behalf Of John Ackermann N8UR
>>>>>>> Sent: Thursday, January 21, 2010 4:14 PM
>>>>>>> To: john.foege@gmail.com; Discussion of precise time and frequency
>>>>>>> measurement
>>>>>>> Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> If RF measurement is your bag, and you're able to spend a couple of
>>>>>>> $K
>>>>>>> (actually, <$2K if what I've seen recently holds), consider a
>>>>>>> communications service monitor like the HP
>>>>>>> 8920A/8920B/8921/8924/8935/E8285 (all pretty much the same thing).
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> You get an RF generator, RF power meter, RX frequency meter and
>>>>>>> modulation analyzer, audio generator, audio analyzer, digital
>>>>>>> o'scope,
>>>>>>> and in most units a spectrum analyzer (many have a tracking
>>>>>>> generator,
>>>>>>> too) in one box. And I've probably forgotten a few things. If you
>>>>>>> get
>>>>>>> one with spec analyzer and tracking generator, there's software
>>>>>>> that
>>>>>>> lets you do swept insertion/return loss and cable fault finding.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> None of its capabilities are as good as those of a dedicated box
>>>>>>> performing a single function, but they're good enough for the vast
>>>>>>> majority of uses. An 8920 was the first significant piece of test
>>>>>>> gear
>>>>>>> I bought, and if I ever have to sell out, it'll be the last one to
>>>>>>> go.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> The prices came down a lot when Lucent surplused hundreds
>>>>>>> (thousands?)
>>>>>>> of them from their portable and cell phone production lines. I saw
>>>>>>> an
>>>>>>> 8935 with spec an, fully functional (as far as I could tell) for
>>>>>>> about
>>>>>>> $1500 this summer.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> A guy who sells and services a lot of these boxes is Rick at
>>>>>>> http://www.amtronix.com -- that web site will give you lots of info
>>>>>>> about the various versions and options. (I just noticed he has
>>>>>>> some
>>>>>>> Agilent 8285As as a "hobbyist special" with spec an and tracking
>>>>>>> generator for $650. That looks like a deal.)
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> John
>>>>>>> ----
>>>>>>> john.foege@gmail.com said the following on 01/21/2010 03:43 PM:
>>>>>>>> Just that John, I'm looking to setup a general purpose lab. I'd
>>>>>>>> lean
>>>>>>> towards RF type stuff since I'm a HAM.
>>>>>>>> Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>>>>>> From: "J. Forster" <jfor@quik.com>
>>>>>>>> Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 12:22:11
>>>>>>>> To: <didier@cox.net>; Discussion of precise time and frequency
>>>>>>> measurement<time-nuts@febo.com>
>>>>>>>> Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> I made the mistake of setting up a purpose-built lab once, and
>>>>>>>> soon
>>>>>>>> discovered to do most things, you really need at least a basic
>>>>>>>> general
>>>>>>>> purpose lab.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> The only exception is, I suppose, if you are going to repair a
>>>>>>>> specific
>>>>>>>> instrument and do nothing else.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Also, as others have pointed out, you really need to define what
>>>>>>>> are
>>>>>>>> your
>>>>>>>> area(s) of interest. Specialized gear gets $$$ pretty quickly.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> -John
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> ====================
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> John,
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> That sounds like asking what is the best vehicle for you to buy.
>>>>>>>>> If
>>>>>>>>> you
>>>>>>> do
>>>>>>>>> not know what you want to do with it, I am not sure we can help
>>>>>>>>> you
>>>>>>>>> all
>>>>>>>>> that much. However, if you have a specific objective, I am sure
>>>>>>>>> you
>>>>>>>>> will
>>>>>>>>> get a lot of valuable information here.
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> You have a (good) analog scope, you may want a power supply or
>>>>>>>>> two, a
>>>>>>>>> soldering iron and maybe a desoldering station if you do surface
>>>>>>>>> mount.
>>>>>>>>> You also want a good hand-held multimeter. Some sort of signal or
>>>>>>> function
>>>>>>>>> generator may be useful too. These vary widely depending on
>>>>>>>>> frequency
>>>>>>>>> range and features. There is no good single answer to any of
>>>>>>>>> these
>>>>>>>>> questions without knowing more about what you do with it.
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> Many of us on this list have more than one of pretty much
>>>>>>>>> everything
>>>>>>>>> (I
>>>>>>> am
>>>>>>>>> guilty of that too) to reflect the fact that no single instrument
>>>>>>>>> is
>>>>>>>>> universal, with possibly one exception: my favorite hand held DMM
>>>>>>>>> is
>>>>>>>>> a
>>>>>>>>> Fluke 8060A, but I am sure some people will have another favorite
>>>>>>>>> :)
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> Don't start spending what little money you have until you know
>>>>>>>>> what
>>>>>>>>> you
>>>>>>>>> need. If you just need to spend money, may I interest you in a
>>>>>>>>> wonderful
>>>>>>>>> business opportunity in Nigeria?
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> Didier KO4BB
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> ------------------------ Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless thingy
>>>>>>>>> while
>>>>>>>>> I
>>>>>>>>> do other things...
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>>>>>>> From: John Foege <john.foege@gmail.com>
>>>>>>>>> Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:35:22
>>>>>>>>> To: Discussion of precise time and frequency
>>>>>>>>> measurement<time-nuts@febo.com>
>>>>>>>>> Subject: [time-nuts] Test Equipment
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> I realize that this e-mail is somewhat off topic, however, I also
>>>>>>>>> believe that I will get some of the best answers from the members
>>>>>>>>> of
>>>>>>>>> this list:
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> I have recently started to build an electronics lab, and am
>>>>>>>>> currently
>>>>>>>>> trying to acquire test and general equipment for my little
>>>>>>>>> basement
>>>>>>>>> workshop of horrors. So far, being on a limited budget, I have
>>>>>>>>> acquired a Tek 2465A in good working order, a Fluke 1953A
>>>>>>>>> counter,
>>>>>>>>> and
>>>>>>>>> my little gem (ok not quite so little) HP5345A with the 4-ghz
>>>>>>>>> freq
>>>>>>>>> converter plugin w/ opt 11 & 12.
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> I'd just like to ask everyone what they would be, if they were in
>>>>>>>>> my
>>>>>>>>> shoes, attempting to acquire. Unforunately, however, I am just
>>>>>>>>> out of
>>>>>>>>> engineering school and not working with much of a budget here.
>>>>>>>>> I'd
>>>>>>>>> kill to have all the fancy gear some of you nuts have.
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> I'd really love a DSO instead of the Tek 2465A I have. I'd kill
>>>>>>>>> for a
>>>>>>>>> good spectrum analyzer or VNA etc.
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> Any suggestions on what I should acquire and/or suggestions for
>>>>>>>>> economical equipment that I should make that is a must have? I am
>>>>>>>>> a
>>>>>>>>> good DIYer when it comes to building equipment, so often I
>>>>>>>>> attempt to
>>>>>>>>> build that which I cannot afford.
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> I appreciate everyone's' opinions in advance. Thank you.
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> Sincerely,
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> John Foege
>>>>>>>>> KB1FSX
>>>>>>>>> starving-engineer!
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>>>>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>>>>>>>>> To unsubscribe, go to
>>>>>>>>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>>>>>>>>> and follow the instructions there.
>>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>>>>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>>>>>>>>> To unsubscribe, go to
>>>>>>>>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>>>>>>>>> and follow the instructions there.
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>>>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>>>>>>>> To unsubscribe, go to
>>>>>>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>>>>>>>> and follow the instructions there.
>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>>>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>>>>>>>> To unsubscribe, go to
>>>>>>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>>>>>>>> and follow the instructions there.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>>>>>>> To unsubscribe, go to
>>>>>>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>>>>>>> and follow the instructions there.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>>>>>>> To unsubscribe, go to
>>>>>>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>>>>>>> and follow the instructions there.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> --
>>>>>> Dr. Don Latham AJ7LL
>>>>>> Six Mile Systems LLP
>>>>>> 17850 Six Mile Road
>>>>>> POB 134
>>>>>> Huson, MT, 59846
>>>>>> VOX 406-626-4304
>>>>>> www.lightningforensics.com
>>>>>> www.sixmilesystems.com
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>>>>>> To unsubscribe, go to
>>>>>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>>>>>> and follow the instructions there.
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>>>>> To unsubscribe, go to
>>>>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>>>>> and follow the instructions there.
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> --
>>>> Dr. Don Latham AJ7LL
>>>> Six Mile Systems LLP
>>>> 17850 Six Mile Road
>>>> POB 134
>>>> Huson, MT, 59846
>>>> VOX 406-626-4304
>>>> www.lightningforensics.com
>>>> www.sixmilesystems.com
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>>>> To unsubscribe, go to
>>>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>>>> and follow the instructions there.
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>>> To unsubscribe, go to
>>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>>> and follow the instructions there.
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
>> To unsubscribe, go to
>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
>> and follow the instructions there.
>>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
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> To unsubscribe, go to
> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
> and follow the instructions there.
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--
Dr. Don Latham AJ7LL
Six Mile Systems LLP
17850 Six Mile Road
POB 134
Huson, MT, 59846
VOX 406-626-4304
www.lightningforensics.com
www.sixmilesystems.com
