spectrum analyzers

[Rick]

I have been thinking about adding a spectrum analyzer to my home lab. I
think the ideal model would be an HP8568B. I know this is an old model, but
I get the impression that it was one of the better SAs of yesteryear. Does
it still have any support from HP/Agilent and if not, are there any high
failure custom ICs no longer available like in the 246x tek scopes? I could
go for a tek plugin for my 7104 scope (like a 7L13 or something) but I am
not sure if that would be a better route. Other options are something like
a tek 492 or 496, or an HP8591 or something older, like a 141T with
pluggins. I would rather pay more now in money than frustration later, but
there is a limit...call it $3000 or so.

Thanks for any tips,

Rick

 

[Jim Yanik]

I have been thinking about adding a spectrum analyzer to my home lab.
I think the ideal model would be an HP8568B. I know this is an old
model, but I get the impression that it was one of the better SAs of
yesteryear. Does it still have any support from HP/Agilent and if
not, are there any high failure custom ICs no longer available like in
the 246x tek scopes? I could go for a tek plugin for my 7104 scope
(like a 7L13 or something) but I am not sure if that would be a better
route. Other options are something like a tek 492 or 496, or an
HP8591 or something older, like a 141T with pluggins. I would rather
pay more now in money than frustration later, but there is a
limit...call it $3000 or so.

Thanks for any tips,

Rick

With respect to TEK spectrum analyers,if they are listed as 'obsolete',you
are not going to get ANY parts support from them,period.TEK has just about
departed from selling spectrum analyzers(TEK-made),as the majority of TEK's
product line is another company's product.The TEK 2711,12,14,15 were the
last SA's made -by- TEK,AFAIK.

And for 7K mainframe SA's,I personally preferred the 7L12 over the 7L13.

Most of the TEK SA's used custom hybrid front ends and LO's that are long
unavailable except from parts units.(cannabalized parts)