Would this still be useful?

Question

I came across this Signal Analysis Meter at a local auction. The online bidding closes in a week. Would this be of much use? I've never seen one before. Dale Winhold

spinden · Answer

If you are not trying to analyze audio, the NanoVNA (https://nanovna.com/) is smaller and works between 50KHz to 300MHz. The NanoVNA2 can do even higher frequencies. If you want to analyze audio, the ADALM2000 (https://www.analog.com/en/design-center/evaluation-hardware-and-software/evaluation-boards-kits/adalm2000.html#eb-overvi… ) or Analog Discovery 2 (https://store.digilentinc.com/analog-discovery-2-100msps-usb-oscilloscope-logic-analyzer-and-variable-power-supply/ ) can handle 1Hz to +10MHz at 12-14 Bits.

-David

Jan Cumps · Answer

What we are ignoring here: if you are looking for a vintage professional quality device to learn from or drool over, then please go ahead. I bet it's prime quality, and was of big value when analog TV and analog TV distribution/antennas were a thing. On the original question: "Would this still be useful?", I'd say No.

shabaz · Answer

Realistically as-is, it has almost no practical use any more apart from as Jan says, for ham-radio type purposes, or for just curiosity sake or if you need the components etc. Nowadays you could get (for under $100) equipment that would out-perform that, depending on needs perhaps an SDR or 'TinySA' could do much the same things, and be more flexible. The item is very application-specific so while it could be used by a radio enthusiast, and even modified, as-is it has many limitations, like it will have 75 ohm inputs instead of 50 ohm, the resolution bandwidth will be poor, and the dynamic range will be terrible too, since it's only expecting to measure in a range suitable for installers of cable TV I think. Plus, it's not fun trying to use old instruments for real measurements where the output on the 'scope will have no capabilities like frequency markers or any indication that you've set it up correctly. People were happy with a basic trace/outline and the inaccuracy a long time ago, but there's no reason to compromise so much these days since there is new low-cost equipment that will do it better as mentioned.

Would this still be useful?

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