Spectrum Analyzer vs. Field Strength Analyzer

Oct 07, 2004 5 Replies
J

I am looking for a handheld Spectrum Analyzer BK2650 (Link1 below) or Field Strength Analyzer Protek 3290 (Link2). The problem is that I cannot see the major differences between them, yet there's a major price difference of $1000-2000. Can anyone tell me what the major differences between a spectrum analyzer and Field Strength Analyzer? Is it in demodulation ways, sweep speed, display freq span, or some extra stuff that I do not need as an amateur/electronics hobbyist? Thanks.


Reference pictures:



Link1

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Link2
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N

Spectrum Analyzer An instrument which displays the frequency spectrum of an input signal, usually amplitude vertical vs. frequency horizontal.

Field Strength Analyzer Practical field-strength measurements call for an analyzer that is portable yet powerful. The model 3290 RF Field Strength Analyzer from PROTEK Test and Measurement (Allendale, NJ) is a handheld instrument that contains not only a full-featured spectrum analyzer capable of measurements from 100 kHz to

2.9 GHz, but also a sensitive frequency counter, a host of demodulators, and the choice of operating on batteries, AC, or vehicle DC power.

Reference

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Regards, Erwin snipped-for-privacy@yahoo.com

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R

Field-strength measurements call for an analyzer that is portable and *sensitive* (NOT "powerful"; this is not a transmitter for moon bounce!).

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E

We have both models on sale. Please see:

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Thanks Evan

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L

By "powerful" in advertising literature they probably mean lots of filtering/display options, connectivity, DSP functionality, that kind of thing.

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R

Just curious (and I apologize for reincarnating a thread that's almost a month old) but did you take the plunge on either of the instruments? I'm tempted by the 3290 and wondered if you got it and what your thoughts were.

Rich Webb Norfolk, VA
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