Rigol DSA815-TG 9kHz to 1.5GHz with Pre-Amplifier and Tracking Generator Spectrum Analyzer

The DSA815-TG is a very good value for its price. Anyone who has tried to tune up RF filters and duplexers without a spectrum analyzer and tracking generator while doing it manually knows that sometimes you are shooting in the dark. With the Rigol DSA815-TG you can see the response, where the peaks and notches are and make the adjustments. With the right adjustment of the span and the RBW (Resolution BandWidth), you can read notches to -100 db as the noise floor drops when the bandwidth narrows. Wide spans and very narrow bandwidth can take a lot of time to trace, but that is usually reserved for a final picture once the adjustments are made.The tracking generator is necessary for anybody serious about cavity and duplexer tuneup. For example, in tuning a used UHF duplexer I found that the isolation would suddenly go away as I turned the notch piston capacitor in the duplexer beyond a certain point. It is possible the capacitor might have been damaged by too much tweaking by a previous owner, or damaged by lightning. I backed off the adjustment and still had lots of isolation for the system. The alternative would be not to use the duplexer since I did not know what happening had I not been using the DSA815-TG. In another instance, the duplexer had two notches that could not be completely merged by adjustment, probably because I was about 8 Mhz out of band on the duplexer, but there was still lots of isolation and the duplexer was still very usable and is now inservice.Once the adjustments are complete, you can print-save a copy of the screen to a USB for later reference. Although once adjusted, duplexers usually should not need readjustment for a long time, but this is still a great resource when checking the duplexer later to remember exactly what the final results were.The only hit is I do not understand the reasoning for locking out VSWR measurements unless you pay for a kit software/hardware license upgrade. This is a matter of convenience because you can find VSWR with a return loss bridge and chart. Calculating VSWR is not complicated and they could still sell a hardware kit if they like. For that matter, all the accessories are very expensive, but considering the basic functions of the DSA815 that you get for the initial price, it is a good value.

If you know what the measurements are this unit is as simple as it gets. Yet, it is one of the most powerful units you can find for the price. Good solid connector mounts that will not break any time soon. Great tactile feed back from the buttons. The knob turns easy but has enough friction to remain stable when inadvertently bumped; the detents are the perfect level of tactile feedback. Display is bright and crisp. Menus are logical and intuitive, settings are extensive without being daunting. Additional feature and functions cost more but prices are good and easy to install.This is a good bench unit for an engineer, great for a technician, and more than a hobbyist is ever going to need. All at a hobby price.

As someone else said it's not a Rhode & Schwarz but it is very good. I'm coming from a R&S FSP-38 I use for interference work and this spectrum analyzer looks like a suitable sub. Plus the price was $28,000 cheaper than the FSP-38 I have at work.Took a bit of time to get used to where all of the functions are found but once that was completed it worked great. I was able to see the FAA long range radar 3 miles from my house with an indoor antenna. I was able to see my local Fire/Rescue comm system with the same antenna. I bought this since I'm retiring soon and won't have use of the R&S FSP-38. So it was a good investment for the price.Edit 1. So far only 2 drawbacks, the spectrum analyzer can't be controlled via a lan connection and Microsoft Windows remote desktop. Also unlike the R&S FSP-38 you don't have the option to display split screen traces. I've used this quite a bit by setting one trace for a narrow span and the 2nd trace for a wider span. These are actually just minor setbacks/ Otherwise the DSA-815TG is a fine spectrum analyzer for the price.

I've always wanted a SA since electronics was my profession for 20 years. The HP and Rhode/Schwartz units were over kill for hobbyist needs and the prices way beyond my cash reserves. This instrument fits the bill in all aspects that I require. Great display. Overall it is pretty intuitive to operate. The buttons have a good feel to them. Not too heavy and a nice carry handle.They must be built tough as nails too. I purchased mine via the Amazon Warehouse as an 'open box' item. When it was shipped it was placed in a cardboard box. No packing materials at all! The SA was just rattling around in the box with its power cord and a plastic bag. Obviously I was pretty worried but it fired right up and I was using it that evening. No visible damage to the plastics either.For the record Amazon CS came through and gave me a 10% credit for that oversight.I'm glad that I have it and think it is worth the cost.

It is a good spectrum analyzer, but it does have some hidden caveats that need to be addressed before purchasing. Extended resolution bandwidth, Enhanced measurement, SWR capability are all modules that must be unlocked (ransomware) by purchasing them. I was not satisified with Rigol's way of doing business in this fashion. Contacting their domestic support also was fruitless concerning this issue (no response, at all). The price is attractive for 1.5Ghz capabilty with a tracking generator. But this is shadowed by the fact that you must 'unlock' all the other features by PURCHASING them. Rigol made a poor business choice with this option. You might want to look at other analyzers that have these features inheirent to them, before purchasing this unit.