Here's what HP's catalog says : Spectrum Analyzers Spectrum analyzers take advantage of the frequency-conversion properties of the swept-tuned heterodyne receiver to make sig- -nificant contributions to frequency-domain signal analysis. The following are some of the measurements that can be made with spectrum analyzers : (1) Absolute and relative frequency. (2) Absolute and relative amplitude. (3) Noise. (4) Distortion products. (5) AM, FM & pulsed RF modulation. (6) Stimulus response. ( biofeedback ? ed. ) (7) Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). These measurements are possible because spectrum analyzers have the following characteristics : (1) Broad frequency coverage from 5 Hz to 325 GHz. (2) Wide amplitude range from -138 dBm to +30 dBm. (3) Excellent sensitivity for low-signal detection. (4) Excellent frequency stability. (5) High resolution of frequency and amplitude. These capabilities allow spectrum analyzers to provide frequency- domain signal analysis for numerous applications, including the manufacture and maintenance of microwave communication links, radar, telecom equipment, CATV systems, and broadcast equipment ; EMI diagnostic testing ; and signal surveillance. ( I can't believe they actually said that. Gee, I wonder if They're going to classify test & measurement equipment next. )-: Prices for these puppies run from @ $ 20,000 to @ $ 50,000. They are very modularized, and, for the paranoids amongst you, these things are portable. They are probably devilishly heavy, like most test equipment is, and look a lot like an oscilloscope, when the cover is off. For information about any Hewlett Packard product or service, or for additional copies of this catalog, call the Customer Infor- -mation Center (CIC) at 800-752-0900 between 6:00 am and 5:00 pm PST. What you want is their 'Test & Measurement Catalog'. One small tip - if you're calling them up and want to get a catalog sent to you, you want to make an effort to look like a valid customer. These catalogs are large and expensive and they may be less inclined to pay for what is probably a few dollars' shipping if you come across as a college student ( with apologies to college students :-). Give an address if you can, give yourself a title - R&D engineer is good - a department - R&D - and, if they ask for a box or mail dept code, you can make one up or say that you don't have one. ( Using different box numbers going to a same address is a great way to see who's sharing their mailing list with whom else, BTW ). I'm not encouraging you to spoof these folks, merely noting that it is a regrettable necessity. If you don't present yourself as a prospect, they may blow you off, and if you give any hint that you don't represent some sort of company, you are sure to be blown off, presumed to be a waste of their time. ( Of course, this posting may lead to three or four analyzers, $ 100-200 thousand worth of sales, but try to persuade a salescritter of this. :-) -- richard ===== -- richard childers rchilder@us.oracle.com 1 415 506 2411 oracle data center -- unix systems & network administration "If Life is a drama, then, surely, the hardest parts go to the most skillful."