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R8200 Communications System Analyzer

The ultra-portable LMR test solution for subscriber and infrastructure testing 

The Freedom R8200 from Astronics Test Systems represents a major step in the evolution of the Land Mobile Radio service monitor. The R8200 is the first and only test instrument that combines comprehensive digital and analog LMR testing with the ability to measure important RF network characteristics such as Return Loss, VSWR and Phase. The R8200 is also the only service monitor with the ability to display RF parameters in a Smith Chart for more complicated network analysis.

The the R8200, the two-way technician to carry one portable instrument rather than two – making his or her job easier and freeing space in the van or on the bench.  Organizations can now save thousands of dollars and potentially much more by combining two instruments into one.  And while it is a completely new, high-specification, premium platform, the R8200 can be purchased with the knowledge that it is backed by the world-class service and technical support capabilities of Astronics Test Systems – the same company that produces the industry leading R8100 and R8000 communications analyzers.

Features

The R8200’s newly designed RF architecture features the best spectral purity in the industry, plus a single-port Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) capable of measuring return loss, VSWR, and Phase. There is simply no comparable product on the market.

Total portability 
Every R8200 ships with a Lithium Ion battery weighing just one pound (490g). The battery powers the unit for well over 90 minutes, and is field swappable in less than 30 seconds. Just open the cover, remove the battery, and insert another into the side of the unit. While on AC power, the R8200 charges the internal battery and when AC power is removed, the unit seamlessly moves from AC to DC without interruption. The R8200 display shows available battery capacity at all times. Spare batteries and a stand-alone charger can also be purchased for applications requiring extended portability.

Premier ergonomics 
The R8200 features a color-enhanced, high-contrast display with key measurements shown in larger, bright blue font. It’s tuning knob also serves as a data-entry key, allowing the user to minimize the amount of hand movement required to navigate test procedures. It also sports a rugged, foldable metal handle and ear phone jack for use in high-noise environments.

High performance tracking generator 
The Tracking Generator option provides an integrated instrument that sets up the RF Generator in a sweeping mode that is lock stepped with the Spectrum Analyzer. The tracker’s extraordinary dynamic range and response time delivers an invaluable tool for measuring and servicing RF filtering and combining networks like IF filters and Duplexers. The R8200 low Spectrum Analyzer noise floor, FFT processing, and broad selection of display and marker functions assure quick and accurate measurements. Antenna return loss and VSWR measurements can be made without any external equipment.

Advanced features 
The proprietary “Dual-Display,” showing the carrier and modulation scope on the same screen is included as a standard feature with every R8200, as is a tracking generator and cable fault locator. Like the R8100, the R8200 has the ability to select the power meter scale in bar graph mode: choose from 5, 50 or 150W. Finally, the R8200 offers the ability to display menu selections in French and Spanish.

Superior spectrum analyzer 
The R8200 comes equipped with a superior spectrum analyzer with a noise floor well below -140 dBm at narrow spans, super-fast signal acquisition, 4 markers (2 standard), and an available variable vertical scale down to 1 dB per division.

Expandable and upgradable 
The software-based architecture of the R8200 lets you add software options and upgrades in the field.
So if your needs change down the line, simply order the feature or protocol you need and enable it by entering a 16 digit option key using the front panel keypad.

Low phase noise and monitor & control interface 
The M&C consists of proprietary commands as well as support of IEEE standard equipment ID query for automating manufacturing test processes and procedures. This, along with the exceptional phase noise performance of the signal generator, makes it suitable for manufacturing and other high-performance applications, enabling significant reductions in capital costs.

Instruments

Physical characteristics

Weight: 5 lbs including internal battery (6.80  kg)
Dimension: 9.4” (23.9 cm) H, 12.7” (32.3 cm) W, 7.5” (19.1 cm) D

User environment

Operating altitude: Up to 15,000 ft (4572 m)
Humidity: 80% maximum relative humidity
Operating temperature: -20 º to 50 ºC (External DC); 0 º to 50 ºC (Using supplied AC adapter)

Related products

R8000C Communications System Analyzer

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R8100 Communications System Analyzer

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