Batboard

I'm looking to replace my R-2008C service monitor, am eying a used R-2600 B or C model. What are the differences between the B and C? I'm leaning toward the B /HS model instead of the C /NT because the tracking feature may assist me in checking / tuning the few duplexers we have. (but if the C is better....) Suggestions? I may have to search around for a users manual (neither 2600 has one) Responses can be on the list, or to me direct [email protected] Thanks, Ben N2ROQ

DJP126 and bernie are our resident Motorola service monitor experts. They can probably shed some light on internal differences - I'm thinking the C model is where Motrola introduced wider spans for the spectrum analyzer and tracking generator.

When the 2600 was introduced [R2600A] the maximum span for the spectrum analyzer and tracking generator was 10 MHz. The C model will do 100 MHz on the spectrum analyzer and 50 MHz on the tracking generator [obviously not applicable to the NT model].

The hardware wasn't changed to implement this capability - they just trick the machine into doing it in software by joining more than one sweep into the appearance of a single continuous longer sweep.

The spectrum analyzer and tracking generator features in the 2600 series are really only mediocre at best - so this may not matter much to you anyway - if you wanted a really good spectrum analyzer functionality you'd be looking at something else.

Other than that - either model should be a good solid performer for basic analog two-way portable, mobile & base station alignment and troubleshooting.

Another feature that I believe that B/C model does not have is the ability to decode PL/DPL.

The D model does have this ability...

I think you have the 2600 confused with the 2001.

All the R-2600 analyzers regardless of version have full featured signalling encode and decode of PL, DPL, single tone, 5/6 tone, DTMF, and general sequence [up to 20 tones]

My two bits worth:
I have a R2600B, which works very well, once I found out on which menus which functions reside.

I am very dissapointed with the performance of the tracking generator in wide spans, such as one would use for a site pre-selector.

It works fine for the usuial duplexer, but then one really dosn't need such fancy equipment to tune the garden variety duplexer.

Therefore, if you need a tracking generator for wide spans look else where.
I have found my unit to be accurate, and reliable if difficult to use.
I am not familar with the C version.

The C version came out with a different processor for the trunking & securenet options. IF you may require these in the future, go with the C (you can add the tracking generator). If you know for sure you WON'T need the high teir options, the B will be fine.

Thanks for all the thoughts. I don't know what the cost would be to add tracking, but the B model I'm looking at is HS, cable fault & tracking (and of course about a thousand over the C /nt. Primarily, I'd be using this in my amateur avocation, but I do tend to do some field studies & tuning of different various radios for the emergency services...

Again, thanks for the input...