After observing the comments and suggestions, I have to jump in here.
Basically, you want your 2715 analyzer to be a 2712? Why? It is already better than a 2712.
I realize the input connector is an issue but the cost, time, and effort to change it to a type N is not worth it in my opinion.
Here's why and some points I would like to make:
1. Get the 070-9096-06 service manual for the 2715 and read it. Everything you want to know (and more) is in there. Check out section 3, and skim 4 and 5. The 2715 is one of the best service manuals that Tektronix ever wrote. It explains how the unit operates in great detail, all the menu trees, and complete parts listings with excellent schematics. It is simply a work of art. Here¡¯s a link to the free service manual from Tektronix:
2. The 2715 will operate just like a 2712 if you turn off the CATV operation. Press the CATV/APPL button, then 8 ¡°CATV Measurement Setup¡± then 0 ¡°Exit CATV Measurement Mode¡±. Your 2715 now appears as a 2712 and operates as a better than 2712 spectrum analyzer. Exit the menu and press the INPUT, then 3 ¡°Ref Level Unit, then select the unit of measurement you want. Normally this would be 0 ¡°DBM¡±. Looks just like a "2712' now!
3. If you really feel it is necessary, you can replace the F connector with a 50 ? N connector. You will need to do some soldering and use .141 hardline. You may be able to reuse the existing .141 hardline cable that goes from the existing front panel F connector to the Attenuator board input, but it has an SMA connector on each end and might not be long enough. You will need a replacement panel mount N with a .141 solder fitting that you need to unsolder the front panel SMA connector and solder to the replacement N connector. It¡¯s a fair amount of work and likely not worth your effort since you can adjust the 2715 to compensate for the difference. As has been suggested, the easiest way to compensate for the 75 ? is to use a 50-75 ? min-loss pad, or you can simply ignore the very minor error and use the 75 ? input as is and program the 2715 to compensate for the difference (INPUT, 6). Link to eBay N Female connector:
4. In regard to modifying the 2715 by adding a 300Hz RBW board, the answer is NO. The 2715 already has the 300Hz filter, unless it has Option 14 which gives you an even better 200 Hz RWB filter! You can check options by pressing UTIL, 4, 9. If you have Opt 14 it will be listed here. Don¡¯t be concerned that it doesn¡¯t show the 300Hz RBW filter because in a 2715 it is standard, and therefore not an add-on option to the standard (base) unit. If your 2715 has the DVB logo above the CRT, then the 300 Hz board has been replaced with a digital board to work with cable television signals. When that board is installed the 2715 gets the Opt 14 board and 200 Hz RBW!
5. The 2715 was the last of these economical but great spectrum analyzers. As Tektronix progressed through manufacturing the later models the units got better and better, both in construction and reliability. All the bugs that existed in the 2710 (which gets a bad rap) are gone. You couldn¡¯t have a better spectrum analyzer for the money.
Spend some time exploring the 2715 menus and trying out the 2715. Run the Normalizations (UTIL, 5, 5) to check for problems and to keep the unit accurate. Turn on the calibrator (INPUT, 9), set the frequency to 100.000 MHz, press the SPAN/DIV down arrow until 300/200 RBW and then REF LEVEL until -30.0 DBM is shown on the left top of the CRT, and watch how stable the analyzer is over time and temperature. Try out the Markers and CTR-MEAS/TRKG. Truly a great Tektronix product.
