Remember when we used to carry separate test sets for everything?

Back in the 90s, I had to choose between a dedicated IFR-2000 for comms or a standalone ramp test set for transponders. I went with the IFR because it could handle both, and it was a brick at 35 pounds but saved me three trips to the truck per shift. Has anyone else stuck with an all-in-one versus the newer lightweight gear?

2 comments

2 Comments

jones.grace3d ago

Wait, you carried an IFR-2000 around? Honestly, that thing was a beast. I had a buddy who swore by the old IFR-1000, and he said it was like carrying a small refrigerator on a belt strap. Tbh, I never went for the all-in-one route because I was always paranoid about one part of it breaking and taking the whole setup down. Ngl, I stuck with separate boxes for the longest time - a Tektronix 492 for spectrum and a separate Bendix for transponders - and I just got used to hauling them around. The trade-off was worth it for me since I could swap out a busted piece without grounding the whole kit.

kevin_roberts413d ago

Separate boxes all the way man. I keep hearing people talk about the IFR-2000 like it's some holy grail but I don't get the hype. My buddy had one and the display went out after a year, then he had to send the whole unit back. That's a week or more of downtime right there. With separate pieces you just pop a new one in and keep going. Plus all that weight on one belt strap sounds like a back injury waiting to happen. Your mileage may vary but I'll take a few extra trips to the truck over a single point of failure any day.