Used RF Test Equipment for Sale in Europe — Browse by Equipment Type
Finding the right pre-owned RF test instrument in Europe shouldn’t mean navigating a US-centric website, waiting weeks for transatlantic shipping, or guessing at import duties. RF-Labs stocks tested, graded, and calibration-ready equipment in our EU warehouse — organised here by equipment type so procurement teams and engineers can locate what they need fast.
Every instrument listed below is physically in stock, functionally verified, and ready to ship within Europe. Prefer to shop by brand instead? Or start from our broader used RF equipment overview for a full picture of what’s available.
Explore the categories below or request a quote on any specific model.
Why Buy Used RF Test Equipment in Europe from RF-Labs
Used RF instruments typically sell at 40–70% below current new list price — and that’s not a vague promise. A Keysight N5172B EXG vector signal generator lists new at roughly €25,000–€35,000 depending on options; our price starts well under half of that. Similar savings apply across network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and signal generators in our inventory.
- EU-based stock, no import duties. All equipment ships from our European warehouse. Delivery to most EU destinations takes 2–5 business days. DDP shipping available — no customs surprises.
- Every unit tested and graded. Instruments undergo functional verification before listing. Cosmetic condition is graded transparently (A, B, or C). Calibration to ISO/IEC 17025 is available on request or included where stated.
- Real savings, documented. We show condition, included accessories, and price indicators — not a “call for quote” wall hiding every number.
Our condition grading system is straightforward:
- Grade A — Like new. Minimal cosmetic wear. No visible marks on connectors or display.
- Grade B — Light marks on chassis or minor wear. Fully functional. Most of our inventory falls here.
- Grade C — Visible cosmetic wear. Fully functional. Deepest discount.
Spectrum Analyzers
A used spectrum analyzer can serve a production line or R&D bench for years — provided you verify a few critical points before committing. Phase noise performance degrades over time in older synthesiser architectures. Display burn-in affects CRT-era units and occasionally early LCD models. Licensed software options (e.g., demodulation, EMI pre-compliance) must be confirmed as active on the specific serial number.
Currently in stock:
- Rohde & Schwarz FSP — 9 kHz to 7 GHz. A solid mid-range analyzer for RF development, production test, and service work. Well-suited for general-purpose signal analysis up to 7 GHz.
The Anritsu MS2691A (50 Hz – 13.5 GHz) in our inventory also functions as a signal analyzer with spectrum analysis capability — worth considering if wider bandwidth or higher frequency coverage matters.
Verification checklist for used spectrum analyzers:
- Phase noise at 10 kHz offset — compare to the original datasheet spec.
- Display condition: look for dead pixels, uneven backlighting, or image retention.
- Installed option licences — confirm they’re tied to the serial number, not a dongle that may be missing.
Signal Generators
Signal generators see some of the widest price variation in the used market. A basic CW source and a vector signal generator with wideband modulation sit at completely different price points — and carry different risk profiles when buying pre-owned. Output power accuracy and spectral purity at the extremes of the frequency range are where age shows first.
Currently available:
- Keysight N5172B — EXG vector signal generator, 9 kHz to 6 GHz. Supports digital modulation standards (LTE, WLAN, 5G NR with appropriate licences). Current-generation platform.
- Rohde & Schwarz SMA100A — 9 kHz to 3 GHz. Excellent phase noise performance. A reference-class analog signal generator often used as a local oscillator or clean CW source.
- Rohde & Schwarz SMBV100A — Vector signal generator. Two units available: one covering 9 kHz – 3.2 GHz, the other reaching 9 kHz – 6 GHz. Ideal for digital standard signal generation in production environments.
- Rohde & Schwarz SMU200A — Dual-path vector signal generator. Supports MIMO and multi-standard fading simulation. A versatile platform for R&D labs working on LTE-Advanced or similar standards.
- Rohde & Schwarz SMIQ 03B — 300 kHz to 3.3 GHz. An older but reliable vector source, well-proven in telecom test setups.
- Agilent E4421 — ESG series, 250 kHz to 3 GHz. A straightforward analog/digital signal source for bench use.
Buying tip: Confirm the exact frequency range and installed modulation options before purchase. An SMBV100A at 3.2 GHz and one at 6 GHz carry different values and serve different applications. Ask for the installed option list (or run the self-test query on the instrument). Keysight option licences, for instance, are tied to the instrument serial number and transfer with the unit automatically.
Vector Network Analyzers (VNAs)
VNAs represent some of the highest-value instruments on the used market. A new 4-port PNA can cost six figures; used units offer the same measurement capability at a fraction of that — but connector condition and port quality matter enormously. A worn 3.5 mm port connector introduces measurement uncertainty that no calibration can fully correct.
Our current VNA inventory:
- Agilent 8720ES — 50 MHz to 20 GHz S-parameter network analyzer. Two-port. A proven workhorse for microwave component characterisation, filter tuning, and antenna matching up to 20 GHz.
- Agilent 8753ES — 30 kHz to 6 GHz. The industry-standard 2-port VNA for RF component test. Thousands remain in daily use worldwide.
- Agilent E8357A — PNA series, 300 kHz to 6 GHz. Faster sweeps and better dynamic range than the 8753 series — a meaningful step up for production environments requiring higher throughput.
- Agilent E8358A — PNA series, 300 kHz to 9 GHz. Extends the E8357A’s range by 3 GHz, useful for filter and amplifier work in the upper UHF/low microwave range.
Critical checks before buying a used VNA:
- Port connector wear — inspect gauge pin test results. Damaged center conductors mean expensive port replacement.
- Number of ports and TDR option availability — time-domain capability is valuable for cable and connector fault location.
- Calibration kit compatibility — ensure your cal kit matches the connector type on the VNA ports (Type-N, 3.5 mm, etc.).
RF Power Meters & Sensors
Power sensors are consumables in a busy RF lab — they wear, drift, and occasionally get damaged by overdriving. Buying used makes particular sense for backup sensors and secondary measurement positions. The key question is always compatibility: does the sensor match your meter, and do you have the calibration factor table for the specific serial number?
In stock now:
- Rohde & Schwarz NRP-Z11 — USB power sensor, 10 MHz to 8 GHz, –30 to +20 dBm. Connects directly to any R&S NRP base unit or to a PC via USB. Three-path sensor architecture provides wide dynamic range without range switching.
Buying tip: Verify sensor head compatibility with your power meter base unit or software. R&S NRP-Z series sensors work with NRP2, NRPe, and directly via USB with the R&S NRP Toolkit. Calibration factor data for the individual sensor serial number should be included — request it if not listed.
EMC / EMI Test Equipment
EMC test equipment carries the highest stakes in terms of compliance implications. A pre-compliance receiver that doesn’t meet the required CISPR standard revision is worse than no receiver at all — it gives false confidence. Before buying used, confirm the exact CISPR version supported, whether the unit can be firmware-upgraded to current revisions, and whether pre-selector or prescan functions remain operational.
Our current inventory includes signal analyzers and spectrum analyzers suited to EMC pre-compliance roles. The Rohde & Schwarz FSP (9 kHz – 7 GHz) and Anritsu MS2691A (50 Hz – 13.5 GHz) can both be configured for pre-compliance EMI measurements when paired with appropriate antennas, LISNs, and software options.
Full-compliance testing (accredited lab work to EN/IEC standards) demands dedicated EMI receivers with quasi-peak detectors. Contact us to discuss specific requirements — we source to order when dedicated EMC receivers are needed.
Key considerations for used EMC equipment:
- Pre-compliance vs. full compliance — a spectrum analyzer with quasi-peak detector emulation is not equivalent to a certified CISPR 16 receiver.
- Standard revision support — CISPR 32:2015 and CISPR 32:2024 impose different measurement requirements. Confirm which revision the instrument’s firmware supports.
- Antenna and LISN calibration — these accessories require their own traceable calibration, separate from the receiver.
Microwave & Millimetre-Wave Test Equipment
Above 20 GHz, connector quality and waveguide condition dominate the buying decision. A VNA that operates to 40 GHz or 67 GHz is only as accurate as the test port interface — and damaged 2.4 mm or 1.85 mm connectors can cost thousands to repair, plus weeks of downtime.
From our current inventory, the Agilent 8720ES covers measurements up to 20 GHz, spanning much of the microwave range relevant to satellite, radar, and point-to-point link component testing.
We also carry passive microwave components:
- Microlab CK17N — 10 dB directional coupler. Useful for in-line power monitoring in transmitter chains.
- Microlab CKD55 — 20 dB directional coupler. Lower coupling factor suits higher-power monitoring applications where less signal needs to be tapped off.
Verification points for used microwave instruments:
- Connector type — 2.4 mm, 1.85 mm, and 1.0 mm connectors are precision components. Inspect them visually or request gauge test results before purchase.
- Frequency band verification — confirm the instrument reaches its specified upper frequency. Degradation at band edges can indicate mixer or converter issues.
- Waveguide flange condition — dents or corrosion on flange faces create air gaps and degrade return loss.
Other RF Measurement Equipment
Not every instrument fits neatly into a single category. Lab infrastructure — multimeters, data acquisition systems, power supplies, and RF switching — is essential for any test setup. We maintain stock of supporting equipment alongside core RF instruments.
- Keysight 34410A — 6½-digit multimeter. High-speed digitising (up to 10,000 readings/s) makes it suitable for automated test systems beyond typical bench use.
- Keysight 34970A — Data acquisition switch unit. Modular platform for multi-channel measurement and switching. We also stock the Agilent 34902A 16-channel multiplexer card for this mainframe.
- Keysight N8990 and Keysight N8990K-A96 — RF switch boxes for multi-DUT automated test configurations.
- Agilent 6622A / HP 6622A — Dual-output system power supply. A lab standard for years; we carry both Agilent- and HP-branded versions.
- HP 6674A — 0–60 V, 0–35 A system DC power supply. 2,100 W output capacity for testing power amplifiers, motor controllers, or automotive electronics.
- Digimess PN300 — Programmable power supply. Budget-friendly option for general-purpose bench work.
How We Prepare Every Used RF Instrument
Every instrument entering our warehouse goes through a defined process before it reaches a listing page — not a cursory power-on test, but a structured evaluation and documentation workflow.
Incoming inspection and functional test
- Full power-on and self-test cycle. Any reported errors are investigated and either resolved or documented transparently in the listing.
- Core performance spot-checks against original datasheet specifications — not every spec point, but the parameters that matter most (e.g., output power accuracy on a signal generator, noise floor on a spectrum analyzer, port match on a VNA).
- Cosmetic grading (A/B/C) assigned and photographed from multiple angles.
Calibration options
- Accredited calibration performed to ISO/IEC 17025 by partner lab or in-house. A calibration certificate is included or available on request depending on the listing.
- Functional verification (non-accredited check against known reference) serves as the baseline for every unit. Full accredited calibration is available at additional cost where not already included.
Learn more about our refurbished and certified instrument tiers for the differences between tested, calibrated, and fully certified equipment.
Warranty and shipping
- Standard 6-month warranty on all instruments. Extended 12-month warranty available on select units.
- Insured shipment from our EU warehouse, typically arriving within 2–5 business days to most EU destinations.
- DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) shipping available — the price at checkout is the price you pay. No import duties, no customs paperwork on your end.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a used VNA calibrated to ISO 17025 standards?
Yes. ISO/IEC 17025 accredited calibration is available for all VNAs we sell. The certificate covers the parameters and frequency ranges relevant to the specific model. Turnaround depends on the instrument — most calibrations are completed within 5–10 business days.
Do you ship outside the EU?
Shipments to the UK, Switzerland, Norway, and other non-EU European countries are handled regularly. For destinations outside Europe, contact us for a shipping quote. Export compliance checks apply to certain instrument categories.
What is your return policy on used RF equipment?
All instruments carry a standard warranty period. If a unit does not meet the specifications stated in the listing, it can be returned within the warranty window. Returns for other reasons are handled case-by-case. We encourage buyers to confirm specifications and option configurations before purchase to avoid mismatches.
How do I verify the options installed on a used Keysight unit?
On most Keysight instruments, navigate to System → Show System or send the *OPT? SCPI query to list installed options. We verify and document installed options for every Keysight unit before listing. Keysight ties option licences to the instrument serial number, so they remain with the unit through resale — no licence transfer process required on the buyer’s side.
Ready to find the right instrument? Browse the categories above, or request a quote or check availability on any specific model. Include the model number and any required options — we’ll respond with pricing, condition details, and delivery timeline within one business day.