If you are thinking of purchasing test equipment, from Lothar Baier, then you should be aware that he often misrepresents the equipment. Many people have known that for a long time, but we will point you to some evidence of this. Most of this information is taken from a forum designed or buying and selling test equipment on groups.io. I’m copying here as a service to both radio amateurs (especially here in the USA), but to people worldwide.
On 9th August 2023 Lothar Baier offered for sale a 130 MHz to 20 GHz 8703A lightwave analyzer. This was on a group dedicated to Test Equipment- for sale, wanted, exchange group. He stated.
When powered up the unit complains about the missing optical testset but this does not seem to impair operation, when switched over to electrical testing the unit can measure all 4 S parameters with no issues! this is a great unit for someone who wants a compact VNA but can not afford a 8720B or for someone who has a broken 8720B and wants to get it back running.
We see
1) It is an HP 130 MHz to 20 GHz as this is on the label.
2) The bootup screen clearly shows this.
3) The optical test set is removed – a photograph shows this.
So far so good we believe it is accurately described.
Subject: RF Test Equipment Lab liquidation Sale
on behalf of the widow of a friend and fellow ham who recently passed away i am offering the following pieces of equipment , item condition is noted with each line item , units will ship worldwide altough some units are heavy and therefore shipping might be costly , payment via paypal is accepted !
1.) HP 8517A test-set $1200 good condition
2.) HP VNA 130MHz-20GHz , appears to be 8720B no sticker on unit. , good condition $1650
3.) HP 8481A Sensor , good cosmetic ,unknown operational condition $75
4.) HQ1503 15V 3A Power Supply , good condition $35
5.) FMC0204914 Test Cable , new units, 48" DC-18GHz SMA RA -SMA $35
6.) Phillips pulse generator , unknown model $50
7.) Tek TM503 Mainframes , several units $50ea”
Someone by the the name of Saevar , who resides in Iceland was interested in this item #2, which appears to be an 8720B, but with no sticker on the unit. He has sent a picture of this. We can see some remarkable similarities to the instrument that Lothar Baier was previously saying was a 8703A lightwave analyzer, but now has turned into something he thinks is an 8720B. 1) The sticker to the right of the 2nd test port is the same 2) The sticker underneath the test port is the same. 3) When confronted with this, he denied it, but left the group on groups.io for buying and selling test equipment. (It seems he pre-empted being banned, as one of the admins of the group has said he would be banned).