Hello,I recently purchased a used tektronic 496 spectrum analyzer and had some questions.Ive never used a real one and got this for playing around with.I would like to hook an antenna to the 50 ohm input and was wondering what I need to get to look at the FM radio spectrum.

 

Have you gone to Tektronix to get the manual?

 

That model is too old for Tektronix to have any information about it online.
The Boat Anchor Archive doesn't have manuals either.

The Navy NEETS Module 16 - Test Equipment has a tutorial on the use of a Model 492 spectrum analyzer; it is probably reasonably similar to the 496, with a higher freq. range.
It can be downloaded in PDF format from this page for free:
http://www.phy.davidson.edu/instrumentation/NEETS.htm
The Spectrum Analyzer introduction begins in the middle of page 6-37. The front panel is shown on page 6-40, with the controls described on subsequent pages.

 

Thanks for the suggestions. What I really need is some classes on spectrum analyzers but not an option at the moment.The 496, and 492 & 495 were replaced by the 494 & 497 and if memory serves those have been discontinued. The 496 has a frequency range of 1KHz to 1.8GHz.If I can ask one more, would an agilent probe be compatible with the proper power supply and assuming its 50 ohms.

 

Well, here's a basic tutorial on them from Agilent:
http://literature.agilent.com/litweb/pdf/5965-7920E.pdf
Another:
http://testrf.com/2010/spectrum-analyzer-tutorial/
Googling "spectrum analyzer tutorial" brings up boatloads of hits.