best network analyzer 2009
Some years ago, engineers generally used to design antennas and other RF circuits without EM simulation tools. Many still don't need it.
I guess your targetting to 2.4GHz. For short distance, you can expect reliable communication with any short piece of wire,
most likely even to a board equipped with a termination resistor in the vincinity, because I don't expect perfect shielding of your design.
If it doesn't work at all, you should expect a different problem. But I guess, there are also means as RSSI monitoring outputs with your chip set.
A small handheld spectrum analyzer as TTI PSA2701 or some used benchtop instrument should hopefully fit your budget.