  We present the results of an experimental study of an advanced
moderate-resolution spectrograph based on a cascade of narrow-band holographic
gratings. The main goal of the project is to achieve a moderately high spectral
resolutionwith R up to 5000 simultaneously in the 4300-6800 A visible spectral
range on a single standard CCD, together with an increased throughput. The
experimental study consisted of (1) resolution and image quality tests
performed using the solar spectrum; and (2) a total throughput test performed
for a number of wavelengths using a calibrated lab monochromator. The measured
spectral resolving power reaches values over R>4000 while the experimental
throughput is as high as 55%, which is in good agreement with the modeling
results. Comparing the obtained characteristics of the spectrograph under
consideration with the best existing spectrographs, we conclude that the used
concept can be considered a very competitive and cheap alternative to the
existing spectrographs of the given class. We propose several astrophysical
applications for the instrument and discuss the prospect of creating its
full-scale version.
