If you want to start gathering test equipment Matt, you should start
watching eBay and other used equipment sources to get an idea what's out
there and what it goes for. I'm a big believer in buying used gear of
10-20 year old vintage from Hewlett Packard and Tektronix in particular.
I have an arsenal of test equipment I have assembled over the last
several years that includes a HP Vector Network Analyzer, HP signal
generator, Tek spectrum analyzer, a Tek bench scope, portable Tek scope
and some other odds and ends. These are pieces that were state of the
art not too long ago, all solid state, etc.
The total price for all this stuff when it was new was well over
$50,000... I paid a total of about $2000. You can't approach the specs
of this gear with ham grade equipment, although in certain instances you
can come close enough for many measurements with a combination of
commercial, kit and homebrew ham gear if you are willing to build a good
part of it. A counter is an example of something that you can get at a
good price, especially a kit version... but I would stick with used gear
for a scope or signal generator.
Larry N8LP
Matt Osborn wrote:
According to the transverter manual, I will need a 50mhz signal
generator or a frequency counter to successfully align the
transverter.
I've done a lot searching for signal generators and have found that
those capable of 50mhz are very expensive, around $1500 dollars
minimum.
I found a B&K frequency counter (Model 1856D) for around $430.00 that
will measure up to 3ghz. I suspect that B&K doesn't have the
tolerances of the big boys, hence their lower prices. B&K also has a
model that will measure up to 175mhz for about $100.00 less. The 175
would be enough for the transverter, but in for a penny, in for a
pound comes to mind. Why spend $350.00 this month and then $430.00
next month?
Will the 1856D work for aligning the transverter? My question
revolves around which of the two instruments (signal generator or
freq. counter) will accomplish the task the best.
Better yet, anybody know of any better alternatives? I keep running
into the chicken and egg problem. If I build it myself, I can't
calibrate it. If I buy the tools to calibrate it, then I don't need to
build it.
They say a smart man learns from his mistakes, but a wise man learns
from the mistakes of others. Please help me be a wise man.
All advice is most welcome!
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