I can second the HP 606 suggestion. That has been my primary generator for
over 20 years. I will only add reliable, clean output and zero leakage to
Garey's comments. If you can handle the bulk, it's a great value.
Dennis AE6C
On Tue, Feb 9, 2010 at 11:55 AM, Garey Barrell k4...@mindspring.com wrote:
James -
Depending upon what you intend to do with it, the price can vary from next
to nothing, to infinity.
That said, if you are interested in using on Drake gear, the most useful
generator (aside from the Calibrator built into most receivers) is one of
the XG generators from Elecraft. The XG-2 is a 'tri-band (80 / 40 / 20)
calibrated source with 1 uV and 50 uV outputs. These are the two
most-needed levels, 1 uV for Noise Figure or MDS testing, and 50 uV for
calibrating S-Meters to S-9. This is the generator that I use most often,
if for no other reason than it is about the size of two thumb drives and
runs off a coin cell.
For general coverage, a Heathkit IG-42 or similar will give you a decent 50
kHz to 30 MHz generator. An external attenuator, commercial or homebrew can
convert it to a calibrated source. About $40
My favorite is an HP 606A/B which covers 50 kHz to 65 MHz, is stable, has a
beautiful attenuator and is well calibrated. It's BIG, 10 high, 19 wide
rack panel with cabinet to match. Typically sells for $100 and up.
The HP 8640B is a good generator, goes to 512 MHz I think, 1024 with an
optional doubler. It's only 5.5 rack panel, but weighs about as much as
the 606! It does have a weak point in the internal gearing, (plastic,) that
is happening often now. So watch EBay type sales. There have been talks
about making a replacement gear, but
Beyond this you are getting into newer stuff, from the cheap stuff from
China that's not as good as the Heathkit, up to the megabuck units current
with HP. There are a couple of HP units that sell in the $200-300 range
that are smaller and lighter and show up on EBay, etc.
73, Garey - K4OAH
Glen Allen, VA
Drake 2-B, 4-B, C-Line TR-4/C Service Supplement CDs
www.k4oah.com
James Bridgers wrote:
I would like to have a rf signal generator for my use. Any suggestions as
what to look for?
Thanks in advance for your help
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