You asked for it. :-)
Hams often wonder how well an HF receiver is really working--or how one
receiver compares to another. One of the most important performance
measurements is sensitivity. But measuring sensitivity usually requires
an expensive, lab-grade signal generator.
Elecraft's new XG2 -Three- Band Receiver Test Oscillator (a companion to
Elecraft’s XG1 single frequency Test Oscillator) is an inexpensive
alternative. The XG2 is a fixed-frequency signal source with switch
selectable oscillator frequencies on 80, 40 and 20M. Its highly-accurate
precision low-level crystal oscillator generates 1 microvolt and 50
microvolt output levels with an absolute output accuracy of better than
+/- 2 dB, and an extremely small unit-to-unit variation of typically +/-
1 dB. This ensures that measurements made with different XG2s are
consistent, which can be helpful when evaluating used equipment found at
flea markets or on the web.
The 1-microvolt level can be used to determine a receiver's MDS (minimum
discernible signal), as well as its overall receive gain. 50 microvolts
is widely used as the standard "S9" reference, so this level can be used
for S-meter calibration. Step-by-step procedures are included for
receiver performance measurement and S-meter alignment. In addition to
receiver testing, the XG2 can be used as a reference to calibrate other
lab instruments.
The XG2 also includes an on-board 3-Volt battery (standard coin cell)
and a low current power-on LED. The XG2 typically draws 250 uA,
resulting in an estimated battery life of 850 hours. The unit is
protected against brief accidental transmit, and has been tested at up
to 10 watts for 2 seconds.
The XG2 can be set to operate on 3.579.5, 7.040 and 14.060 MHz. It also
provides reduced output levels at harmonics of these operating
frequencies, so it can be used for receiver alignment and qualitative
tests on or near most HF ham bands.
Like Elecraft's other low cost mini-modules, the XG2 is quite small: the
PC board is just 1.5"W by 3.5"L. You can use a BNC male-to-male adapter
such as Elecraft model BNC-MM to eliminate the coax cable and directly
connect the XG2 to the back of a receiver or transceiver. Rubber feet
are also included so the unit can be used on the workbench.
The XG2 is available now, and is priced at $59. The BNC-MM adapter is
$5. For further details (including downloadable manuals) on the XG2 and
other Elecraft products, visit www.elecraft.com
73, Eric WA6HHQ
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