Looking for decent HF signal generator
 

Our undergrad teaching labs have a couple of really crappy cheapo
RF signal generators that will do LF and HF on fundimental and near VHF
on 3rd harmonic. The waveform is so unstable that you're lucky to be
able to read 2nd signifcant fugure of frequency on a good counter and
the voltage output across a purely resistive load varies more than
10dbv. They are just about useless.
Does anyone know of a model that could be got, new or used, for
not much more than a kilodollar that would be stable and readable to at
least three signifcant figs. (interpolate to 4 ) and is well enough
buffered to maintain a constant output level.

tnx 73 kc2lvq

If you don't mind older tube equipment, consider
an HP 606 for HF, and HP 608 for VHF. They are
excellent, stable, and well calibrated signal generators
that can be had really cheap.

Steve
p.s.-for better frequency accuracy, use an external counter

William Mutch wrote in message
ell.edu...
Our undergrad teaching labs have a couple of really crappy cheapo
RF signal generators that will do LF and HF on fundimental and near VHF
on 3rd harmonic. The waveform is so unstable that you're lucky to be
able to read 2nd signifcant fugure of frequency on a good counter and
the voltage output across a purely resistive load varies more than
10dbv. They are just about useless.
Does anyone know of a model that could be got, new or used, for
not much more than a kilodollar that would be stable and readable to at
least three signifcant figs. (interpolate to 4 ) and is well enough
buffered to maintain a constant output level.

tnx 73 kc2lvq

If you don't mind older tube equipment, consider
an HP 606 for HF, and HP 608 for VHF. They are
excellent, stable, and well calibrated signal generators
that can be had really cheap.

Steve
p.s.-for better frequency accuracy, use an external counter

William Mutch wrote in message
ell.edu...
Our undergrad teaching labs have a couple of really crappy cheapo
RF signal generators that will do LF and HF on fundimental and near VHF
on 3rd harmonic. The waveform is so unstable that you're lucky to be
able to read 2nd signifcant fugure of frequency on a good counter and
the voltage output across a purely resistive load varies more than
10dbv. They are just about useless.
Does anyone know of a model that could be got, new or used, for
not much more than a kilodollar that would be stable and readable to at
least three signifcant figs. (interpolate to 4 ) and is well enough
buffered to maintain a constant output level.

tnx 73 kc2lvq

Watch Ebay for HP 8656A or B Sig Generators. Synthesized to 990 Mhz. Stable
and programmable. Have been going for around $500. Can use an external
reference for more accuracy.

--
Clif Holland, KA5IPF
AVVid
Authorized Kenwood and Icom Service Center
816 W Shady Grove Rd
Irving, TX 75060

www.avvid.com

1-800-214-5779
972-870-0630 (Local)
"William Mutch" wrote in message
ell.edu...
Our undergrad teaching labs have a couple of really crappy cheapo
RF signal generators that will do LF and HF on fundimental and near VHF
on 3rd harmonic. The waveform is so unstable that you're lucky to be
able to read 2nd signifcant fugure of frequency on a good counter and
the voltage output across a purely resistive load varies more than
10dbv. They are just about useless.
Does anyone know of a model that could be got, new or used, for
not much more than a kilodollar that would be stable and readable to at
least three signifcant figs. (interpolate to 4 ) and is well enough
buffered to maintain a constant output level.

tnx 73 kc2lvq

Watch Ebay for HP 8656A or B Sig Generators. Synthesized to 990 Mhz. Stable
and programmable. Have been going for around $500. Can use an external
reference for more accuracy.

--
Clif Holland, KA5IPF
AVVid
Authorized Kenwood and Icom Service Center
816 W Shady Grove Rd
Irving, TX 75060

www.avvid.com

1-800-214-5779
972-870-0630 (Local)
"William Mutch" wrote in message
ell.edu...
Our undergrad teaching labs have a couple of really crappy cheapo
RF signal generators that will do LF and HF on fundimental and near VHF
on 3rd harmonic. The waveform is so unstable that you're lucky to be
able to read 2nd signifcant fugure of frequency on a good counter and
the voltage output across a purely resistive load varies more than
10dbv. They are just about useless.
Does anyone know of a model that could be got, new or used, for
not much more than a kilodollar that would be stable and readable to at
least three signifcant figs. (interpolate to 4 ) and is well enough
buffered to maintain a constant output level.

tnx 73 kc2lvq

I would certainly advise the HP8640B (to 512 MHz). One of the best
signalgenerators available. And ... affordable.
Cheers,
Harke, PA0HRK

William Mutch schreef in berichtnieuws
...

I would certainly advise the HP8640B (to 512 MHz). One of the best
signalgenerators available. And ... affordable.
Cheers,
Harke, PA0HRK

William Mutch schreef in berichtnieuws
...