Signal generator output impeadance

[LeapFrog]

I'm still looking for my first RF signal generator I've been looking through various online sites for both used and new equipment.
My question pertains to the output impedance of an RF signal generator, one that I am currently looking at states an output impedance of 600 ohms.
Is this an industry-standard, and should I be looking for something with a 50 ohm output impedance? I do not have any attenuators if that matters here.

Thanks -"Leap"

 

[543_Dallas]

Most CB mics have a 600 ohm impedance. Some of the cheaper radios like the cobra 18 and 19 have 1000 ohm impedance.

 

[LeapFrog]

Thank you for the input I appreciate it 543.
I am talking about an RF signal gen, not an audio gen.
I need to inject a signal directly to the rear of the radio to align the receiver.
The 1 kilohertz audio tone for 30% modulation is a feature found on some signal generator, not all.

Maybe I'm confused but I thought the impedance rating was for the output of the signal generator and that it would be an RF output not an audio frequency.
Unless i'm modulating the signal with audio, then it would be amplitude modulation, commonly set @ 30% w/ 1 Khz tone.
I could use two seperate devices, an R.F. signal gen, and an audio generator feeding through the mic.
I was under the impression that a device that can modulate the r.f. signal it produces all in one package would be the way to go.

 

[Robb]

Real RF gens/test equip are already built for a 50 or 75 ohm output - IIRC.

The real problem you face is not just getting a sig gen that is stable; but one that has an adjustable output level so that it can put out the right signal strength to adjust receivers. Not gonna find that in a cheap sig gen. Real test will do that. They aren't cheap - either . . .

 

[LeapFrog]

Real RF gens/test equip are already built for a 50 or 75 ohm output - IIRC.

The real problem you face is not just getting a sig gen that is stable; but one that has an adjustable output level so that it can put out the right signal strength to adjust receivers. Not gonna find that in a cheap sig gen. Real test will do that. They aren't cheap - either . . .

I am a little shy of grabbing a fifty dollar non solid state device from the 60's that would be shipped (possibly damage tubes) and more then likely need calibration, Im only going to be working on my personal radios but im afraid the thing will not work after so many years.

Robb you are correct in saying it is not a cheap buy.
I am looking at this china cheapy the TSG-17 @ around 115$.
Next would be something like a BK Precision 2005B.
Out of my price range right now though..

Im trying to avoid something sold as-is, and I dont know if i trust fifty year old American made over brand new China made.. What unit will be more likely to drift, and how accurate can it truly be calibrated?

Sigh, im going to look for newer (80's era) HP unit i suppose, yet i still have the same concerns, calibration, as-is sales, d.o.a. buys and the like.

Thank You
-Leap

 

[543_Dallas]

My bad. I was bouncing back and forth between text messages and reading your post. Robb has it covered.

 

[Robb]

Neither the TSG-17 or the BK Precision will fill the bill.

I've had to go through all of this myself before. Finally found a Hp sig gen for $200/used. They are the most expensive bit of equipment when it comes to radio test gear that you will find; but the only ones that can do the job correctly and accurately.

 

[LeapFrog]

Thank You Gentlemen, let the penny pinching begin!

 

[Captain Kilowatt]

Many years ago I lucked into an RF signal generator at a ham flea market. I paid $15 for something made quite likely before I was born or perhaps about the same time. I am currently 53 LOL. It is an AN/URM-25D Signal Generator made for the military. It has all the attenuators and cables stored in the cover. It is not light but it is very good. I got it home and opened it up to take a peak inside and it looked like new inside. The silver switch contacts were still bright and it even had that new smell. It was used however as there were a few scratches on it but nothing significant. I checked the accuracy of both the freq and the output level and it was bang on. Once in a while I fall into something and come out smelling better than when I went in. LOL

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AN/URM-25D_Signal_Generator

 

[LeapFrog]

Mil-Spec that's got awesome written all over it, seen some on that popular auction site. The ones tested are selling for a lot more than the as-is units. This is one purchase I wouldn't regret, even if it didn't work!
Going to have to look up the next ham fest, we had one 30 miles away two months ago & i missed it.