Signal Generator suggestions.

[Georgia632]

Need to perform alignment on a few receivers.

Any suggestions for signal generators that will allow me to generate AM rf in the uV level?

I started to look myself, but there is a vast array of test equipment and I don't even know where to start. I'm looking to spend less than $500. If I can get additional functionality in addition to rf signal generation capability, then better. (i.e. oscilloscope/rf signal generator).

Suggestions?

Thanks!

 

[midnight special]

a long ways from being precise but what i use,,,

 

[Georgia632]

Wow! That looks great! I suppose the question is more along the lines of equipment for building a budget workbench. Based on equipment that is available and reasonable in price.

Anyone else?

 

[Georgia632]

There are 3 EF Johnson Transceiver testers for sale on ebay right now. But all in "can't gaurantee it works" condition.

 

[nomadradio]

You'll find that the two performance features you'll want most also cost more.

Frequency stability and accuracy? The low-cost RF generators with a big knob and a dial don't offer that, but they will generate a signal. If you have other ways to set a receiver on frequency, this feature will be less important.

Calibrated output level: If you want to measure the sensitivity of a receiver, a calibrated output lets you choose just how many microvolts of signal to feed the radio. The low-cost models have a variable output knob, but no guidance as to how much signal is being delivered.

Used lab-grade generators can go for a few hundred bucks, but be sure to also get the service data. Old stuff that complex will try to break down sooner or later. The older it is, the more likely that becomes.

Oh, and the transciever testers? You'll need a crystal for the channel you want to generate a receive signal. The very cheapest analog RF generators will tend to "leak" signal above 10 or 20 MHz. Turning the output level all the way down may still deliver a stronger signal than you should use to peak receiver circuits.

Those are not all created equal. YMMV.

73