TEST BENCH EQUIPMENT

[ira parker]

Would like a little input on some upgrades to the bench. Frequency counter, I have doesn't read lower frequencies (455, 4.400, 6 mhz) not looking to break the bank I'm fine with older used units that have decent specs. Oscilloscope, my old Tenma 72-6820 has dropped 1 of the channels and giving some erratic readings on the other one. What does everyone think about a Rigol TS-815-TG spectrum analyser. Thanks Ira

 

[OldTech03]

I use a Rigol TS-815-TG spectrum analyzer frequently, and I'm confident you would be very happy with one. It's an incredibly powerful tool for component-level troubleshooting. Once you learn to use it with a probe to directly observe frequencies, you'll find yourself wondering, "How did I ever troubleshoot anything without this?"

I've been doing this for many years, and while a digital scope like the Rigol DS1054 is a great tool (its menu system can even display frequency), a classic analog scope still has an important place on the bench. I'd also recommend building a low-level RF pickup that you can connect to your scope or a frequency counter via a good quality BNC connector.

Speaking of other gear, you will get a lot of value from a very accurate signal generator. I have an older Hewlett-Packard 8647A, which is a deadly accurate, high-end unit that works from 250 kHz to 1000 MHz. If you can find one for a couple of hundred dollars from a trusted source, jump on it.

Finally, consider a good frequency counter. I have two on my bench and use them constantly. It's not necessary to have two, but it's very handy. Don't go too cheap on this item; the low-end models often lack sensitivity and struggle to maintain their accuracy.

Also don’t forget a good quality DVM Digital volt meter and if you find a nice VTVM Analog meter that would also be handy. I have a wide band B&K AC Voltmeter I use for receiver alignments this would also be good to have on the bench it can be a different model/brand but very nice to have.

I promise you will be quite happy with equipment from either Rigol or Siglent—they both make very good products.

Ok I’m done running off at the keyboard.

 

[brandon7861]

One thing that I wish I had considered was the gate time. For 1Hz resolution and 8 digits, my FC-7015U takes 10 seconds. That means fine tuning a crystal oscillator takes a long time because you have to wait up to 20 seconds every time you make an adjustment. After each adjustment, you have to wait for the gate period to pass (up to 10 seconds) and then another 10 seconds to count for a whole gate period. Most modern FC;s are much better in that regard, but its something to watch for.

If you go cheap, expect the stability of the oscillator inside to be equally cheap. Unless you have a frequency standard handy, try to get one with an oven controlled reference oscillator. That way, when you do take the time or spend the money calibrating it, you will know it will stay accurate for a while.

 

[SuperLid]

Would like a little input on some upgrades to the bench. Frequency counter, I have doesn't read lower frequencies (455, 4.400, 6 mhz) not looking to break the bank I'm fine with older used units that have decent specs. Oscilloscope, my old Tenma 72-6820 has dropped 1 of the channels and giving some erratic readings on the other one. What does everyone think about a Rigol TS-815-TG spectrum analyser. Thanks Ira

I have the Rigol TS-815-TG. It is okay because of it's size. I don't like that there is no DC input and the demod sucks. I prefer my Aeroflex and Agilent, but they are big and heavy. Sometimes it isn't practical to drag a service monitor into the field, like it was in the "old days".

SL

 

[loosecannon]

Ive put this out before but i think one of the best deals that can be had on a lab quality frequency counter is the old HP-5381A.

yes its super old, and yes it only goes to 80mhz, but if you're only doing HF/CB work then it will work very well for you.

HOWEVER!

don't expect to buy one and have it just "work".

you need to find one that shows all zeros on the display and holds steady.

if you find one like this, you stand a very good chance of replacing about five electrolytic capacitors and having a unit that works pretty much like new.

it will also need a calibration.
you can buy a 10mhz rubidium standard crystal oscillator on ebay that you can use to calibrate it.

this counter will do 1hz resolution with a 1 second gate time, and will even do .1hz but you'll go crazy trying to align to that spec.

you should be able to get all this done for under 200 dollars.

i had a friend give me one, restored it and calibrated it and now it's my go to counter.

I have like six freq counters and i use this one all the time.

hope this helps!
LC

 

[nomadradio]

I insisted the boss buy a HP counter when he opened our shop in 1975. Used a 5381 every day for almost 40 years before it finally broke. By then we had other lab grade counters and it got retired. We calibrated it by "leaking" the counter's clock crystal out to the antenna of a receiver set to 10 MHz WWV, and just set the counter's trimmer cap for zero beat. A wire plugged into the external-clock socket was all we needed to eavesdrop on the counter's time-base crystal and mix with WWV coming down from the antenna.

73

 

[guitar_199]

I use a Rigol TS-815-TG spectrum analyzer frequently, and I'm confident you would be very happy with one. It's an incredibly powerful tool for component-level troubleshooting. Once you learn to use it with a probe to directly observe frequencies, you'll find yourself wondering, "How did I ever troubleshoot anything without this?"

I've been doing this for many years, and while a digital scope like the Rigol DS1054 is a great tool (its menu system can even display frequency), a classic analog scope still has an important place on the bench. I'd also recommend building a low-level RF pickup that you can connect to your scope or a frequency counter via a good quality BNC connector.

Speaking of other gear, you will get a lot of value from a very accurate signal generator. I have an older Hewlett-Packard 8647A, which is a deadly accurate, high-end unit that works from 250 kHz to 1000 MHz. If you can find one for a couple of hundred dollars from a trusted source, jump on it.

Finally, consider a good frequency counter. I have two on my bench and use them constantly. It's not necessary to have two, but it's very handy. Don't go too cheap on this item; the low-end models often lack sensitivity and struggle to maintain their accuracy.

Also don’t forget a good quality DVM Digital volt meter and if you find a nice VTVM Analog meter that would also be handy. I have a wide band B&K AC Voltmeter I use for receiver alignments this would also be good to have on the bench it can be a different model/brand but very nice to have.

I promise you will be quite happy with equipment from either Rigol or Siglent—they both make very good products.

Ok I’m done running off at the keyboard.

EXTREMELY good advice!