signal generator

[Steve Harpole, DDS.]

Anyone have any suggestions as to what brand , model of signal generator that is comparable in popularity as the Hakko 808 desoldering tool?  Curious as to what others use , if  they are into signal tracing..

Thanks,

Steve
KQ4UB
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[Jim Wiley-2]

Steve -

I am going to take a chance and assume that the DDS in your address
means Doctor of Dental Surgery (A dentist).


Comparing  Hakko 808 and a signal generator is an uncertain exercise at
best.   The two instruments are used for quite different purposes.  The
comparison might be likened to comparing dental floss and an X-ray
machine.  Dental floss is used to remove unwanted material between
teeth, a Hakko 808 is used to remove unwanted solder from circuit
boards.   The X-ray machine is used to examine the patient's innards (to
some degree or another) and the signal generator is used to examine a
receiver's performance (or lack thereof).


All that being said, my favorite signal generator is the Hewlett-Packard
(HP) 8640B.  Working units, not necessarily "in cal", but certainly
usable, are available for as little as $250 on eBay or at hamfests.  
New, these instruments were in the $12,000 to $18,000 range, depending
on options and year of manufacture.  There are a number of other good
instruments, some made by HP, and others by Fluke, Marconi, General
Radio, Boonton, and others.  The basic things to look for are frequency
coverage (500 KHz to 500 MHz  is adequate for most ham radio
applications),  quality of the attenuator (for accurate  sensitivity
measurements), modulation types (AM and FM preferred, but AM only will
do for many uses),  frequency  readout accuracy (digital counters are
nice) and  stability (phase locked oscillators or synthesizers are
best).   There are other factors that can be important as well, such as
phase noise and jitter,  maximum output capability, and protection from
reverse power.   The HP 8640B (with various options) fits this bill
nicely, but is not the only answer.


I have seen hams use the most basic signal generators with skill and
ingenuity to achieve remarkable results, and the basic signal generator
offered by elecraft is an example of this.  Homemade equipment is often
used successfully.  The ARRL handbook has some examples that might be
useful.   Also, check flea markets and auctions for older Heathkit
units.  While not anything close to the performance of professional
grade units, they are often "good enough" for basic signal tracing and
troubleshooting.


Finally, signal tracing, as opposed to signal injection,  is usually
accomplished with a device known oddly enough as a "signal tracer" -
typically a device that can grab small signals and amplify them enough
to drive a small speaker. Often including a Rf detector probe, they can
be very useful in finding out where something has gone awry.  Signal
Tracers and Signal Generators are often used together, with one
supplying the signal to be traced, the other doing the tracing.


There are several good books on equipment servicing that can take you
farther.  The ARRL lists a couple in their bookstore section, and again
their handbook has some basic servicing tips. .


Good luck!


73

- Jim, KL7CC

 

Steve Harpole, DDS wrote:

>Anyone have any suggestions as to what brand , model of signal generator that is comparable in popularity as the Hakko 808 desoldering tool?  Curious as to what others use , if  they are into signal tracing..
>
>Thanks,
>
>Steve
>KQ4UB
>_______________________________________________
>Elecraft mailing list
>Post to: [hidden email]
>You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
>Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft   
>Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
>Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
>
>  
>

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[Mike W-12]

On 2 Sep 2004 at 19:18, Steve Harpole, DDS wrote:

> Anyone have any suggestions as to what brand , model of signal
> generator that is comparable in popularity as the Hakko 808
> desoldering tool?  Curious as to what others use , if  they are into
> signal tracing..
>
I use a SigGen based on a 9851 DDS and a noise source for signal
generation, For detection I use a diode probe into either an AF
amplifier ( for listening to the signal ) or a VVM for measuring. All
of it homebrewed.
atb Mike W
--  

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