[ARC5] Signal generator selection

[Robert Nickels]

The right answer is "it depends" - but for most repair/restoration needs 
we need a signal source that is accurate and can produce signals of the 
required level over the range of interest.    Any reasonably stable 
analog oscillator can be made accurate enough if you use a counter, and 
external attenuators can be used to produce weak signals for receiver 
alignment (which is usually harder and more expensive).    If you want 
the best of both in one piece of  equipment, you'll probably have to pay 
for it.

But there are some very useful modern tools that you cannot go wrong 
with.   First, the Tiny SA which is a very usable spectrum analyzer that 
you can hold in one hand, and which also can be used as a very accurate 
signal source:

https://www.tinysa.org/wiki/

External attenuation will be needed to reduce the output for some 
purposes, but for $49, the Tiny SA is a no brainer.   This video is 
annoying to watch but will give you an idea of how it works as a signal 
generator:

https://youtu.be/RvYwAn32Dl4

The other modern marvel is the Nano VNA, which is very useful in any RF 
work, and which also can generate RF signals:

https://nanovna.com/

You'll notice a resemblance between the two, which is because they share 
some common hardware and designer.   Either or both are very useful and 
affordable additions to any ham's workbench - just don't waste money 
trying to save a few dollars on a no-name clone that may well have 
inferior performance.

Oh, and if you're not well equipped with SMA connectors, order a couple 
of something like this at the same time: 
https://www.ebay.com/itm/112262171011

73, Bob W9RAN