[Boatanchors] HP 606 vs. 608

[James A. (Andy) Moorer]

Indeed, if you want something that works and works reliably so you don't 
have to fiddle with it too much, you probably want a modern transistor 
signal generator (or any other kind of test equipment). On the other hand, 
if you want something that looks really cool and has that great "ker-chunk" 
when you switch bands, the 606 and 608 (and 612 and several others) are 
definitely for you.

Plus, they tend to put out a lot more signal power than a lot of transistor 
equipment. These devices have both an AM and an FM input - you could 
actually use either one as an exciter.

Note that both of these generators drift - the frequency is not as stable as 
it should be. HP made a synchronizer (the 8708A) that fixed all that. With 
the synchronizer, they are rock-solid and stable. These synchronizers are 
also widely available on a "take it before the XYL throws it out" basis as 
well.

James A. (Andy) Moorer
www.jamminpower.com