[Elecraft] Elecraft transveters and freq. counter/signal generator

[Larry Phipps]

If you want to start gathering test equipment Matt, you should start 
watching eBay and other used equipment sources to get an idea what's out 
there and what it goes for. I'm a big believer in buying used gear of 
10-20 year old vintage from Hewlett Packard and Tektronix in particular. 
I have an arsenal of test equipment I have assembled over the last 
several years that includes a HP Vector Network Analyzer, HP signal 
generator, Tek spectrum analyzer, a Tek bench scope, portable Tek scope 
and some other odds and ends. These are pieces that were state of the 
art not too long ago, all solid state, etc.

The total price for all this stuff when it was new was well over 
$50,000... I paid a total of about $2000. You can't  approach the specs 
of this gear with ham grade equipment, although in certain instances you 
can come close enough for many measurements with a combination of 
commercial, kit and homebrew ham gear if you are willing to build a good 
part of it.  A counter is an example of something that you can get at a 
good price, especially a kit version... but I would stick with used gear 
for a scope or signal generator.

Larry N8LP



Matt Osborn wrote:

>According to the transverter manual, I will need a 50mhz signal
>generator or a frequency counter to successfully align the
>transverter.
>
>I've done a lot searching for signal generators and have found that
>those capable of 50mhz are very expensive, around $1500 dollars
>minimum.
>
>I found a B&K frequency counter (Model 1856D) for around $430.00 that
>will measure up to 3ghz.  I suspect that B&K doesn't have the
>tolerances of the big boys, hence their lower prices.  B&K also has a
>model that will measure up to 175mhz for about $100.00 less.  The 175
>would be enough for the transverter, but in for a penny, in for a
>pound comes to mind.  Why spend $350.00 this month and then $430.00
>next month?
>
>Will the 1856D work for aligning the transverter?  My question
>revolves around which of the two instruments (signal generator or
>freq. counter) will accomplish the task the best.
>
>Better yet, anybody know of any better alternatives?  I keep running
>into the chicken and egg problem.  If I build it myself, I can't
>calibrate it. If I buy the tools to calibrate it, then I don't need to
>build  it.
>
>They say a smart man learns from his mistakes, but a wise man learns
>from the mistakes of others. Please help me be a wise man.
>
>All advice is most welcome!
>_______________________________________________
>Elecraft mailing list
>Post to: Elecraft at mailman.qth.net
>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
>
>
>
>  
>