[Elecraft] XG3 Calibration from 10MHz Standard?

[Edward R Cole]

I've used the XG3 as signal source for testing/aligning VHF to mw 
gear and do not worry about its accuracy/stability.  Instead I use my 
EIP538 counter which is good to 26.5 GHz using either the internal 
TCXO or my Rb source into the counter reference port.  At turn-on the 
XG3 drifts quite a bit but after 20-min or so is slow enough for 
aligning Rx front ends.  I have some heated xtal signal sources that 
act the same way but operate at mw frequencies.

Its a fine piece of test equipment for its size/cost and generates 
useful signals up to 1296-MHz.  Above 200-MHz the output level is 
uncalibrated as you are using a harmonic of the output which will be 
lower level.  So not real accurate for testing receiver MDS, still it 
can make a ballpark test of a receiver (is it good, mediocre, or 
bad).  For HF thru 2m quite good for measurements.

If you do not have a counter its harder to check its frequency.  Good 
suggestions have already been made.  EIP538 is one of the best $500 
investments I've made.  HP141T is another.

73, Ed - KL7UW
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