[Hallicrafters] Signal generators

Thu Nov 17 20:03:50 EST 2011

Correction:

An HP 3325A is a great signal, function, and sweep generator --- range 1
cycle to 20Mc but rock solid and very low phase noise.  Lowest output is 1mv
but an attenuator will get you anywhere you want to go.  Has one onboard
marker.  Very easy to use and stable.  Something to think about at about
$300  to $400.

Another thought --- the HP 11710B down converter will work with any sweeper
or signal generator and get you nearly down to audio --- about $75 to $100.

I used an HP 8640B signal generator with a ramp/function generator
into the FM input as a sweeper for years but the sweep range is limited to
approximately 1% of the carrier frequency.  If used with the 11710B down 
converter the sweep range is 500kc.  The input frequency range for the 
11710B is 50mc to 61mc for an output range of 10kc to 11mc although it will 
work down to audio.  The 8640B using FM modulation at 50mc will be capable 
of varying the frequency 500kc for more than enough range even for broadband 
systems in the 10kc to 11mc catagory.

Long time since I used the configuration.

Kindest regards Jim K9AXN

-----Original Message----- 
From: hallicrafters-request at mailman.qth.net
Sent: Thursday, November 17, 2011 11:02 AM
To: hallicrafters at mailman.qth.net
Subject: Hallicrafters Digest, Vol 94, Issue 37

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Today's Topics:

   1. Re: Signal generators (Carl)
   2. IFR FM/AM-1000A (and S) (TC Dailey)
   3. AN/URM-25D (TC Dailey)
   4. Re: My First Boat Anchor Restoration: SX101 MkIII (Carl)
   5. Re: Signal generators (Ross Stenberg)
   6. Re: SX101 MK2 Resto (ref URM-25) (Ron Kolarik)

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Message: 1
Date: Thu, 17 Nov 2011 09:20:16 -0500
From: "Carl" <km1h at jeremy.mv.com>
Subject: Re: [Hallicrafters] Signal generators
To: "Mike Everette" <radiocompass at yahoo.com>,
<hallicrafters at mailman.qth.net>
Message-ID: <C13A6C6E46A74174BFECF28093811192 at computer1>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
reply-type=original

Are there any decent sweep generators that cover HF down to 50kc and dont
cost an arm and a leg?

I restored and use a GR-1025A that belonged to National. Watching the motor
drive work is mesmerizing!

Carl
KM1H

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Mike Everette" <radiocompass at yahoo.com>
To: <hallicrafters at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Wednesday, November 16, 2011 10:09 PM
Subject: [Hallicrafters] Signal generators

>I bought a GR 1001-A generator at a hamfest for $35, probably because the
>guy didn't want to haul it back home.  A big reason was that its range goes
>down to 50 KHz.  Truth be told, I haven't used it for much more than low IF
>alignments; but for that it does well.  I also came by a skdoozle of GR
>coax adaptors in an estate sale, which helped even more.
>
> One pretty good little signal generator -- and they're cheap -- is the
> Eico 324.  I think its range goes from about 150 KHz to 150 MHz or
> something like that.  These units are all over eVilBay, and can be bought
> for as low as $10.
>
> You do run a risk of getting a doggie that may have been built by an
> ignoranus; but much of the Eico test gear you see is surplus from tech
> schools and was factory wired.
>
> My 324 is so stable that I can literally use it for a BFO while listening
> to SSB nets on 75 and 40 meters.  True, it doesn't have a calibrated
> attenuator; and it doesn't do low IFs.  But what it does, it does well.
>
> The Eico 249 VTVM is an excellent device, and the 7 inch meter can be read
> by Mr. Magoo.  The Eico 232 is the same instrument, with a smaller meter.
> Both are quite accurate.  Be sure to get the correct "Uniprobe" with it.
> These meters are also pretty inexpensive.
>
> Eico also made a nice tube type sweep generator, but it's made for TV
> servicing; I think the model is 368.  And the Eico 950 series
> capacitance-resistance testers are very VERY good.  I also like the 147
> signal tracer -- a mighty handy little device.
>
> 73
>
> Mike
> W4DSE
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------------------------------

Message: 2
Date: Thu, 17 Nov 2011 07:34:49 -0700
From: "TC Dailey" <daileyservices at qwest.net>
Subject: [Hallicrafters] IFR FM/AM-1000A (and S)
To: <hallicrafters at mailman.qth.net>
Message-ID: <B7CABE9ABC1F434E83AFD64D1B5C77AB at w0eaj>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
reply-type=original

I have a 1000A on the bench.  What happens to them more frequently than not,
is that the HV caps in the scope go bad and take a couple of resistors with
them - not a big or tough fix, but getting the scope module OUT... well,
that IS fun.  Another problem that has come about (this from an IFR guy in
Wichita), is that the switches age and either have poor internal contact OR
mechanically fail.  My auto-lock switch failed, and as it turns out, this is
a SPECIAL switch, that was made for IFR - it cross-connects internally.
This is not to say that the IFR isn't good - it's handy beyond belief!  I
mean, let's face it - it's a shop in a box!  The newer ones with button &
screen control are very nice, but I actually prefer the analog "knob"
attenuator, and thumbwheel switches.  The manuals show just about
everything, BUT not much info in the way of troubleshooting.  I have a
couple of names of guys who repair/service them, and have "considered"
selling mine, as I have a fair amount of redundancy on the bench for
everything EXCEPT measuring deviation.  A working one will run you $1000+ on
average.

Tom - W0EAJ

------------------------------

Message: 3
Date: Thu, 17 Nov 2011 07:36:49 -0700
From: "TC Dailey" <daileyservices at qwest.net>
Subject: [Hallicrafters] AN/URM-25D
To: <hallicrafters at mailman.qth.net>
Message-ID: <06CCFC7135AB484A989E34E2E8CD050A at w0eaj>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
reply-type=original

forgot to mention -

I have a full manual-copy on the AN/URM-25D (plus the generator, under the
bench).  If you need a copy, I could help ya out, but I think it's on the
BAMA "mirror site"

Tom - W0EAJ

------------------------------

Message: 4
Date: Thu, 17 Nov 2011 09:39:23 -0500
From: "Carl" <km1h at jeremy.mv.com>
Subject: Re: [Hallicrafters] My First Boat Anchor Restoration: SX101
MkIII
To: "Jason Hissong" <jhissong at gmail.com>,
<hallicrafters at mailman.qth.net>
Message-ID: <13A35C402EB7419783AE8617F5304F91 at computer1>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
reply-type=original

Dont overlook a HP E-8285A CDMA Test Set which can function as a Service
Monitor if one shows up locally. Seems lots have been surplused as no longer
applicable with current gear and specs.

This site has good info on several models

www.amtronix.com

Fleabay and surplus dealer prices are about twice reality.

Carl
KM1H

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jason Hissong" <jhissong at gmail.com>
To: <hallicrafters at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Thursday, November 17, 2011 12:15 AM
Subject: Re: [Hallicrafters] My First Boat Anchor Restoration: SX101 MkIII

> Mike,
>
> The IFR 1000S would be either a permanent loan or something to be had
> for very cheap (i.e., "deal I cannot refuse").  It was a unit that was
> going to be thrown away.  The ham who owns it is a personal friend of
> mine.  After he heard I was wanting to build my test bench up, he
> offered it to me.  He took it and found that a card needed re-seated and
> the thing works fine now.  He has another analyzer anyways that he uses
> and this one is simply not in use.
>
> In regards to the URM-25, it seemed worth it to get one, restore it if
> needed, and use it for the bench.  Plus, it seems like a pretty neat
> unit!  I expect it to have some problems.  If not, I will have a nice
> unit.
>
> 73,
> Jason N8XE
>
> On 11/16/2011 9:52 PM, Mike Everette wrote:
>> Jason,
>>
>> The IFR 1000S would be an excellent score, if it's working.  Do be aware,
>> the 1000 series is a bit long in the tooth now.  I'm not sure whether IFR
>> (or whomever their successor is) supports them any more; I do know that
>> when the department I work for used them and we had to send one off for
>> service, it wasn't exactly cheap.  But when they are working, they are
>> very good.
>>
>> Many service monitors (including the IFR) can have an output that is full
>> of spurs and noise... after all, they're designed to be used in servicing
>> (for the most part) fixed-frequency receivers and transmitters, not band
>> cruisers.  That having been said, I must add that for working on tunable
>> gear, I think the IFR 1000 is one of the best out there; just remember
>> its "limitations" when you're using it.
>>
>> You made an excellent move in buying the URM-25.
>>
>> 73
>>
>> Mike
>> W4DSE
>>
>
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>
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------------------------------

Message: 5
Date: Thu, 17 Nov 2011 08:59:30 -0600
From: Ross Stenberg <k9cox at charter.net>
Subject: Re: [Hallicrafters] Signal generators
To: hallicrafters at mailman.qth.net
Message-ID: <4EC52152.7020901 at charter.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

Not good for low IF but great for HF at $169. I've used a Heathkit IG-18
audio generator for the 50 kc stuff...works great.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhrW4UkJ2_U&feature=results_main&playnext=1&list=PLCA2284F8DE851F89

On 11/17/2011 8:20 AM, Carl wrote:
> Are there any decent sweep generators that cover HF down to 50kc and dont
> cost an arm and a leg?
>
> I restored and use a GR-1025A that belonged to National. Watching the 
> motor
> drive work is mesmerizing!
>
> Carl
> KM1H
>

------------------------------

Message: 6
Date: Thu, 17 Nov 2011 09:06:14 -0600
From: "Ron Kolarik" <rkolarik at neb.rr.com>
Subject: Re: [Hallicrafters] SX101 MK2 Resto (ref URM-25)
To: "Carl" <km1h at jeremy.mv.com>, <hallicrafters at mailman.qth.net>
Message-ID: <0EC58195E2524F81A6AA3B2E028C403D at atom1>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
reply-type=response

I found the note on the gears from the Agilent list. I'm still searching
for the detail on the stock gears that need machining but it may have
been on the HD that got bit by a lightning strike.  I seem to remember
the only machine work required was reboring the shaft hole and
possibly one of them needed to be thinned slightly.  A six pack  and a
friend with a lathe a should get that done or if you're careful a drill 
press
could work in a pinch.

>.....Original Message.....
>I have just posted images to the Photo Area of the Replacement Gears I can
>supply for your HP8640B Signal Generator.
>
>Here is the link.
>
><http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hp_agilent_equipment/photos/album/1691965163/pic/l\
ist>
>
>If you have any questions please contact me off list  WA0BAG at ARRL.NET

>Paul K.
>WA0BAG

Ron
K0IDT

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Carl" <km1h at jeremy.mv.com>
To: "Ron Kolarik" <rkolarik at neb.rr.com>; "rbethman" <rbethman at comcast.net>;
<hallicrafters at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Thursday, November 17, 2011 7:57 AM
Subject: Re: [Hallicrafters] SX101 MK2 Resto (ref URM-25)

> Details please? There have been several attempts to duplicate the gears 
> but died in
> the prototyping stages. An Italian has been selling a decent repop on 
> Fleaybay off
> and on but I dont know the long term reliability.
>
> Usually "minor machining" amounts to a couple of hundred dollars unless 
> you own the
> machines.
>
> Carl
> KM1H
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Ron Kolarik" <rkolarik at neb.rr.com>
> To: "rbethman" <rbethman at comcast.net>; <hallicrafters at mailman.qth.net>
> Sent: Wednesday, November 16, 2011 8:37 PM
> Subject: Re: [Hallicrafters] SX101 MK2 Resto (ref URM-25)
>
>
>> The gears are available in brass. Stock items but need minor
>> machining and there's a W0 ham selling replacements ready to
>> go. Can't find the note just now but if someone really wants the
>> information I'll dig it up.
>>
>> Ron
>> K0IDT
>>
>>
>> ----- Original Message ----- 
>> From: "rbethman" <rbethman at comcast.net>
>> To: <hallicrafters at mailman.qth.net>
>> Sent: Wednesday, November 16, 2011 4:42 PM
>> Subject: Re: [Hallicrafters] SX101 MK2 Resto (ref URM-25)
>>
>>
>>> Lee,
>>>
>>> The folks on the R-390 list and another list have been trying
>>> desperately trying to get the gears re-made.
>>>
>>> Consider yourself VERY fortunate!
>>>
>>> Bob - N0DGN
>>>
>>> On 11/16/2011 5:16 PM, kc9cdt at aol.com wrote:
>>>> Use mine regularly, for 10 yrs now...no problems.
>>>> Lee
>>>>
>>>>
>>> ______________________________________________________________
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>>>
>>>
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>> ______________________________________________________________
>> Hallicrafters mailing list
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>> ** For Assistance: dfischer at usol.com **
>>
>>
>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
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>>
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>

------------------------------

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