[R-390] Newbie looking for Calibration Instrument(s)

[Robert Nickels]

On 3/3/2019 11:56 PM, Perry Sandeen via R-390 wrote:
>    The most expensive is a good used HP signal generator. Shopping with care one can by a guaranteed operating digital unit for under $400 including shipping.

While I agree with the HP recommendation, the problem in buying a used 
signal generator that has long been out of a calibration cycle is you 
may end up measuring with a "rubber ruler". Obtaining sufficient 
frequency accuracy is fairly easy - thankfully WWV is still on the air 
and the cost of GPS-DOs has been dropping to the point where a high 
precision timebase is within the reach of most.

The bigger problem is obtaining accurately a calibrated output with 
precise attenuation so you'll actually know how good your receiver 
really is.  Of course the best solution to this dilemma is to buy a good 
signal generator that is in calibration, even if it's from a fellow ham 
who has calibrated it against other trusted equipment.   But the 
Elecraft XG-3 is a good alternative for $240 as it covers 1.5 to 200 MHz 
and offers four calibrated output levels that are useful for receiver 
alignment and evaluation: -107 dBm (1 uV),  -73 dBm (50 uV, S9), -33 dBm 
(S9+40),  -0 dBm (S9+73) = 1mW @ 50 ohms.   It's portable and 
battery-powered and does a number of other tricks too.   Elecraft also 
makes the AT1 41dB step attenuator that sells for $60.

I don't own either one but wanted to put Elecraft's products out as an 
alternative.     My go-to signal generator is an HP-8656B that I 
cross-check with other equipment, and as much as I love my old HP-606, 
I'll never go back to an analog sig gen.

73, Bob W9RAN