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

[R. David Eagle]

 Thanks to all for the feedback.  I really appreciate everyone's input and I have learned a lot from this group over time.
I did manage to snag an HP 8656B generator off ebay so that will be coming this next week.  I have always wanted to have one and learn how to effectively use one so the timing was right!  Hopefully, I can figure that out enough to help me with the 390a!  

On the analog meter - I was somewhat disgusted when I opened the case for Simpson 260 that I have had for years and was actually given to me by my dad only to find the batteries had corroded the internals.... The little spring terminals that hold the batteries in were seized up and looked shot.
Some days it feels like it ya can't get ahead...So I may be looking for another good analog meter too.
Dave

    On Monday, March 4, 2019, 10:52:55 AM EST, Robert Nickels <ranickel at comcast.net> wrote:  
 
 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

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