01-04-2022, 09:46 AM
The output levels of any type of generator can be reduced using inductive coupling. No fancy attenuators are needed for hobbyist work.
Purists will complain that you can't "measure" the stage gains, etc, etc, but I have yet to meet an average hobbyist who wants to get to that level of alignment sophistication anyway.
Most people simply reduce the generator signal levels to the lowest that they can either hear in the speaker, or measure at the output and never bother to measure the actual output voltage at the generator. in most cases it's not only not necessary, but there are no spec's provided anyway, at least for most vintage AM/SW consumer tube radios. (amateur/commercial is a whole different game).
I have been using a BK4040 for many years now. It has done everything I have asked it to, because I understand it's limitations and make the necessary adaptations myself for the generator, said adapting mostly being the use of inductive coupling.
If I were buying again today I wold buy a Siglent type of function sweep generator, good for up to say 30-50MZ, from an Amazon vendor, knowing that most Amazon vendors have very permissive return policies, and if it didn't do what I wanted, as well as I wanted, I could return it.
YMMV
Purists will complain that you can't "measure" the stage gains, etc, etc, but I have yet to meet an average hobbyist who wants to get to that level of alignment sophistication anyway.
Most people simply reduce the generator signal levels to the lowest that they can either hear in the speaker, or measure at the output and never bother to measure the actual output voltage at the generator. in most cases it's not only not necessary, but there are no spec's provided anyway, at least for most vintage AM/SW consumer tube radios. (amateur/commercial is a whole different game).
I have been using a BK4040 for many years now. It has done everything I have asked it to, because I understand it's limitations and make the necessary adaptations myself for the generator, said adapting mostly being the use of inductive coupling.
If I were buying again today I wold buy a Siglent type of function sweep generator, good for up to say 30-50MZ, from an Amazon vendor, knowing that most Amazon vendors have very permissive return policies, and if it didn't do what I wanted, as well as I wanted, I could return it.
YMMV
