05-05-2009, 02:22 AM
Hello Bob. The best way to make sure your RF Gen is producing a accurate signal, is by attaching its leads to another test meter called a "frequency counter" for spot-on accuracy. Since not everyone has a freq-counter onhand, another good source to determine if your RF gen is producing a accurate signal, is to use a portable multi-band battery powered Radio near it that has a digital push-button type tuner that uses standardized crystals for all Bands various frequencys. These type digital tuning type portable radios usually cover ther entire AM, SW, & FM Bands. Can find them cheap sometimes at garage-sales, pawn shops, etc!
You will hear the "harmonics" generated by your RF gen, and be able to adjust the accuracy of the output by monitoring the harmonics into the portable digital "crystal" receiver which is spot-on itself for accuracy of tuning! These small handheld digital-tuning receivers are much less expensive than purchasing a good quality digital "frequency-counter" bench test item, and are also a great workbench item to listen too while your restoring vintage radios, and then can be used as a "accurate" RF gen monitoring tool also!! IE:, the 1st harmonic of 455 kc, is 910 kc on the portable radios (highly accurate crystal digital tuner) AM dial. Then, you know your injecting a proper 455 kc from your vintage RF gen, by monitoring by ear, all across the dial, for any freqs you choose to "align" on any Band. Just trying to help. Best of luck with all your restorations!!
You will hear the "harmonics" generated by your RF gen, and be able to adjust the accuracy of the output by monitoring the harmonics into the portable digital "crystal" receiver which is spot-on itself for accuracy of tuning! These small handheld digital-tuning receivers are much less expensive than purchasing a good quality digital "frequency-counter" bench test item, and are also a great workbench item to listen too while your restoring vintage radios, and then can be used as a "accurate" RF gen monitoring tool also!! IE:, the 1st harmonic of 455 kc, is 910 kc on the portable radios (highly accurate crystal digital tuner) AM dial. Then, you know your injecting a proper 455 kc from your vintage RF gen, by monitoring by ear, all across the dial, for any freqs you choose to "align" on any Band. Just trying to help. Best of luck with all your restorations!!