[Amps] Signal Generators

[Karl-Arne Markström]

In my opinion the HP8640 is a superior signal generator.
Its phase noise performance is hard to match even by today's signal generators, 
and it is still in the same class as the best HF receivers around.

On the down side, some of the components used in the HP8640 are very exotic today,
so i.a. a burned-out output amplifier can be difficult and expensive to replace.

The Wavetek generators have a considerably higher phase noise floor and residual FM 
due to their internal design (many PLL's and mixers) However, it appears that they contain far less exotic components.
For casual receiver testing and measurements on mixers and amplifiers they are perfectly sufficient.

As usual, the applications govern the selection;

HP8640 for measurements on high-grade receivers,and when a very clean +20 dBm signal is required
Wavetek 3001 as general purpose signal sources

73/

Karl-Arne
SM0AOM










----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Will Matney" <craxd at engineer.com>
To: <amps at contesting.com>
Sent: Saturday, July 02, 2005 9:03 AM
Subject: [Amps] Signal Generators


> All,
> 
> I was looking for some input on two signal generators I was looking at. One is a HP 8640 and the other is a Wavetek 3000 and or 3001. I know the 3000 and 3001 does not have a built in frequency counter but has a dial in frequency selection. The HP 8640 does have a built in freq counter up to 550 MHz. The 8640 I'm more interested in and looking at ones in good shape. I like either by the simplicity of operation less any keypads. What I'd like to know is the good and bad pints about the two? I'm leaning at the HP 8640 but the Wavetek 3000 or 3001 has a helluva decent used price. Any and all comments are welcome.
> 
> Best,
> 
> Will
> 
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