Question on Vintage RF Generator *Updated w/ internal pictures  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / rf-microwave

author: RM83
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 04, 2021, 12:13:44 am
content: Hey guys, pictured below is an RF module #AR-105 with a power supply included #AR-101.I found this in my attic believe it or not and can find no information online about it. Any chance one of you know what I have here? Any information would be greatly appreciated!Thank you,-Bobby*There is a 3d printed part on top of the unit that is not part of it, also if this is the wrong section to post in please let me know as it is my first post!

author: bob91343
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2021, 05:34:16 am
content: That looks vaguely familiar. Does it have a nameplate? It looks like AR-108.

author: bdunham7
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2021, 05:53:16 am
content: I don't know if you are looking for specifics or have no clue what it is in basic terms, so this may seem a silly answer.You have a device that generates radio frequency signals as well as an audio tone signal, which I don't see a way to control. In addition it appears to have the capability to modulate the RF signal output with the audio frequency, like a small radio transmitter. The section on the left is the RF generator, the one on the right is a DC power supply to run it. I don't know whether you would have to connect those terminals together or whether there is also some internal connection. Are there any controls, connections, information plates or anything else on the back? The frequencies it indicates are all pretty low, you could only get into the commercial AM band and a bit higher with this--no shortwave, VHF or FM-band. However, it doesn't appear to be so old that those frequencies weren't in common use. So it is either a basic hobby or educational device or a specialized purpose device of some sort.If you can, look at the back and take a cover off to see whether it is solid-state or has tubes.

author: RM83
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 05, 2021, 12:31:03 am
content: Hey, yes I completely know what the unit does and used it. I was more looking for information on the exact model as there are literally no markings on it besides the AR# which is so strange. Curious if any old school RF guys may have seen this model before.Pretty simple.-Bobby

author: bdunham7
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 05, 2021, 12:52:58 am
content: OK, so much for the basics. It says 'Lab-Volt' on the circuit board, that is the brand name the equipment was sold under. It was mainly targeted at educational-type customers. It appears to be from the 1965-ish era or so. I've no idea why the logo is missing from the front, perhaps the center panel has been replaced or repainted?

author: Syntax Error
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 05, 2021, 12:54:41 am
content: On the PCB is the brand name "Lab-Volt". Is that an IC on the PCB - should give some dating evidence.A quick Google of the antique radio forums suggests their educational modules did not have any public facing technical schematics - which seems strange. You may have some detective work to do!

author: RM83
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 05, 2021, 12:58:19 am
content: Thanks guys! Yeah it looks like they were built in Farmingdale, NJ which is close to where I live. That may be why I found it in my old houses attic!

author: bob91343
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 05, 2021, 07:54:40 am
content: Lab-Volt is a familiar name but seems to me more for power supply items. They are now Festo Didactic, a real mouthful to pronounce. Apparently they are involved in creating technical course materials.

author: CaptDon
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 05, 2021, 05:06:54 pm
content: When I saw the AR I was thinking some ancient piece from Amplifier Research. We had tons of Lab-Volt stuff at the Vo-Tech school I attended in the 70's.