Choosing a low cost RF generators ?  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Frex
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2021, 03:02:09 pm
content: Hello,I would like to get a low cost RF generator for various needs and projects.I would like to stay in a budget under 400€.My frequency interest is in band 10M~3G with various signal level (attenuator).I will use is for some RF experiments, variable frequency clocks generation and more.That would be also as tool to check bandwidth.After some search, I have found two good candidates :The ERASynth Micro that seem very promising, and it is open sourcethat's a point for me. ( ~ 230 +VAT)There is also the RF Explorer Signal Generator Combo in my target,a little bit more expensive (~340€+VAT) but seem also more popular.I would like to know if there is already some buyers of these that can sharethere opinion about it, and explaining what they like/dislike.Maybe some others will know others alternatives too...Thank you in advance.Frex

author: rvalente
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2021, 05:06:01 pm
content: Are these open source RF gens output harmonics pure enough for your task? Also, jitter and attenuation?I've used RS SML in the past, this unit is available up to 3.3GHz, also the older SMY(2GHz) is quite easy to find 2nd hand/surplus

author: Yansi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2021, 05:13:40 pm
content: Add some more € or $ and you can get a proper RF gen.Starting like 500€ you can sometimes get a fully working old Agilent or Rohde RF gen with this range (up to 3 gig).If you are going to invest 300€, I would not think about toys. Add few extra and go for the proper tools.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2021, 06:18:56 pm
content: I think I paid even less than 500 euro for my R&S SMIQ from an equipment dealer.

author: Frex
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 24, 2021, 08:32:37 am
content: Hello,Thanks for these few feedback and advise.I've already look about used equipment, unfortunately most of them come from USand shipping price for such heavy thing make the deal often very bad...Also, I found nearly nothing in my price target.So, I would love to have a buyers advice RASynth Micro and the RF Explorer Signal Generator.Regards.Frex

author: Kean
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 24, 2021, 04:08:23 pm
content: Check the ERASynth review on The Signal PathI have a very old RF Explorer Combo unit and matching Sig Gen. They are somewhat limited, so I rarely use them vs my other equipment. The newer models might be better.What specifically do you want to know?

author: TimFox
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 24, 2021, 04:28:18 pm
content: For lower-cost RF generators, pay attention to the harmonic content and minimum output (from leakage around the output attenuator) with respect to your requirements.

author: mc172
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 24, 2021, 04:28:24 pm
content: I recently bought a good condition HP 8648C on eBay for £400 and a bit more recently bought its lower frequency sibling, the 8647A, for £300. Plus postage on both of course.