Hi,
I know a decent amount about designing electronic circuits, mostly digital, some analog, but not much with RF-related designs.
I recently purchased a used HP 8656B Signal Generator because it was at a good price.
I also bought a Heathkit GC-1000 "most accurate clock" that receives the WWV atomic time signals for accuracy.
I want to "tune" the 5/10/15Mhz AM receivers in the GC-1000, and I had a few basic questions about how to connect the RF Generator to it - I just don't want to assume anything and blow something up:
1) Do I need a dummy load or an Attenuator on the output of the RF generator or can I simply directly wire the output of the generator to the BNC antenna input of the Clock, but just make sure the generator output's level is set low to simulate the signal level of an over-the-air antenna input signal?
2) I'm also confused about the use of an "Attenuator". The 8557B version of my generator has a built-in "Electronic Attenuator" (but my model does not have it). So, if the 8557B and my generator are already able to adjust the output level/voltage of the RF Generator, what is the purpose/need/usefulness of also having an "Electronic Attenuator" anyway?
I told you these were newbie questions... any help would be greatly appreciated
I know a decent amount about designing electronic circuits, mostly digital, some analog, but not much with RF-related designs.
I recently purchased a used HP 8656B Signal Generator because it was at a good price.
I also bought a Heathkit GC-1000 "most accurate clock" that receives the WWV atomic time signals for accuracy.
I want to "tune" the 5/10/15Mhz AM receivers in the GC-1000, and I had a few basic questions about how to connect the RF Generator to it - I just don't want to assume anything and blow something up:
1) Do I need a dummy load or an Attenuator on the output of the RF generator or can I simply directly wire the output of the generator to the BNC antenna input of the Clock, but just make sure the generator output's level is set low to simulate the signal level of an over-the-air antenna input signal?
2) I'm also confused about the use of an "Attenuator". The 8557B version of my generator has a built-in "Electronic Attenuator" (but my model does not have it). So, if the 8557B and my generator are already able to adjust the output level/voltage of the RF Generator, what is the purpose/need/usefulness of also having an "Electronic Attenuator" anyway?
I told you these were newbie questions... any help would be greatly appreciated
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