Test Eq Identity challenge!
- Thread starter Twinsig
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ConradH
Lunatic Member
Top instruments looks like an HP 332A THD meter. Not super sensitive but a good place to start. Next is (I think) an HP 8657B RF signal generator. @swechsler got to it first! Last item I just saw recently on FB but can't remember the maker. WAG is the meter might say "modulation" so it might be some obscure RF generator. It might say kc/s. Google lens comes up with nothing but somebody in the Antique Radio test equipment forum would certainly know.
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Looks just like my HP-334A.
ConradH
Lunatic Member
Stereo FM tuners need an MPX generator and this is the usual impediment to the learning process. Sencore SG-165, Sound Technology ST-1000, Leader LSG-231 and the Heath IG-37/5237 are common but have been increasing in price for a good few years now. If that last instrument in the pictures has any buttons that say stereo left and right, it might be what you need. FM alignment is fun but the learning curve can be steep and for some reason an accurate alignment procedure has never been written by any tuner manufacturer. They all make assumptions about what you know, use translated terminology or have out and out errors. Also note that other than the ST-1000, none of what I listed is technically good enough for a high end tuner. That said, the difference is slight. You'll also find that buying a 100% accurate functioning generator is nearly impossible; they all need some service.
I can never keep track of the HP THD analyzers, but there's a useful little table here- https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/showthread.php?t=195181
I can never keep track of the HP THD analyzers, but there's a useful little table here- https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/showthread.php?t=195181
The other thing with FM tuner alignments, do you actually use the tuner? If not its a lot of money and time to invest for no functional benefit. Unless someone has jabbed the golden screwdriver in there, or parts have failed, its kind of rare to find a tuner so screwed up just from age that it doesn't work well enough for casual listening.
Twinsig
Well-Known Member
The seller replied to my inquiry and is willing to pre-sale to an "enthusiast" (new years day)... The guy developed radios for GM and had several patents. OK, what kind of radios?
I may ask you guys for additional help after the seller's call/facetime. Appreciated no doubt.
I may ask you guys for additional help after the seller's call/facetime. Appreciated no doubt.
I'd never tell someone to not buy gear and learn to use it, but if you're trying to decide where to prioritize your equipment budget I'd say a scope is way more important than FM alignment gear. Honestly you need a scope to align things anyway. If you have no plans to ever get into tuner alignment, then there is no need to buy it.
