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I'm looking get get set up to be able to calibrate my own scopes. In reading the 485 manual a high frequency constant amplitude signal generator 100-350mhz is needed. If in the future I pick up a faster scope Should I get something more than 350mhz? Any recommendations? Asking here will save me from buying something that wont work for me. Thanks guys.
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As far as I know, the PG506 calibration generator and SG504 leveled sinewave generator would be the ideal choice. They're compact and serve many of the purposes. The SG504 has a level output up to 1050Mhz while the SG503 only
goes to 250Mhz. I'm not sure what else may be out there that is in the $500.00 USD or less range, but those are the units that I also want, but don't actually need.
I'm currently equipped with what is recommended by the 485 manual, but those two plugins can handle the jobs of a shelf worth of the original manual specified calibration gear, so I'd most definitely try to find those plugins instead.
Also, my knowledge of calibration equipment doesn't extend beyond Tektronix made gear, so there's most likely other options out there as well.
-Brian
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If you do buy an SG-540, make sure that it comes with the leveling head. If it doesn¡¯t, you¡¯ll have to buy or build one. The generator is not much use without the head.
DaveD
Sent from a small flat thingy
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On Mar 3, 2018, at 11:06, Brian Bloom via Groups.Io <analogaddict013@...> wrote:
As far as I know, the PG506 calibration generator and SG504 leveled sinewave generator would be the ideal choice. They're compact and serve many of the purposes. The SG504 has a level output up to 1050Mhz while the SG503 only
goes to 250Mhz. I'm not sure what else may be out there that is in the $500.00 USD or less range, but those are the units that I also want, but don't actually need.
I'm currently equipped with what is recommended by the 485 manual, but those two plugins can handle the jobs of a shelf worth of the original manual specified calibration gear, so I'd most definitely try to find those plugins instead.
Also, my knowledge of calibration equipment doesn't extend beyond Tektronix made gear, so there's most likely other options out there as well.
-Brian
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On Sat, 03 Mar 2018 10:06:34 -0800, you wrote: As far as I know, the PG506 calibration generator and SG504 leveled sinewave generator would be the ideal choice. They're compact and serve many of the purposes. The SG504 has a level output up to 1050Mhz while the SG503 only
goes to 250Mhz. I'm not sure what else may be out there that is in the $500.00 USD or less range, but those are the units that I also want, but don't actually need. Without considering price in particular, you may want to check the CG501 (TM500) and the CG5001 (TM5000). These combine the functions of the PG506 and SG5xx series. However, they need a leveling head which is typically missing. I think there might be a DIY version out there, though. Any of the TM5000 series can be remote controlled, any of the TM500 is not made to to be remoted. The remote control mechanism is HPIB/IEEE-488. Harvey
I'm currently equipped with what is recommended by the 485 manual, but those two plugins can handle the jobs of a shelf worth of the original manual specified calibration gear, so I'd most definitely try to find those plugins instead.
Also, my knowledge of calibration equipment doesn't extend beyond Tektronix made gear, so there's most likely other options out there as well.
-Brian
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Though you can make a levelling head... See:
< >
Cheers
Dave Partridge
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-----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto: [email protected]] On Behalf Of Dave Daniel Sent: 03 March 2018 18:23 To: [email protected]Subject: Re: [TekScopes] What calibration items to buy. If you do buy an SG-540, make sure that it comes with the leveling head. If it doesn¡¯t, you¡¯ll have to buy or build one. The generator is not much use without the head. DaveD Sent from a small flat thingy On Mar 3, 2018, at 11:06, Brian Bloom via Groups.Io <analogaddict013@...> wrote:
As far as I know, the PG506 calibration generator and SG504 leveled
sinewave generator would be the ideal choice. They're compact and serve many of the purposes. The SG504 has a level output up to 1050Mhz while the SG503 only goes to 250Mhz. I'm not sure what else may be out there that is in the $500.00 USD or less range, but those are the units that I also want, but don't actually need.
I'm currently equipped with what is recommended by the 485 manual, but those two plugins can handle the jobs of a shelf worth of the original manual specified calibration gear, so I'd most definitely try to find those plugins instead.
Also, my knowledge of calibration equipment doesn't extend beyond Tektronix made gear, so there's most likely other options out there as well.
-Brian
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Errm no. Those need a Pulse Head - no kit for that, and the SG5030 needs a
levelling head - sadly no kit for that either.
David
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-----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto: [email protected]] On Behalf Of Harvey White Sent: 03 March 2018 18:46 To: [email protected]Subject: Re: [TekScopes] What calibration items to buy. On Sat, 03 Mar 2018 10:06:34 -0800, you wrote: As far as I know, the PG506 calibration generator and SG504 leveled
sinewave generator would be the ideal choice. They're compact and serve many of the purposes. The SG504 has a level output up to 1050Mhz while the SG503 only goes to 250Mhz. I'm not sure what else may be out there that is in the $500.00 USD or less range, but those are the units that I also want, but don't actually need. Without considering price in particular, you may want to check the CG501 (TM500) and the CG5001 (TM5000). These combine the functions of the PG506 and SG5xx series. However, they need a leveling head which is typically missing. I think there might be a DIY version out there, though. Any of the TM5000 series can be remote controlled, any of the TM500 is not made to to be remoted. The remote control mechanism is HPIB/IEEE-488. Harvey
I'm currently equipped with what is recommended by the 485 manual, but
those two plugins can handle the jobs of a shelf worth of the original manual specified calibration gear, so I'd most definitely try to find those plugins instead.
Also, my knowledge of calibration equipment doesn't extend beyond Tektronix
made gear, so there's most likely other options out there as well.
-Brian
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Yes, that is what I meant by ¡°build¡±
DaveD
Sent from a small flat thingy
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On Mar 3, 2018, at 12:14, David C. Partridge <david.partridge@...> wrote:
Though you can make a levelling head... See:
< >
Cheers
Dave Partridge
-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Dave Daniel
Sent: 03 March 2018 18:23
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [TekScopes] What calibration items to buy.
If you do buy an SG-540, make sure that it comes with the leveling head. If it doesn¡¯t, you¡¯ll have to buy or build one. The generator is not much use without the head.
DaveD
Sent from a small flat thingy
On Mar 3, 2018, at 11:06, Brian Bloom via Groups.Io <analogaddict013@...> wrote:
As far as I know, the PG506 calibration generator and SG504 leveled
sinewave generator would be the ideal choice. They're compact and serve many of the purposes. The SG504 has a level output up to 1050Mhz while the SG503 only goes to 250Mhz. I'm not sure what else may be out there that is in the $500.00 USD or less range, but those are the units that I also want, but don't actually need.
I'm currently equipped with what is recommended by the 485 manual, but those two plugins can handle the jobs of a shelf worth of the original manual specified calibration gear, so I'd most definitely try to find those plugins instead.
Also, my knowledge of calibration equipment doesn't extend beyond Tektronix made gear, so there's most likely other options out there as well.
-Brian
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Also add the TG-501 Time Mark Generator. I have some of those and the TM-50n Power Supplies for them. Someday I'll get tired of looking at them and sell off the whole lot. 73, Dick, W1KSZ On Sat, Mar 3, 2018 at 11:06 AM, Brian Bloom via Groups.Io < analogaddict013@...> wrote: As far as I know, the PG506 calibration generator and SG504 leveled
sinewave generator would be the ideal choice. They're compact and serve
many of the purposes. The SG504 has a level output up to 1050Mhz while the
SG503 only
goes to 250Mhz. I'm not sure what else may be out there that is in the
$500.00 USD or less range, but those are the units that I also want, but
don't actually need.
I'm currently equipped with what is recommended by the 485 manual, but
those two plugins can handle the jobs of a shelf worth of the original
manual specified calibration gear, so I'd most definitely try to find those
plugins instead.
Also, my knowledge of calibration equipment doesn't extend beyond
Tektronix made gear, so there's most likely other options out there as well.
-Brian
|
On Sat, 3 Mar 2018 19:16:42 -0000, you wrote: Errm no. Those need a Pulse Head - no kit for that, and the SG5030 needs a
levelling head - sadly no kit for that either. That (and price) is why I guess I don't have either. Oh well. Do have the PG506 and TG601, as well as an SG502 and 503. The 504 has eluded me. Harvey
David
-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Harvey
White
Sent: 03 March 2018 18:46
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [TekScopes] What calibration items to buy.
On Sat, 03 Mar 2018 10:06:34 -0800, you wrote:
As far as I know, the PG506 calibration generator and SG504 leveled
sinewave generator would be the ideal choice. They're compact and serve many of the purposes. The SG504 has a level output up to 1050Mhz while the
SG503 only goes to 250Mhz. I'm not sure what else may be out there that is
in the $500.00 USD or less range, but those are the units that I also want,
but don't actually need.
Without considering price in particular, you may want to check the
CG501 (TM500) and the CG5001 (TM5000). These combine the functions of the
PG506 and SG5xx series. However, they need a leveling head which is
typically missing. I think there might be a DIY version out there, though.
Any of the TM5000 series can be remote controlled, any of the TM500 is not
made to to be remoted. The remote control mechanism is HPIB/IEEE-488.
Harvey
I'm currently equipped with what is recommended by the 485 manual, but
those two plugins can handle the jobs of a shelf worth of the original
manual specified calibration gear, so I'd most definitely try to find those
plugins instead.
Also, my knowledge of calibration equipment doesn't extend beyond Tektronix
made gear, so there's most likely other options out there as well.
-Brian
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OT:
Although not all that one might want for calibrating scopes, a good start would be a reasonably good Rf signal generator, not necessarily PG or SG modules ...
Some sellers on eBay appear to consistently have "tested" (synthesized) Rf signal generators that go up to 1 or 2 GHz,
at reasonable prices. They often show photos on a spectrum analyzer of their RF signal generator in operation, as proof ...
For example { although there are many others } : EDIinc
Likely a better place to start than a vendor who shows no such photos...
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On Sat, 03 Mar 2018 13:46:20 -0800, you wrote: OT:
Although not all that one might want for calibrating scopes, a good start would be a reasonably good Rf signal generator, not necessarily PG or SG modules ...
Some sellers on eBay appear to consistently have "tested" (synthesized) Rf signal generators that go up to 1 or 2 GHz,
at reasonable prices. They often show photos on a spectrum analyzer of their RF signal generator in operation, as proof ... If the SG is leveled, then it can check frequency response. There are several 7000 series plugins (not 7xxx) that can do this, with differing frequency responses. That ought to allow you to use an unleveled SG to check -3db response. However, you'd still need the TG 501 to check the time base, and the PG506 to check amplitude. In addition, the PG506 has some sub 1 ns rise time pulses that can be useful in checking scope rise times. Harvey
For example { although there are many others } : EDIinc
Likely a better place to start than a vendor who shows no such photos...
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From easy to difficult:
Almost all timebase calibration can be done with a 10 MHz function or
signal generator and frequency counter. The fastest sweeps with
magnification require a 100 MHz or faster source for linearity
adjustment but this is seldom needed.
Vertical calibration can be done with a function generator, AC
voltmeter, and some attenuators but a calibration generator like a
PG506 makes it much faster.
Transient response calibration requires a fast reference level pulse
generator. The PG506 fulfills this function up to at least 100 MHz
but 350 MHz and higher require a faster generator like the tunnel
diode pulser Tektronix recommends. Leo sells one which is suitable
and more than fast enough:
I have an SG503 for generating a leveled sine wave up to 250 MHz but I
have not required it for an oscilloscope calibration yet. The SG504
does not cover low frequencies so both are needed for a full range.
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Brian,
An ideal cal package is the one I have (all TM500 plugins)TG501 time mark gen
SG503 leveled sig gen up to 250 MHzPG506 Standard amplitude generator + fast-rise output pulse
Beware of the SG504 which goes up to a Ghz; the lowest freq does not go low enough to cover anyfreqs below 250 MHz, which is where the SG503 stops.The ideal setup would be to have both SGs.
HankC, Boston, WA1HOS
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Im looking at an agilent 33220a for timebase calibration? and a tek attenuator set off of the auction site.Thank you for the link to the pulser.
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Question. Do you and if you do, how do you calibrate your calibration equipment? On 2018-Mar-05 8:30 PM, HankC, Boston, WA1HOS via Groups.Io wrote: Brian,
An ideal cal package is the one I have (all TM500 plugins)TG501 time mark gen
SG503 leveled sig gen up to 250 MHzPG506 Standard amplitude generator + fast-rise output pulse
Beware of the SG504 which goes up to a Ghz; the lowest freq does not go low enough to cover anyfreqs below 250 MHz, which is where the SG503 stops.The ideal setup would be to have both SGs.
HankC, Boston, WA1HOS
--- This email has been checked for viruses by AVG.
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A thorny question.
Calibration is a rabbit hole that I fell into a third
of a century ago, when I started my small electronics
business.
You buy a scope to use, and pretty soon it reaches its
end of calibration date, so you check out the local cal
labs, and find that it costs about 1/6th to 1/3rd the
price of a new scope to get it calibrated.
Incensed, and being an engineer, you decide that you can
do that, and spend twice the price of your new scope on a
set of calibration gear, like the TG501, PG506, SG503 & 4,
and assorted necessary accessories.
But is your scope's calibrator calibrated?
No, so you buy a really good voltmeter, a GPS based
frequency/time standard, and a DC and an AC voltage
standard, and feel really smug, you now can calibrate
the scope calibration equipment.
But is your scope's calibrator's calibrator calibrated?
No, so you have to go out and buy a DC transfer standard,
an AC thermal transfer standard, a resistance standard...
But is your scope's calibrator's calibrator's calibrator
calibrated?
Rats! Now, you have to go to a major calibration lab,
and spend a bucket of money to get that stuff calibrated
too!
Which is why I calibrate 2465 scopes. Mine needed
calibration, and I was too cheap to send it out.
The most dangerous motto in the world:
"I can do that!"
-Chuck Harris
Merchison Burke via Groups.Io wrote:
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Question. Do you and if you do, how do you calibrate your calibration equipment?
On 2018-Mar-05 8:30 PM, HankC, Boston, WA1HOS via Groups.Io wrote:
Brian,
An ideal cal package is the one I have (all TM500 plugins)TG501 time mark gen
SG503 leveled sig gen up to 250 MHzPG506 Standard amplitude generator + fast-rise
output pulse
Beware of the SG504 which goes up to a Ghz; the lowest freq does not go low enough
to cover anyfreqs below 250 MHz, which is where the SG503 stops.The ideal setup
would be to have both SGs.
HankC, Boston, WA1HOS
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Is indeed a dangerous phrase, followed closely by "Here - hold my beer ..... Hey girls, watch this..."
I share Chuck's experience of DIY calibration. To an extent it depends on your audience, in my case when it was aerospace company auditors then just get the kit calibrated - talking them through any form 'in-house calibration' was just painful and they always remained uncomfortable/suspicious.? For ISO9000/AS9100 type audits, depending on the auditors you might win (we did, but then an Aerospace customer's auditor would arrive....) For your own use/peace of mind/amusement then yes, why not?
Horses for courses as they say.
Adrian
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On 3/6/2018 1:35 PM, Chuck Harris wrote: "I can do that!"
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Barry - N4BUQ
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A thorny question.
Calibration is a rabbit hole that I fell into a third
of a century ago, when I started my small electronics
business.
You buy a scope to use, and pretty soon it reaches its
end of calibration date, so you check out the local cal
labs, and find that it costs about 1/6th to 1/3rd the
price of a new scope to get it calibrated.
Incensed, and being an engineer, you decide that you can
do that, and spend twice the price of your new scope on a
set of calibration gear, like the TG501, PG506, SG503 & 4,
and assorted necessary accessories.
But is your scope's calibrator calibrated?
No, so you buy a really good voltmeter, a GPS based
frequency/time standard, and a DC and an AC voltage
standard, and feel really smug, you now can calibrate
the scope calibration equipment.
But is your scope's calibrator's calibrator calibrated?
No, so you have to go out and buy a DC transfer standard,
an AC thermal transfer standard, a resistance standard...
But is your scope's calibrator's calibrator's calibrator
calibrated?
Rats! Now, you have to go to a major calibration lab,
and spend a bucket of money to get that stuff calibrated
too!
Which is why I calibrate 2465 scopes. Mine needed
calibration, and I was too cheap to send it out.
The most dangerous motto in the world:
"I can do that!"
-Chuck Harris
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I had the same question. I have a TG-501, an SG-504 and a PG-506. My conclusion is that one needs to have the calibration equipment professionally calibrated. The only other alternative that I can see is to set oneself up as a full cal lab with the various test gear and keep that equipment calibrated in a manner that is traceable to NIST standards. I imagine that would be ridiculously expensive.
DaveD
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On 3/5/2018 11:18 PM, Merchison Burke via Groups.Io wrote: Question. Do you and if you do, how do you calibrate your calibration equipment?
On 2018-Mar-05 8:30 PM, HankC, Boston, WA1HOS via Groups.Io wrote:
Brian,
An ideal cal package is the one I have (all TM500 plugins)TG501 time mark gen
SG503 leveled sig gen up to 250 MHzPG506 Standard amplitude generator + fast-rise output pulse
Beware of the SG504 which goes up to a Ghz; the lowest freq does not go low enough to cover anyfreqs below 250 MHz, which is where the SG503 stops.The ideal setup would be to have both SGs.
HankC, Boston, WA1HOS
---
This email has been checked for viruses by AVG.
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Calibration is a rabbit hole that I fell into a third of a century ago, when I started my small
electronics
business.
The most dangerous motto in the world:
"I can do that!"
-Chuck Harris Ha ha ha! That is so where I am! I have almost as much calibration gear as I have test gear. And yes - the only thing I have actually had calibrated is a DC standard, and everything else is referred back to that - AC standards through a thermal transfer standard, DC standards through a DC microvoltmeter and Kelvin Varley, GPS frequency standard etc etc. Yup - I really, really know what you've gone through. Craig
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David C. Partridge
David Hess