TJ -
You need to put a scope (465B or better, no 'PC scopes') very near the front. Once you become familiar with it, it will be the second thing
you reach for after your DMM/VOM/VTVM. I use my scope in 90% of my restore/repair adventures. You can measure voltage 'close enough' and
'see' which things are working, or not. If you get one with the on screen readout, you can 'count' frequencies and measure voltages (DMM)
and see signals, all with one probe.
A VTVM ($50 tops) is needed if you plan to do any vintage (tube) repair or alignment. You can't realisticly align with a DMM. If you need
3kV capability, a separate HV probe is all you need, either for the DMM or VTVM.
A good RF signal generator, HP-606 covers 50 kHz to 65 MHz, but is BIG. (Think DX-100) More modern HP, more money, slightly smaller 8640B,
etc. There are lots of DDS 'generators' around for very little money, but you need an external step attenuator and accurate level
measurement to make them really useful.
A lot of the signal and monitor functions can be performed with a modern general coverage transceiver, such as accurate frequency
measurement, LO signal evaluation, signal generation, etc. while you're looking for just the right service item. Almost as good as a
Service Monitor!!
You can do 95% of your repair/restore jobs with these. I would NOT suggest a 'Service Monitor' as your ONLY piece of test gear. It's
nice having it all in one box, but quite expensive, and as with all multifunction devices, if ONE function dies, you are dead in the water
until it's fixed.
Things like a good quality soldering iron, (Weller with temp control tips, much simpler and more reliable than variable temp consoles,)
desoldering tool if you do much PC work (Hakko 808), and all the hand tools you have room for.! No matter how many you have, the one you
need is available from Mouser in a few days!.
73, Garey - K4OAH
Glen Allen, VA
Drake 2-B, 2-C/2-NT, 4-A, 4-B, C-Line
and TR-4/C Service Supplement CDs
<www.k4oah.com>
k4tfj wrote:
> I haven't had a functioning workbench in 20+ years.
> But now, with an empty nest and rooms available, the bench will be born soon, but as with all newborns, it will be naked, with the exception of a couple DMM's and a MFJ-259B antenna analyzer.
>
> The DMM's are fairly basic, but one has frequency measurement to 10MHz and a capacitance function. The 259B has a frequency counter function as well as inductance, capacitance and the ability to generate un-modulated RF signals. I also have a DSI 5600A counter waiting to be repaired (just a bad 7805, I think). That being the current state of my test equipment.
>
> My intent is to be able to perform basic alignments and testing of my current radio gear, and a little experimentation and restorations. Rigs/radios include Conar 400/500, Kenwood TS-520s, Alinco DX-70T, assorted VHF mobiles and handhelds. Up for restoration currently is a Zenith 11S474 Receiver and a Hammurland SP-600-11 Receiver.
>
> Budget is $200-$300 a month, to locate and purchase affordable test equipment.
>
> My first instinctive thought is "I need an O'scope!!" and a VOM/VTVM capable of 3kvdc+.
> Any comments and recommendations on these?
>
> What other gear would you recommend and in what priority?
>
>
> TJ, K4TFJ
>
>
>
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