96 What other test equipment is "basic" for working on old radios.
Description
This article is from the Antique Radios And Phonographs FAQ, by Hank van Cleef vancleef@netcom with numerous contributions by others.
96 What other test equipment is "basic" for working on old radios.
For most work, the basic instruments that will do almost anything
are a VOM multimeter, a signal generator, and an oscilloscope. This has
been true since the mid-1950's, when oscilloscopes that were
sufficiently versatile for general purpose use became available. There
are a variety of signal generators that can be found in the flea markets
and hamfests. For radio work, you will need something that produces
modulated and unmodulated signals between the IF frequencies and the
high end of the receiver bands, as well as a suitable audio signal for
testing audio circuits. A generator capable of generating signals from
100 Khz to 110 Mhz, and a fixed 400 Hz audio tone, will cover the needs
of AM long wave, medium wave (US AM broadcast) and high frequency (1.6
to 30 Mhz) radios, and cover the 88-108 Mhz. FM band as well.
Two items that were very common in service shops in the 1940's, but
which are more-or-less forgotten today are the VTVM (vacuum tube
voltmeter) and signal analyzer, or signal tracer. We'll look at both
below.
Used test equipment is generally available at very reasonable prices.
Unlike the costs of hand tools and soldering equipment, it is easy to
build up a very adequate bench full of useful items for about $100.
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