Using Siglent Signal Generator to Create FM, AM signal for HAM Radio

Using Siglent Signal Generator to Create FM, AM signal for HAM Radio, both from internal signal source and external audio source. This checks HAM radio receiving performance.

[@marklowe7431]

I have been searching for a long time to find out this information. Thank you for posting!

[@claude77573]

This device is a function generator, not a signal generator. A function generator can generate a number of waveforms at relatively high power (for example, +7Vrms is 1,000 dBm), but the highest frequency range at which it can operate is limited (to about 200 MHz on high end models). It also has tools for capturing waveforms, editing new waveforms, etc. A signal generator can generate smaller level signals typically found in RF applications (depending on the model, down to -127 db) and operate at much higher frequencies. The high end versions can go from 5KHz to 6GHz. A older HP signal generator that you may be able to pick up for $200 to $300 goes from 100k to 1GHz, with a range of -127dBm to +17dBm.

[@johnthehammer7702]

To generate a S9 signal for radio, signal generator has to generate 0.14 milli volt peak to peak sine wave. S9 is equal to -73 dbm

[@IZ0MTW]

And in this case he set the function gen for Hi Z so should set .28 mVpp or 100uV rms. Or alternatively set the siglent for 50 ohm load and set .14mV as you suggested.

[@BrentLeVasseur]

So I just got one of these things and I can’t figure out where the enter button is. Like you type in a frequency number and where do you hit enter?

[@rostyslavyablonskyy4134]

Thanks. Good job. I found the answer to my question.

[@claude77573]

This may be common sense, but when hooking up a function (versus signal) generator to your ham radio, be mindful of the receive power your ham radio can handle. For frequencies below 30 MHz, an S9 signal (the DB reference point for the S scale) is 50uVrms (micro volts!) or 140uVpp, which is .14mVpp. So, the .2mVpp signal is 1.4x S9 (which works out to +2.9 dB on the S scale). At frequencies above 30 MHz, S9 is 5uVrms, not 50uVrms. 5uVrms works out to 14uVpp. So, feeding a .2mVpp signal above 30Hz would be 14 x S9 (+22.9dB). A signal generator is probably better for this application. If someone feeds 5Vpp into a ham radio, watch out. Below 30 MHz, that's 35,714 times the S9 level (+91 dB), a level that could damage the radio's front end.

[@jessihawkins9116]

i want one of these to hook up to my Korg MS20 😁

[@josetexraider]

hello
could you explained with a diagram, all conections you made on the experience you made?i am a biggener sorry

[@Залізяки-и4к]

Put your signal to Aux In/Out plug on the back of generator.

[@andreipopov350]

Hi, Thank you for making this kind of video, I would be very thankful if you could make a video to show how you made the connection between signal generator and radio.ThanKS in Advance!

[@johnthehammer7702]

if you watch my video named "ICOM 7300 sensitivity" recorded 2 days before this video, I explained how to get this power figure. I could not remember clearly, but I think I just shoot signal generator power directly to the input of the radio. just be very careful, do not burn the radio input.

[@andreipopov350]

@@johnthehammer7702 Thank you John for the fast response, 2 more questions please, the output of the generator is connected to microphone of the radio? (BNC to 4PIN) ? And it's possible to modulate the carrier of the radio with a signal from generator ? Thanks again for your time in doing videos!

[@johnthehammer7702]

@@andreipopov350 output of the generator is fed into radio's antenna input. so be careful, not to burn the radio's front end. when I did it first time, I was very nervous. It is simulating what you have received from antenna. Yes. it is possible to put AM, FM modulation on the carrier frequency on the signal generator. There is one of my UA-cam doing it.

[@johnthehammer7702]

@@andreipopov350 at 6:26 of this video, you can see I play some music from my regular radio. feed that audio signal to signal generator, which modulates audio signal on the carrier (FM, AM) and sent to HF radio. ICOM7300 recovers audio music.

[@andreipopov350]

@@johnthehammer7702 Thank you again, so if you want to use signal generator as the modulation signal (feed into I icom microphone, probably it will burn )) , I red about icom microphone, it's a dynamic one, sometimes if you scream it can develop up to 1 volt, but how to connect it? This is tricky))).

[@2WR467]

Question, is the output on generator connected directly to radio antenna connector?

[@johnthehammer7702]

yes. just be careful.

[@tchristell]

How are you able to generate a 50 MHz signal with a 40 MHz signal generator?

[@johnthehammer7702]

there is way to open to higher band.

[@JimCurtis_EDH]

How do you expect to hear a 10 kHz audio signal using a receiver having 3 kHz bandwidth? People CAN hear 10 kHz audio, but you're not going to hear it using a narrowband receiver!