RF Modulator Questions

[ARC Tech-109]

How are you verifying the actual carrier frequency of the modulators?

[Electronic M]

Originally Posted by ARC Tech-109

How are you verifying the actual carrier frequency of the modulators?

I wonder how many of us actually do that...

On my Blonder Tongues if I can get them on a TV tuned to the same channel I take it for granted that they are on frequency.

On some continuously tuned modulators I have I typically take a VCR with manual channel configuration in the menu and with the modulator off or detuned configure the VCR to tune the channel(s) of interest and disable blue screen then I tune the modulator until it comes in properly on the VCR on the desired channel.

The proper way to do it would be to get a GHz capable digital scope, spectrum analyzer, or RF network analyzer and use that (there may be CATV tools that can work, but I'm not familiar with any), but I'm allergic to spending 3-5 figures on test equipment.

It's probably possible to economicly do it with an SDR, but I haven't simultaneously had time and money to go down that interesting rabbit hole.