Sweep Generator
 

I'm looking for a sweep generator for alignment of IF stages. Does anyone have any recommendations on a modern unit like the HP 3336C that can sweep up into the range needed for television IF stages? I've heard some people recommend the HP 8601A as it sweeps up to 110MHz which is an option, but I was hoping for something newer.

What does everyone think?

Besides a sweep generator, you'll need a marker generator also. Units designed for TV servicing have both built in.
But you won't find any new ones because TV manufacturers switched over to SAW filters back in the 80's sometime, which are adjustment free.
I'd check on Ebay for a Heathkit or a B&K.

Wavetek 1002 or 1080/81. Both are solid state and have built in markers. The 1002 can sweep from 0-500 MHz. The 1080/81 go up to 1 GHz.

I've been "watching" a search for Wavetek 1080 and 1081 on eBay for a while, but nothing has come up. If any one here has one of these units that they would sell please let me know.

Wavetek and HP will probably cost big buck$.
I used a B&K 415 with good results. Be careful with lead layout and grounds. But bear in mind,if you have a bad component, no amount of alignment will bring it in.
There's a good book by Robert Goodman from the 70's about TV alignment.

I use a 415 too, but it will only do the "newer" 44 MHz IFs. I use a Wavetek for the older 21 MHz IFs. I got mine for about $50 each off ebay. 1002s show up a lot more often than 1080s. 1801s are good too. Good luck finding one.

21 Mhz IFs- those are pre '52 or '53. Correct? Sencore makes a couple of good generators also. There are a couple of B&K 415's on Ebay right now.
I've also got a Sweep Systems Inc. generator which inputs via the tuner and could be used for 21 MHz IF's.
SSI is what Wavetek was before it became Wavetek.

I'd love to be able to use a 415, it seems like a great piece, but the vast majority of the sets I'll ever restore would be older and not be able to utilize it.