Checking Signal Generator Accuracy With A Frequency Counter and Scope

[old_tv_nut]

OK - if you are set to a few hundred kHz frequency, your scope should see it. If you turn the frequency knob, you should see the width of the cycles change (this is called their period, not bandwidth.

If you are getting a tone in an AM radio, I presume you have the modulation set to INTernal, which is amplitude-modulating the 455 KHz. THIS may be the problem with reading the frequency on the counter. Try turning the modulation to EXternal with no audio connected to the input and see if your counter can read the RF output frequency. Also set the RF level to max and use a direct coax cable connection between the generator and the counter (I think you are doing this, the loop was only for the radio receiver (?), but it wasn't clear to me).