Low Cost Signal Generator (35Mhz-4.4Ghz) for antenna testing

FlightAware ADS-B Flight Tracking
1

I am interested in buying a low-cost Signal Generator to test antennas.

I found four (4) different types. Dont know which one to purchase.
All four are based on the chip ADF4351 or its older version ADF4350

Has any one used these?
Any advice which one is better, and why?

Type 1:
$79.50
35Mhz to 4.4Ghz
ADF4351 development board × 1
CY7C68013A base board × 1

http://m.ebay.com/itm/231266464162

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1494/25532226835_0e252014c4_o.jpg

Type 2:
$63.50
35Mhz to 4.4Ghz
ADF4351 development board x 1
High Speed USB2.0 Dashboard x 1

http://m.ebay.com/itm/261532585416

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1572/24901707664_e2c9d9e3f5_o.jpg

Type 3:
$59.17
35Mhz to 4.4Ghz
1 X 35M-4.4G signal source signal generator/simple spectrum.
1 x USB Cable.
2 X SMA cable.

http://m.ebay.com/itm/121372341978

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1629/25506114156_646b0e86e6_o.jpg

Type 4:
$59.74
137Mhz to 4.4Ghz
ADF4350 development board 0.137-4.4G 137M-4.4G signal generator

http://m.ebay.com/itm/111460880624

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1639/25413738262_30d5e5f507_o.jpg

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2

Directional Coupler for Antenna Testing
This item is required in addition to the RF Signal Generator.

800-2500MHz 15db Cavity Directional Coupler, N type
$9.99

http://www.ebay.com/itm/291415168633

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1669/25439903701_e40aced2b1_o.jpg

3

The coupler looks good but maybe one like this would be better for a low powered signal source.
Not sure about the signal generator, its a bit expensive for my tastes .
I found the cheap ebay noise source quite effective but it definitely needs a small $3 fan, I can understand why yours expired from over heating as mine runs crazy hot without it.
Maybe running at less than 12v volts would help, must try one day.

4

1. How to measure return loss of a 978 MHz antenna (and 1090 MHz antenna as well)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jm8fCFed5Do

2. Directional Coupler Basics & how to sweep SWR of an antenna | Return Loss | VSWR
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBK9ZIx9YaY

Instead of the costly professional Signal Generator and Spectrum Analyzer in above videos, following low-cost hardware & software can be used.

HARDWARE
ADF4351 Signal Generator
Directional Coupler.

SOFTWARE
(1) RTLSDR Scanner
Download:
http://eartoearoak.com/software/rtlsdr-scanner

(2) SDR#
Download from Official Site (Air Spy):
http://airspy.com/download/ (Did not install on my Win XP. Says “Not a valid win32 application”).

Download from alternate site (adafruit):
http://adafruit-download.s3.amazonaws.com/sdrsharp-5-19-2014.zip (Somewhat older version, but works ok)

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5

The Antenna Test Rig using ADF4351 Signal Generator, Directional Coupler, and LNA.

Coutesy: Richard Lee of Planefinder forum

Richard Lee’s ADF4351 (encased) Antenna Test Rig #1
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1641/25263216593_e8986329f1_z.jpg

LNA, 35 dB, 40 Mhz to 2.5 Ghz
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1547/25770749412_3c28ae91b9_z.jpg

LNA in Richard Lee’s Antenna Test Rig #2
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1448/25865642096_45f5306c4c_z.jpg

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6

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Has anyone used any of these Signal Generators?

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