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Reviews For: Elecraft XG1 Receiver Test Osc.

Category: Tools & Test Equipment for the amateur radio work bench

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Review Summary For : Elecraft XG1 Receiver Test Osc.
Reviews: 13MSRP: 39
Description:
The XG1 is a crystal-controlled signal generator with very accurate 1 microvolt and 50 microvolt output levels. The output frequency is 7040 kHz. The unit can be used to determine the actual sensitivity and receive gain of any HF receiver that covers the 40-meter band. The 50-microvolt output can be used for S-meter calibration.

The output levels are accurate to better than +/- 2 dB (typically +/- 1 dB). This makes the XG1 a low-cost alternative to expensive lab-grade signal generators when comparing the performance of various receivers.

Like Elecraft's other "mini-module" kits, the XG1 is easy to build, as well as small: the PC board is just 3.5 x 1.5 inches. Other features include a power-on LED, on-board battery with low-battery warning LED, and protection against accidental transmit at QRP levels.
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.elecraft.com
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
00135
W2RBA Rating: 2003-12-29
Handy piece of equipment Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
The XG1, like the other small kits Elecraft has introduced lately (QRP Dummy load, balun (up to 150 watts) and noise generator) is quickly assembled but at the end of the job (maybe one hour) you have a solidly made piece which works and works well. I tried it out on my K2 (adjusting the S-meter in the process) and tried it out on my new Orion -- and got exactly an S9 reading. It may not be a professional piece of test gear, but for the money it's darn close enough! Kudos to Elecraft; may they bring us ever more handy kits!
N.A. Rating: 2003-12-29
The XG1 is a necessary addition to any workbench. Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I just completed the XG1 and found it to be another great kit from the gang at Elecraft. Went together in short order. Detailed photos at http://www.qsl.net/k7qo/xg1.html

Every one that works or builds rigs needs one of these. You can use it to generate signals of known levels to align and test sensitivity of any commercial or home brew rig.

Don't leave home without one.
KD0ZV Rating: 2003-12-20
XG1 was fun to build and great tool Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I recently bought a K2 kit which I completed in about 3 weeks with all accessories. Elecraft came out with this new test osc. and I ordered one. Took less than an hour to build (but as I said, I just did a K2 so I understand their language). Really any ham with even marginal soldering skills could build one in a morning. The kit produces a 1uv and 50uv signal on 7.040 mhz. It can be used on harmonics in higher bands as well.

This little guy works great for providing an industry standard S9 signal for calibrating your meter and the 1uv signal works great for calculating MDS (minimum discernable signal)of your receiver. This is something basically anyone can do.

I have to say that Elecraft has really put some zing into my hobby. Within 2 months I am testing, improving and having fun with a great product. They are very supportive and have really made this a fun and learning experience. Best $39.00 you can spend :)

73,
Rich
kd0zv