I need a probe!

[Cygnus X1]

Yah...erm, actually a couple of probes.
Gitcher head outta the gutter!

So I was gifted a Tek 466 scope a while ago and have not used it properly since I was waiting for a signal generator to fall in my lap.
WELL.
Serendipity strikes and now I have a generator alright, a monster without a probe!
(I have the scope probe for the Tektronix).

It's an HP 3312 Function Generator.

So can I buy one, or is it safe to fab one?
If so, how?

I have a similar issue with a Simpson VTVM...functional but no probe.

Here's a pic of the HP 3312A:
http://www.torontosurplus.com/media/cat ... c_3289.jpg
[/img]

[Structo]

Hehehe, you can't image a PDF file.

Sorry I can't help with the probe but one time I was up in the woods and there were these lights.......

[Cygnus X1]

I had the pdf of the manual mixed up with an image.

The image is now in the link.

I'll go back and grab the pdf...

[Cygnus X1]

Manual:

http://equipland.com/objects/catalog/pr ... Manual.pdf

[Cygnus X1]

Thing is, (as with the Simpson VTVM), someone said "just make one"....as if I knew intuitively what the heck they were talking about.

Ideas?
I know probes are sometimes very pricey.

You all have figured out by now I have more equipment than knowledge.
But am eager to put this stuff to use.

[Aurora]

A probe for a function generator...?????
Why? Probes are usually not used with generators.... What you need to concider is the load impedance of the injection point vs the output impedance of the generator....
DC isolation may be apoint in tube HV circuits.

[Structo]

Yes, the cheap generator I have just uses two wires with banana plugs on one and and alligator clips on the other end.

[katopan]

+1 for banana plugs (or BNC connector as appropriate) with clips on the end. Mine's a home made lead for a simple home made function gen.

[Cygnus X1]

OK, so first I misused the word "probe", a probe takes a signal input.
So it's actually a "wire".

BNC is still Greek to me.
A banana plug is single conductor only, correct?
BNC is two conductor?

Wiki:

BNC connectors are made to match the characteristic impedance of cable at either 50 ohms or 75 ohms.

[Aurora]

You'll need some BNC connectors to match the generator....
google BNC to banana or BNC to alligator clips........
or find a cheap BNC to BNC and cut in half.. add bananas or crocs of your choice....
if it weren't for insane international postage, I'd send you one for free......

[Cygnus X1]

It shows 50 ohm between Vp-P and SYNCH.
So I suppose it needs a 50 ohm BNC?
The scope would likely show me exactly what frequency it is pushing...once I learn how to use it.

Good thing is I have all of the manuals.
I ust don't have the connectors needed to start learning.

[Phil_S]

BNC is a coax connection that uses a slot/post system to twist-lock the cable onto the connector. I hope that makes sense to you. The connector is like a very refined #47 bulb socket.

Banana is single wire, but often the housing for it hold two plugs, one black, one red.

IMO, for amateur or occasional use, the place to get this stuff is eBait. If you have no fundamental problem with a seller in China or Hong Kong, and are willing to wait for delivery a week or two, you'll get what you want very inexpensively.
Maybe you need something like this:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/BNC-Male-to-Dua ... 27bc99a4cf

[Cygnus X1]

Thanks Phil.
Wonder if Rat Shack still has any of them?

Edit:
Hmmm...

https://www.radioshack.com/product/inde ... Id=3964479#

And...hell yeah.

http://www.radioshack.com/family/index. ... =CT2032231

[Aurora]

For audio use, and short cable lenghts, the impedance doesn't matter....
Most BNC wil be 50 ohms, although 75 ohms is used for video and cable TV mainly....... at audio the impedance of the BNC connecctor itself means nothing........
The thing to concider, is that the calibration of the scales and verniers are set for a 50 ohm load. When loaded with a high impedance, the signal will be twice of what the scale setting indicates.......

[Cygnus X1]

Thanks Aurora.
The scope will tell me what my baseline is though, correct?