"The Model 80 is a completely self-contained instrument with built-in power supply and modulator. This signal generator covers a wide frequency range of 2 to 400 megacycles (5 to 475 Mc. for Model 80-R) and provides an output voltage, continuously variable from 0.1 microvolt to 0.1 volt, with a mutual inductance type attenuator. Very accurate indication of output voltages at all carrier levels is obtained with a precision barretter bridge. The output meter serves as a balance indicator for this bridge circuit.
Expertly designed, manufactured and tested under most rigid specifications, the Model 80 is an extremely stable and accurate instrument. It is very adaptable for laboratory work or production testing." (Measurements, Catalog F, 1963)
BRIEF SPECS
| Frequency Range | 5 mcs to 475 mcs |
| Drift | less than 0,1% |
| Output | 0.1 microvolts to 100,000 microvolts into 50 ohms |
| Internal AM | 400 and 1000 Hz |
| Modulation Level | 0 to 30% |
| Power | 70 watts |
| Dimensions | 11-1/2" x 19-5/8" x 11-3/8" |
| Weight | 40 lbs |
| Technology | tube |
| Price (for 1962/63) | $ 625 |
"This was the best RF generator available in the late 1940s, when G-R took too long getting its model 1001 to market. Some owners still swear by them. Measurements was formed by a group of engineers who were essentially fired from Ferris Instruments by a cost-cutting manager hired by Malcolm Ferris's widow after his death in December 1937. With the top talent gone, Ferris quickly lost its place in innovative instrumentation to Measurements." (Alan Douglas, Tube Testers and Classic Electronic Gear)
Based on the famous model 80 launched in 1944 the model 80-R is a modification for increased bandwith. The lowest frequency band was skipped in favour to a new high frequency band. The very basic rf design relies on a 955 acorn triode connected as Colpitts oscillator and highest quality mechanical layout. Because the oscillator delivers the output power too, modulation is limited to 30%. The 955 sits in the round silvered can surrounded by the various oscillator coils, which rotate with the band switching knob. Output power is induction coupled to a variable 'mutual inductance loops' attenuator.
On the front-panel of this late instrument (built in 1963), Measurements is called 'A Mc Graw-Edison Div.'. Most names of companies did vanish after a taken-over and are forgotten today. Copies of the 80 were built by Jetronics, Munston and the Daven Co. for the U.S. military under the designation 'TS-497A/B'. Tektronix fans know the first mentioned company very well, as they also copied oscilloscope plug-ins - without permission.
