Quick Verdict
When you're building out an RF network cable and telecom test bench, the choice often comes down to a vintage signal generator versus a high-frequency directional bridge. The EICO Model 324 Signal Generator is a vintage, fully working signal source at an accessible listed price, while the HP 85020A Directional Bridge is a more expensive, higher-frequency instrument for measuring reflected signals. If you need a simple generator for classic radio work, the EICO is the practical buy. If you're doing high-frequency antenna or microwave measurements, the HP is the one that fits.
Comparison at a Glance
| Product | Price | Price Bar | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| EICO 324 Signal Generator | USD 99.99 | Basic RF signal generation and vintage radio work | |
| HP 85020A Directional Bridge | USD 500.00 | High-frequency reflection and return-loss measurements |
Where Each Product Wins
Where the EICO wins: It's the strictly less expensive of the two, and it functions as a signal generator-something that puts out RF signals for testing radios. For bench work that doesn't require high frequencies, it's a straightforward choice. The EICO also has that vintage appeal for collectors.
Where the HP wins: It's a directional bridge designed for high-frequency measurement tasks, including reflection and return-loss testing. It also comes with an attached cable and a carry case, though the case's foam needs attention.
Product Notes
EICO Model 324 Signal Generator Vintage RF Radio Test Equipment FULLY WORKING
This used U.S.-made unit comes in gray and is described as fully working. If you're restoring vintage radios or doing simple RF alignment, a signal generator like this offers a direct, low-cost way to put a signal into a circuit. The main caveat is its age: as a vintage instrument, it lacks the wide frequency range and precision of modern gear. Its natural territory is classic radio-band testing rather than microwave work. For the price, you're getting a straightforward generator with character, not a lab-grade instrument. If your bench needs a basic RF source without a big investment, this EICO is an easy pick. On the other hand, if you already own a generator, this is more of a collector's piece than an essential tool.
HP Hewlett Packard 85020A Directional Bridge 10MHz-4.3GHz RF Test Equipment w
This used directional bridge from Hewlett Packard covers 10 MHz to 4.3 GHz and includes the bridge unit, attached cable, and a carry/storage case. The case's foam has deteriorated due to age and may need cleaning or replacement, and the whole item is sold as-is. That means you should go in prepared to inspect and clean it before putting it to work. For measuring reflected signals, return loss, and transmission characteristics in high-frequency setups, this is a proper tool. The $500 price is a significant step up from the EICO, but for a technician working with antennas, amplifiers, or microwave circuits, that cost can be justified by its performance envelope. It's not a signal source-it's a measurement accessory designed to sit between your test gear and the device under test. If that matches your workflow, it's the more capable instrument of the two.
Final Choice by Use Case
If your projects center on vintage radios, audio gear, or basic RF circuits, the EICO 324 Signal Generator is the right companion. If you're measuring antennas, checking return loss, or working in the microwave range, the HP 85020A Directional Bridge is the tool to pick. Match the instrument to the frequency range and the measurement you actually need to make, and you'll leave the bench with the gear that serves you best.
