FM I.F. alignment using a spectrum analyzer questions.

[xwarp]

In regards to aligning the I.F. cans on a typical FM 88Mhz-108Mhz receiver, I have read multiple places that it seems a tracking generator is a must if using a spectrum analyzer.

Why is this?

Why wouldn't a sweep generator set to sweeping the unit's I.F. work if the spectrum analyzer's center frequency set to the unit's I.F.?

[Richard Head]

Because you are trying to measure the IF amp response at frequencies around the IF and not at exactly the IF frequency. The TG by definition tracks the S.A. receive freq and the pair slowly sweep across the IF freq measuring its response.

[donmr]

A conventional spectrum analyzer is a receiver that sweeps across the frequency range.  If your generator also sweeps but is not synchronized you won't see much.

In some cases it can work.  If on side sweeps much slower (several x) then you may see usable results.  Also real time spectrum analyzers can do more.

For a really crude TG/SA you can sweep a generator and look at the output with a scope triggered from the generator.

[CJay]

A spectrum analyser seems somewhat overkill for an FM receiver.

However,

[xwarp]

Thanks for the replies.

I've got scopes, which I am much more proficient in using. I also have a couple spectrum analyzers that I'm not so much proficient in using.

[albert22]

You can use a spectrum analyzer that has a peak hold function. 
That will plot the freq response even with just noise as the input.