What is the best method to connect a signal generator to a radio? It seems every radio has a different procedure. Is the ground side connected directly to the chassis or through a capacitor? Is it connected at all? When signal tracing should capacitor be used on the test probe to block DC voltage? Is there a standard procedure that can be used on all radios? Thanks for your help!

Normally, hook black lead to chassis ground. The other would go through a cap. I modified my Eico signal generator to put a cap, .01-uF maybe, inside the generator. (Some instructions refer to this as a "dummy antenna.")

Just to inject an RF signal through the radios's antenna and the rest of radio, you should be able to do that with the generator just nearby the radio. No direct hook up needed. My signal generator transmits through much of the house!

Tell us what exactly you are trying to do.
Doug

Have a radio that only receives one station and has low volume. All caps replaced, resistors checked,IF and osc coils show conductivity. Tubes have been swapped, checked loop antenna, solder connections checked. Need to signal trace each stage.

:Normally, hook black lead to chassis ground. The other would go through a cap. I modified my Eico signal generator to put a cap, .01-uF maybe, inside the generator. (Some instructions refer to this as a "dummy antenna.")
:
:Just to inject an RF signal through the radios's antenna and the rest of radio, you should be able to do that with the generator just nearby the radio. No direct hook up needed. My signal generator transmits through much of the house!
:
:Tell us what exactly you are trying to do.
:Doug

For that, you really don't need a signal generator - the one station you can receive will effectively serve your purpose.

But first, have you checked all the voltages at each tube socket? That is a good place to start troubleshooting.
Doug

:Have a radio that only receives one station and has low volume. All caps replaced, resistors checked,IF and osc coils show conductivity. Tubes have been swapped, checked loop antenna, solder connections checked. Need to signal trace each stage.
:
:

Note that a signal tracer is different than a signal generator. A signal generator injects a signal whereas a signal tracer picks up a signal generated by the radio.

Most radios have a very similar procedure for alignment using a signal generator. They're not exact, because all radios are not exactly the same.

If you don't already have it, it's time to get ahold of Marcus and Levy's "Elements of Radio Servicing". The book covers the use of a signal generator for both troubleshooting and alignment.

:What is the best method to connect a signal generator to a radio? It seems every radio has a different procedure. Is the ground side connected directly to the chassis or through a capacitor? Is it connected at all? When signal tracing should capacitor be used on the test probe to block DC voltage? Is there a standard procedure that can be used on all radios? Thanks for your help!

Go to BAMA or this site and get the manual for a signal generator (Heathkit, EICO, etc.) and read the instructions on how to use it. Do the same for signal tracers. There is a world of information on the web. Why not use it?

:What is the best method to connect a signal generator to a radio? It seems every radio has a different procedure. Is the ground side connected directly to the chassis or through a capacitor? Is it connected at all? When signal tracing should capacitor be used on the test probe to block DC voltage? Is there a standard procedure that can be used on all radios? Thanks for your help!

That was a good and fair anser,. Why not use your name?
Joe G.