CONTENTS:
SECTION 1: DC Measurements
Sensitivity-VOM Versus VTVM-Solid-State VTVM-Instrument Accuracy-Loading Effect-Practical D-C Measurements-Vacuum Tube Amplifiers-Transistor Circuits-Transistor Oscillators-Batteries-Power Supply
SECTION 2 AC Measurements
Meter Rectifiers-Oscilloscopes-Measuring Frequency-The Grid Dip Oscillator-Alternating-Current Measurements-The Signal Generator-The Audio Generator-Checking Capacitors and Inductors- Power Transformers-Audio Transformers-Measuring Capacitors-Measuring Inductances-Headphone and Speaker Impedance- Measuring Q -R-F and I-F Transformers-Frequency Measurements –Filters
SECTION 3 Tube and Transistor Testing
Transconductance Tube Checkers-In-Circuit Tube Testing-Semi conductor Testing-Checking Diodes and Transistors Out of Circuit -Transistors-Diode Measurements-Zener- and Signal-Diode Measurements-Transistor Measurements-Collector Characteristics Curve -Field-Effect Transistors-Handling FET's-A Transistor Tester- Using The Tester-Transistor Manuals
SECTION 4 Receiver Measurements
Measuring Instruments-Measuring Sensitivity-Sensitivity Hookup- Stage-by-Stage Gain-Measuring Selectivity-The Selectivity Hookup The Sweep Generator for Selectivity-Reading The Scope-The Sweep Hookup-Adding Markers-Measuring Image Response- Noise Figure-Input Impedance-Receiver Alignment--A-M and C-W Receivers-SSB Receivers--Sweep Generator-BFO Adjustment-SSB Carrier-Insertion Adjustment--Receiver Calibration- Front-End Alignment-Using The Noise Generator-High-Priced Receivers
SECTION 5 Transmitter Measurements
Definitions of Power-A-C Power Out-Connecting an Oscilloscope What You See--Power Efficiency-Measuring Power Out-The Dummy Load-Loading The Transmitter-Modulation Measurements-C-W Keying-SSB Modulation Percent-Transmitter Alignment-VFO Calibration-SSB Carrier Adjustment-Neutralizing- Parasitics-Class-C Operation-Class-B Linearity
SECTION 6 Antennas and Feeders
Tuning The Antenna-The Half-Wave Feeder-How To Cut Half Wave Line-Measuring Antenna Impedance-About SWR-The Value of Low SWR-Tuned Lines-Tuning A Vertical-About Vertical Antenna Ground-The SWR Meter-Using The Sweep Generator for Antenna Resonance-Front-to-Back Antenna Ratio-Matching Transmission Line to Antenna-The Gamma Match-The Q-Bar- Matching Stubs-Antenna Traps
SECTION 7 Instruments Every Amateur Should Have
VOM-VI VM-SWR Meter-Building The SWR Meter-Accuracy -Using The SWR Meter-Impedance Bridge-Construction-Using The Impedance Bridge-100-kHz Crystal Calibrator-Grid-Dip Oscillator-Semiconductor GDO's-Monitoring Scope-Coupling RF- Audio Phase-Observing Patterns-SSB Patterns
PREFACE
What does the amateur need to know about his equipment? He needs to know whether or not he is within the law as to power input to the final of his transmitter, and that he is operating within the frequency limits of the bands assigned to amateur operation. To do so requires the use of a few basic instruments and a fundamental knowledge of checking transmitter performance. The knowledge is probably no greater than that needed to pass the license exams in the first place.
What does the amateur want to know? He wants to know what the sensitivity and selectivity of his receiver are, and if they are as good as can be obtained. He wants to know how to align his receiver for top performance. He wants to know how to get the most out of his transmitter, what the modulation capabilities are, and how to load and modulate his ssb rig for best results. He wants to know if his antenna is resonant, and how to measure for optimum match between his transmitter and the antenna.
The QSO's on the air are proof of the average amateur's pride in the quality of performance of his rig. This guide is devoted to contributing to that pride, in showing amateurs how to measure the performance of their rigs, and how to get the most out of them, with the highest quality of performance.
Stress is placed on making measurements and tests with inexpensive equipment. Most of the equipment described in this guide should be a part of every progressive amateur's station list. The pieces used are probably already parts of more than half the amateur stations now in existence. Many of them are easily home-built, and construction of these is described.
This guide begins with fundamental a-c and d-c measurements, and includes descriptions of the basic instruments used to make the measurements. One feature is how to check tubes and transistors while they are in the circuit, based on current and voltage measurements during actual operation. The section on transistor checking is followed by a description of a transistor checker you can build yourself.
The sections on receiver and transmitter alignment and calibration are fairly complete, but stop short of requiring very expensive laboratory-type equipment. Oscilloscope patterns are shown in more than one place in the guide for checking the performance of a transmitter, especially an ssb transmitter.
Adjusting the antenna to resonance, and matching its impedance, is probably the most important thing an amateur can do to get increased performance from his transmitter. The antenna section shows you how to do these, both at the antenna and inside the ham shack. This guide is worth owning even if only for the section on antenna adjustments using simple equipment.
--Louis M. Dezettel, W5REZ
Also see: Frequency and its Measurement (1975)