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I have a MFJ259B. Had to hold my nose to shell out the $250 or so for something with that build quality and design flaws (size, battery system, etc). That said, next to my transceiver, it is the piece of equipment I use most often and it does do the job intended. I would feel naked without it. Every ham should have one or something equivalent. The features and quality of ham equipment these days is astounding, but strangely there, in my estimation, is no really good antenna analyzer on the market. I think the MFJ is the best overall unit available, and that is a sad statement. Most analyzers (see Eham reviews) score lower than the MFJ. The Palstar gets good marks for size, quality, etc, but does not have an analog meter which I think is an essential user interface for convenient usage. So I agree with the comment some others have made - there is a big market for a good antenna analyzer - especially with all the new ham licenses that will be minted soon. My wish list includes: About half the physical size of the MFJ, analog meter plus LCD display, decent battery life, frequency coverage from 1.5 to 150 MHz, price about $250 or $200 for a kit. I don't need automated plotting or computer interface. Either Elecraft or Larry Phipps have the technical expertise and kitting experience to do a great job with such a project. I hope they are listening!! 73 Craig AC0DS _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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Yes, we need something better. I have the MFJ and it has been "fine".
I use it to save wear & tear on my knees. Take the MFJ to the antenna and do the adjustment. But, I wish the MFJ was smaller. It does far more than I need. I just want to know the SWR at each freq. and sometimes the actual complex impedance. Beyond that, I don't care what else it measures. Analog SWR meter is very beneficial. Another approach might be a small Elecraft rig (K1) with batteries and a noise bridge. - Keith N1AS - - K2 5411.ssb.100 - -----Original Message----- From: Craig D. Smith So I agree with the comment some others have made - there is a big market for a good antenna analyzer ... Either Elecraft or Larry Phipps have the technical expertise and kitting experience to do a great job with such a project. I hope they are listening!! _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by KJ3D-2
Tom,
For a moment I was getting excited because I thought Elecraft had introduced an Antenna Analyser kit! Now that would be a useful addition to their product line..... Regards, Steve -----Original Message----- From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of KJ3D Sent: Wednesday, March 14, 2007 1:57 AM To: [hidden email] Subject: [!! SPAM] [Elecraft] Antenna Analyzer Redux Wow, that's a lot of response in a couple of hours. THANKS to everyone who took the time to reply. You guys are the best. The Tenna Dipper looks too good to pass up. Gotta have one. If it works out I can spend the rest of the money on a 100 watt hat for the K2. 73, Tom, kj3d -----Original Message----- From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of KJ3D Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2007 8:23 PM To: [hidden email] Subject: [Elecraft] Antenna Analyzer Hello Group, I purchased a 17 m add-on to a Hustler 6-BTV vertical and the instructions recommended I use an antenna analyzer to tune it up. Having never used one of these I started looking around and got pretty beaten up with sticker shock - just can't justify spending the bucks some of these things go for. So, an inexpensive model seems to be an MFJ-259B. eHam is full of reviews, and they seem to be either GREAT or DON'T BOTHER. I know there are some QC issues with MFJ stuff. I've had to clean up several of their units over the years which I actually take some pride in. They seem to deliver OK once the cold solders get fixed and the hot glue gets replaced. Anyway, I have enormous respect for the brain trust available on this reflector and it seems like I know some of you - unlike the more-or-less disembodied reviews on eHam. Any thouhts about the 259B? Any other suggestions? - 300 bucks is ALOT more than I would like to spend, so please don't suggest any of the AEA jobs - I would have to get a second job. Thanks in advance, es 73 Tom, kj3d [hidden email] 4991 _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by Darwin, Keith
You all might want to take a look at the Autek Research
(www.autekresearch.com) antenna analyzers. The basic model is only $140, while the more full-featured model that can do things like inductance, capacitance, and phase angle measurements is still only $200. Neither has an analog meter, but that hasn't been a big drawback, and the flip side of that is that it's small. It easily fits in the palm of your hand. 73! Dan KB6NU ---------------------------------------------------------- CW Geek and MI Affiliated Club Coordinator Read my ham radio blog at www.kb6nu.com LET'S GET MORE KIDS INTO HAM RADIO! On Mar 14, 2007, at 8:54 AM, Darwin, Keith wrote: > Yes, we need something better. I have the MFJ and it has been "fine". > I use it to save wear & tear on my knees. Take the MFJ to the antenna > and do the adjustment. > > But, I wish the MFJ was smaller. It does far more than I need. I > just > want to know the SWR at each freq. and sometimes the actual complex > impedance. Beyond that, I don't care what else it measures. > > Analog SWR meter is very beneficial. > > Another approach might be a small Elecraft rig (K1) with batteries > and a > noise bridge. > > - Keith N1AS - > - K2 5411.ssb.100 - > > -----Original Message----- > From: Craig D. Smith > > So I agree with the comment some others have made - there is a big > market for a good antenna analyzer ... Either Elecraft or Larry Phipps > have the technical expertise and kitting experience to do a great job > with such a project. I hope they are listening!! Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by stephen Farthing
I would definitely second that!
Seems like every time I fish out my MFJ259B to use outdoors, something else isn't working correctly on it 73 Dave G3VGR K2 #4783 Stephen wrote: > Tom, > For a moment I was getting excited because I thought Elecraft had > introduced an Antenna Analyser kit! Now that would be a useful addition to > their product line..... > Regards, > > Steve > > -----Original Message----- > From: [hidden email] > [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of KJ3D > Sent: Wednesday, March 14, 2007 1:57 AM > To: [hidden email] > Subject: [!! SPAM] [Elecraft] Antenna Analyzer Redux > > Wow, that's a lot of response in a couple of hours. THANKS to everyone who > took the time to reply. You guys are the best. > > The Tenna Dipper looks too good to pass up. Gotta have one. If it works > out I can spend the rest of the money on a 100 watt hat for the K2. > > 73, > > Tom, kj3d > > > > > > -----Original Message----- > From: [hidden email] > [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of KJ3D > Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2007 8:23 PM > To: [hidden email] > Subject: [Elecraft] Antenna Analyzer > > Hello Group, > > I purchased a 17 m add-on to a Hustler 6-BTV vertical and the instructions > recommended I use an antenna analyzer to tune it up. > > Having never used one of these I started looking around and got pretty > beaten up with sticker shock - just can't justify spending the bucks some of > these things go for. > > So, an inexpensive model seems to be an MFJ-259B. eHam is full of reviews, > and they seem to be either GREAT or DON'T BOTHER. I know there are some QC > issues with MFJ stuff. I've had to clean up several of their units over the > years which I actually take some pride in. They seem to deliver OK once the > cold solders get fixed and the hot glue gets replaced. > > Anyway, I have enormous respect for the brain trust available on this > reflector and it seems like I know some of you - unlike the more-or-less > disembodied reviews on eHam. > > Any thouhts about the 259B? > > Any other suggestions? - 300 bucks is ALOT more than I would like to spend, > so please don't suggest any of the AEA jobs - I would have to get a second > job. > > Thanks in advance, > > es 73 > > Tom, kj3d > > [hidden email] > > 4991 > > > _______________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: [hidden email] > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com > > _______________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: [hidden email] > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com > > _______________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: [hidden email] > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com > Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by Craig Smith
I have the MFJ, Autek Vector Analyst and AEA CIA. Without question the
most accurate is the AEA, but I usually grab the Autek because of its size. It also resolves sign of X. The tuning is touchy though, and the menus are a hassle. I hadn't thought of an antenna analyzer product, since the field is so crowded, but maybe there's a niche for a simple device, along the lines of the MFJ, but smaller and with better product build (ie, user built kit ;-) and battery life. Maybe also with the ability to determine sign of phase angle. Larry N8LP Craig D. Smith wrote: > I have a MFJ259B. Had to hold my nose to shell out the $250 or so for > something with that build quality and design flaws (size, battery system, > etc). That said, next to my transceiver, it is the piece of equipment I use > most often and it does do the job intended. I would feel naked without it. > Every ham should have one or something equivalent. > > The features and quality of ham equipment these days is astounding, but > strangely there, in my estimation, is no really good antenna analyzer on the > market. I think the MFJ is the best overall unit available, and that is a > sad statement. Most analyzers (see Eham reviews) score lower than the MFJ. > The Palstar gets good marks for size, quality, etc, but does not have an > analog meter which I think is an essential user interface for convenient > usage. > > So I agree with the comment some others have made - there is a big market > for a good antenna analyzer - especially with all the new ham licenses that > will be minted soon. My wish list includes: About half the physical size of > the MFJ, analog meter plus LCD display, decent battery life, frequency > coverage from 1.5 to 150 MHz, price about $250 or $200 for a kit. I don't > need automated plotting or computer interface. Either Elecraft or Larry > Phipps have the technical expertise and kitting experience to do a great job > with such a project. I hope they are listening!! > > 73 Craig AC0DS > > > > _______________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: [hidden email] > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com > > > Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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Sign of the phase angle can be determined by varying freq. and watching
the magnitude to up or down. I can live without the sign. Something smaller that gives the same SWR / Impedance answers would be a big improvement! You go Larry! - Keith N1AS - - K2 5411.ssb.100 - -----Original Message----- From: Phipps ... maybe there's a niche for a simple device, along the lines of the MFJ, but smaller and with better product build (ie, user built kit ;-) and battery life. Maybe also with the ability to determine sign of phase angle. _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by N8LP
There was a nice thread on this same topic, some three months ago, on
the Buddipole reflector. As a result of that discussion, in the end I went with the AmQRP AA-908. The kit was easy to assemble, notwithstanding that it was my first experience with surface mount components. The price was comparable to the MJF -- $230 in the US and Canada. I also purchased the DSP card, for another $80 dollars. With a simple reload of software, the analyzer becomes a DSP audio filter. (Unless I'm mistaken, the DSP algorithms are the same as those used in the K2 DSP.) Pax et 73, John N8ELR _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by Darwin, Keith
That's true for simple series resonant antennas, Keith. But as I found
out when writing the sign detection algorithm for the LP-100, it's not always the case. Your point is well taken, though. Small, simple, accurate. 73, Larry N8LP Darwin, Keith wrote: > Sign of the phase angle can be determined by varying freq. and watching > the magnitude to up or down. I can live without the sign. > > Something smaller that gives the same SWR / Impedance answers would be a > big improvement! > > You go Larry! > > - Keith N1AS - > - K2 5411.ssb.100 - > > -----Original Message----- > From: Phipps > > ... maybe there's a niche for a simple device, along the lines of the > MFJ, but smaller and with better product build (ie, user built kit ;-) > and battery life. Maybe also with the ability to determine sign of phase > angle. > _______________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: [hidden email] > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com > > > Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by N8LP
Larry,
A kit is a great idea! Avoid temptations for an instrument that tries to do everything and ends up doing many things poorly. I had hopes that the AMQRP Micro908 kit would be a better replacement for my MFJ259, but alas, it is very inaccurate for impedances that vary much from 50 ohms resistive. IMHO, its bridge needs a total redesign to make it a useful instrument. Of course, the N2PK VNA should be a great instrument if I can ever get around to completing it, but it is not a tool to use at the top of a tower - it needs the computer attached to be useful. 73, Don W3FPR > -----Original Message----- > > I have the MFJ, Autek Vector Analyst and AEA CIA. Without question the > most accurate is the AEA, but I usually grab the Autek because of its > size. It also resolves sign of X. The tuning is touchy though, and the > menus are a hassle. I hadn't thought of an antenna analyzer product, > since the field is so crowded, but maybe there's a niche for a simple > device, along the lines of the MFJ, but smaller and with better product > build (ie, user built kit ;-) and battery life. Maybe also with the > ability to determine sign of phase angle. > > Larry N8LP > > > > Craig D. Smith wrote: > > I have a MFJ259B. Had to hold my nose to shell out the $250 or so for > > something with that build quality and design flaws (size, > battery system, > > etc). That said, next to my transceiver, it is the piece of > equipment I use > > most often and it does do the job intended. I would feel naked > without it. > > Every ham should have one or something equivalent. > > > > The features and quality of ham equipment these days is astounding, but > > strangely there, in my estimation, is no really good antenna > analyzer on the > > market. I think the MFJ is the best overall unit available, > and that is a > > sad statement. Most analyzers (see Eham reviews) score lower > than the MFJ. > > The Palstar gets good marks for size, quality, etc, but does not have an > > analog meter which I think is an essential user interface for convenient > > usage. > > > > So I agree with the comment some others have made - there is a > big market > > for a good antenna analyzer - especially with all the new ham > licenses that > > will be minted soon. My wish list includes: About half the > physical size of > > the MFJ, analog meter plus LCD display, decent battery life, frequency > > coverage from 1.5 to 150 MHz, price about $250 or $200 for a > kit. I don't > > need automated plotting or computer interface. Either Elecraft or Larry > > Phipps have the technical expertise and kitting experience to > do a great job > > with such a project. I hope they are listening!! > > > > 73 Craig AC0DS > No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.446 / Virus Database: 268.18.10/720 - Release Date: 3/12/2007 7:19 PM _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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The N2PK is an awesome piece of gear for the money. I have several
friends with them. I also have one sitting in a box waiting to be built. That project got scuttled when Jack, K8ZOA found a couple of surplus HP VNAs that we both bought. He already had his N2PK built, and another HP as well, but I am now too spoiled to finish the project ;-) I also have one of his Z90 Panadapter kits sitting in a box. I had his prototype for awhile last year, and showed it at Dayton... a really nifty kit, and I definitely want to finish that project ;-) His manual is awesome... like a cross between Elecraft and Hewlett Packard... should be a snap to do when I get to it. Jack's website is www.cliftonlaboratories.com. K2 owners should bookmark it. There is plenty of good K2 test data there, as well as some K2 specific construction stuff. The TAPR VNA that Ten-Tec sells is pretty decent, but pricey, and requires a PC. Ditto for the W5BIG which looks like a good design. I can see maybe a nice, small unit... simple, smooth, handy and accurate. 73, Larry N8LP www.telepostinc.com Don Wilhelm wrote: > Larry, > > A kit is a great idea! Avoid temptations for an instrument that tries to do > everything and ends up doing many things poorly. > > I had hopes that the AMQRP Micro908 kit would be a better replacement for my > MFJ259, but alas, it is very inaccurate for impedances that vary much from > 50 ohms resistive. IMHO, its bridge needs a total redesign to make it a > useful instrument. > > Of course, the N2PK VNA should be a great instrument if I can ever get > around to completing it, but it is not a tool to use at the top of a tower - > it needs the computer attached to be useful. > > 73, > Don W3FPR > > >> -----Original Message----- >> >> I have the MFJ, Autek Vector Analyst and AEA CIA. Without question the >> most accurate is the AEA, but I usually grab the Autek because of its >> size. It also resolves sign of X. The tuning is touchy though, and the >> menus are a hassle. I hadn't thought of an antenna analyzer product, >> since the field is so crowded, but maybe there's a niche for a simple >> device, along the lines of the MFJ, but smaller and with better product >> build (ie, user built kit ;-) and battery life. Maybe also with the >> ability to determine sign of phase angle. >> >> Larry N8LP >> >> >> >> Craig D. Smith wrote: >> >>> I have a MFJ259B. Had to hold my nose to shell out the $250 or so for >>> something with that build quality and design flaws (size, >>> >> battery system, >> >>> etc). That said, next to my transceiver, it is the piece of >>> >> equipment I use >> >>> most often and it does do the job intended. I would feel naked >>> >> without it. >> >>> Every ham should have one or something equivalent. >>> >>> The features and quality of ham equipment these days is astounding, but >>> strangely there, in my estimation, is no really good antenna >>> >> analyzer on the >> >>> market. I think the MFJ is the best overall unit available, >>> >> and that is a >> >>> sad statement. Most analyzers (see Eham reviews) score lower >>> >> than the MFJ. >> >>> The Palstar gets good marks for size, quality, etc, but does not have an >>> analog meter which I think is an essential user interface for convenient >>> usage. >>> >>> So I agree with the comment some others have made - there is a >>> >> big market >> >>> for a good antenna analyzer - especially with all the new ham >>> >> licenses that >> >>> will be minted soon. My wish list includes: About half the >>> >> physical size of >> >>> the MFJ, analog meter plus LCD display, decent battery life, frequency >>> coverage from 1.5 to 150 MHz, price about $250 or $200 for a >>> >> kit. I don't >> >>> need automated plotting or computer interface. Either Elecraft or Larry >>> Phipps have the technical expertise and kitting experience to >>> >> do a great job >> >>> with such a project. I hope they are listening!! >>> >>> 73 Craig AC0DS >>> > -- > No virus found in this outgoing message. > Checked by AVG Free Edition. > Version: 7.5.446 / Virus Database: 268.18.10/720 - Release Date: 3/12/2007 > 7:19 PM > > > > Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by Dan Romanchik KB6NU
Dan KB6NU wrote:
> You all might want to take a look at the Autek Research > (www.autekresearch.com) antenna analyzers. I have an Autek VA-1 (the slightly more expensive model that displays the sign of the reactance), an MFJ259B, and a Micro-908. All of them must be used with great care around RF fields. Even if the field is not strong enough to damage it, it will prevent accurate measurements. Thanks to a mixing product of local BC stations that appears on 1810 KHz, I can't use any of them to tune a 160M vertical! The Autek is small and light and provides reasonable battery life from a 9v battery. It fits in a pocket. It has only a digital readout so it is a little less convenient to read than the MFJ which also has analog meters. The MFJ uses up batteries, lots of AA cells. It's also a pain to change them (lots of screws). I use it when I am in the shack or where there is AC power. The analog meters make it easy to find dips and peaks, etc. I haven't noticed any QC problems with mine. The AA908 is interesting. It is a kit that uses SMT technology and was fun to build. It has an RS232 interface so it can collect data to be analyzed on a PC. Unfortunately, there seems to be a design problem which makes it very sensitive to component variations (or something) and mine -- and many others -- seem to be very inaccurate over about 10 MHz. I am hoping that the kit manufacturer will come up with a solution. I would buy an Elecraft analyzer if it were priced under about $250. I mean, how many of these things do I need? -- 73, Vic, K2VCO Fresno CA http://www.qsl.net/k2vco _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
Re: Antenna Analyzer Redux
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In reply to this post by KJ3D-2
>
> The Tenna Dipper looks too good to pass up. It's a nice little unit - I have one, too. The thing to realize is that it is designed to match a 50 ohm resistive load, *and nothing else*. Your Hustler is not that - no vertical is. (BTW, I'm curious about the 17m addition you got - I have a 6BTV and wouldn't mind if it had 17m!) 73 de chris K6DBG _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
Re: Antenna Analyzer
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In reply to this post by Vic K2VCO
I have an Autek VA-1 and a miniVNA and here are some tips:
1. Get an Optek neoprene camera case and store it in there. Put the battery in the external pocket, as it gets turned on easily. Put a BNC adapter in the battery case. I velcro-clipped the case to my antenna bag. 2. Don't twist the center pin of the SO239. It is hooked to a flying capacitor lead. I also have the miniVNA and like it as well but haven't gotten around to making it work with a PocketPC yet. If money is no object, the TimeWave one (designed by a local ham here) is really nice. 73, Leigh/WA5ZNU _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by Vk2NU
My K2 kit arrived yesterday, very fast shipping to
New Jersey! I built the control board in a few hours, seems easy to build as long as you have a magnifier to read those little numbers on the parts! The manual is very well done and printed, I like this kit! Brett N2DTS _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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Brett
Do not hurry but enjoy !!! Happy user of K2/K1/KX1 73 de aki, ja1nlx [hidden email] http://www.asahi-net.or.jp/~yy7a-ysd/ http://ja1nlx.exblog.jp/ ----- Original Message ----- From: "Brett gazdzinski" <[hidden email]> To: <[hidden email]> Sent: Friday, March 16, 2007 2:16 PM Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Kit arrived... > My K2 kit arrived yesterday, very fast shipping to > New Jersey! > > I built the control board in a few hours, seems easy to > build as long as you have a magnifier to read those > little numbers on the parts! > > The manual is very well done and printed, I like this kit! > > Brett > N2DTS > > _______________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: [hidden email] > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by Vk2NU
I got my front panel board done today, and
started on the RF board. So far all seems good, very easy to build, at least so far.... In case anyone is wondering, they are up to SN 6065! I have read a bit here about setting up the filters, and it being critical, and you need the spectrogram software. Well, it seems to me if you need that to set the rig up so it works correctly, it should be included with the kit? Would a spectrum analyzer help? I have a nice HP 8592l that I used on the homebrew receivers, could I use it on the K2 to set the filters up? Brett N2DTS _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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Brett, N2DTS, asked:
I have read a bit here about setting up the filters, and it being critical, and you need the spectrogram software. Well, it seems to me if you need that to set the rig up so it works correctly, it should be included with the kit? ====================== Good point, Brett, and the truth is you can set up the filters without any other stuff. However, Spectrogram is an excellent tool that makes the process infinitely easier. Unfortunately, Elecraft doesn't own it! You can get a copy along with FB detailed instructions on how to use it from one of our long-term list members and great contributor, Tom, N0SS. Go to http://www.n0ss.net/index_k2.html And scroll to the bottom of the page. The next-to-last item is the Spectrogram software. The last item is the step-by-step instructions for using it. Once again, for the thousandth time, *thanks* Tom!! Ron AC7AC _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by Brett gazdzinski-2
Brett,
You will find Spectrogram easier to use than a spectrum analyzer. Think of Spectrogram as a spectrum analyzer for the audio spectrum (which it is). In general, it will offer better resolution than an RF spectrum analyzer and will provide a plot of the audio response of the K2. Your spectrum analyzer may be helpful in determining the harmonic rejection of the K2, and other RF related parameters, but the audio response analysis offerred by Spectrogram will be sufficient for aligning the K2 filter bandpass. 73, Don W3FPR > -----Original Message----- > > I got my front panel board done today, and > started on the RF board. > So far all seems good, very easy to build, at least > so far.... > > In case anyone is wondering, they are up to SN 6065! > > I have read a bit here about setting up the filters, and it being > critical, and you need the spectrogram software. > Well, it seems to me if you need that to set the > rig up so it works correctly, it should be included > with the kit? > > Would a spectrum analyzer help? > I have a nice HP 8592l that I used on the homebrew receivers, > could I use it on the K2 to set the filters up? > > > Brett > N2DTS > No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.446 / Virus Database: 268.18.12/724 - Release Date: 3/16/2007 12:12 PM _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by Brett gazdzinski-2
Hi Brett:
>I got my front panel board done today, and >started on the RF board. > >So far all seems good, very easy to build, at least >so far.... > >In case anyone is wondering, they are up to SN 6065! > >I have read a bit here about setting up the filters, and >it being critical, and you need the spectrogram software. >Well, it seems to me if you need that to set the >rig up so it works correctly, it should be included >with the kit? You don't "NEED" Spectrogram, but it does help quite a bit. The last shareware version of Spectrogram (v5.1.7) is available at www.n0ss.net. You can find it on both the K2- and K1-specific pages of this site, along with K2- and K1-specific PDF documcents for ease of using it. >Would a spectrum analyzer help? >I have a nice HP 8592l that I used on the homebrew receivers, >could I use it on the K2 to set the filters up? I'm sure you could use it as well. But you'll have to get info from someone else. I've never had an opportunity to use a real spectrum analyzer in that use. 73, Tom Hammond N0SS _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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