"essential" tools

[john.brewer]

I'll second the suggestion of the AADE  meter. Though many LCR meters claim this function, they
don't typically have the resolution needed for small toroids, inductors, or caps like the AADE
meter does (and as are used in many applications)

I've got the M3 semiconductor meter on order...I look forward to evaluating it, as it looks
great. The multimeter level semi tests seem pretty useless to me. If one knows what the device
pinout is, they'll tell you if there's junctions there...but the ohmmeter fuction of the DMM
does that faster anyway.

The most used piece of test gear here (after brain and DMM) is the antenna analyzer, which sees
service not only for its intended use, but as a quick and dirty signal generator, spotting
generator, impedance bridge, etc etc etc. Very handy and used constantly. The version I have is
the Autek , but all provide roughly the same function, and I find it indispensible.

John K5MO

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[Ron D'Eau Claire-2]

This discussion of good L meters brings up an issue regarding Elecraft rigs
that probably bears repeating.

When building an Elecraft kit, do *not* try to trim the inductances to meet
the value shown in the manual. Simply wind the toroids with exactly the
number of turns called for and position the wires as shown in the
illustrations.

It doesn't hurt to measure the inductance if you want to, but don't panic if
the values don't match the manual and don't try to adjust the coil to make
them match. The numbers in the manuals are simply nominal values and may not
be the optimum value for your particular rig. Where the actual value is
critical, it is adjusted as needed to make the circuit behave properly, not
by adjusting the coil to meet some predetermined inductance. The PLL
reference oscillator coil in the K2 is one such example, where you may
adjust the coil slightly to obtain the proper voltage range. The KX1 output
filter coils are another, where you may adjust the position of the turns for
proper output on all bands.

Where such tests are not a part of the build procedure, the inductance is
not that critical. Just be sure to wind the coil exactly as shown.

Ron AC7AC



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[Vic K2VCO]

Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:
>
> It doesn't hurt to measure the inductance if you want to, but don't panic if
> the values don't match the manual and don't try to adjust the coil to make
> them match.

Ron's right, and I'm repeating myself too, but I want to add that the
effect of a toroid core on inductance *varies with frequency*.  So if
you have an inductance meter that uses a 1 MHz signal source to measure
the inductance of a coil that is to be used at 10 MHz, the error may be
quite large.

I have used an MFJ antenna analyzer to measure toroid inductance at the
relevant frequency, but as Ron points out it is not necessary or
appropriate to do this when winding toroids for an Elecraft kit.
--
73,
Vic, K2VCO
Fresno CA
http://www.qsl.net/k2vco
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