Test equipment

[SteveM]

What test equipment is recomended for someone just gett in ng started in learning radio repair?

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[Bobcat]

Hey Steve, welcome in.

I particularly enjoyed this one. A channel on YouTube 'TRX Bench' uploaded a video at the request of one of his subscribers. He goes all through what he considers the absolute minimum, shoestring budget, equipment to gather to even begin working on radios. He doesn't touch on tools... like soldering irons, wrenches, alignment tools.... things like that.... but the equipment itself. I hope you enjoy.



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[Bobcat]

One other that I thought handy is a little diagram that shows an average test bench and how it is connected.

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[Bobcat]

Sorry, I can't figure out how to make a link to an image on Photobucket work!

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[MDYoungblood]

Hello SteveM,
Welcome to the forum. Here is a link to a topic about the same thing not too long ago.

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Click the second link in the post as well and write a "Welcome" there.

3's

Greg

[Bobcat]

That was the exact image that I was trying to get up for you!!!
Thanks MDYoungblood

[MDYoungblood]

Sorry, I can't figure out how to make a link to an image on Photobucket work!

[ Post made via Linux Laptop ] [ external image ]

That was the exact image that I was trying to get up for you!!!
Thanks MDYoungblood

I don't use Photobucket because after so many days they kidnap your pics and hold them for ransom. I use Postimage now and so does the forum as it's image poster.

3's

Greg

[MDYoungblood]

I don't know how deep you want to go into repairs, a good start on equipment is a quality SWR/Watt meter (for the bench) and a nice antenna analyzer, next would be a accurate frequency counter. Watch the YouTube's of repairs and look at their benches, granted they aren't pretty by no means but functional.

3's

Greg

[Bobcat]

That is what I wish I had at the moment... a frequency counter. At this point on my "project" I want to make sure that the VFO and mixers are all working and running at the right frequency. Working.... I can do with a scope. Right frequency.... well.... a scope will get you in the ball park... but not accurate enough.

That's a good direction to go... thanks!

[Bobcat]

Oh, and thanks for the tip on Postimage as well. I will look that up.

[MDYoungblood]

Oh, and thanks for the tip on Postimage as well. I will look that up.

It's [Please login or register to view this link] , free, good storage for free, plus it's secure and it lets me post pics on all the forums I use.

3's

Greg

[redlght]

A scope and spot on signal generator can be more accurate than most counters. A sig gen to channel 1 for trigger and device signal under test for compare and adjust. You get visual cues as you tune the circuit and as soon ch 2 wave form = ch2 wave form or barely moving you are with in a fraction of a cycle off. When tuning up a offset xtal osc that is plus or minus 5 Hz can be a hair pulling experience using a counter unless it is a nanosecond counter, the rest are just to slow to respond as you turn the trimmers or L's.

Video of counter calibrating using a scope and reference. You can also use this for radio alignments:

[Bobcat]

Thank! THAT is interesting!!!!

Of course.... I still have to get an RF generator too!!!!!!

It never ends.... does it???

[redlght]

No once you get bit by the bug your at it for life lol But you get a good sig gen and a rubidium standard you will do more with it than the counter most of the time. I use my counter very little now

[Plumber-G]

The video was pretty good, I really liked the idea of using the external speaker jack to measure the voltage at the speaker. His output meter is a nice little project too. Probably got most of that in my junk box