Optimizing my new HBR-11 receiver

[KC9KEP]

Hello all!

I'm just finishing my HBR-11 (Ted Crosby April '63 QST) receiver.

http://www.bignick.net/HBR_11/7.jpg
http://www.bignick.net/HBR_11/5.jpg
http://www.bignick.net/HBR_11/4.jpg

Can anyone advise on how to start to quantitatively characterize this (or any other receiver's) performance?

I would assume that the two major measurements would characterize sensitivity and selectivity.

I do have a sweep generator that I could use for the I.F. strip to see how steep the skirts of the filtering are.

And, I would assume that one would need a "calibrated" RF source in order to find the uV at which the received signal drops out?

Are there some recommended sources of text/discussions for such analysis somewhere?

Thank you all!

73

--Big Nick AKA Tom Nickel AKA KC9KEP

[KA5N]

Download the ARRL Lab Test Procedures Manual (ARRL web site under "services" then technical info.  This 157 page opus explains how ARRL tests new transceivers and receivers.  
Consider that it requires quite a bit of high quality equipment, knowledge and skill to really "quantitively" characterize a receiver, you may wish to settle for a simplified set of tests.
Anyway the ARRL manual should give you a good start with your endeavor.
Allen

[W6VPS]

Damn fine job. It looks super. If it works half as good as it looks....WOW...you've got a winner.

Very nicely done sir.  Who says home brew is dead?

73
Paul/W6VPS

[AA4PB]

Here's some good info including some older receiver measurements. Note the link to a page explaining how to make the measurements.

http://www.w1vd.com/BAreceivertest.html

[WA2ONH]

Tom

I came across the K5BCQ HBR Receiver Web Site noting info on ?

"These are the tube type HBR-14, HBR-16, HBR-8, HBR-11, HBR-12, and HBR-13C receivers originally published in QST. Parts, and sometimes-entire receivers, can be found at swap fests, on e-Bay, and through the various Internet reflectors. There is an HBR Receiver reflector on Allan Waller's qsl.net server. The HBR Receiver Web Site has an abundance of information for those interested and details on how to join the HBR reflector. The "Hints & Kinks and Construction Notes" section includes useful data, applicable to ANY tube equipment."

The GoTo LINK is http://www.qsl.net/k5bcq/HBR/hbr.html

Good Luck

73 de WA2ONH Charlie

[K8AC]

Haven't used an HBR-11, but did build an HBR-16 a long time ago.  With the IF transformers peaked, I found that the passband was too narrow for SSB (and AM of course).  I had to stagger-tune the IFs to get a usable passband width.  That wasn't a problem as there was plenty of IF gain.  If would be interesting to know if you see this same problem.