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Author Topic: PC Based Test Equipment  (Read 375 times)

AC7CW

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PC Based Test Equipment
« on: April 11, 2021, 12:36:24 PM »

My shack and workshop is confined to a desk right now. I don't have a workbench but would like to get on with some projects. Does anybody have experience with pc-based test equipment that they would like to share?
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K3UIM

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Re: PC Based Test Equipment
« Reply #1 on: April 11, 2021, 03:26:38 PM »

Thank you!! With my sense of humor, I chuckle every time I see:
 (and get off my lawn)
Charlie
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K4FMH

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Re: PC Based Test Equipment
« Reply #2 on: April 11, 2021, 04:16:21 PM »

My shack and workshop is confined to a desk right now. I don't have a workbench but would like to get on with some projects. Does anybody have experience with pc-based test equipment that they would like to share?

Hi,

Great Q. One can dicker about accuracy and the like on test equipment. And frequency range. But take a look at the Digilent AD 2 USB device with the free Waveforms software: https://store.digilentinc.com/analog-discovery-2-100msps-usb-oscilloscope-logic-analyzer-and-variable-power-supply/ You can do a lot with this little puck-sized device. They have accessories, particularly the LC add-on. In addition, they now have a Pro model that’s a step up in price but performance, too.

Don’t  forget the inexpensive NanoVNA and the TinySA devices. They’re easier to use with the PC-based software.

73,

Frank
K4FMH
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KB2WIG

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Re: PC Based Test Equipment
« Reply #3 on: April 14, 2021, 02:04:24 PM »



I use the SDR RSP1 as a po man's frequency counter/spectrum analyzer. Nice for ~ 100 bucks.

KLC
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AC7CW

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Re: PC Based Test Equipment
« Reply #4 on: April 15, 2021, 06:42:00 AM »



I use the SDR RSP1 as a po man's frequency counter/spectrum analyzer. Nice for ~ 100 bucks.

KLC

Yes, great idea, it could use a buffer and 10 meg probe maybe, pretty easy to build that
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K1KIM

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Re: PC Based Test Equipment
« Reply #5 on: April 15, 2021, 11:58:57 AM »

Don’t  forget the inexpensive NanoVNA and the TinySA devices. They’re easier to use with the PC-based software.


I agree. There is so much more you can see with the NanoSaver software when working with your NanoVNA to test antennas, feedlines, and a host of other measurements. All on the "big screen"
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G4AON

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Re: PC Based Test Equipment
« Reply #6 on: April 16, 2021, 01:59:27 AM »

Probably a small rack/shelf unit would help as PC based test equipment is fairly limited. You will need a variable Volts/current power supply, multi-meter, and maybe any/all of the following depending on what you are building/testing:
Oscilloscope
Power meter and dummy load
Signal generator
Frequency counter
Modulation meter (only applicable to AM/FM testing)
Spectrum analyser (could use an SDR although not always as accurate or as easy to use for measurements)

Smaller items that will fit in a desk drawer include transistor testers, LC meters and a NanoVNA.

Few of these items are really PC driven space savers. A typically quoted example is a PC based oscilloscope, the better ones cost as much (if not more) than a small Chinese stand alone unit. I have a  Rigol DS1054Z scope and it's size is 313.1 mm× 160.8 mm×122.4 mm. I keep it in a padded "cool bag" on a shelf in a spare room.

There are useful hand held spectrum analysers around, the cheapest "professional grade" analysers that I know of are those by Thurlby Thandar, I have one of their earlier models and it is excellent for use tracing noise and measuring radiated signal strength. See https://www.aimtti.com/product-category/spectrum-analyzers/aim-psaseries2

Happy shopping!
Dave
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G8FXC

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Re: PC Based Test Equipment
« Reply #7 on: April 16, 2021, 04:08:36 AM »



I use the SDR RSP1 as a po man's frequency counter/spectrum analyzer. Nice for ~ 100 bucks.

KLC
We initially bought our RSP1A when we needed to do some "tick-in-the-box" type EMC testing to get an EC certificate. It did an excellent job and was subsequently redeployed as the spectrum scope in my shack!

Martin (G8FXC)
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KB2WIG

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Re: PC Based Test Equipment
« Reply #8 on: April 16, 2021, 09:58:03 AM »

 
M,

I grabed some RG 174, wound some #20 wire around a drill bit for a pick up coil, soldered them together, and Roberts is your Avunculus.



klc
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VK6HP

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Re: PC Based Test Equipment
« Reply #9 on: April 17, 2021, 04:40:22 AM »

What type of projects does the OP favour and what is the representative budget?  The optimum mix and form of the test gear will change a bit depending on what he wants to do, and which operations are one-off, occasional or regular.  Very good PC-based systems are not especially cheap, although there is a fair range to choose from these days.  I've used a few PC-based instruments  (including Picoscope and NI devices) and been quite impressed.  However, for a lot of bench work, I much prefer separate instruments with well-designed ergonomics. 

Assuming the basics such as a decent soldering station and bench power supply, my list would be similar to Dave's (above) although, despite having and liking some TTi gear, I'd spring for one of the small-ish Rigol DSA800 series spectrum analysers with a tracking generator for about the same cost as the TTi hand-held unit. A scope that you're comfortable with is also a must, and a low-cost VNA - such as the nanoVNA - covers a lot of ground. I've "ruggedized" mine, making it more convenient for both indoor and outdoor use.

As a further comment on the RF spectrum analysis, think also about what your transceiver and bandscope can do for you.  For example, in some recent work looking at the phase noise of class D MF amplifiers, I found the FFT scope in my TS-890S gave the bench real-time spectrum analyser a run for its money, noting the absolute calibration advantages of the latter.  As others have suggested, a low-ish cost SDR can also be useful and I sometimes use the RSPdx unit for quick, wideband off-air scans.

Good, small RF signal generators are not that easy to come by, although for many applications some of the eBay Chinese offerings based on various flavours of DDSs will get the job done.  I covet a better unit than my Rigol DSG generator but, not having the space for a boat anchor, and noting the costs of units with significantly better phase noise, I'm making do.

73, Peter.
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AC7CW

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Re: PC Based Test Equipment
« Reply #10 on: April 17, 2021, 11:06:32 AM »

Money is not the constraint, space to work in is. I'm designing a transceiver for my own use, HF-6 and who knows what else...
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VK6HP

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Re: PC Based Test Equipment
« Reply #11 on: April 17, 2021, 11:07:01 PM »

I sympathize - that's largely my situation, too.  All I can suggest is to go vertical as much as possible, and get as many storage cupboards, hutches etc as you can.  My "bench" is actually a small automotive workshop unit, with a hard rubber top mat and 7 drawers below for hand tools.  The test gear sits on a horizontal extension unit, with cupboards underneath and a hutch/shelf unit on top to house the equipment.  It's fairly highly optimized but, almost by definition, lacks flexibility, which is sometimes a nuisance.  My half-way approach is to, where possible, get small-ish dedicated test gear with maximum connectivity. 

73, Peter.
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AC7CW

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Re: PC Based Test Equipment
« Reply #12 on: April 18, 2021, 09:36:11 AM »

Thanks for the replies, I'm concluding that I can have some very good test equipment in a small space. I was surprised to learn that some of the standalone oscilloscopes are less expensive than the usb types. The idea of making a front end for an SDR radio and using free software for spectrum analysis appeals strongly because of 2GHz capability. I've used a spectrum analyzer attached to the back of a Tektronix o'scope before and it was just amazingly good for finalizing a circuit. If I can get a scope that outputs it's signal it will solve the problem of having a front end for the spectrum analyzer. Probably a buffer amp with that much bandwidth exists already, I don't know. I'll dig into this more and after I build a bench I'll get back here with what I've found.

I have the book "Amateur Radio Transceiver Performance Testing" from the ARRL and can recommend it heartily as a tutorial and guide in setting up for measurements. After posting my general inquiry here I realize that I want equipment to do everything described therein so I have a clear goal now.

If anybody has experience with anything in particular feel free to share it here.
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