[Central-Electronics] CE 20A Distortion Measurements on AM

[Jim Candela]

Hi Group,

   I sure loved that Ham Nation video, thanks to George and Bob for making that happen.

I have been quiet on this reflector for too long, so I decided to contribute something for a change.
This distortion topic started with me wanting to run a 3rd order IMD test of my 20A when on SSB. Since 
I don't have a suitable spectrum analyzer (or SDR receiver), I explored using my Icom R8500's 
calibrated 'S' meter. Problem with that was I'd need the narrow CW filter to separate the various frequencies produced from intermodulation distortion. Anyone have a FL-52A 500 Hz CW filter surplus to their needs? :-)

   So my thinking moved on to running the transmitter (20A) & receiver (Icom R8500). The receiver has 3 filters for AM (2.2, 5.5 and 12 Khz filter). I selected 12 Khz on AM. I do have a PC based audio spectrum analyzer software package. 

   I made a post with the data on the forum, amforever.com; here is the link: 

http://www.amforever.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=1464


As I went through this exercise, I was guiding myself through the process, kind of seat of the pants improvisation. Therefore this exercise is not necessarily producing valid data, or even a valid setup configuration. Therefore I wonder if any of you CE fans have any experience in the area of distortion, and intermod measurements?

Feel free to jump in on AMFOREVER (easy to register), or do so here.

73,
Jim
WD5JKO