[Elecraft] HF NOISE GENERATOR BY AC7AC/N0SS

[Don Wilhelm]

Proof that one does not have to have a sophisticated array of instruments to
build and peak up things, often easy to build designs will provide a great
aid to your array of tools that are usable.

My list of 'indespensible tools' for your workbench:

1. DMM
2. Good non-reactive Dummy Load
3. RF Probe (the parts for one is provided with every K2 kit)
4. Signal generator (may be just a crystal oscillator - see the K2 manual
Troubleshooting section)
5. Broadband Noise generator (see the N0SS generator - www.n0ss.com)
6. PC with soundcard loaded with Spectrogram.

With these inexpensive tools, one can do a lot of alignment and diagnostic
troubleshooting.

If you wish to get more sophisticated, you can add
100 MHz scope with 10x probes
Frequency counter
Signal Generator(s)
More exotic stuff like Spectrum Analyzers (and Vector Analyzers) are also
good if you do a lot of homebrewing and experimenting.

What I am saying is that a good workbench may be equipped with simple,
inexpensive tools - there are two important points that I would like to add:
1. Know your tools and their limitations, and 2. Use your head along with
knowledge of point 1 when doing analysis.  Trust no tool until you know its
capabilities and limitations.

There is a lot of excellent information in the ARRL publication
"Experimental Methods for RF Design" that can be put to use - the authors
indicate how homebrew test equipment can be used to accomplish precision
measurements.

73,
Don W3FPR



> -----Original Message-----
>
> Hello all:
> I have built Ron's/Tom's HF Noise Generator inside a business
> cards plastic
> box (hi!)...it looks very uggly and works beautifully! For those
> of you who,
> like myself, have little or no instrumentation, do build the circuit and
> align your receiver with it. Its a great solution.
> Thank you Ron AC7AC and Tom N0SS
> 73
> Manuel
> LU5OM
> CT4IK
> K2 # 5310
>
>