[Elecraft] KTCXO3-1 knock offs

[Andy Durbin]

"How can I test phase noise?  Someone live close to NW GA that would like to test it?"

I ran a series of tests to evaluate various Kenwood TS-590S "TCXO".  I required nothing more complicated than a second TS-590S and a step attenuator.  My results for a single frequency offset showed good correlation with measurements made independently using more sophisticated test equipment.

The basic test method is simple.  Set up the TX with the oscillator under test transmitting to a dummy load.  Use a second receiver to sample the signal at the dummy load via a step attenuator.  Chose the test frequency offset. TX a CW test message and adjust the attenuator so the CW message is just audible in the RX noise.  Record the attenuator value. Repeat the test with different "TCXO" in the transmitter.  (My test was extended for different RX bandwidths and for receiver up and down conversion modes).

The results convinced me that I did not want a cheap Chinese "TCXO" in my TS-590S.

73,
Andy, k3wyc