[Lowfer] LRC Meter

[Ed Phillips]

John Andrews wrote:
> 
> Ed,
> 
> > As for measurements I much prefer a
> > good bridge over the "LCR meters" which are potentially susceptible to
> > producing all sorts of erroneous results.  For Q I prefer a Q meter or
> > some form of parallel or series loss resistance measurement.
> 
> I'm blessed with having an old General Radio RF bridge (516C - fairly rare).
> The 916A, 916AL and 1606 are more common. They are very handy things to have
> around, and can occasionally be found at decent prices on Ebay. They can be
> a bit cumbersome to use, but do give you the advantage of making
> measurements on the frequency you plan to use.
> 
> If you're not trying to make antenna measurements, a Q meter is probably
> easier to use.
> 
> John Andrews

John:

	Your note prompted me to do an inventory of readily-accessible stuff.

RF:

GR-1600A

Boonton 160A Q-Meter (mint)

Heathkit copy of above (works surprisingly well and lighter)

Boonton 30-200 MHz Q-Meter (name plate gone)

Original Millen Grid Dip Meter

Several Heathkit grid dippers & "Tunnel Dippers"

Home-grown 6 Meter grid dipper mounted on soup can

Several RF signal generators from GR to HP 608D to Heathkit.  I'm too
lazy to look at the oldest GR but it's a Navy version which came in a
heavy aluminum case with separate power supply.  Uses a type 76
oscillator tube so at latest middle-1930's vintage.  Works just fine but
heavy as sin.  I've used it a lot for VLF receiver work.

Several counters including giant panel-mount HP 524C with all imaginable
plugins which I'd like to give away - takes up too much space

Audio:

GR 660A (Wooden case, sloping panel, built in 1000 Hz tuning fork)

Electro-measurements ESI-250DA (used most because of size)

Heathkit version of same (works surprisingly well and lighter)

	Can't help it but I'm obviously a pack rat who likes good test
equipment but has long since run out of room for it.  When I go to the
swap meets I measure the cost of stuff in terms of "where could I put
it".  Seeing gorgeous old gear which I've always hungered for at give
away prices.  Recently saw a fairly recent and almost new HP network
analyzer for only $100.  Had to pass it up.

	Should mention that RF measurements are difficult here because of a
couple of local (~1.5 miles) 10 and 25 kW BC stations which give good
readings (>3 volts) on the Q-Meter even with shielded coils!!!!  Takes
care to recognize BC QRM from that being measured.

	I'll bet you can top this.

Ed