[Lowfer] Measuring inductors

C. Turner turner at ussc.com
Wed Mar 9 16:37:58 EST 2011


There's this:

http://wb6dhw.com/RLC_Meter/A%20Low%20Cost%20Automastic%20Impedance%20Bridge.pdf

(Yes, the link really does say "Automastic"!)

If you already have a good sound card for SDR, you are all set!

As was already mentioned, if a core is involved, it's best to measure it 
at the frequency of operation.  Also, to some extent, the response to DC 
current can be gauged by exciting an added secondary winding with a true 
DC current source (e.g. Hi-Z to avoid loading) - or one could observe 
the effects of permeability caused by a permanent magnet as a very 
general and non-scientific approach.

FWIW, I have a GenRad 1650A and according to its book, it's usable to 
about 200 kHz with an external generator:  It gives procedures for doing 
so, providing correction factors and expected accuracy.

73,

Clint
KA7OEI


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