[Test-Equipment] RF spectrum analysis

[W2HX]

I think what you want is a network analyzer.  If you just want to see magnitude of the response then a scalar network analyzer would suit you (or a spectrum analyzer with a tracking generator or noise source). If you want to see how the impedance changes with frequency and the input and output impedances of a circuit then you may want a vector network analyzer


-----Original Message-----
From: test-equipment-bounces at mailman.qth.net [mailto:test-equipment-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Brian Burns
Sent: Sunday, January 19, 2014 12:28 PM
To: test-equipment at mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Test-Equipment] RF spectrum analysis

Hello All,

 

In my audio work as a Spanish guitar maker I use a wonderful audio spectrum analysis program called Spectra Plus. I run frequency response curves on raw wood, and partially completed guitars, to track the positions of resonances in the audio spectrum, and with its Q calculating feature I can measure the Q of any resonance. Initially I used an audio oscillator, frequency counter, and a sound level meter to plot these out manually, but man was that a lot of work! Once I got Spectra Plus, I never looked back (:->).

 

A couple of years ago I got seduced back into my old hobby of ham radio---just what I don't need, a hobby! I would love to have a way to run the same sort of frequency response curves at RF for checking the resonances and Q's of tuned circuits, antennas etc. I could do it manually with my grid dip meter, calibrated receiver, and VTVM, but now I'm spoiled! Does anyone have a method, program, or a piece of hardware (down converter?) that yields a graphic representation of a frequency spectrum? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

Cheers,

 

Brian Burns   Ex: W5BRO, K6UCD

 

See my website:  www.lessonsinlutherie.com

 



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