Test equipment every amateur radio operator should have

[AK9R]

A friend and I were talking about a problem I was having with my station and the topic of "test equipment every amateur radio operator should have" came up.

So, how about we make a list? I'll start with:

• Digital multimeter
• SWR/power meter
• Dummy load

What models of this "basic three" would you suggest?

What else would you add to the list?

 

[k6cpo]

A friend and I were talking about a problem I was having with my station and the topic of "test equipment every amateur radio operator should have" came up.

So, how about we make a list? I'll start with:

• Digital multimeter
• SWR/power meter
• Dummy load

What models of this "basic three" would you suggest?

What else would you add to the list?

Multimeter: Fluke or equivalent. Don't skimp.

SWR/Power meter: not really needed. Get an antenna analyzer instead.

Dummy load: I built my own.

 

[RFI-EMI-GUY]

Analog multimeter is something I would add. There are a lot of times a digital will mislead you, or you need to adjust some analog device and need to see a peak or dip.

 

[RFI-EMI-GUY]

Multimeter: Fluke or equivalent. Don't skimp.

SWR/Power meter: not really needed. Get an antenna analyzer instead.

Dummy load: I built my own.

You still need an RF power meter. An antenna analyzer wont do that without a lot of smoke.

 

[ladn]

I think this is a good, basic, selection of equipment that's not overly expensive nor arcane in operation.
And, while not exactly test equipment, I think adding a set of alligator clip jumpers, rf cable jumpers and rf adapters would be useful.

 

[R8000]

A good first peice of test equipment used should be the printed/PDF operating manual of the radio needing repair and actually reading it. Based on many questions asked on social media and here, just reading the manual and understanding how the device works may prevent a repair even being needed.

 

[MUTNAV]

Analog multimeter is something I would add. There are a lot of times a digital will mislead you, or you need to adjust some analog device and need to see a peak or dip.

I agree with the sentiment, although a really good DMM can simulate analog when needed.

A lot of this would depend on what the ham intends to do.... Does this theoretical ham need pre-made stations, and just put up an antenna, or are they making a Tuna Tin Transceiver from scratch?

I would probably add step attenuators (and power ones if appropriate) to the mix if appropriate.
Thanks
Joel

 

[KevinC]

On the DMM, buy one with more functions than you think you need. So as you get more skilled you’ll have the ability to use those functions. If you get a basic voltage and resistance one you’ll soon get discouraged with it. Or that’s my opinion at least.

 

[ems55]

Multimeter: Fluke or equivalent. Don't skimp.

SWR/Power meter: not really needed. Get an antenna analyzer instead.

Dummy load: I built my own.

Antenna analyzer is a good idea !! Any suggestions ??

 

[FKimble]

While I love my Fluke, I use my "GE" cheapy from Walmart more! Ham stuff seldom needs Fluke accuracy. Ohming out shorts and opens, and checking 12vDC are not critical measurements. I don't build antennas so my old Bird 43 handles power, swr etc.

Frank

 

[mmckenna]

For work, it's pretty much the same:

Fluke multimeter is usually the first thing I grab out of my truck.

Also in the work truck:
Telewave directional wattmeter. It covers VHF, UHF and 700/800MHz and up to 500 watts without needing slugs.
Bird 100 watt dummy load good up to 1GHz.
Kit of adapters.
Decent quality (so you can trust them) coax jumpers.
I've got a service monitor and all that, but that's work stuff, and I don't carry it in the truck.

For ham use, it's pretty much the same thing at home. Only difference is I don't have a service monitor. I do have a NanoVNA antenna analyzer.


The Multimeter, watt meter and dummy load will get you a long ways with stuff that is easily fixed/serviced by the average ham. The NanoVNA is a nice add-on.

 

[merlin]

Even for ham use you really shouldn't skimp.
A Simpson 260-3 and ~ HP 7 segment DMM.
A quality 100 Mhz dual trace O scope. (IE: Tektronix 465)
Funtion generator ~ Tektronix CFG280
Signal generator: .5 Khz to 1 GHZ 1 Hz resolution and output level -150 DbMv to +13 DbMv
A stiff 0 to 40 volt @ 5 amp supply, plus a fixed 13.5 volt 35 amp supply or better.
A good bi directional watt meter ~ Bird 43 with complement of slugs.
50 ohm dummy load rated no less than 500 watt.
To see your emissions:
something in a spectrum analyzer. 0 to 1 Ghz + with tracking generator.
A full house of mil spec RF adapters and jumpers.
Add a good modulation/deviation meter.

All this will get you started and do the same thing as a $35,000 IFR service monitor.

 

[FKimble]

Merlin, most hams would have no idea what that hi-end test equipment was for, let alone how to use it! A decent voltage meter and power meter would take care of most problems the current generation of hams could handle. Problem determination is a dying art!

Frank

 

[RFI-EMI-GUY]

Even for ham use you really shouldn't skimp.
A Simpson 260-3 and ~ HP 7 segment DMM.
A quality 100 Mhz dual trace O scope. (IE: Tektronix 465)
Funtion generator ~ Tektronix CFG280
Signal generator: .5 Khz to 1 GHZ 1 Hz resolution and output level -150 DbMv to +13 DbMv
A stiff 0 to 40 volt @ 5 amp supply, plus a fixed 13.5 volt 35 amp supply or better.
A good bi directional watt meter ~ Bird 43 with complement of slugs.
50 ohm dummy load rated no less than 500 watt.
To see your emissions:
something in a spectrum analyzer. 0 to 1 Ghz + with tracking generator.
A full house of mil spec RF adapters and jumpers.
Add a good modulation/deviation meter.

All this will get you started and do the same thing as a $35,000 IFR service monitor.

You can buy an HP8920A/B or 8924 service monitor for $500 to $1000. Usually they have a tracking generator, spectrum display.

 

[RFI-EMI-GUY]

Merlin, most hams would have no idea what that hi-end test equipment was for, let alone how to use it! A decent voltage meter and power meter would take care of most problems the current generation of hams could handle. Problem determination is a dying art!

Frank

It would be good if new hams were learning how to fix stuff. It is quite useful and good for the planet, to be able to troubleshoot electronics.

 

[JASII]

I have no idea if any amateur radio clubs are doing this, but some test equipment could be onwed by a club and them checked out, as needed. I am pretty sure that not member needs all of the above mentioned items each and every day. But, when you determine that you do need certain items every day, then buy them!

 

[prcguy]

I just bought an HP/Agilent 8920A a few weeks ago and not only does it have a spectrum analyzer with tracking gen, its got an RF signal gen from a few hundred KHz to 1GHz, an audio generator, an oscilloscope, SINAD meter, RF wattmeter and other stuff. Its a radio service shop in a box and well worth the price of admission.

If your new to the hobby or plan on doing it for some time to come, just buy high quality test gear and it will last a lifetime. I still have a Bird 43 wattmeter I bought used in the mid 70s and lots of tools I bought back then that were top of the line and expensive, but they have paid for themselves many times over compared to cheap tools and test equipment that would need repair or replacement.

You can buy an HP8920A/B or 8924 service monitor for $500 to $1000. Usually they have a tracking generator, spectrum display.

 

[drdispatch]

A DMM is helpful, but I'll always have a special place in my heart for the good ol' Simpson 260!

 

[ladn]

It would be good if new hams were learning how to fix stuff. It is quite useful and good for the planet, to be able to troubleshoot electronics.

I fully agree, but would change the wording to all hams. The problems is that modern equipment is extremely difficult to repair and there's no longer a plethora of convenient parts vendors.

It's one thing to be able to diagnose an equipment problem, but an entirely different skill set to be able to work on SMD electronics.. Most hams, myself included, probably don't have the requisite eye/hand coordination let alone the microscope and SMD soldering station.

There's also the whole "right to repair" and access to service literature issue to be considered.

Having basic electronic fabrication and repair skills and equipment is important but we also need to be realistic about what can be expected of the average ham.

 

[mmckenna]

"test equipment every amateur radio operator should have" came up.

So, how about we make a list? I'll start with:

• Digital multimeter
• SWR/power meter
• Dummy load

What models of this "basic three" would you suggest?

What else would you add to the list?

Key here is "every amateur radio operator". Not techs wanting to go into the LMR business, not trying to build out a full service bench. Just the basics to take care of the most common issues.

...but we also need to be realistic about what can be expected of the average ham.

I agree.

Looking over years of posts, there's a common thread. Most new hams barely have enough to afford a radio, never mind a full repair bench. Some basic tools to do basic troubleshooting would be a good place to start. A multimeter (analog, digital, licking the 9 volt battery, whatever) will help track down many issues. Add in a cheap watt meter and a basic dummy load, and you've got the basics covered.

I'd bet dollars to donuts that 95% of the issues new hams run across could be solved with those 3 items.


As for which models, I think that would depend on the individual ham.
Not every ham is going to be up to disassembling radios. Some can't afford more than a Baofeng. Expecting all hams to have spectrum analyzers and service monitors is going a bit too far.

Many hams would do just fine with a Harbor Freight digital multimeter, a Cheap Chinese SWR meter and a 50Ω load. I would even try to count the number of posts on this site from people having radio issues that would be solved if they just had these 3 basic items.

If they progress in the hobby, they may want to upgrade as budget allows. Fluke meters are nice, Bird meters are nice. But a flea market Radio Shack analog meter and an MFJ watt meter would achieve the same basic goal.