Category Archives: Testing

PackTenna CMC Test Results

Posted on October 9, 2026 by robert

Using the Halibut Electronics CMC Test Rig, I hooked up the PackTenna PAK-103 In-Line Common Mode Choke (rated for 100 watts).  The nanoVNA was calibrated using the Open/Short/Load on the Test Fixture. Here are the results with some markers on … Continue reading →

Posted in From the OM, Testing | Leave a comment

Common Mode Choke Test Rig

Posted on October 7, 2026 by robert

Having been in the hobby for more than a few decades, various issues with RFI in the shack are often attributed to “common mode current” – that is a signal that is injected into our coax in such a way … Continue reading →

Posted in Testing | Leave a comment

Restoring HP3335A Part 2

Posted on November 14, 2017 by robert

After cleaning the synthesizer inside and out, I replaced multiple screws that were missing from the internal metal frame, and bolted down the power supply, which was obviously replaced in the past (without putting it back in properly).  Despite the … Continue reading →

Posted in FMT, Gear, Testing | Leave a comment

Restoring a HP 3335A to full operation

Posted on November 11, 2017 by robert

I’ve always been sort of a time nut, but that’s pretty closely related to frequency.  The ARRL helps to sponsor a periodic Frequency Measurement Test, usually held in April and November.  A good friend of mine, John WA1ABI, always participates … Continue reading →

Posted in FMT, Gear, Testing | 5 Comments

First Radials on the Ground for Inverted L

Posted on June 3, 2017 by robert

I’ve been using a low loop, about 450 feet of wire, around 20 to 30 feet off the ground for years.  It worked well for me, enabling me to get 9-band DXCC and 8-band WAS.  But the sunspots have diminished, … Continue reading →

Posted in Antennas, DX, Propagation, Testing | 1 Comment

K1 30-meter Emissions, Revisited

Posted on December 16, 2016 by robert

So I decided to open up my K1 and recheck the 30-meter bandpass filter alignment, guessing that the simple “peak coils for maximum” in the manual might also tend to peak the spurious emissions for maximum as well.  Sure enough … Continue reading →

Posted in Operating, QRP, Testing | Leave a comment

Elecraft K1 Emissions

Posted on December 14, 2016 by robert

After completing the internal tuner add-on for my K1, I wanted to run emission tests on it as well.  My unit is two bands: 30-meter and 20-meter. FCC Limit:  For transmitters installed after January 1, 2003, the mean power of … Continue reading →

Posted in Operating, Testing | Leave a comment