With respect to several posts here on the discussion group;
I would like to wake up an old (1950s) L C measuring technique where calibration and absolute accuracy was not an issue.
You will need at least two (three is better) reactive components of simular value and quality. We will define one component as our 'standard' and the other as 'unit under test'.
?
Set up...
To measure C ... connect two (2) capacitors in PARALLEL
?> OR <
To measure L ... connect two (2) inductors in SERIES
... if meter allows set to a realistic operating frequency ...
Measure and record the value of two (2) components.
Remove the component 'under test' leaving only the quote 'standard' value connected to the meter.
Record the 'standard' value.
The value of the component under test is the difference between these two measures. Substract the small number from the large number.
I feel the accuracy of this technique is independent of absolute? meter accuracy and as far as I know, there is no way to define the accuracy of the value of the component under test but to say 'empirically' it may be spot on. Remember too component lead length and or stray capacitance of test fixture will play a role in the final 'measured' value.
We used this method long ago when commercial test equipment was not an option for a struggling teenage ham but only had a homebrew grid dip oscillator and general coverage HF receiver. Guess who was king of the ham club when I got a second hand Heathkit GDO?
John
N3AAZ
