I was pretty excited about crystal measurements and crystal filter construction a few (many?) years ago. I homebrewed Jim Kortge's?PVXO and initially used a diode detector with good results. Later I built W1FB's integration of several W7ZOI circuits into one crystal measurement instrument that had appeared in QST.
Over time, I started using an?AD8307 type detector for the measurements. I'd built another W7ZOI circuit for this.
While writing the C# software for the PHSNA system originated by W5JH and N5IB, I decided to attempt to automate crystal measurements. I wasn't at all sure it would work, but in fact it worked very well and I was pretty proud of it. I could characterize a crystal and report Cm, Lm and Rs in about ten seconds. The starting point was to provide the approximate resonant frequency and the attenuation of the fixture with a short in place of the crystal. The program would?start a few hundred Hz below the resonant frequency?and move upward until the exact resonant frequency was found, recording the frequency and attenuation found, then scan down for the -3 dB point and then up from resonance to get the other -3 dB point. This was enough information to allow calculation of the parameters.
I've done crystal measurements with the nanoVNA. It's a wonderful gizmo, but the tiny size and those SMA connectors put me off a little. Yes, I use nanoVNA-Saver.
73
Nick, WA5BDU
On Sun, Mar 23, 2025 at 9:21?AM Tim Tyler II via <timtylerii= [email protected]> wrote: No problem, Michael,
Be sure to read K6WHP reply about two posts back in this thread; it is very comprehensive and will lead you to info that will help you decide which/where to buy yours. The nanovnausers IO group is indispensable.
I personally have a Nanovna-H4 and love it. Dislord firmware.
¡ªTim NC0Q
|
Re: S9 Generator Project? (capacitors for RF)
Jim -?
?
A member of the EEVblog forums did a teardown of the DE-5000, and it comes out looking pretty dang good for the price -?
?
?
It's already in my Amazon cart, along with a new Hantek 'scope. I'm just waiting for enough time to elapse since my recent flurry of Mouser orders, such that I feel able to spend a little fun money again!
?
Thanks once again Steve.
?
Dave
AA7EE
|
Here's one link to the DE-5000 manual in English. Note you must do the initial calibration using the test leads you plan to use. You only do that once, then you're good to go from then on as long as you don't change the test leads.
Steve AA7U
|
Re: S9 Generator Project? (capacitors for RF)
Here are pictures of the DE-5000 showing the dissipation factor of a Tayda 150 pF cap? with 0.005 vs. a high quality 150 pF cap. with 0.000.
Steve AA7U
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On 3/23/2025 7:11 PM, Steve Ratzlaff wrote:
Tayda Electronics also carries capacitors in that yellow blob shape; I've bought a bunch of them off and on. My DE-5000 LCR meter has a Dissipation Factor function that works in capacitance mode that I've found to be useful for judging these small values of caps used in RF circuits (and displays along with the capacitance value--you don't need to do anything to get the Dissipation readout). High quality good caps with very low dissipation will have a D of 0.000 even at the default 1 kHz test frequency (where I normally test caps but use 100 kHz for all RF inductors). Most of these Chinese caps will show a higher dissipation, sometimes up to 0.006 I've seen, with many in the .002--.003 range. If you need to use a good cap such as in a frequency sensitive circuit, I'd stay away from the caps that don't read 0.000 Dissipation factor.
73,
Steve AA7U
|
Re: S9 Generator Project? (capacitors for RF)
Thank You Steve for the tips ! I'll put that on my wish list. Looks like a great addition to the bench. Good DX ! Jim WB4ILP?
On Mon, Mar 24, 2025, 10:43 AM Steve Ratzlaff via <ratzlaffsteve= [email protected]> wrote:
Hi Jim,
Yes, that's the one but note that item comes with a bunch of
optional accessories. I buy the "main unit" by itself with no
accessories and put my own test clips on,? calibrate using those,
then don't need to do anything else. The unit comes from Japan,?
quickly.? Here's one with no accessories for the lowest
price--from eBay.?? ?? (You
need to download the free English manual separately.)
73,
Steve AA7U
On 3/24/2025 6:47 AM, Jim WB4ILP via
wrote:
Hey Steve,
Is your DE-5000 the one on Amazon for $138.00??
I'm not sure I'm ready to invest that much but do you
recommend it?
Thanks !
Jim WB4ILP?
On Sun, Mar 23, 2025, 10:11 PM Steve Ratzlaff via
<ratzlaffsteve= [email protected]>
wrote:
Tayda Electronics also carries capacitors in that yellow
blob shape; I've bought a bunch of them off and on. My
DE-5000 LCR meter has a Dissipation Factor function that
works in capacitance mode that I've found to be useful for
judging these small values of caps used in RF circuits
(and displays along with the capacitance value--you don't
need to do anything to get the Dissipation readout). High
quality good caps with very low dissipation will have a D
of 0.000 even at the default 1 kHz test frequency (where I
normally test caps but use 100 kHz for all RF inductors).
Most of these Chinese caps will show a higher dissipation,
sometimes up to 0.006 I've seen, with many in the
.002--.003 range. If you need to use a good cap such as in
a frequency sensitive circuit, I'd stay away from the caps
that don't read 0.000 Dissipation factor.
73,
Steve AA7U
|
Re: S9 Generator Project? (capacitors for RF)
Hi Jim,
Yes, that's the one but note that item comes with a bunch of
optional accessories. I buy the "main unit" by itself with no
accessories and put my own test clips on,? calibrate using those,
then don't need to do anything else. The unit comes from Japan,?
quickly.? Here's one with no accessories for the lowest
price--from eBay.?? ?? (You
need to download the free English manual separately.)
73,
Steve AA7U
On 3/24/2025 6:47 AM, Jim WB4ILP via
groups.io wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
Hey Steve,
Is your DE-5000 the one on Amazon for $138.00??
I'm not sure I'm ready to invest that much but do you
recommend it?
Thanks !
Jim WB4ILP?
On Sun, Mar 23, 2025, 10:11 PM Steve Ratzlaff via
<ratzlaffsteve= [email protected]>
wrote:
Tayda Electronics also carries capacitors in that yellow
blob shape; I've bought a bunch of them off and on. My
DE-5000 LCR meter has a Dissipation Factor function that
works in capacitance mode that I've found to be useful for
judging these small values of caps used in RF circuits
(and displays along with the capacitance value--you don't
need to do anything to get the Dissipation readout). High
quality good caps with very low dissipation will have a D
of 0.000 even at the default 1 kHz test frequency (where I
normally test caps but use 100 kHz for all RF inductors).
Most of these Chinese caps will show a higher dissipation,
sometimes up to 0.006 I've seen, with many in the
.002--.003 range. If you need to use a good cap such as in
a frequency sensitive circuit, I'd stay away from the caps
that don't read 0.000 Dissipation factor.
73,
Steve AA7U
|
Re: S9 Generator Project? (capacitors for RF)
Hi Dave,
I highly recommend the DER DE-5000 LCR meter. It's the least
expensive meter that has 100 kHz selectable test frequency, plus
has near lab-grade accuracy. I don't buy any optional accessories
but use simple mini clips on short 2-3 inch pieces of buss wire
with banana plugs for the connections. There's an English manual
one can download free. Once you do the initial calibration you're
good to go. I find the default 1 kHz test frequency is good enough
for measuring small capacitors, but I always use the 100 kHz test
frequency to measure all RF inductors.
73,
Steve AA7U
On 3/24/2025 6:37 AM,
davidgeorgerichards via groups.io wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
Thanks for mentioning your LCR meter Steve. Seems like a
worthwhile addition to the workbench. Having purchased cheap
capacitors in the past, I'm putting this on my list of wants.
Would you recommend it?
?
Dave
AA7EE
|
Re: S9 Generator Project? (capacitors for RF)
Hey Steve, Is your DE-5000 the one on Amazon for $138.00?? I'm not sure I'm ready to invest that much but do you recommend it? Thanks ! Jim WB4ILP?
On Sun, Mar 23, 2025, 10:11 PM Steve Ratzlaff via <ratzlaffsteve= [email protected]> wrote:
Tayda Electronics also carries capacitors in that yellow blob
shape; I've bought a bunch of them off and on. My DE-5000 LCR
meter has a Dissipation Factor function that works in capacitance
mode that I've found to be useful for judging these small values
of caps used in RF circuits (and displays along with the
capacitance value--you don't need to do anything to get the
Dissipation readout). High quality good caps with very low
dissipation will have a D of 0.000 even at the default 1 kHz test
frequency (where I normally test caps but use 100 kHz for all RF
inductors). Most of these Chinese caps will show a higher
dissipation, sometimes up to 0.006 I've seen, with many in the
.002--.003 range. If you need to use a good cap such as in a
frequency sensitive circuit, I'd stay away from the caps that
don't read 0.000 Dissipation factor.
73,
Steve AA7U
On 3/23/2025 6:36 PM, k6whp via
wrote:
Chuck,
?
As long as you're on about this, wonder if you (or others)
could keep your eyes peeled on Amazon or eBay for NP0 and or C0G
cap assortments to fill in the potholes in my collections.
?
NOT SMD but would love disk ceramic but willing to
compromise..
?
Also appreciate comments on something like this:
?
?
?
Thanks greatly!
--
William, k6whp
--------------------
"Cheer up, things could get worse. So I cheered up and things
got worse."
?
?
?
|
Re: S9 Generator Project? (capacitors for RF)
Thanks for mentioning your LCR meter Steve. Seems like a worthwhile addition to the workbench. Having purchased cheap capacitors in the past, I'm putting this on my list of wants. Would you recommend it?
?
Dave
AA7EE
|
OK Chuck,
?
A private message is winging it's way to you with the files attached.
?
Tom-N8TPN
|
I use Ideal-tea SM103.SA
?
?
No magnetic issues.
?
Jim. G4EQX
|
Lee Tried the plastic bags years ago and found them fiddly and infuriating at times (the zipper ones).? Gave the matter some thought and came up with the storage boxes idea (see pics).? You can see at a glance several values, how many you have available (for re-stocking purpose). Each compartment dimensions can be amended for larger parts, etc, simply by arranging the dividers. The lid fits tightly and prevents the dividers from moving or components seeping over to adjacent partition. I use these types of boxes for caps, transistors, diodes and other small parts. Best thing since sliced bread. Bought the boxes locally at the Liddl store but no doubt they can be had from Allie/Temu, etc.
Best
Fil VK6RE/LZ1
On Sunday, 23 March 2025 at 10:32:13 pm GMT+2, Leland L. Bahr via groups.io <w5drc@...> wrote:
When I buy resistors, I usually buy 100 of a value at a time.? I buy
1/8, 1/4, 1, 2, 3 ,and 5 watt values.? (Buying in big quantities reduces
prices.)? Because of the quantity, small pouches are out of the question
for me.? So I put each value of each wattage in separate sandwich sized
freezer bags.? Freezer bags are heavier duty than sandwich bags.? I then
put each wattage bagged resistors in same sized boxes? (8x12x5)? (All 1
watt resistors go in the 1 watt box.)? I always put in a paper label in
each bag showing it's resistance.? This works out very well for me.?
When working on restoring boat anchor rigs I always use a larger
replacement wattage then original to keep physical sizes approximately
the same.
Lee, w0vt
|
Re: ADC Project Crystal Matching
Folks, if you have an SDR for frequency measurement and you are not very good with tones, you can try on CW the "ZAP" commmand (for instance, on HDSDR), which moves the frequency so the tone is "spot on" on the frequency you have selected for your CW tone. That way you only have to copy the frequency from the screen.
I am enjoying this! jon, ea2sn / ae2sn
|
I don't know if anyone else has run into
this.? I do quite a bit of smd soldering or try to.? I have bought
many many cross tweezers from several sources that claim they are
stainless steel.? The problem is that they are either not
stainless steel or are a very low grade as they are magnetic.?
Tonight I was trying to set a couple 1206 rf chokes and my
stainless steel magnets kept grabbing the part and not wanting to
let go!? How does one know if the tweezers are actually non
magnetic?
Thank you.
Jim Pruitt
WA7DUY
|
Another Matt/Matthew with almost the same callsign? Wow.
I thought N3AAZ (also in this group) was remarkable, but now we have N3AR, and a Matt to boot!
?
Truth is stranger than fiction --
de N3AZ
|
learnmorsecode.com/DC/index.html
|
If you don't mine, send away.
ciao dude,
chuck
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On 3/23/25 18:35, Tom, N8TPN via groups.io wrote: Chuck and Group et al...
I still have the files from the old qrp-tech Winter 2018 Project #4 "The K7QO DC Receiver".
I have both the original and the R2 version.
Chuck would you like me to send them to you for review before I post them here?
BTW, it is so great to see you back with us!
Tom - N8TPN
|
Re: S9 Generator Project? (capacitors for RF)
Tayda Electronics also carries capacitors in that yellow blob
shape; I've bought a bunch of them off and on. My DE-5000 LCR
meter has a Dissipation Factor function that works in capacitance
mode that I've found to be useful for judging these small values
of caps used in RF circuits (and displays along with the
capacitance value--you don't need to do anything to get the
Dissipation readout). High quality good caps with very low
dissipation will have a D of 0.000 even at the default 1 kHz test
frequency (where I normally test caps but use 100 kHz for all RF
inductors). Most of these Chinese caps will show a higher
dissipation, sometimes up to 0.006 I've seen, with many in the
.002--.003 range. If you need to use a good cap such as in a
frequency sensitive circuit, I'd stay away from the caps that
don't read 0.000 Dissipation factor.
73,
Steve AA7U
On 3/23/2025 6:36 PM, k6whp via
groups.io wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
Chuck,
?
As long as you're on about this, wonder if you (or others)
could keep your eyes peeled on Amazon or eBay for NP0 and or C0G
cap assortments to fill in the potholes in my collections.
?
NOT SMD but would love disk ceramic but willing to
compromise..
?
Also appreciate comments on something like this:
?
?
?
Thanks greatly!
--
William, k6whp
--------------------
"Cheer up, things could get worse. So I cheered up and things
got worse."
?
?
?
|
Re: S9 Generator Project?
On Sun, Mar 23, 2025 at 07:48 AM, chuck adams wrote:
1.? I decided I would go ahead and keep the 3120 pcs resistor kit.? We get about 10cm of
??? rain per year and usually in one or two storms during summer monsoon season.
??? I'd quote a line from 'Oklahoma Crude' with Faye Dunaway and George C Scott,
??? but that would not be appropriate.? :-)? Measurements in circuit show the
??? critters stand up to heat and don't separate leads from internals upon
??? soldering.
Chuck,
?
As long as you're on about this, wonder if you (or others) could keep your eyes peeled on Amazon or eBay for NP0 and or C0G cap assortments to fill in the potholes in my collections.
?
NOT SMD but would love disk ceramic but willing to compromise..
?
Also appreciate comments on something like this:
?
?
?
Thanks greatly!
--
William, k6whp
--------------------
"Cheer up, things could get worse. So I cheered up and things got worse."
?
?
?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/252355197685?_skw=NP0+capacitor+assortment&itmmeta=01JQ2VV19FBBARXK65ECV7827B&hash=item3ac18abaf5:g:fHAAAOSw3mpXD0mm&itmprp=enc%3AAQAKAAAA8FkggFvd1GGDu0w3yXCmi1fOemuP%2F6oKDkcqKhCOI%2B4SIhwQfHvS2rF09oLgn%2FmiNrfVtz3FkWBb%2Fazi8ZT7Dg6s8t%2Fx9bYy88GMTo0adn84nYewE37urlLxiJhbyzqR5R1MAGtF6oFUHs2K90RQKY1j38GJNBxheqiRsk7uSWxnoSB3N3njAEAgr9%2BYWIswAmibHbgMAjenmV44QZ54cM37uwey4dHN72lGCD2MftuKgGgKnLVkqr0jQMhJLOahXWhQ5wo%2FBFc9b3OG4PBzoKyoA9VPOn7IwrvshEly%2FORY3q55yyv%2Fyt9itA4qeE460Q%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR4iV7Nu4ZQ
|
Chuck and Group et al...
?
I still have the files from the old qrp-tech Winter 2018 Project #4 "The K7QO DC Receiver".
?
I have both the original and the R2 version.
?
Chuck would you like me to send them to you for review before I post them here?
?
BTW, it is so great to see you back with us!
?
Tom - N8TPN
|
Nick Kennedy
Matthew McDevitt N3AZ
k6whp