-----Original Message-----
From:
[email protected] <
[email protected]> On Behalf Of Andy G0FTD via groups.io
Sent: 21 July 2024 20:17
To:
[email protected]Subject: Re: [tinysa] 50dB Tap
On Sun, Jul 21, 2024 at 04:19 PM, Terry W7AMI wrote:
Andy,
I thought that the thread started when it was asked for the plans to build an RF tap. He was quickly told that they were rubbish, to not even try to build one, and to buy some expensive kit instead. No one asked what he needed it for or how he intended to use it. My point was that while it's nice to have precision test equipment and accessories it isn't always needed to get worthwhile results. Hence the good enough statement.
And I acknowledge what you say.
The original post didn't really specify the measurement task, and as usual there was some degree of supposition involved,a position than many of us still fall into the trap of.
Depending upon what the user requires, a tap with a suitable attenuation level may well be perfectly adequate if you wish to observe some simple close in spurs within a few Mhz.
But of course these days with easy access to wideband transmitting equipment, it's also fair game to assume that the average user might well be looking at someVHF / UHF equipment too, to at least it's 3rd harmonic etc.
The days of hams only thinking about only an HF rig and requiring analysis up to a paltry 200Mhz or so have long since passed,
Our scope has changed, and we often require some form of reliable measurements to at least 1Ghz. Our old fashioned and home made measurement kit using old school parts becomes obsolete.
We can now obtain some really good stuff like 0-3Ghz attenuators for the cost of a hamburger, so why compete ?
For about $50-$100 you can get the precision of good WIDEBAND attenuators that are far superior to a typical and crappy home made type.
Whilst I totally support ham spiriy etc there's still sometimes these days when you gotta admit that some battles aint worth fighting.
You're bank balance remains higher and your blood pressure remains lower '-)
Pragmatism is key here, and we only live once.
73 de Andy
