Additional information on this subject and related topics can be found in back issues of QST and the following:

The ARRL Handbook for Radio Amateurs
Build Your Own Test Equipment

Articles

Note: Some of the following articles are in Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) files. To view and print these files, you'll need a copy of Adobe's Acrobat Reader program. (Version 3.0 or later required). More information here.

• A Low Cost DDS Function Generator (341,417 bytes, PDF file) (Members Only)
  QST November, 2005 -- Build this useful signal source around a dedicated DDS ICand gain a valuable addition to your test bench.
• The Tandem Match -- An Accurate Directional Wattmeter (969,445 bytes, PDF file) (Members Only)
  The ARRL Handbook, 1999, pp. 22.36 -- 22.42
• A Spectrum Analyzer for the Radio Amateur -- Part 1 (182,720 bytes, PDF file)
  QST August 1998, pp. 35-43
  Simple and easy to build, this radio-frequency spectrum analyzer is capable of useful measurements in the 50kHz to 70 MHz region.
• A Spectrum Analyzer for the Radio Amateur -- Part 2 (245,857 bytes, PDF file)
  QST September 1998, pp. 37-40
  Feedback -- QST November 1999, p. 74
• A GPS-Based Frequency Standard (814,582 bytes, PDF file) (Members Only)
  QST July 1998, pp. 37-44
  Build this modern and highly accurate frequency standard that uses the GPS timing pulse instead of WWV.
  Feedback: QST October 1998, p. 81. Figure 3, reverse the identities of R5 and R6.
• Build a Return Loss Bridge (164,585 bytes, PDF file) (Members Only)
  QST September 1997, pp. 34-36
  Used with your DVM, this simple bridge, diode detector and return loss techniques can help you measure cable loss and SWR at the antenna
• A Pocket-Size, Direct-Reading VHF SWR Meter (207,352 bytes, PDF file) (Members Only)
  QST February 1997, pp. 33-36
  This easy-to-build LED bargraph SWR meter goes with you anywhere.
• A Relative-Indication Audible Meter Reader (141,381 bytes, PDF file) (Members Only)
  QST March 1997, pp. 36-39
  This simple circuit allows blind - and sighted - hams to identify meter readings audibly.
• A Simple and Accurate QRP Directional Wattmeter (6,028,700 bytes, PDF file) (Members Only)
  QST February 1990, pp. 19-23, 36
  A directional wattmeter that's simple, portable, and accurate from 10 watts down to 5 milliwatts!
• The (Not Quite) Ultimate Dummy Load (1,863,354 bytes, PDF file) (Members Only)
  QST January 1981, pp. 35-37
  This dummy load made from carbon resistors will dissipate 132 watts.
• Simple RF-Power Measurement (264,217 bytes, PDF file) (Members Only)
  QST June 2001, pp. 38-43
  Measure power from nanowatts to 100 watts
  Feedback: QST August 2001, p. 76 (36,344 bytes, PDF file)
• Swept Receiver Dynamic Range Testing in the ARRL Laboratory (139,306 bytes, PDF file) (Members Only)
  QEX June 1996, pp. 3-12
• Improved Dynamic-Range Testing (899,952 bytes, PDF file) (Members Only)
  QEX Jul/Aug 2002, pp. 46-52
• The "No Fibbin'" RF Field Strength Meter (266,618 bytes, PDF file) (Members Only)
  QST August 2002, pp. 28-29
  A simple effective and easy field strength meter.
  Feedback: QST September 2002 p.88 (schematic error, included in main article)
• An Inside Picture of Directional Wattmetters (366,026 bytes, PDF file) (Members Only)
  QST April 1959, pp. 24-28
  A tutorial, What They Do—How They Do It
• An RF Step Attenuator (322,721 bytes, PDF file)
  QST Jun 1995
  When you can find a good, commercially made RF attenuator, expect to pay the price. Here’s where doing it yourself can provide you with what you need.inexpensively.

Note:

Contact information for suppliers mentioned in the above articles should first be confirmed using TIS Address Database Search.

Web Links

• New/Used Test Equipment Buyer's Guide
  A buyer's guide for new and used test equipment that provides much useful information, including electrical specs, lists of suppliers, and typical list, street, and used prices.
• Tech Systems Labs' Free Software Collection
  Giant collection of free software for circuit design, schematic drawing, sound-card based test equipment and more.
• "QuickieLab"
  BASIC computing platform for ham radio experiments
• Real Good Software from WB6BLD
  A technically-oriented site for the radio amateur, engineer or technician
• STANDARDISATION OF S-METER READINGS
  IARU Region 1 Technical Recommendation

Article Reprints:

You can get a photocopy of any ARRL published article for $3 ($5 for nonmembers) for each article requested. Contact the ARRL Technical Department (reprints@arrl.org ), 1-860-594-0390) if you wish to get photocopies.

This information was prepared as a membership service by the American Radio Relay League, Inc., Technical Information Service, 225 Main St., Newington, CT 06111 (860) 594-0214. Email: tis@arrl.org (Internet). ARRL HQ is glad to provide this information on the Web free of charge as a service to League members and affiliated clubs.

If you have any questions concerning the reproduction or distribution of this material, please contact:

TIS Coordinator
American Radio Relay League
225 Main St., Newington, CT 06111
Tel: 860-594-0214 Fax: 860-594-0259
(email: tis@arrl.org)