I've been working on a very simple and inexpensive HF Scalar Sweep set for
testing filters and other frequency dependent devices. It's based on a DDS
frequency source and an Analog Devices log detector. Sprinkle in some PIC
firmware and some Visual Basic software, and you have a very nice little RF
test instrument that rivals equipment costing much, much more. If you want
to see where I am, you can get more info at my web site:

http://mysite.verizon.net/jdrocci/index.html

I have a lot of ideas for expanding the capability of this device. With some
outboard modules and appropriate software, it could be an HF spectrum
analyzer, a return-loss analyzer, an accurate RF probe, and a lot more. I'm
looking for constructive suggestions.

Joe
W3JDR

In article ,
says...
I've been working on a very simple and inexpensive HF Scalar Sweep set for
testing filters and other frequency dependent devices. It's based on a DDS
frequency source and an Analog Devices log detector. Sprinkle in some PIC
firmware and some Visual Basic software, and you have a very nice little RF
test instrument that rivals equipment costing much, much more. If you want
to see where I am, you can get more info at my web site:

http://mysite.verizon.net/jdrocci/index.html

I have a lot of ideas for expanding the capability of this device. With some
outboard modules and appropriate software, it could be an HF spectrum
analyzer, a return-loss analyzer, an accurate RF probe, and a lot more. I'm
looking for constructive suggestions.

Nice work, Joe, very clean-looking page!

Have you seen Paul Kiciak's VNA project? http://users.adelphia.net/
~n2pk/ There might be some room for a meeting of minds between your two
projects.

-- jm

------------------------------------------------------
http://www.qsl.net/ke5fx
Note: My E-mail address has been altered to avoid spam
------------------------------------------------------

In article ,
says...
I've been working on a very simple and inexpensive HF Scalar Sweep set for
testing filters and other frequency dependent devices. It's based on a DDS
frequency source and an Analog Devices log detector. Sprinkle in some PIC
firmware and some Visual Basic software, and you have a very nice little RF
test instrument that rivals equipment costing much, much more. If you want
to see where I am, you can get more info at my web site:

http://mysite.verizon.net/jdrocci/index.html

I have a lot of ideas for expanding the capability of this device. With some
outboard modules and appropriate software, it could be an HF spectrum
analyzer, a return-loss analyzer, an accurate RF probe, and a lot more. I'm
looking for constructive suggestions.

Nice work, Joe, very clean-looking page!

Have you seen Paul Kiciak's VNA project? http://users.adelphia.net/
~n2pk/ There might be some room for a meeting of minds between your two
projects.

-- jm

------------------------------------------------------
http://www.qsl.net/ke5fx
Note: My E-mail address has been altered to avoid spam
------------------------------------------------------

John,
Thanks for the compliment!

Yes, I have read Paul's work. Although the vector capability would be nice
(especially for antenna work), I didn't feel I need the added complexity for
an HF only unit. I wanted it to be KISS-like so I could get it going fast
and begin using it for what it was intended. Besides, Paul's software seems
to be written under DOS, and I don't think he's offered to open the source
yet. Also, programming a rectangular grid is very easy. The thought of
programming a polar Smith chart makes my brain matter smoke.

Next step for me is to put it in a housing with its own power supply and
develop some hardware calibration routines for flatness, scale calibration,
etc. It's been fun.

Joe
W3JDR


"John Miles" wrote in message
...
In article ,
says...
I've been working on a very simple and inexpensive HF Scalar Sweep set
for
testing filters and other frequency dependent devices. It's based on a
DDS
frequency source and an Analog Devices log detector. Sprinkle in some
PIC
firmware and some Visual Basic software, and you have a very nice little
RF
test instrument that rivals equipment costing much, much more. If you
want
to see where I am, you can get more info at my web site:

http://mysite.verizon.net/jdrocci/index.html

I have a lot of ideas for expanding the capability of this device. With
some
outboard modules and appropriate software, it could be an HF spectrum
analyzer, a return-loss analyzer, an accurate RF probe, and a lot more.
I'm
looking for constructive suggestions.

Nice work, Joe, very clean-looking page!

Have you seen Paul Kiciak's VNA project? http://users.adelphia.net/
~n2pk/ There might be some room for a meeting of minds between your two
projects.

-- jm

------------------------------------------------------
http://www.qsl.net/ke5fx
Note: My E-mail address has been altered to avoid spam
------------------------------------------------------

John,
Thanks for the compliment!

Yes, I have read Paul's work. Although the vector capability would be nice
(especially for antenna work), I didn't feel I need the added complexity for
an HF only unit. I wanted it to be KISS-like so I could get it going fast
and begin using it for what it was intended. Besides, Paul's software seems
to be written under DOS, and I don't think he's offered to open the source
yet. Also, programming a rectangular grid is very easy. The thought of
programming a polar Smith chart makes my brain matter smoke.

Next step for me is to put it in a housing with its own power supply and
develop some hardware calibration routines for flatness, scale calibration,
etc. It's been fun.

Joe
W3JDR


"John Miles" wrote in message
...
In article ,
says...
I've been working on a very simple and inexpensive HF Scalar Sweep set
for
testing filters and other frequency dependent devices. It's based on a
DDS
frequency source and an Analog Devices log detector. Sprinkle in some
PIC
firmware and some Visual Basic software, and you have a very nice little
RF
test instrument that rivals equipment costing much, much more. If you
want
to see where I am, you can get more info at my web site:

http://mysite.verizon.net/jdrocci/index.html

I have a lot of ideas for expanding the capability of this device. With
some
outboard modules and appropriate software, it could be an HF spectrum
analyzer, a return-loss analyzer, an accurate RF probe, and a lot more.
I'm
looking for constructive suggestions.

Nice work, Joe, very clean-looking page!

Have you seen Paul Kiciak's VNA project? http://users.adelphia.net/
~n2pk/ There might be some room for a meeting of minds between your two
projects.

-- jm

------------------------------------------------------
http://www.qsl.net/ke5fx
Note: My E-mail address has been altered to avoid spam
------------------------------------------------------