A recent video explained how to use a Smith chart to solve a series single stub match using coax.
The diagram above from the video shows the topology of the series stub match. Continue reading Pitfalls of series stub matching with coax
Category: Transmission lines
An interesting study in the effect of fixture on impedance measurement
A chap posted a pic and some mini VNA measurement results of a resistor which he reported has a DC resistance of 80Ω.
Above is part of the pic, focusing on the ‘fixture’. The chap reports that the VNA was OSL calibrated, and we might assume that was at the SMA(M) connector (it is difficult to explain the results if the reference plane was at the VNA jack). Continue reading An interesting study in the effect of fixture on impedance measurement
A common scheme for narrow band match of an end fed high Z antenna – surely it is a 1:9 transformer?
A reader of A common scheme for narrow band match of an end fed high Z antenna commented:
…if the coil is tapped at 1/3, surely then the coil is a 1:3^2 or 1:9 transformer and the capacitor simply ‘tunes out’ the coil reactance, what is the input impedance when it has a 450+j0Ω load?
That is very easy to calculate in the existing Simsmith model.
Above, with load of 450+j0Ω, the input impedance at 50MHz is 8.78+j34.36Ω (VSWR(50)=8.4), nothing like 50+j0Ω. Continue reading A common scheme for narrow band match of an end fed high Z antenna – surely it is a 1:9 transformer?
A common scheme for narrow band match of an end fed high Z antenna
This article discusses the kind of matching network in the following figure.
A common variant shows no capacitor… but for most loads, the capacitance is essential to its operation, even if it is incidental to the inductor or as often the case, supplied by the mounting arrangement of a vertical radiator tube to the mast. Continue reading A common scheme for narrow band match of an end fed high Z antenna
A desk review of the MiniPa100 kit – #1: characterise the output transformer
This article is one in a series of a desk review, a pre-purchase study if you like, of the MiniPa100 kit widely sold on eBay and elsewhere online.
One of the first questions to mind is whether it is likely to deliver the rated power, so let’s review the MOSFET output circuit design from that perspective.
Sellers mostly seem to need to obscure the MOSFET type in their pics, so essentially you buy this with no assurance as to what is supplied, no comeback if the supplied MOSFET is not up to the task. Online experts suggest the MOSFET is probably a MRF9120 (or 2x IRF640 in a 70W build). The amplifier claims 100W from 12-16V DC supply.
Note that this module does not include the necessary output filter which will lose 5-10% of the power from this module.
In this case Carlos, VK1EA, connected a sample output transformer (T2) core from a recently purchased MiniPa100 kit to a EU1KY antenna analyser. The fixture is critically important, it is at my specification. Continue reading A desk review of the MiniPa100 kit – #1: characterise the output transformer
N6THN’s novel balun – flux leakage
N6THN’s novel balun presented measurement of the Insertion VSWR of the subject balun, and N6THN’s novel balun – an explanation gave explanation that included mention of flux leakage as a contributor to the quite high inductance per unit length of the transmission line formed by the two windings.
A correspondent suggested that with a ferrite core, flux leakage is insignificant. This article calculates the coupled coils scenario.
The balun as described
Above is the ‘schematic’ of the balun. Note the entire path from rig to dipole. Continue reading N6THN’s novel balun – flux leakage
N6THN’s novel balun – an explanation
N6THN’s novel balun presented measurement of the Insertion VSWR of the subject balun, this article presents an explanation of why it is so poor.
The balun as described
Above is the ‘schematic’ of the balun. Note the entire path from rig to dipole. Continue reading N6THN’s novel balun – an explanation
N6THN’s novel balun
One sees lots of articles and videos on how to make a current balun suited to a low VSWR antenna. This one was recommended in an online discussion on QRZ.com. N6THN might not have invented this balun, but he made a video of it.
In this case, it is described in the referenced video as part of a half wave dipole antenna where you might expect the minimum feed point VSWR to be less than 2.
Apologies for the images, some are taken from the video and they are not good… but bear with me.
The balun as described
Above is the ‘schematic’ of the balun.Note the entire path from rig to dipole. Continue reading N6THN’s novel balun
Phase nonsense
Since the nanoVNA got real traction a year or so back, lots of online experts have sprouted new found secrets of VNA use… and the classic is “phase is paramount”. A recent quote:
Take a look at the antenna with a VNA and sweep with the Phase function.
Let’s do that! Continue reading Phase nonsense
Comment on KN5L on balun CMRR – series through impedance fixture
In recent articles, I flagged that on some of John’s VNWA plots he showed flawed impedance calculations using VNWA’s t2s inbuilt function.
The function t2s is documented in the VNWA help.
t2s is a VNWA built in function intended to solve the so-called s21 series through fixture for impedance measurement of two terminal Zx connected between Port 1 and Port 2.
None of John’s test fixtures were equivalent to the circuit above required for valid t2s transformation. Continue reading Comment on KN5L on balun CMRR – series through impedance fixture