#72: Simple Station Monitor for Ham Radio using an Oscilloscope

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  • @jeffreyyoung4104
    @jeffreyyoung4104 Рік тому +6

    Your simple RF Sampler circuit is an unsung hero for anyone who wants to monitor AM and SSB signals!

  • @pianoplayer8226
    @pianoplayer8226 7 місяців тому +3

    Hi Alan - - I did something similar without the risk of damage due to switch in wrong position. I ran some rg178 thin coax through gap in my tuner housing to about 20 turns wire wrap wire on a wooden Q tip dowel for a pick up. Works great. -Art, NF1A

    • @w2aew
      @w2aew  7 місяців тому

      Sounds great, Art!

  • @johninjersey
    @johninjersey 4 роки тому +13

    An easier way is to just wrap a few turns of wire around the coax and connect to scope. More turns is more signal.

    • @rualmet
      @rualmet 4 роки тому

      Was totally going to say that! I use 14” gator leads and wrap until it runs out, then stretch as far as I can while still being able to connect my probe

    • @mrbeach3379
      @mrbeach3379 3 роки тому

      Hi jersey john how do connect the probe and earth clip, probe to the turns of wire , clip to radio chassis? Do you have to use a particular gauge of wire

  • @clems6989
    @clems6989 5 років тому +2

    I tried it with my old Tech 2225 and it worked fine...Thanks !

  • @RadioHamGuy
    @RadioHamGuy 11 років тому +2

    Very helpful, I have an older 10 Mhz scope and because it was that, I didn't really consider it for HF since I didn't think it would work on the upper bands very well but after watching your other videos showing how they still do work much above the rated freq, just with a lower amplitude response and guess as long as I could see what the signal looked like, that is what I am concerned about, so might play around with that sometime, thanks, all your videos are very informative.

  • @1925sk
    @1925sk 8 років тому

    Thanks, tried this with the SM 220 and worked fine. NL7IB

  • @Sky1
    @Sky1 10 років тому +6

    A reason to take my scope out of the shed and give my shack that high tech cool factor!

  • @Radiowild
    @Radiowild 11 років тому

    I never would have thought about doing that....... A stellar idea! RW

  • @Orvulum
    @Orvulum Рік тому +1

    You could put a preamp on the input of the scope too... with a little whip antenna. That's a common feature on communications service monitors.

  • @WA7PRC
    @WA7PRC 10 років тому +5

    I've done the same thing w/o a tuner. A loop of wire a few feet in diameter works well. Mine consists of several test clips connected together and draped over the curtain rod. I also have several turns of wire wound around the coaxial feedline that does the same thing.
    Also, I have my Tektronix 2236 (100 MHz) set up with "Normal" triggering and the trigger level set /just/ above zero. Until the 'scope sees some signal, there is no display. That saves the phosphor coating inside the front of the CRT, and extends the CRT's cathode life.

    • @BirdWhisperer46
      @BirdWhisperer46 10 років тому

      "set up with "Normal" triggering and the trigger level set /just/ above zero. Until the 'scope sees some signal, there is no display." I've got the 2247A. I will have to try and figure that out. I also use the wire wrap on the COAX. Works a charm.

  • @BaldurNorddahl
    @BaldurNorddahl Рік тому +1

    I am just using a T adapter to route the signal by the scope. Only doing this for my low power DIY projects as high power could be too high voltage. I checked the datasheet for my Siglent and it can do 10 V per divison at 1:1 (= 80V) and survive up to 400 V peak. Could also unplug the T and use a 10:1 probe for an ugly solution that would handle a lot of power (> 1 kW) but still show the signal sampled directly and thus the correct voltages.

  • @volcanowb
    @volcanowb 6 років тому

    Thanks! Very much appreciated!

  • @g0fvt
    @g0fvt 8 років тому

    This is a very handy way to sample, works fine for me. I have various "proper" samplers but they are often hiding.
    It is tempting to incorporate a dedicated sampling port on my atu.

    • @w2aew
      @w2aew  8 років тому +2

      +g0fvt Good idea - just install a BNC connector, and maybe just add a short bit of wire or loop as a sensing "antenna" inside the tuner - no need to connect to anything inside.

    • @g0fvt
      @g0fvt 8 років тому +2

      +w2aew Exactly what I was thinking

  • @M1bcm-ham-radioCoUk
    @M1bcm-ham-radioCoUk 10 років тому +1

    Excellent, i bought an old scope a few months ago with the intention of learning how to use one, but when i realised i couldn't monitor my own signals with it, i kinda left it on a shelf. But now you've solved my problem for me, this is my project for tomorrow. Love your video's and as you can probably see, i've subscribed to your channel.
    73 Jeff M1BCM

    • @w2aew
      @w2aew  10 років тому

      Jeff - you may want to take a look at this video on a VERY simple RF sampler that you can use with your station...
      Simple Station Monitor for Ham Radio using an Oscilloscope
      Or this one on additional RF Samplers:
      Basics of RF Samplers, Sampling-Tees, RF-taps, etc.

    • @M1bcm-ham-radioCoUk
      @M1bcm-ham-radioCoUk 10 років тому

      *****
      Well the first one is the same one that i commented on, i have the 2nd one cued up for watching tomorrow. Question: With the simple monitor lead connected between the scope and ATU, altho i'll have RF power turned right down at the beginning of transmission, what level of RF is usually adequate to trigger the scope/waveform ?
      Jeff M1BCM

    • @w2aew
      @w2aew  10 років тому

      Jeff, it will depend on the tuner that you use. Different tuners will have different amounts of RF coupling to an unused antenna port. Make ABSOLUTELY SURE that you do NOT transmit directly into the scope. On the few tuners that I've tried thus with, even 5-10 watts going to the antenna or dummy load was sufficient to get a readable signal coupled to the un-selected port used for the sampler.

    • @M1bcm-ham-radioCoUk
      @M1bcm-ham-radioCoUk 10 років тому

      OK on the 5-10w, but i have to point out, i don't use a tuner, neither does anyone else as what is termed as an ATU doesn't "tune" the antenna, it merely fools the radio into thinking it's been presented with it's expected 50ohm input. The more correct abbreviation should be an AMU. That's why i call it a "matcher" lol

    • @w2aew
      @w2aew  10 років тому

      Of course it doesn't "tune" anything, it is merely an impedance matching network. I see nothing wrong with using a transmatch. You've got to watch out for feed line losses between the transmatch and antenna, but if you use open wire or twin lead, then this is a non-issue. It's really no different from the old plate and load adjustments on a tube tx or amp, or a gamma match at an antenna feed point - their all just different ways to provide impedance transformations to effect maximum power transfer.

  • @cameronturner7475
    @cameronturner7475 2 роки тому +1

    I have an older micronata power/ modulation/ swr meter that has a 1/8"monitor jack I just use a little pig tail and clip my probe to that.

    • @pottypete5593
      @pottypete5593 Рік тому

      Im going to try that. Thanks for the comment.

  • @caravanken1
    @caravanken1 9 років тому +1

    This video along with many of the others has taught me a great deal about ham radios. I would like to connect an inexpensive scope to my shack but would like to use it to tune up my AL811H much like in another video using a Kenwood sm220. Would that be possible? Thanks again for your time and expertise putting out these great videos. 73 - W0KRD

  • @gatesmw50
    @gatesmw50 7 років тому

    Where some confusion comes in is that you can transmit into some of the later
    service monitors. People see that and than think you can do that with these o'scopes. Personally I avoid doing any of that despite what IFR claims you can do.

  • @ward5821
    @ward5821 2 роки тому

    I am using a circulator that I removed the shunt. Then you have turned the circulator for UHF into a an RF sampler for the HF bands.

  • @Organplayer1947
    @Organplayer1947 Рік тому

    I just wrap a couple of turns of insulated wire around the antenna coax. One side goes to earth ground. The other side of the coil goes to the scope. Ezzy Pezzy. WA6PBJ

  • @gassytubes3643
    @gassytubes3643 7 років тому +3

    hehe..maybe, but I fried a nice freq. counter doing this (yes, I did it, accidentally set the switch to that port and pumped 25 watts into it)

  • @Ace-cl4tc
    @Ace-cl4tc 3 роки тому +1

    This will also work on a antenna switch.

  • @zoolkhan
    @zoolkhan 5 років тому +1

    You can also take a cable out of your scope, and curl it around the antenna-coax. (10-20times perhaps?) That will be enough.
    No risk of ever transmitting into the scope.
    I use an old audio-cable i had flying about, but there is certainly better options. You could take a peace of coax, and curl the center wire around the antenna-coax - but the trip from there to the scope remains shielded (shield to ground - center wire to scope channel X)

    • @w2aew
      @w2aew  5 років тому

      Yes, this works great as well - another fantastic zero-cost/parts solution.

    • @jonramleth4727
      @jonramleth4727 Рік тому

      @@w2aew I simply used a 50 ohm resistor straight on to my scope probe and that picks up plenty. But it is not so easy with just RF to adjust modulation. with your sampler and trapezoid pattern is better. Even better if I had a two tone audiogenerator. Any tips on building a simple two tone?

  • @w7dtg
    @w7dtg 11 років тому

    what a great way to monitor your signal. Most ham operators already have antenna tuners. What type of scope would you need. Would a 5MHZ scope be adequate or would you need something better ?

  • @earleclemans4836
    @earleclemans4836 5 років тому +1

    Hello excuse my ignorance but on the modulation do you just use mic gain to adjust? And what does the form look like when properly adjusted? I dont think o have flat topping and im very close to calibrated line on scope

  • @merseyradar6881
    @merseyradar6881 6 місяців тому

    Thanks for this video Alan, Finding 1n34a genuine diodes is a challenge though. Could you recommend any alternatives that are more widely available please ? Great videos for the radio enthusiast, Congrats.

    • @w2aew
      @w2aew  5 місяців тому

      Schottky diodes can be used.

  • @Satchmoeddie
    @Satchmoeddie 7 років тому +1

    I have that same scope! I have a Tek with a huge screen and want to make it into a station monitor. One channel is dead, but I have good horiz & vert on the other. I paid $30 + $20 for shipping and got $200 in probes so, the scope is a freebie.

    • @Satchmoeddie
      @Satchmoeddie 7 років тому

      You mean my 2245B won't handle 1500 watts? LOL! I have the big huge differential probes and transformer that will handle over 100KV. I want to use little student grade scope I bought, not the 2245. 73 KI7AQJ

  • @ravenbarsrepairs5594
    @ravenbarsrepairs5594 3 роки тому +2

    Any reason not to open up the tuner and drill a new hole to mount the connector, then putting a wire inside the case attached to the connector? Essentially a short antenna inside the tuner to eliminate the possibility of ever transmitting into the scope.

    • @w2aew
      @w2aew  3 роки тому

      Sure, that would work perfectly well too.

  • @Thujaplicata1
    @Thujaplicata1 9 місяців тому

    Can you please point me to where the video is to make the RF sampler? Thanks!

  • @Pwaak
    @Pwaak 6 років тому +1

    Great idea and very useful!
    Would you consider a video on how to read the displayed voice signals, in order to properly set microphone gain / compression? ( I use my rig's ALC meter, but leaves me wondering about what's really going on! )
    Is there any chance an Eico 350 wide band scope can be used? Thank You!

    • @luccamiguel6738
      @luccamiguel6738 2 роки тому

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      I was dumb lost my account password. I would appreciate any tips you can offer me!

    • @scotthank806
      @scotthank806 2 роки тому

      @Lucca Miguel instablaster :)

    • @luccamiguel6738
      @luccamiguel6738 2 роки тому

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      @luccamiguel6738 2 роки тому

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    • @scotthank806
      @scotthank806 2 роки тому

      @Lucca Miguel happy to help :)

  • @dombaines
    @dombaines 10 років тому

    Bit safer... if do not have a purpose made sampler (I have made and used one the simple resistance samplers you show in the video) why not just wrap one end of the scope input feed about the TX RF cable?
    Take a simple BNC (RG174 or RG58 (thinner so flexible) patch lead, one end you connect to the oscilloscope channel the other strip back the braid for 4" or so and just wrap the centre about the coax, you should see a signal on the scope when you TX. This way you will not TX into your scope and you will still be sampling some of the RF going to the dummy load or antenna.
    We have all seen or used a clip on ferrite core over a feed line, you have asome wire wrapped about the ferrite and to a uA meter this indicates RF going through a feedline... this is exactly the same principal.
    Despte the warning I can still see someone if careless might put 5w or even 500w into their scope :-)
    72
    Dom
    M1KTA

  • @andrewverran6998
    @andrewverran6998 5 місяців тому +1

    Great video , this unused port that is being used to sniff the RF , would this still work for a 15-20w cb radio ssb signal or would the outputting power be too low ?
    Cheers Alan.
    😊

    • @w2aew
      @w2aew  5 місяців тому +1

      It will work fine!

  • @carstars
    @carstars 10 років тому

    Interesting. I think I would put my real outputs as 1 and 2. Without switching by the scope. Thanks I think I will try this or something similar soon.

    • @w2aew
      @w2aew  10 років тому

      Good idea - helps to reduce the possibility of transmitting directly into the scope.

  • @cwebs1000
    @cwebs1000 6 років тому +1

    How about just adding a BNC connector with just a short stub connected to nothing.

  • @spiderjuice9874
    @spiderjuice9874 7 років тому

    Hi Alan, not sure if you check these older videos for comments, but I picked this one as I see you have the same model here as I do: I recently picked up my 2445B and am very impressed with it so far.
    However, the real reason I'm writing is to comment on your very extensive range of analogue (and digital) scopes - you seem to have a never-ending supply of differing models; besides the 2445B featured here, I have noticed also a 2467 and a 2465A CT (no doubt you have many more than just theses 3 models).
    I was wondering: could you do a video on what each of these scopes brings to the table for you, their unique characteristics, etc? I know from Dave Jones on the EEVBlog that the 2225 is special as it can display down to 500uV/div (I guess you have one of these too, but I haven't seen it yet for sure). What are some of the features of the other models you have to make them special in your workshop?
    Perhaps you could do the same rundown for your collection of digital scopes too.
    That is unless you've already done this and I've yet to come across it.
    PS. Hope your ankle is fully better now!

    • @w2aew
      @w2aew  7 років тому

      Great question. I certainly do have more scopes than any one person should! I have reasons for keeping each on around, although some of them are personal reasons rather than technical ones (is it possible to be sentimental about a scope?). It would probably make a good video though.

    • @spiderjuice9874
      @spiderjuice9874 7 років тому +1

      Definitely it's possible to be sentimental: I have a Tektronix 2225 on order, which will make 5 scopes all up - I am a beginner and barely know what I'm doing (if I knew any more, I'd be dangerous!), so 5 is certainly overkill and cannot be justified by any rational means. I will try really hard to stop here!
      Camera lenses were a problem previously...

  • @TheFlyre
    @TheFlyre 7 місяців тому

    Hey brother - I need help, 🙏💯 I got my unit called
    " ENI PS 600" I Don't know what software to use?

  • @kschildt1
    @kschildt1 Рік тому

    For use sampling the HF frequencies, what are the minimum specs for an oscilloscope? Can any of the inexpensive USB scopes suffice?

    • @w2aew
      @w2aew  Рік тому +1

      Probably not - the scope will have to have analog BW that is at least close to the RF frequency you want to monitor.

  • @Mr.Amplifier.
    @Mr.Amplifier. 4 роки тому

    Hi there! If we decide to operate with limit power “1500 watts” can that be affected by creating high level of RF into the scope. Can the scope be damage?

    • @w2aew
      @w2aew  4 роки тому

      Most likely not if your using this "stray pickup" technique. You may simply have to increase the v/div setting on the scope appropriately.

  • @SITIMPE
    @SITIMPE 8 років тому

    Hello. Thanks for the video. I transmit am signals from raspberry 3. The max output power is 200mW. Can I plug it directly to my scope? Or I need rf sampler? Thanks.

    • @w2aew
      @w2aew  8 років тому +1

      That's about 9Vpp into 50 ohms, so as long as you can set your scope to a few V/div, you should be ok.

    • @SITIMPE
      @SITIMPE 8 років тому

      Thanks for the answer. The input has 1MΩ impedance. Is it necessary to buy 50Ω impedance adapter?

    • @w2aew
      @w2aew  8 років тому

      It would be a good idea to use a 50 ohm through terminator.

  • @felixcat4346
    @felixcat4346 8 років тому

    If you used a 100 watt light bulb for a dummy load would the bulb flicker to the tune of the signal or would it just glow at a steady rate.

    • @w2aew
      @w2aew  8 років тому +1

      +Joseph Nicholas It depends on the modulation type, and the bulb. Not the best idea these days, since the impedance of the bulb is not consistent (differs with brightness), and not a perfect match to 50 ohms.

    • @zoolkhan
      @zoolkhan 7 років тому

      also it radiates. the idea of a dummy load is low emissions. a light bulb is not low emissions.

    • @MarkTillotson
      @MarkTillotson 6 років тому +1

      Put the bulb in a metal box!

  • @G0HZU
    @G0HZU 11 років тому +1

    Your videos are always excellent and well presented but I'm not so keen on this sampling method because of the risk of damage. I know you warned about this more than once but I think it's a bad method to advertise to others because it is so vague and tuner specific. Your other RF sampler videos use much better defined and safer methods.
    RF damage to test equipment is always a worry and I use various methods to minimise risk such as diode limiters and even RF fuses inline with the limiter.

  • @Gordonseries385
    @Gordonseries385 8 місяців тому +1

    Tape a Straight gimmick wire on the coax?

    • @w2aew
      @w2aew  8 місяців тому +1

      That works too!

  • @ZeroLabsLive
    @ZeroLabsLive 8 років тому

    Hey, I've got a 2445 too but it has a problem. The Li-ion backup battery won't keep a charge. It's 3.6v. For a quick test I tried CR2032 and it drained very quickly. I've also replaced it with the exact part for about $30 and still no joy. The symptom is it requires that I acknowledge the error every time I switch it on, it will not hold settings and the bottom line of the display fills with "?????2v???????????1mS????????????". Ever run into this?

    • @w2aew
      @w2aew  8 років тому

      +Zero Labs Live I haven't, but I have heard that some versions of these scopes have RAM chips that go bad. Also, some versions have supply caps that go bad. If you have caps that have gone leaky or partially shorted, that would explain the battery draining quickly. I'm not sure if bad NVRAM chips would cause the problem you're seeing. I would suggest you post a question on the Tekscopes group on Yahoo - or simply search their archives, there will likely be an answer there.

    • @ZeroLabsLive
      @ZeroLabsLive 8 років тому

      ***** Thanks. I've just applied for group membership so I can search there. Also found some good posts by you and others over at Dave Jones forum EEVBlog. Love that guy! :)

  • @902Steeler
    @902Steeler 4 роки тому

    Would this work with an antenna switch box as well? It should in theory

    • @w2aew
      @w2aew  4 роки тому +1

      Yes it should - how much coupling you get will depend upon how well the unused ports are shielded from the active port.

    • @902Steeler
      @902Steeler 4 роки тому

      @@w2aew thank you!

  • @bradleyhewell784
    @bradleyhewell784 4 роки тому

    Couldn't you just install a BNC into the back of the radio with a dead short near the RF output and have the same effect?

    • @w2aew
      @w2aew  4 роки тому

      Probably not - the RF is pretty well contained/shielded inside the radio.

  • @Backtothefutureradios
    @Backtothefutureradios 2 роки тому

    Do you think an unused port of an antenna switch would work? Thanks Larry…WA4PJP

    • @w2aew
      @w2aew  2 роки тому

      Possibly. There will likely be a lot more attenuation, depending on the frequency, the power, and the switch. Worth a try.

    • @Backtothefutureradios
      @Backtothefutureradios 2 роки тому

      @@w2aew Thanks!!

  • @stargazer7644
    @stargazer7644 5 років тому

    I think I would just mount a bnc on the back of the tuner and tie an unterminated sampling wire inside near the RF lines. Yeah, I know, the point was to make it simple. Well, this is so simple someone (you or someone else) is guaranteed to blow that scope eventually.

    • @w2aew
      @w2aew  5 років тому +1

      Certainly a bit more fail-safe - I like it. The "sampling wire" would likely not even have to be close to an RF line - there'll be enough RF inside the enclosure that a simple stub or small coil of wire will be sufficient.

  • @TheH3nrydesign
    @TheH3nrydesign 3 місяці тому +1

    👍

  • @deconn1948
    @deconn1948 11 років тому

    That neat ng9p

  • @gadget73
    @gadget73 11 років тому +7

    Another cheater way to do this is to take a few turns of wire around the coax feed to the antenna.

    • @zoolkhan
      @zoolkhan 7 років тому

      thats how i do it

    • @user-xj8oh6fo2f
      @user-xj8oh6fo2f 4 роки тому

      Bad news for you. You have common mode current on you coax and rf in the shack )))

  • @jma8352
    @jma8352 Рік тому

    but then you got to buy more expensive equiptment

  • @terrya450
    @terrya450 3 роки тому

    You should be sampling off of a dummy load and not going directly into your scope

    • @w2aew
      @w2aew  3 роки тому +1

      In this example, I use a dummy load on ANT1 and transmit into that. The scope is connected to one of the unused ANT ports. I make a point in the video at 2:45 that you do NOT want to connect the transmitter directly to the port that is connected to the scope. The scope is connected to an UNUSED antenna port, which is acting as a near-field sensing probe inside the tuner - no direct connection to the transmitter.

  • @olegtf
    @olegtf 11 років тому +1

    Absolutely useless for any practical purpose.

  • @imken2392
    @imken2392 Рік тому

    I'd like to display a trapezoid on my Tektronix 2465 BDM scope. I've got the sampler and de modulator but can't see where I input the X and Y in ch 1 and 2 to get the vertical and horizontal display for modulation and carrier. Please, help...???

    • @imken2392
      @imken2392 Рік тому

      Never mind, I found it on the SEC/DIV rotary switch.