Amateur Radio Station Fault-finding – Martin 2E0XBZ

The main subject of our June meeting was the important skill of fault-finding within our shacks, specifically where connections from the power source right through our equipment to the extenal antenna can cause many issues.

Martin 2E0XBZ described and demostrated some of the common and sometimes not so obvious and unexpected problems that can affect both reciption and transmission.

Starting with our power sources, Martin demonstrated via video the noise that can affect our RF reception from some common power supplies used around the shack or home.

A common misconception is that an amateur radio antenna or feed line should display a 50ohm resistance when measured with a multimeter. Martin explained the difference between resistance and impedence and demonstrated how to measure this and how to check coax feed lines.

The information and explanations in Martin’s presentation were really easy to follow and understand.

There were many questions from those attending and also some useful additional explanations and advice. Most of us have experienced some of the problems discussed at some time or another.

It was also good to meet some potential new members that joined us for the evening. Quinn, a member of our Discord Server brought along a very interesting and well displayed set of RF connectors for all to see.

Thank you to Martin for another great meeting presentation and to all that were able to attend and also help set-up and tidy the hall for the meeting.