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Re: [TowerTalk] FA-VA5 question

To: towertalk@contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] FA-VA5 question
From: David Gilbert <ab7echo@gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 5 Nov 2021 12:47:54 -0700
List-post: <mailto:towertalk@contesting.com>

That works, but if the problem is approximately short or an open, there is an easier way to achieve a kind of manual TDR:

1.  Take readings with the FA-VA5 at three different frequencies chosen to represent something between a quarter wavelength and half wavelength compared with the length of the transmission line.

2.  Load those readings and other relevant info (frequency, type of feedline) into TLW, the free application that comes with the ARRL Antenna Book.

3.  Tell TLW that your transmission line is a bit longer than it actually is, and then use TLW to plot the resistance and reactance along the line.

4.  Look for the spot on the three curves that has the same values at the same distance on the line.


It works.  I've done it to find a connector that had arc'd and the resolution was amazing ... less than a foot.  The concept is actually viable for problems other than a short or an open ... it's just more difficult to spot on the plots

73,
Dave   AB7E




On 11/5/2021 11:17 AM, Jim Brown wrote:
On 11/5/2021 9:51 AM, Lux, Jim wrote:
Manual doesn't describe a TDR function, nor the USB interface, BUT, it does offer that by looking for resonant frequencies, you can measure the length of a cable.

TDR can be accomplished by using DG8SAQ's VNWA software on the exported file. Perform the widest possible sweep, save the file per the manual, and import in that software.

73, Jim K9YC
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