[Amps] Transmit signal monitoring AM & SSB

[Bryan Swadener]

I've used a 'scope for a few decades to monitor my transmitted waveform. My impressions of dedicated ham scopes (Heathkit, Yaesu, Kenwood, et al) are that they do the job but, they're pricey and not the best choice. I've owned the SB610 and SM220 (w/ BS8) a long time. However, I prefer a lab 'scope. The ham scopes have tiny 3" CRTs, while my Tek 2236 has a larger 5" CRT. The ham scopes don't have triggered sweep while my Tek does.

The Kenwood unit doesn't sense T/R, and needs different setups for the transmitter monitoring vs bandscope use. It's a PITA to repeatedly change setups. The Heathkit unit has the transmitter attenuator switch on the REAR panel, where it's not convenient to access. I cured that with a modification that brings it to the front panel (see http://www.tinyurl.com/wa7prc-sb610). Some lathe work required. If I get a round to it, now that the '610 has a vacant hole on the rear panel, I'll clone the astigmatism control from my SB620 'Scanalyzer' that I use unmodified with my Kenwood rigs.
I found Manfred's comments interesting and compelling.  Thank you! However, for now at least, I'll just keep using my olde stuff.

vy 73 es gl,Bryan WA7PRC
 
    Date: Thu, 30 Jul 2015 08:53:41 -0500
From: Rob Atkinson <ranchorobbo at gmail.com>
To: "amps at contesting.com" <amps at contesting.com>
Subject: Re: [Amps] Transmit signal monitoring AM & SSB

[snip]

An old SB610 and scope can be picked up at a hamfest for around $150
for the pair.  You'll use them all during your AM operating time.  If
they don't work out you can sell them easily at another hamfest.


73

Rob
K5UJ