Topband: Measuring Inductor Q

[GEORGE WALLNER]

G'day Topbanders,

I am trying to measure the Q of large air would and 
toroidal inductors. I have built a jig that I use to 
series resonate the coil at the frequency of interest (1.8 
and 3.5 MHz). The series C is a high Q vacuum variable. I 
have also included a precison, non-inductive 50 ohm 
resistor in series, and using an AIM4170 analyzer I 
measure the Rs component, which should include the 50 ohm 
resistor and the resistance of the inductor. (I am 
measuring at 50 ohms because the analyzer is reported to 
be most accurate around 50 ohms.) I get consitent results 
to Q-s of up to about 120. I don't seem to be able to 
measure beyond Q 120.

Is there a better -- cost effective -- method I should be 
using?

TKS in advance for any advice,

George
AA7JV