Tools for Ham Radio Enthusiasts

 Tools for Ham Radio Enthusiasts

Ham radio operators use a variety of tools to build and maintain their equipment, as well as to communicate with other hams. The specific tools and equipment that a ham radio operator needs will vary depending on their interests and activities. However, the tools listed below are a good starting point for any ham radio enthusiast.

Some of the most common tools used by ham radio operators include:

• Multimeter and component tester: These are valuable tools for testing electrical components and circuits.

• Antenna analyzer: This is used to measure the performance of antennas.

• Test gear: This can include things like signal generators, power meters, and noise bridges.

Aliexpress.com is one of the best Chinese websites where electronics and parts are cheap and of good quality. I’d rather buy from there than from ebay, when I know it’s coming from China.

But nothing beats free stuff. If you have friends ready to donate things to you, take it!! I’m dead serious! Every enthusiast has more than a multimeter that’s ready to part with. More expensive stuff, not sure, but I know I have at least a multimeter ready to say goodbye to. 

Multimeter and Component tester

A multimeter is a tool that is used to measure electrical current, voltage, and resistance/continuity. Multimeters are a valuable tool for troubleshooting electrical problems and for testing the performance of electronic components.

Let’s look at a couple of them:

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805035032922.html?pdp_npi=3%40dis%21%21US%20%2426.70%21US%20%2413.88%21US%20%2413.88%21%21%21%21%402101e6df16864359160838621d00fd%2112000032247588358%21sh%21US%211911226421&spm=a2g0o.store_pc_aeChoiceSimplified.allitems_choice_2004482130750.10&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa

And 

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256803877668603.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.main.9.4e53133aRAeujP&algo_pvid=cf9e7afb-a0ae-4b05-a7ab-e104247e34c4&aem_p4p_detail=202306101533435792895768216000006447039&algo_exp_id=cf9e7afb-a0ae-4b05-a7ab-e104247e34c4-4&pdp_npi=3%40dis%21USD%2118.53%2114.45%2113.53%21%21%21%21%402102196716864364234713350d077d%2112000027917329904%21sea%21US%211911226421&curPageLogUid=QGXoBoGuweAI&detail_p4p_id=202306101533435792895768216000006447039_1

Antenna Analyzer

An antenna analyzer is a tool that is used to measure the performance of antennas. Antenna analyzers can be used to determine the gain, SWR, and other characteristics of an antenna. The model I have is older, but still an H4 model as you can see below, and it’s still working. Yes, some of these devices die fast, don’t know why. 

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256803860180514.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.main.25.76992426hxOg0h&algo_pvid=a53bbd91-ab55-4a00-bea4-209026f335f8&algo_exp_id=a53bbd91-ab55-4a00-bea4-209026f335f8-12&pdp_npi=3%40dis%21USD%2181.53%2138.32%21%21%21%21%21%402102169316864361284305783d075a%2112000027848990015%21sea%21US%211911226421&curPageLogUid=2qXPT9jGIzMB

Test Gear for Advanced Stuff

Test gear is a general term that refers to a variety of tools that are used to test the performance of electronic components and circuits. Test gear can include things like signal generators, power meters, and noise bridges. Get these ones if, and only IF you need them. These can run pretty expensive, so don’t adventure into getting them. 

Conclusion

These are just a few of the tools that ham radio operators use. The specific tools and equipment that you need will vary depending on your interests and activities. However, the tools listed above are a good starting point for any ham radio enthusiast.

73

N1COZ