Using computer to tune and test a radio?

[auskip07]

Looking at purchasing some radio testing equipment to see how well a radio before/ after mods is performing. Do any programs/software exist that i can test max/rms watts, modulation, on my computer? Assuming you can buy a computer card that will allow a cb to hook up to a computer. Any google search yields nothing.

If that cant be done can you point me in the right direction for some equipment that would be good to start out with when tuning and modifying my radios? So far i know ill need a dummy load for when on the bench, Dosy TC4001P looks to give me a good range of gauges to test out a radio but looking for suggestions.

[MDYoungblood]

You could do a little searching, there are a few inter-phase setups that hook to a CPU like an oscilloscope and signal generator/frequency counter, I've even seen a modulation meter. Be prepared for "sticker shock" when you see the prices. Your Dosy meter is okay for checking things going on but not really accurate enough the do any real testing/aligning. This is what the basic test bench would look like,


3's

Greg

[auskip07]

You could do a little searching, there are a few inter-phase setups that hook to a CPU like an oscilloscope and signal generator/frequency counter, I've even seen a modulation meter. Be prepared for "sticker shock" when you see the prices. Your Dosy meter is okay for checking things going on but not really accurate enough the do any real testing/aligning. This is what the basic test bench would look like,


3's

Greg

Greg, thanks for the feedback.... yes the sticker shock is there for what i really want to do. A dosy meter will have to suffice. Hard to justify the prices on a bunch of 40 dollar radios but ill give it a shot and just rely on the Dosy to verify im functioning. It might give me an idea of what my base level is and see were i can improve.

[davew41]

You can get yourself a heathkit SB-610 on ebay and use that as a basic scope, you can use sweep gen software on the pc to inject a 1k tone into your radio from the pc speaker and use your dosy meter for the watts and a mfj dummy load.
you would have a nice basic set up besides an analyzer at a low cost.

If you wanted a real scope you can pick up a 100 MHZ scope used on ebay under 200$ and get a RF sampler and bnc cable
i use both set ups and set my power and modulation on all of my radios with no issues..

[auskip07]

Thanks Dave41, Those are great suggestions and looks like i can get a 100 mhz for close to 150 on ebay. not bad. Im going to take it slow and see if this hobby catches on before i invest in more equipment.

[davew41]

The Heathkit Sb-610 will save you from buying a sampler and bnc cable, as you use the coax itself into the back of the unit, it is designed for radio so you don't have to learn 90 switches and dials of a scope.. Good luck with your decision..