So... I should have been using 60Hz as a standard frequency vs. 100. I used 100 b/c it was more audible with most of the gear I was using at 'reasonable' voltages. For what I was doing... it was okay, but for better accuracy 60Hz would likely have been a better choice.
Taking a bit of a break, but I now have a list of things to test / try / understand.
With sincere thanks!
Patrick
Taking a bit of a break, but I now have a list of things to test / try / understand.
With sincere thanks!
Patrick
Why are you getting a QA403 if you have a Shibasoku AM70A? What are you trying to measure? The AM70A is as low or lower distortion than the QA403. Its a little less capable for some measurements but more so for others. You can use them together. I have a layout for a board for the rear to break out the internal signals for connecting to a soundcard/QA403. PM me if interested.
Scopes are not really good for precision AC measurements. Too many uncertainties and the probe also can limit the measurement accuracy. You need an AC rated voltmeter. Most of the better Flukes and HP's are well suited. Some (e.g. Fluke 8060a) have dB options and extended frequency response accuracy.
Scopes are not really good for precision AC measurements. Too many uncertainties and the probe also can limit the measurement accuracy. You need an AC rated voltmeter. Most of the better Flukes and HP's are well suited. Some (e.g. Fluke 8060a) have dB options and extended frequency response accuracy.
^ I suppose the easiest answer is that I am hoping that the user interface and software for the QA403 will make a few things easier for a putz like me. Plus, I've heard the QA403 is pretty much bullet-proof. I'd weep a bit if I killed the Shiba whilst trying to learn to use it properly.
I was trying to think of an analogy that may work... I suppose if the Shiba is a Ferrari F40... insanely capable in the right hands, but a novice is going to bin it... the QA403 is perhaps like one of those newer 'family' hot sedans with the drivers' assists that make everyone look like they know how to drift a 500+ bhp machine without destroying the car or killing themselves...
I'm not getting rid of any of the gear. Heck, I'm still trying to learn to use REW properly with a soundcard (Edited to add - got a Focusrite a while back... so I abandoned the soundcard).
I don't think I've ever struggled so mightily to understand something so (seemingly) simple ... but experts always make it look easy.
I was trying to think of an analogy that may work... I suppose if the Shiba is a Ferrari F40... insanely capable in the right hands, but a novice is going to bin it... the QA403 is perhaps like one of those newer 'family' hot sedans with the drivers' assists that make everyone look like they know how to drift a 500+ bhp machine without destroying the car or killing themselves...
I'm not getting rid of any of the gear. Heck, I'm still trying to learn to use REW properly with a soundcard (Edited to add - got a Focusrite a while back... so I abandoned the soundcard).
I don't think I've ever struggled so mightily to understand something so (seemingly) simple ... but experts always make it look easy.
Actually the Shibasoku is more bulletproof than the QA403. They overlap in capabilities but each has strengths. (FWIW I have a QA401 and a Shibasoku AM70A and lots of other similar instruments). Learning how to measure meaningfully and safely is your next task. I would recommend a good primer on electronics so more of this makes sense. Not sure what to suggest. The old military training manuals were really good. There are a number of online options as well.
Sorry for the late reply.
I never feel badly when recommending this book: The Art of Electronics Even recently graduated engineering students find lots of very useful and pragmatic information therein. Yeah, it's not free, but it really is worth the money.
Rich Cabot can legitimately be called an expert on measurements. One of his AES papers on the subject of audio measurements can be found here: Fundamentals of Modern Audio Measurement
Audio Precision will allow you to download Bob Metzler's book for free from their website, if you sign up. The Audio Measurement Handbook
Back to the original question. Since this is a DIY site, why not make your own BNC cables? This is one of many suppliers who stock cable, connectors, and the various tools like crimpers to make your own cables. I've bought from them for many years and have been 100% happy. The RF Connection
YMMV and that jazz...
I never feel badly when recommending this book: The Art of Electronics Even recently graduated engineering students find lots of very useful and pragmatic information therein. Yeah, it's not free, but it really is worth the money.
Rich Cabot can legitimately be called an expert on measurements. One of his AES papers on the subject of audio measurements can be found here: Fundamentals of Modern Audio Measurement
Audio Precision will allow you to download Bob Metzler's book for free from their website, if you sign up. The Audio Measurement Handbook
Back to the original question. Since this is a DIY site, why not make your own BNC cables? This is one of many suppliers who stock cable, connectors, and the various tools like crimpers to make your own cables. I've bought from them for many years and have been 100% happy. The RF Connection
YMMV and that jazz...
No worries on timing. I've taken the information you've provided and put it into my learning material notes.
For a little context, I suppose I'm like some, but perhaps not many DIYers. I got into this "later" in life, and while I don't have a strong background in electronics, I've got a reasonable science and engineering background. I find myself wandering vs. having created a clear path to learning. It was/is a hobby, and I came at it backwards. I started assembling the kits for fun. Then, I actually wanted to learn more. So, I grabbed information a la carte and often without context; I wanted answers to questions to get past a roadblock in a project. Now, I am gradually taking more structured classes, and it's been revitalizing.
re: making my own cables. I love it, but it's interesting (for me) because I lack the background. What cable to choose? Even when I make attempts to find "what matters" in a cable, the information seems to be somewhere between ... just pick something, they'll all work; and requiring college-level signal theory to know what's needed. RG59, RG58, different shielding etc. Belden must have over 10 varieties, and I really just wanted a few 3 foot cables that would work with the new toy. It's a bit like when batteries aren't included. I don't want to build batteries. I just want to grab a few off the shelf. Mainly, for a small quantity, it seems to be cheaper to buy them pre-assembled and of known quality. I've heard people mention that assembling cables like this (properly) can be "fiddly". In this situation, chalk it up to laziness, or if we're being generous... more closely aligning my priorities with my available time.
tl;dr - thank you for the resources and advice. It's truly appreciated. I've already skimmed the links, and they'll be wonderful additions to my 'library'.
For a little context, I suppose I'm like some, but perhaps not many DIYers. I got into this "later" in life, and while I don't have a strong background in electronics, I've got a reasonable science and engineering background. I find myself wandering vs. having created a clear path to learning. It was/is a hobby, and I came at it backwards. I started assembling the kits for fun. Then, I actually wanted to learn more. So, I grabbed information a la carte and often without context; I wanted answers to questions to get past a roadblock in a project. Now, I am gradually taking more structured classes, and it's been revitalizing.
re: making my own cables. I love it, but it's interesting (for me) because I lack the background. What cable to choose? Even when I make attempts to find "what matters" in a cable, the information seems to be somewhere between ... just pick something, they'll all work; and requiring college-level signal theory to know what's needed. RG59, RG58, different shielding etc. Belden must have over 10 varieties, and I really just wanted a few 3 foot cables that would work with the new toy. It's a bit like when batteries aren't included. I don't want to build batteries. I just want to grab a few off the shelf. Mainly, for a small quantity, it seems to be cheaper to buy them pre-assembled and of known quality. I've heard people mention that assembling cables like this (properly) can be "fiddly". In this situation, chalk it up to laziness, or if we're being generous... more closely aligning my priorities with my available time.
tl;dr - thank you for the resources and advice. It's truly appreciated. I've already skimmed the links, and they'll be wonderful additions to my 'library'.