AdvancedA-003-003-003
What two ways could a dip meter be used in an amateur station?
C
Answer
Transmitters and receivers
Type
A
To measure resonant frequency of antenna traps and percentage modulation
B
To measure antenna resonance and impedance
C
To measure resonant frequencies of antenna traps and to measure a tuned circuit resonant frequency
D
To measure antenna resonance and percentage modulation
Answer Notes
A dip meter (or grid-dip oscillator) is an instrument that contains a tunable RF oscillator. When its external coil is brought near a de-energized tuned circuit or an antenna trap, the circuit absorbs energy from the meter if their resonant frequencies match. This absorption causes a noticeable dip in the meter's current reading.
Because its primary function relies on this LC resonance absorption, it is perfectly suited for checking the resonant frequency of passive tuned circuits and antenna traps. It essentially acts as a localized, variable RF source to find where a circuit naturally resonates.
The other options are incorrect because a dip meter cannot measure percentage modulation (which requires an oscilloscope or modulation monitor) nor can it measure impedance directly (which requires an impedance bridge or an antenna analyzer).
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What does a dip meter do?
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A dip meter supplies the radio frequency energy which enables you to check: