Building a 70 cm slotted line
Actually, not slotted. Here's what I have in mind:
Use some 1/16 inch common FR4 two-sided PCB material. The ARRL
UHF/Microwave Experimenter's book shows that a .105 inch wide trace
will have a characteristic impedance of 50 Ohms. For 434 MHz, I will
make it at least 3.6 inches long (velocity factor = .528) but
probably more like 6 or 7 inches long.
Here is where I have a bit of a problem. I need a probe to run along
the .105 inch trace so I can read the (rectified) signal. From the
data I should be able to calculate the load impedance.
I have read that a small current loop placed near the line would
suffice. But would it be too insensitive at low power (10 mW)?
Also, how would I maintain the separation between the probe and line?
Should I use a probe that would contact the line instead?
Mechanical stuff is my weakest point. Any ideas?
Thanks in advance.
John, KD5YI
|