Crystal Characterization and the Design of Crystal Filters

Nick Kennedy, WA5BDU

WA5BDU Photo

My presentation will be on crystal characterization and the design of crystal filters. In the past decade or two, we have seen a boom in the number of available articles, techniques, measurement circuits and software packages, making this facet of homebrewing an available and inexpensive option for the mainstream builder. My goal is to summarize methods, hardware and tools, and perhaps convince the skeptical listener that "rolling your own" crystal filters is no longer especially technically daunting or financially impractical.

Biography:

I started out in ham radio at the age of 13 in Subiaco, Arkansas when I received the call WN5BDU in January of 1962.  Trying various modes over the years, I've always found myself gravitating back to CW.  I worked CW traffic nets in the 60s, casual ragchewing just about always, DX in the late 70 s, contests, especially Field Day always, and lots of QRP since around 1990. 

I wasn't a prolific builder in my early ham years, sticking mostly to Heathkits.  But over time, it's become the dominant part of my ham life.  To me, this is a golden age for homebrewers, and QRPers seem to be in the forefront. 

I have a BSEE and have worked as an engineer in nuclear power for 36 years.  My wife and I have been married for 31 years and have three great kids: son, son, daughter.  Still working on getting that youngest one through college.

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