A simple 3 cm Q-meter

Following a brief review of existing refiectometer methods for the measurement of Q-factors of microwave cavities, a simplified system is described in which the complexity and cost of components are reduced appreciably. Values of Q-factors, from 200 to 4 000, measured in this way are in good agreement with those obtained with established techniques. Because the local oscillator is tuned manually, a frequency range wider than that obtainable with electronic tuning may be covered.