[sdiy] Poor man's EMC testing?

[Byron G. Jacquot]

>     While this is somewhat off-topic, I was wondering if anyone had
>insight into economical test methods for performing EMC analysis
>(FCC/CISPR) before going to certification? Most of the solutions I've
>found involve purchasing a $5K+ Spectrum Analyzer and equally
>expensive antenna for measurement. Are there any other methods you
>guys know about?

The po' boy EMC test involves sitting an active walkie talkie on top of the DUT.  But it only tests a very narrow band.

Keep an eye open for secondhand test equipment, if you really want to do it yourself.

Better yet, be careful in selecting the test vendor you use, and understand what work they're quoting on.  

I went through this last fall on a product.  I got a list of local EMC test companies, and visited with several of them.  It turns out that the first couple I called were basically compliance brokers...which I found when I called the third - he knew my stuff sounded familiar, because the brokers had called him about subcontracting, just before I called him myself.  If you're looking to save money, beware the middlemen.  When in doubt, ask for a tour of their chamber.

Also, try try to get quotes that take you through compliance....not just renting time in their chamber, but full hands on help with getting your unit to pass.  Make it so that saving time and getting things passing is beneficial to all parties.

Byron Jacquot