April's meeting was an excellent presentation by Gary Minker of Radio Works RF Consulting. Radio Works is a "unique group of Electronic and Broadcasting Engineers who specialize in the many facets of the communications spectrum." For more information about Radio Works RF Consulting, visit the website at: http://www.radioworksrfconsulting.com

Gary's primary purpose was to introduce us to some of the basics of testing with a network analyzer. He showed us a few of the pitfalls that the uninitiated can fall prey to simply because of a lack of experience and familiarity. For example, if someone you hire brings in a network analyzer, and recalls the previous calibration instead of performing the calibration, you have no assurance that the readings you get will be accurate to the degree that you may require.

Gary shared a number of examples from his experience where he was able to identify problems using the equipment and based on his experience.