Re: self-inductance of a coax cable

[rshotwel@ivy.tec.in.us (Allen Shotwell)]

The simplest way I know is to use a "Z" meter. Unfortunately, that is not
the least expensive. I believe our Z meter is made by Simpson. It's possible
that some of the new LCD/handheld scope/meter devices will do the trick too. 


> Dear Colleagues;
> Does anyone know of a simple way to directly measure the self-inductance 
> of a coax cable? Our campus is switching over to twisted pair for local 
> computer networks, producing some long lengths of surplus thin Ethernet 
> coax. With modern, fast scopes some neat experiments should be possible.  
> In one, we measure the impedance by terminating the coax with a variable 
> resistor and by adjusting the resistance until the reflected wave 
> disappears. The capacitance can be determined by using the cable as the 
> capacitor in a simple RC circuit. Now, if we can only measure the 
> inductance independently the inductance can be measured and compared with 
> the measured value.
>
> Tim Usher
R. Allen Shotwell
Chair, Science and Math
Ivy Tech State College
Terre Haute, IN