Are cheap chinese RF toroids usable?

[necessaryevil]

I've ordered some chinese toroids, T130-2 and T130-6 for a very low price. I want to test them  to see if I can use them for a low pass filter (=< 400w). I'm curious and I can't wait for them to arrive, so I am asking: Has anyone ever tested cheap chinese RF toroids?

I'm planning to test the A_L; although I don't expect this parameter to be the problem. I'm more interested in core loss and power handling, but I'm not sure how to test this since I don't own a spectrum analyzer.

[radiolistener]

they are slightly worse than amidon, but works ok

[CJay]

Haven't even seen these, have you a link to a source?

[radiolistener]

https://vvvv.aliexpress.com/store/group/Iron-Power-Cores/346423_507303475.html

[JohnPen]

I purchased 4x25 piece lots of toroids from kitsandparts in the US recently as they seemed quite low in price.  Sadly by the time I paid international postage plus being charged an import tax in the UK they were no longer particularly cheap. Final average price £0.43 each for T37-2,6 50-2 and FT37-43 sizes.  $21 for the 100 toroids, $16 postage and then £13.48 import tax.  Was it just bad luck or is it more likely if you buy from the US?   Numerous purchases from China in similar price range never had an import charge.

[CJay]

If you buy regularly you might want to consider either AMTools/SPRATReader in Wigan who are eBay only (and a regular at GQRP/Ham rallies) or perhap joining the GQRP club might be worth your while for the club sales?

[JohnPen]

Thanks for the information on the UK sources CJay.  However having bought so many toroids as a one off purchase I believe it will be a long time before I will need any more.

John

[lordvader88]

Well I least they have labels rather than just the color. I bought some greens and yellows so far from ebay. I want to get a selection of quality ones, but they are pretty expensive it seems, for some bad reason.

[necessaryevil]

The 130-6 Toroids are in. the AL seems a bit higher than usual. One of the T130-6 toroids is now with a friend, he has way more experience and equipment and he 's goint to do some more testing.

T130-6