A popular part of amateur radio is building and equipment and projects.  Many hams find they need test equipment to fully enjoy the experience—here are some projects to get you started.

• The Tandem Match -- An Accurate Directional Wattmeter 
  The ARRL Handbook, 1999, pp. 22.36 -- 22.42
• A Spectrum Analyzer for the Radio Amateur -- Part 1
  QST August 1998, pp. 35-43
  This radio-frequency spectrum analyzer is capable of useful measurements in the 50kHz to 70 MHz region.
• A Spectrum Analyzer for the Radio Amateur -- Part 2
  QST September 1998, pp. 37-40
  Feedback -- QST November 1999, p. 74
• A GPS-Based Frequency Standard
  QST July 1998, pp. 37-44
  Build this highly accurate frequency standard that uses the GPS timing pulse instead of WWV.
  Feedback: QST October 1998, p. 81. Figure 3, reverse the identities of R5 and R6.
• Build a Return Loss Bridge
  QST September 1997, pp. 34-36
  Used with your DVM, this simple bridge, diode detector and return loss techniques can help you measure cable loss and SWR at the antenna
• A Pocket-Size, Direct-Reading VHF SWR Meter
  QST February 1997, pp. 33-36
  This easy-to-build LED bargraph SWR meter goes with you anywhere.
• A Relative-Indication Audible Meter Reader
  QST March 1997, pp. 36-39
  This simple circuit allows blind - and sighted - hams to identify meter readings audibly.
• A Simple and Accurate QRP Directional Wattmeter 
  QST February 1990, pp. 19-23, 36
  A directional wattmeter that's simple, portable, and accurate from 10 watts down to 5 milliwatts!
• The (Not Quite) Ultimate Dummy Load
  QST January 1981, pp. 35-37
  This dummy load made from carbon resistors will dissipate 132 watts.
• Simple RF-Power Measurement
  QST June 2001, pp. 38-43
  Measure power from nanowatts to 100 watts
  Feedback: QST August 2001, p. 76
• Swept Receiver Dynamic Range Testing in the ARRL Laboratory
  QEX June 1996, pp. 3-12
• Improved Dynamic-Range Testing
  QEX Jul/Aug 2002, pp. 46-52
• The "No Fibbin'" RF Field Strength Meter
  QST August 2002, pp. 28-29
  A simple effective and easy field strength meter.
  Feedback: QST September 2002 p.88 (schematic error, included in main article)
• An Inside Picture of Directional Wattmetters
  QST April 1959, pp. 24-28
  A tutorial, What They Do—How They Do It
• An RF Step Attenuator
  QST Jun 1995
  When you can find a good, commercially made RF attenuator, expect to pay the price. Here’s where doing it yourself can provide you with what you need.inexpensively.