[Elecraft] Light Bulb Dummy Load?

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

ZOOM wrote:

Now how about using an incandesant light bulb for a dummy load?  They
seem to work quite well for a temporary dummy load and exhibit near 50
ohm impedance.  A quick load if you need one.  Any thoughts?

---------------
I never saw a 100 watt incandescent bulb that was close to 50 ohms. The
resistance varies widely with the temperature of the filament.  They
have some inductance as well although I've never checked to see whether
it's significant at HF. I'd be astonished if one could make the 1.5:1
impedance match requirement of the KPA100. 

I have used them  as a dummy load, but only on the output of a
transmitter capable of being adjusted for a "match" to the bulb. The
K2/100 with KAT100 should be able to use one, for example, with the
KAT100 handling the matching duties. I used one on my Johnson Viking
Ranger transmitter (ca. 1955). 

Keep in mind that ops have worked DX on a light bulb. They are NOT a
very well shielded dummy load. Indeed, they can be a better antenna than
some "antennas" out there, from the reports I read.

Ron AC7AC
K2 # 1289