[Elecraft] Tuner efficiency question

[N2EY at aol.com]

In a message dated 5/13/05 12:51:01 PM Eastern Daylight Time, vic at rakefet.com 
writes:


> Many QRP operators assume that a tuner used for QRP can 
> be small because one doesn't need the power-handling capability of a larger 
> tuner.  However, if a tuner has x db loss, then that loss will reduce the 
> strength of a received signal by x db whether the signal is transmitted at 5 
> or 
> 500 watts!
> 
> 

That's true but it doesn't mean good tuners must be big.

The lossiest element in most tuners is the inductor. If an inductor has high 
Q, then by definition it has low loss. 

Power-handling capability is a related but different thing.It involves the 
ability to withstand high voltage if necessary, and to dissipate a certain 
amount of power. A high Q coil doesn't necessarily have a high power handling 
capacity, and vice versa.

73 de Jim, N2EY