[Elecraft] Dummy load

[Don Wilhelm]

Rick,

A dummy load is something that you connect to a transmitter which you 
want to test without using an antenna.
It provides a good 50 ohm resistive load to the transmitter whereas an 
antenna feedline impedance can vary all over the place (transmitters are 
designed to operate into a 50 ohm resistive load).

When the transmitter is not in use, it is wise to connect the antenna 
output to a dummy load - the transmitter will be better protected from 
static surges coming in on the antenna feedline - those surges can 
damage the transmitter or receiver.

Do not exceed the power rating of the dummy load.

The Elecraft DL1 has a diode detector that allows you to use your DMM to 
measure the recified DC voltage and compute the actual power using the 
formula in the instruction manual.

Another use of a dummy load is on ATUs that have more than one antenna 
port - connect the dummy load to any unused port just in case that ANT 
is accidentally selected.  You transmitter will be loaded with the 
proper load rather than transmitting into an open circuit (that can 
damage the transmitter)

73,
Don W3FPR

On 8/19/2013 2:21 PM, Rick Bleda wrote:
> I feel like the dummy, but I just bought and put together the DL-1 from
> Elecraft, and I have no clue how to use it. Can someone help? I need step
> by step instructions: ( lol
>