[Elecraft] Don't have a 50W dummy load

[Don Wilhelm]

I can add, for those who want a good 130+ watt  dummy load and are 
willing to build one (a quart size Heath 'Cantenna'), take a look at
http://k4eaa.com/dummy.html.

I built 2, one for myself and another for my grandson (we did it as a 
project together).  It is not difficult at all.
You may want to check for mineral oil at a lower price than the drug 
store.  Tractor Supply has it because it is used for horses.  It might 
be available at vet supply places as well.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 3/24/2015 5:25 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
> Tony,
>
> "Scolding time" :-)
> One thing that I believe should be in every ham's shack is a dummy 
> load capable of handling the maximum power that your station can 
> develop.  Ridge Equipment has a 50 ohm 75 watt dummy load good up to 
> 1.5GHz for $11.95, but you will need an adapter for UHF connectors so 
> that is an additional $5.  See 
> https://www.ridgeequipment.com/store/dummyloads.html.
>
> If ever you run into a problem, the first check is to see what happens 
> when you transmit into a dummy load.  That removes many variables - 
> like RFI problems and antenna problems.  It is the first check I 
> recommend.  If the rig works into the dummy load, you need to look for 
> the problem somewhere other than the rig.
>
> I have had rigs sent to me for "repair" only to find that there is 
> nothing wrong.  The resulting repair charge is greater than the cost 
> of a good dummy load.
>
> If you look for one at a hamfest, take your ohmmeter along to check if 
> it is still a 50 ohm load - some are burned out from excessive power.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> On 3/24/2015 3:25 PM, Tony Estep wrote:
>> Well, now I downloaded the new firmware, only to discover that I have 
>> to do
>> the 50W calibration. I have a 5W dummy load, but no 50W. The 5W 
>> calibration
>> went okay. So do I have to get a 50W dummy load before I can use the K3
>> again? Or should I back down to the previous firmware? Or what?
>>
>>
>
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