[Elecraft] 50 Ohm Load - source?

[Rick Dettinger]

Yes, you are.
Dummy loads are not fun, like nice radios.
When I built a Heathkit HW100, 45 years ago, I needed a dummy load to align the transmitter section.
Not having one, and having just spent all my discretionary funds on the radio, I used a pencil lead to make a resistor element.
I had to experiment with different drafting pencils to find the correct resistance.  I carefully removed the wood with a razor blade, and attached clip leads at the points that gave me 50 ohms.  I dunked the result in a container of motor oil (probably not the best choice), and finished the alignment.  It worked well and was a one shot deal.
Later, following instructions in a ham radio magazine, I built a dummy load using two copper disks and 10 resistors.  This was also installed in a quart can filled with oil of some kind.  I put the dummy load under my shack and ran coax up to my rigs.  Also worked well.  
Now, I use an Elecraft 20 watt load, and have used it for short periods of time at higher power to make quick measurements.  This included the alignment work on my K3/100.

73,
Rick Dettinger  K7MW    
   








On Mar 30, 2015, at 2:43 PM, Dave Baxter wrote:

> I often wonder about people who will buy expensive (but excellent) radio's,
> then baulk at spending a few bucks, quid's or ?, on basic test kit like a
> half decent dummy load!
> 
> Am I missing something?
> 
> Dave G0WBX.