[Elecraft] The Technical Side of Ham Radio

[Jim Brown]

Exactly right, Lynn!

73, Jim K9YC

On Fri,10/30/2015 10:00 AM, Lynn W. Taylor, WB6UUT wrote:
> It seems to me that a good basic knowledge of electronics is enough, 
> without spending a fortune on test equipment -- unless that appeals to 
> you.
>
> The recent threads on power supplies and voltage at the transceiver is 
> a good example.
>
> Sure, you can measure the drop with a good voltmeter, either measured 
> across the wire, or measured at the terminals.
>
> You can also find a good set of wire tables, and calculate the drop 
> across a given length of wire.  If the drop is going to be too high, 
> go to a higher gauge.
>
> Back to the DVM, you can check the connectors (resistance) and 
> calculate the voltage drop at 100% power out.
>
> If you aren't sure, look at the fuses.  The current will be lower than 
> the fuse rating, so that gives you extra margin, which is never bad.
>
> Then you test.  Hook up your dummy load, transmit CW at 100w (or in my 
> case, about 12w), and see what you've got at the transceiver.
>
> If it sags, grab your DVM and measure the power terminals on the power 
> supply.
>
> It's not that hard, and the necessary equipment can be had for under 
> $40 or so.