[FoxHunt] Attenuator

[Bob]

I think it is quite easy to calibrate your offset attenuator
and replace the pot with a rotary switch. (and some LEDs so
you can see where you are in the dark)

Bob, WB6JPI

cscharlau wrote:
> 
> Just to be contrary...
> 
> Whether you want an offset attenuator, a resistor-network step attenuator, both, or neither, depends a lot on what you want to do with it. If you want to simply knock the signal strength down so that your S-meter remains usable all the way until you are a few feet from the transmitter, then you probably want one of the offset attenuators you've seen described.
> 
> If, however, you'd like to use your attenuator to get a quantitative measure of your progress toward the transmitter, then you will probably want a calibrated step attenuator. Everytime you need to switch in 6 additional dB of attenuation to bring your S-meter to the same signal strength reading, you have moved half the distance to the transmitter. (Of course, this works best if you can be confident that you have a nearly line-of-sight path when you take your S-meter measurements.)  Now, try dialing in 6 dB of attenuation with your average offset attenuator, which doesn't give you any indication of the actual attenuation you're using!
> 
> You might want to use both a calibrated step attenuator and an offset attenuator. That way you can have the best that both have to offer.
> 
> Happy Hunting,
> Charles
> NZ0I
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