[NLRS] Return Loss Question

[Scott]

Can't remember who gave the talk about this at Aurora 2007, but I need a 
little refresher....

I have a directional coupler that is supposedly designed for a frequency 
range of 4-10 GHz.  If I recall, the presenter said you can use them 
outside of their range, but what would the result be?  If I recall, the 
actual numbers may be off, but the ratio of fwd to ref power would still 
be fairly (?) accurate.  Is that an accurate statement?

The reason I ask is...when using an IFR signal generator as a signal 
source and using the 4-10 GHz directional coupler at 902 MHz, I get a 
return loss of about 16 dB.  Last night I was testing the dish with my 
transverter driving the dish through a wattmeter (0-1000 MHz) and I was 
getting 10W FWD and 10W REF.  That doesn't sound like a 16 dB return 
loss.  The only thing different is that I had the directional coupler 
attached directly at the feedpoint while the wattmeter was connected 
with a 6 foot jumper between it and the feedpoint.  Insight?

-- 
Scott N0EDV
http://corbenflyer.tripod.com/
Gotta Fly or Gonna Die
Building RV-4 (Super Slow Build Version)