Dummy load connection

[guttapercha]

Hi all,
I've been gradually getting back into the hobby and need a dummy load.

Most of the lower price offerings have male (PL-259) connections. Why? I think that in most applications, an SO-239 is desirable, otherwise there is a need for a barrel connector. I had a cantenna many years ago but gave it away prior to a move because I couldn't send it with the movers filled with oil. That was an SO-239. Hoping to go with a dry load this time and spend less than $40. I don't need massive power handling.

Thanks,
JD

 

[ladn]

Good question.
Since I'm not a product designer, I can only speculate that it's because, unlike the cantenna, many of the smaller dummy loads are designed to be affixed directly to the antenna connector on the radio under test.

Not a big deal for me. I keep some barrel connectors, coax jumpers and adaptors with my SWR meter, antenna analyzer and dummy load.

 

[K4EET]

Good question.
Since I'm not a product designer, I can only speculate that it's because, unlike the cantenna, many of the smaller dummy loads are designed to be affixed directly to the antenna connector on the radio under test.
<snip>

Yes, you are correct. The itty-bitty dummy loads, 100 Watts for short periods of time with a PL-259 connection, are meant to attach directly to the radio. Just be aware of the supplied chart that correlates transmit time allowed based on power used. Otherwise, that “magic smoke” may get released from the dummy load. 🤣🤣🤣

 

[radiotweester]

I'm not a designer, but I would guess so you can connect it to a meter directly and without the potential issue a chuck of coax can introduce. Most of the professional versions I've seen over the years for VHF/UHF/SHF have a male N connector. Not knowing frequency or power you're wanting to use, but for the price range you listed you might look in to the used Celwave or Decibel units. With the extra cheap Chinese units that say VHF/UHF, watch out for high SWR off that unit.

 

[guttapercha]

Thanks all for your thoughts on this very random technical question.