dummy load question

[niceguy71]

I have not gotten my base antenna up yet I move at a snails pace I guess. ... but I had planned on testing some radios and had planned on using my base antenna. but I see that just sends out more RF noise... so I thought I would buy a dummy load.... I know 50 ohms... but I want to test a lot of hand held radio's at maybe 4 watts..... they may swing up to 6 or 7 watts.... I want to test my sideband radio at 12 watts and another sideband radio at 25 watts... I also have a small amp I think it's 75 or 100 watts...... is there just one dummy load that will work for all the testing or do I need to buy more than one? I see they sell them in different watt ratings of 5 watts 10 watts 25 watts and so forth... would a 50 watt do all the regular radio testing? I really don't care about testing the amp

 

[mmckenna]

would a 50 watt do all the regular radio testing? I really don't care about testing the amp

Wattage on those is how much heat they'll dissipate. Having higher wattage capability than what you need won't be a problem.

I bought a used commercial 100 watt 50Ω dummy load off e-Bay many years ago. It's a handy tool to have.

 

[mmckenna]

I have this exact model, bought it years ago, not sure how much I paid:

Decibel DB4303B 100 Watt 50 Ohm Dummy Load | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Decibel DB4303B 100 Watt 50 Ohm Dummy Load at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

 

[niceguy71]

as always, thank you Mmckenna I may pick that e-bay one up... I'll do some shopping.. if I can do all the testing on the 100 watt I'll go for the hundred.

 

[niceguy71]

I have this exact model, bought it years ago, not sure how much I paid:

Decibel DB4303B 100 Watt 50 Ohm Dummy Load | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Decibel DB4303B 100 Watt 50 Ohm Dummy Load at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

the e-bay unit is 50 bucks with 15 bucks shipping... I'm thinking this one... if this will do the 11 meters? I guess they test any RF at 50 ohms...but I thought I would ask before buying it to make sure it will not hurt anything using on 11 meters. Amazon.com

 

[mmckenna]

the e-bay unit is 50 bucks with 15 bucks shipping... I'm thinking this one... if this will do the 11 meters?

Yes, specs are DC (0MHz) to 520MHz. Fine for CB use.

I guess they test any RF at 50 ohms...but I thought I would ask before buying it to make sure it will not hurt anything using on 11 meters. Amazon.com

It'll be fine.
However, look closely at the reviews. Not impressive. Of the 4 written reviews, 2 of them are pretty negative.

For hobby use, you really don't need anything expensive. You want one that will perform at the frequencies you need and at the power level you need.
If it's something you plan on using frequently, I'd go for the higher quality one I linked to on eBay, even if it costs a bit more. However, that seller appears to have really bad scores and I'd probably find something similar from a more reputable seller.

You also want to pay attention to the connectors. The one I linked to is a male N connector, which you won't find on a CB. It's more common in commercial/LMR/public safety stuff. It's a higher spec connector. You'd likely want an adapter or some test cables either way, so not a big deal.

 

[NT6K]

I bought this one 35 years ago and it has served me well. Just remember, which ever dummy load you decide to buy be sure that it is non-inductive.

MFJ MFJ-260C

1 - 650 MHz 300 Watt Dry Dummy Load

www.hamradio.com

Dave

 

[prcguy]

I would avoid MFJ stuff. Here is a good commercial quality 75 watt load good to 2GHz for $35.

Celwave Load Termination N Female - Tested | eBay

N Female RF Power Connection. RF Connectors & Gadgets Quality Products for the More Knowledgeable and Experienced User ! Tested in our tech room for RL (VSWR) and operation. These are from unused rack panels as shown in the last image (not included).

www.ebay.com

I have a lot of commercial quality loads here from 5W to 1500W continous but this one seems to get a lot of use. Rated 250W up to about 2GHz and with a coupled monitor port for frequency counter, spectrum analyzer, etc. Its only $49.

Celwave Load Termination N Female Power Port - BNC Female Sample Port - Tested | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Celwave Load Termination N Female Power Port - BNC Female Sample Port - Tested at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

 

[niceguy71]

I would avoid MFJ stuff. Here is a good commercial quality 75 watt load good to 2GHz for $35.

Celwave Load Termination N Female - Tested | eBay

N Female RF Power Connection. RF Connectors & Gadgets Quality Products for the More Knowledgeable and Experienced User ! Tested in our tech room for RL (VSWR) and operation. These are from unused rack panels as shown in the last image (not included).

www.ebay.com

I have a lot of commercial quality loads here from 5W to 1500W continous but this one seems to get a lot of use. Rated 250W up to about 2GHz and with a coupled monitor port for frequency counter, spectrum analyzer, etc. Its only $49.

Celwave Load Termination N Female Power Port - BNC Female Sample Port - Tested | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Celwave Load Termination N Female Power Port - BNC Female Sample Port - Tested at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

thank you PRCGUY! but I bought a couple cheap ones on Amazon... a 10 watt and a 100 watt.... ... I used the 10 watt for the first time today to see how the LMR400 was.. seems to work... if I hadn't bought one I would have picked that up.... I generally try to buy new over used if I can.