Dummy antenna for testing vhf sets?

[Timleech]

The vhf set I was using on the boat has developed a transmission problem (not modulating) and I have a couple of similar sets which might need attention, so I want to be able to play with them on the bench (OK, kitchen table) during the long winter evenings without causing annoyance to the outside world. Some sets are vulnerable to damage if they 'transmit' without an aerial. I remember the sets where I did my short range vhf course had what looked like just a short piece of wire dangling from the socket. What would be effective as a dummy aerial, sufficient to avoid damage?

 

Thanks

Tim

[Alan de Enfield]

If the SWR is too high you can 'blow' your output.

 

You can easily buy a 'dummy load' that will fit in the SO259 socket - this will allow you to ket the mike without any damage

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2050601.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.Xvhf+dummy+load&_nkw=vhf+dummy+load&_sacat=0

 

It is probably as cheap to buy a Taxi mag-mount aerial and trim to length, you can then use it anywhere (car roof, boat roof, dining table - with a ground plane)

Mine cost about £20

[Arthur Brown]

The dummy load should prevent a transmission radiating (far) a mag mount aerial will radiate for all to hear, Will you interfere with other users?

[Timleech]

The dummy load should prevent a transmission radiating (far) a mag mount aerial will radiate for all to hear, Will you interfere with other users?

 

I wanted to avoid that, but shouldn't really be an issue if I keep clear of channels 14 & 74 (Ship Canal & Weaver), everything else should be out of range.

 

Tim

[Puddlejumper]

Dummy load is the best way no chance of blowing the output transister and a decent pwr / swr meter will help

[Arthur Brown]

Searching ebay for "50 ohm dummy load" brings up lots of them up to 250watt, it must be easier to buy than make one. Transmitters are usually 50ohm but check with the manual first.