Dummy load
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Dummy load
Have one of these laying around, not used it before so just wanted to check if its a goer or not? Its says 0 / 500 mhz 50 watt... Dry dummy load? is that something other than a dummy load or am i being a bit dumb? Hypothetically keeping it under 50 watts is good for cbs but for fm transmitters? Does the same principle apply?
https://www.nevadaradio.co.uk/product/zetagi-dl50/
https://www.nevadaradio.co.uk/product/zetagi-dl50/
- yellowbeard
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Re: Dummy load
It's a dummy load, some types are filled with oil is what the "dry" bit means.
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Re: Dummy load
I wouldnt put 50watt into that for more than a few seconds!
You could force cool it using a fan? That may allow continuous use?
Or you could salvage the "dummy" resistor and submerge it in mineral oil which would serve a similar purpose!
I posted my DIY Dummy on here somewhere? I will try to find the link?

You could force cool it using a fan? That may allow continuous use?
Or you could salvage the "dummy" resistor and submerge it in mineral oil which would serve a similar purpose!
I posted my DIY Dummy on here somewhere? I will try to find the link?
I am as stupid as I look! 

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Re: Dummy load
That Zetagi "dummy load" is made for dummies - it might withstand 50 Watts for a second or two, but would probably suffer irreparable damage! It's rated like the Zetagi "50 Watt" CB burners. I've seldom seem one - with 4 Watts of drive - put out more than about 15 Watts!
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Re: Dummy load
gotchayellowbeard wrote: ↑Thu Sep 08, 2022 11:09 pm It's a dummy load, some types are filled with oil is what the "dry" bit means.

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Re: Dummy load
To be honest Sinus it would be no more than a couple of watts but even then how long could i use it for, the 50 was hypothetical. I did see your dummy tin, but its having the time to build, the parts on hand and could i?sinus trouble wrote: ↑Fri Sep 09, 2022 12:25 am I wouldnt put 50watt into that for more than a few seconds!![]()
You could force cool it using a fan? That may allow continuous use?
Or you could salvage the "dummy" resistor and submerge it in mineral oil which would serve a similar purpose!
I posted my DIY Dummy on here somewhere? I will try to find the link?
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Re: Dummy load
And it cost me about £25 quid, so its garbage then lol Whats the point of the rating?Albert H wrote: ↑Fri Sep 09, 2022 1:52 am That Zetagi "dummy load" is made for dummies - it might withstand 50 Watts for a second or two, but would probably suffer irreparable damage! It's rated like the Zetagi "50 Watt" CB burners. I've seldom seem one - with 4 Watts of drive - put out more than about 15 Watts!
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Re: Dummy load
Actually i could manage that... couple of questions though.
20 x 1k ohm ?
2 Zener? value? Diodes
Value of the ceramic cap?
Is that a piece of tiny metal wire held in by wax next to so239? is it for some sort of sensor to stick a probe on to see how hot it is?
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Re: Dummy load
Ignore the sensor bit, just saw more of that thread. Cheers for the help.
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Re: Dummy load
No! Its not a waste of money! It is more than adequate for tuning and testing small Exciters Etc...
The problem with these Dummy loads is the Manufactures vague maximum ratings!
Often there are times when you need the Dummy to dissipate full output of a PA for an extended duration!
The actual long term dissipation of this product in reality is more like 50% less of the rated max power!
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Re: Dummy load
Cheers Sinus, at least its good for what i need then. Appreciated.sinus trouble wrote: ↑Sat Sep 10, 2022 12:13 amNo! Its not a waste of money! It is more than adequate for tuning and testing small Exciters Etc...
The problem with these Dummy loads is the Manufactures vague maximum ratings!
Often there are times when you need the Dummy to dissipate full output of a PA for an extended duration!
The actual long term dissipation of this product in reality is more like 50% less of the rated max power!
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Re: Dummy load
No problem! 
If you do need a larger dummy? There are so many ways to build them on a budget!
My Dummy is just an example! For a 60 watt load using 3 watt resistors!
1000 ohm divided by 20 equals 50 ohm! You could double the power by!
2000 ohm divided by 40 equals 50 ohm! Which would give you 120 watt of power!!
It all depends on your engineering skills and creativity!

If you do need a larger dummy? There are so many ways to build them on a budget!
My Dummy is just an example! For a 60 watt load using 3 watt resistors!
1000 ohm divided by 20 equals 50 ohm! You could double the power by!
2000 ohm divided by 40 equals 50 ohm! Which would give you 120 watt of power!!

It all depends on your engineering skills and creativity!
I am as stupid as I look! 

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Re: Dummy load
Hence why Zetagi power meters read so generously - makes their own linear amps look better!Albert H wrote: ↑Fri Sep 09, 2022 1:52 am That Zetagi "dummy load" is made for dummies - it might withstand 50 Watts for a second or two, but would probably suffer irreparable damage! It's rated like the Zetagi "50 Watt" CB burners. I've seldom seem one - with 4 Watts of drive - put out more than about 15 Watts!