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How to Use a Dummy Load in Amateur Radios

Testing an amateur radio transmitter is best done by using an antenna known as a dummy load. This allows for testing without transmitting and unnecessarily tying up sometimes-busy amateur radio frequencies that must be shared by all. While not technically illegal, it is considered bad practice in the amateur radio community to test radio equipment over the air, as it can cause interference to legitimate communications, which is against amateur radio regulations. Essentially, the dummy load is a antenna that will dissipate the radio frequencies it receives into heat instead of transmitting out a signal.

Things You'll Need

Amateur radio transceiver
Amateur radio license to operate in desired band
Dummy load

Instructions

Using The Dummy Load
- 1
  Disconnect the transmitting antenna from the transceiver. Connect the coaxial cable to the dummy load and place it in an area where heat generated by the RF energy will not pose a fire hazard.
- 2
  Turn on the transceiver if needed. Reduce the transmitting power to the rated power level of the dummy load itself. Typically this could range anywhere from 15 to 1,500 watts, and will vary based on model.
- 3
  Begin the desired tests of the transceiver. Keep in mind while the the dummy load should not transmit RF energy, it could happen. Unidentified transmissions are illegal in the amateur radio service, so ensure you identify at some point with your call sign and the word "test" or "testing" to be safe.
- 4
  Disconnect the dummy load from the transceiver once testing is complete. Reconnect the transmitting antenna.

Ham Radio