SGC Smartuner SG-211, Operating Manual

Page: 33 / 50

SG-211 User’s Manual
© 2004 SGC Inc. Page 31
design and installation of your HF system, the operator
can expect top performance. Further information
regarding applications, installation and operation can be
downloaded from our website www.sgcworld.com. These
publications include:
•
HF User’s Guide
•
Go Mobile at 500 Watts
•
Stealth Antennas
•
Smartuner Antenna Coupler
Manuals
3.8 Do-it-Yourself Light Bulb Test
Any time a transmitter is used, its output must go to a
load. A load is anything that the output power can be
pumped into. If the transmitter is operated without a load
connected, the final amplifier stage could be severely
damaged. Never test a transmitter on the air for the first
time if you are unsure about how to operate it or if you
are unsure whether it is working properly. You could
create harmful interference to other stations.
To test transmitters without actually operating into an
antenna, dummy loads were created. A dummy load is a
load that will dissipate the energy from the transmitter
instead of emanating it into the ionosphere. Nearly all
commercial dummy loads are large oil-filled cans. These
dummy loads change the transmitted energy into heat,
which is absorbed by the oil. Because different
transmitters output different amounts of power, different
sizes of dummy loads must be used. Dummy loads for
typical amateur powers (<500 watts) are relatively
inexpensive and are readily available.