Rubber Duckie Antennas OK for bench tests?

[blueflyer]

Is it OK to attach rubber duck antennas to my radios in my panel in order to conduct a safe bench test?

 

[ColoRv]

Are you really going to trust opinions on the internet when talking about equipment this expensive? I would call the manufacturer.

 

[Walt]

Handheld radios put out about 1-2 watts, panel mount average is 10 watts. Bottom line, I wouldn't recommend it.

 

[n82rb]

Are you really going to trust opinions on the internet when talking about equipment this expensive? I would call the manufacturer.

given the backgrounds and reputations of some of the people on this forum, yes i would.

 

[humptybump]

For bench testing radios, I would use a "dummy load" rated for the power and frequency range of the transmitter.

They are not overly expensive but if you ask at a local EAA chapter or if you know any local HAM radio operators, you may be able to borrow what you need.

 

[blueflyer]

Thats what I needed to know. Thanks again for the quick and thoughtful responses.

 

[fl-mike]

shoot me an address via PM and I'll send you one of my excess RF dummy loads. Still have a few.

 

[blueflyer]

shoot me an address via PM and I'll send you one of my excess RF dummy loads. Still have a few.

Mike, a very big thank you!