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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/ham-dummy-load-purpose

What is the primary purpose of a dummy load?

To prevent transmitting signals over the air during tests.

  1. To prevent transmitting over the air during tests ✔
  2. To improve the efficiency of an antenna
  3. To prevent over-modulation of a transmitter

Why: A dummy load soaks up your transmitter's power and turns it into heat instead of radiating it. You can test without bothering anyone on the air.

Huh, didn't know that: A typical RF dummy load is a 50-ohm non-inductive resistor mounted on a heat sink.

The dad joke
Why is the dummy load such a good listener? It takes everything you give it and never talks back.
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Sources

  1. NCVEC 2026-2030 Technician Question Pool (Feb 19, 2026 release) https://www.ncvec.org/downloads/2026-2030%20Technician%20Pool%20and%20Syllabus%20Public%20Release%20Feb%2019%202026.pdf

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