DX959 Dead Key

[Deleted User 30222]

I'm trying to adjust my DK. Now the instructions i'm using tell em to turn my RF Knob all the way down, then adjust VR18 (AM Low Power), then turn RF all the way up and adjust VR14 (AM High Power). Just want to make sure i'm going about this the right way, and not chasing my tail. And should i be doing this with my amp and swr meter all hooked up, or adjust the radio alone. Also, do i need to worry about 1-4 ratio.

[jessejamesdallas]

The Galaxy DX959 has a RF Power knob (variable power)....just back it off till your dk is where you want it....

[295 antenna]

Whats your DK at when the RF power is all the way down?

[Deleted User 30222]

With the RF knob set low, it's at about 1 watt. With the knob all the way up, it's at 4 watts. this is where i'm leaving it. For some reason it was only at about 1-2 with the RF knob all the way up.

[nosaj]

Dirty pot?

nosaj

[Deleted User 30222]

Nah, just losing my touch. And my mind

[MDYoungblood]

You should be using a dummy load when making adjustments. Because of SWR differences in your antenna system, you might not be getting the alignment where you want it.

3's

Greg

[Deleted User 30222]

Don't know much about them. Do i just use a 4 watt one? Or do i go with a higher one as i will be using a amp.

[Deleted User 30222]

I found this. Seems like it should work.
Place two 100 ohm resistors side by side and twist the leads together.

Cut the twisted leads on one end to be ½ inch long.

Slide the shortened leads into the center post of the PL-259 connector and solder them in place.

Bend the remaining twisted leads so they make contact with the shield of the PL-259 connector and solder them in place.

Cut off the excess length of the leads that are connected to the shield of the plug.

verify that your dummy load is made correctly by measuring the resistance between the center conductor and the shield of the PL-259 connector with an ohmmeter. It will show approximately 50 ohms if the dummy load is made correctly.

[nosaj]

I have one for low power cb's basically just a lightbulb attached to a pl-259 connector. I'll see if I can get a pic up for you.

nosaj

[Deleted User 30222]

I've been doing some reading and heard of people doing that. Wasn't sure how or if it worked, but sounded interesting. I'm trying to figure out how people are using 2- 100 ohm resistors, which are only 1/4 watt each. So how are you testing a 4 watt radio with that.

[MDYoungblood]

I've been doing some reading and heard of people doing that. Wasn't sure how or if it worked, but sounded interesting. I'm trying to figure out how people are using 2- 100 ohm resistors, which are only 1/4 watt each. So how are you testing a 4 watt radio with that.

I wouldn't key on a 1/4W resistor, it will smoke quite fast. The method you described is using 5W or better 100ohm resistors,, and then don't key up long, they will get hot quick even with 4W. Look up 50ohm dummy loads and you will see several different versions. I've made a couple lightbulb dummies, they worked fine on older tube equipment. If you have a glass jar (quart or bigger) you could build a "Saltwater Dummy Load", look it up and yes it works.
BTW,, if you are using the Wawasee meter, the accuracy is =/-10%,, need to figure that in.

3's

Greg

[nosaj]

I've been doing some reading and heard of people doing that. Wasn't sure how or if it worked, but sounded interesting. I'm trying to figure out how people are using 2- 100 ohm resistors, which are only 1/4 watt each. So how are you testing a 4 watt radio with that.

Your not your testing how fast those resistors will smoke

nosaj

[Deleted User 30222]

I think i'm gonna give the salt water approach a try. And of course i don't have a female PL-259. I used that in constructing my dipole. I guess i could take one out of a extra SWR meter that i recently acquired. And i've seen everything from a plastic peanut butter jar to a old paint can being used. Is there any advantage in using a bigger container.

[nosaj]

Check your pm's
nosaj

[MDYoungblood]

I don't think you will ever make enough wattage to boil the water in a quart jar.

You don't need a panel connector, if the lid is plastic just pop two holes through the top and solder the wires to a piece of coax. Make the wires long enough to almost touch the bottom of the jar.

3's

Greg

[Deleted User 30222]

I have a mason jar i'm thinking of using. The only problem i have. Is how to check it as i'm adding salt. I'm guessing you don't just kook up a SWR meter, as it must have some power to it.

[MDYoungblood]

You check it with a multi-meter set to ohms, I used distilled water but tap water will do. Fill the jar and check the ohms before adding any salt. I used less than a 1/4 tsp in a quart of water and it read 50.3 ohms on my meter.

3's

Greg

[Deleted User 30222]

Thanks. I thought i was to be checking it for SWR reading, not Ohms. It all makes sense now. I should have it done today then. I'll let you know how it comes out.

[Deleted User 30222]

Ok, well i made one out of a peanut butter container. Now, time to fill it with water and salt and start checking the Ohms

[nosaj]

Next project should be a jacob's ladder and you be on your way to Mad scientist tinkerer
Good job!
nosaj

[Bluerunner]

A salt water dummy load! What a great idea!

Always learning something new here. Thanks!

[nosaj]

You reminded me here's the lightbulb dummy load.[Please login or register to view this link]
nosaj