Exactly right, Lynn!

73, Jim K9YC

On Fri,10/30/2015 10:00 AM, Lynn W. Taylor, WB6UUT wrote:
It seems to me that a good basic knowledge of electronics is enough, without spending a fortune on test equipment -- unless that appeals to you.

The recent threads on power supplies and voltage at the transceiver is a good example.

Sure, you can measure the drop with a good voltmeter, either measured across the wire, or measured at the terminals.

You can also find a good set of wire tables, and calculate the drop across a given length of wire. If the drop is going to be too high, go to a higher gauge.

Back to the DVM, you can check the connectors (resistance) and calculate the voltage drop at 100% power out.

If you aren't sure, look at the fuses. The current will be lower than the fuse rating, so that gives you extra margin, which is never bad.

Then you test. Hook up your dummy load, transmit CW at 100w (or in my case, about 12w), and see what you've got at the transceiver.

If it sags, grab your DVM and measure the power terminals on the power supply.

It's not that hard, and the necessary equipment can be had for under $40 or so.

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