Michael,

Although an absolute null would indeed be zero, the 10 to 12 range is about as low as you can get - the K2 display is reading in millivolts and there is some noise picked up and coupled into the op amp input which limits the low end of the reading capability. The same problem is true when making any low level measurements. Try to fine the 'edges' of the indicated low point and set the capacitor halfway between.

The operation of the KAT2 will not be affected much at all - the result may be a slight error in the SWR indication. Actually the null point is more dependent on the dummy load used during the process. If you want the greatest accuracy, use a dummy load that is known to be a true 50 ohm non-reactive load at the frequency of operation - I use a Caddock MP9100-50 1% thick film resistor mounted on a heat sink with very short leads to the back side of a BNC connector. This makes a very good 100 watt dummy load usable up to 500 MHz. I rate that resistor as one of the best under $10 purchases I have made (the heat sink was free - from a discarded computer MPU cooler).

73,
Don W3FPR

Michael Linden wrote:
I'm performing the Bridge Null Adjustment (C55) on my KAT2, but can't
get it below 012. It is clear when adjusting C55 that I _AM_ centered
in the middle of a "dip". However, I can only get the value to go down
to 012. Per the manual, I've checked T1's windings and their continuity
and have checked the continuity and arrangement of the cable wires (J7
and J8) -- I don't see any problems.

Is a minimum value of 012 "good enough", or do I need to look more
closely at the SWR bridge components?

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