Michael A. Terrell wrote:
"H. P. Friedrichs" wrote:

I am interested in the origins and purpose of the "IRE (Institute of
Radio Engineers) Standard Dummy Antenna," as used during the alignment
of radio receivers.

Its to match the receiver to the generator.

Or more specifically, it's to present a uniform high impedance
from the generator to the radio. At the time, with the exception
of a few lab grade instruments, signal generator outputs were all
over the map with regards to output impedance. The "dummy antenna"
presented a fairly uniform, and high, impedance to the radio and
kept from detuning the front end while doing an alignment while
connected to a signal generator.

Jeff


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