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Old February 18th 08, 10:32 PM posted to rec.radio.amateur.homebrew
Highland Ham Highland Ham is offline
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First recorded activity by RadioBanter: Jul 2006
Posts: 250
Default Cantenna dummyload oil

Hi I need to building a 4 ohm 1500 watt "cantenna paint can style" dummy
load for audio and guitar amp work. I have forgotten what type of oil to use
for heat transfer.
Id like something easy to get (like peanut or something with a high
flashpoint).
Don't want to loose the house.

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Assuming a resistance wire load made from thick galvanised fencing wire
( freq is low ;no RF) carrying up to sqrt 1500/4 equals approx 20
amperes , I would just use a large paint can filled with motor oil.

The 2 dummy load connections can be best made with heavy duty insulated
panel sockets with screwed head to be fitted in the can's lid. The stiff
resistance element can be fitted unsupported and kept free from the can

I also use motor oil for RF dummy loads with metal oxyde resistors and
over the years the resistance hasn't changed.

To prevent the oil filled (paint)can 'weeping' oil it is important that
the can's vertical and bottom seals are tight by applying solder inside.
Depending on the type and duration of testing ,the heat capacity of the
dummy load can be increased by placing the lower part of the can in
(flowing) cold water.
The can's lid should have a small vent hole (1-2 mm)

Frank GM0CSZ / KN6WH