Transmitter Output Impedance
This group has presented members with valuable lessons in antennas and
transmission lines, like how to measure, how to match, etc.
Something I haven't seen is a discussion of the source impedance of
the transmitter. My curiosity was piqued today as I took some baby
steps into EZNEC. A particular antenna had such-and-such VSWR if fed
with a 50-ohm cable and a different value if fed with a 75-ohm cable.
While this is hardly news, it got me wondering whether a 75-ohm cable
will load the transmitter the same. Doesn't seem like it.
My point: Using 75-ohm cable to improve the match at the antenna
won't help me ... IF ... I suffer a corresponding loss due to
mismatch at the back of the radio. My HF radios, all solid state,
specify a 50 ohm load. As necessary, I routinely use an internal
autotuner and either of two external manual tuners. (I'm aware of the
published 1/12 wavelength matching method.)
Wisdom in any form would be appreciated. Thanks.
"Sal"
(KD6VKW)
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