Dummy load.

[WRQZ484]

I'm a noob here, what is some recommendations for a good dummy load.. I will be testing a 50 watt transceiver in GMRS freqs.  Thanks in advance.

[KAF6045]

Just because I own one from ages past... https://mfjenterprises.com/collections/dummy-load/products/mfj-260c

The derating curve gives it 2.5-3 minutes at 50W before you have to allow it to cool down (2 minutes). At <25W there is no time limit. Full 300W is only 30 seconds.

You will need a short low-loss coax with suitable connectors (and/or adapters) to match radio and load connectors. Note: MFJ has a version with N connector in place of PL-259 (SO-239 -- for some reason the cable plug and the equipment socket have different numbers). The N version may show a slightly better SWR at the high VHF and UHF range (makes one wonder what industry rep called the 259/239 connectors "UHF").

 

[BoxCar]

For a 50W radio I recommend a 300W load as it can handle the output from the radio for a longer period when making adjustments.

[WRQZ484]

Thanks for the input, I just ordered the MFJ...