Loss while measuring

[WQWI871]

I know the power of handhelds varies, and, sometimes adapters causes loss. But, I seem to get the most accurate power readings with a dummyload than an antenna. Do the adapters really cause that much loss?

[JohnE]

yes,yes they do. so do cables.

[WQWI871]

Okay. So, lets say that the actual results will be greater than what is being measured due to a direct connect and no cables or adapters being used?

[gatekeep]

Adapters and cables will create a measurable loss. Usually when using something like a service monitor, you'd measure the loss of your cables/adapters before doing actual measurements, so that either the monitor can automatically (if it has such functions) or manually calculate the real world measured values.

 

Technically, if your doing power measurements using a meter like a BIRD or whatever, close enough is usually good enough, and the measured loss from your cables/adapters is negligible and ignorable. Only time you should be concerned is if you get wildly wrong readings, then that could be an indication of a problem.

[WQWI871]

Thank you.