OPEK DL60 - VHF/UHF Dummy Load 60 Watts with Heat Sink

OPEK DL60 - VHF/UHF Dummy Load 60 Watts with Heat Sink

Product Overview

The OPEK DL60 is a professional-grade 60-watt VHF/UHF dummy load designed for safe radio testing, tuning, and adjustment without radiating RF energy into the atmosphere. This essential test equipment features integrated heat sink construction enabling extended testing periods by efficiently dissipating transmitter power as heat rather than electromagnetic radiation. The dummy load provides non-radiating 50-ohm impedance load allowing radio technicians, amateur operators, and commercial installers to test transmitters, adjust power output, verify antenna tuning, and troubleshoot radio systems without causing interference to other users or violating transmission regulations. The heat sink design accommodates continuous and intermittent testing up to 60 watts power handling, making it suitable for CB radios, marine VHF, amateur radio transceivers, and commercial two-way radio systems. Ideal for workshop installations, field service applications, radio equipment sales verification, and amateur radio stations requiring safe non-radiating test capabilities.

Key Features

60-Watt Power Handling - Accommodates transmitter testing up to 60 watts output power covering CB radios, marine VHF transceivers, amateur handheld and mobile radios, and commercial two-way radio systems without requiring high-power dummy loads.

Integrated Heat Sink - Built-in heat sink efficiently dissipates transmitted power as heat enabling extended testing periods without overheating, protecting internal dummy load resistor from thermal damage during continuous transmission testing.

Non-Radiating Design - Converts transmitted RF energy into heat rather than electromagnetic radiation, enabling legal transmitter testing without causing interference to other radio users or violating transmission regulations prohibiting unnecessary transmissions.

50-Ohm Impedance Standard - Standard 50-ohm resistive load matches typical radio transmitter output impedance, providing accurate power measurement and preventing transmitter damage from mismatched loads during testing procedures.

VHF/UHF Frequency Coverage - Designed for VHF and UHF frequency bands covering marine VHF (156-162MHz), amateur radio (144MHz, 430MHz), CB radio (477MHz), and commercial two-way radio systems requiring accurate non-radiating test loads.

Professional Test Equipment - Essential tool for radio technicians performing equipment repairs, amateur operators conducting station maintenance, commercial installers verifying radio systems, and retailers demonstrating radio equipment functionality.

Technical Specifications

Electrical Specifications:

• Power Rating: 60 Watts
• Impedance: 50 Ohm
• Frequency Coverage: VHF/UHF Bands
• Load Type: Non-Radiating Resistive

Physical Specifications:

• Cooling System: Integrated Heat Sink

Application:

• Radio Transmitter Testing
• Power Output Adjustment
• SWR Meter Calibration
• Antenna Tuner Adjustment
• Equipment Troubleshooting
• Radio Sales Demonstration

Installation Notes

The OPEK DL60 dummy load connects directly to radio transmitter antenna outputs using appropriate coaxial cable connectors. Ensure the dummy load connector type matches your transmitter output (typically SO239 or BNC). For testing, disconnect the antenna from the transmitter and connect the DL60 dummy load in its place. The dummy load must be the only load connected to the transmitter during testing - never connect both antenna and dummy load simultaneously. Begin testing with low power output and gradually increase to operating power while monitoring the heat sink temperature. The integrated heat sink dissipates power as heat, so the unit will become warm during operation. Allow cooling periods between extended transmissions to prevent overheating. Never exceed the 60-watt continuous power rating. Position the dummy load in a well-ventilated area during testing to maximize heat dissipation. After testing, allow the unit to cool before handling or storage. Reconnect the antenna after completing testing procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a dummy load and why do I need one?

A dummy load is a non-radiating test device that absorbs transmitted RF power without broadcasting signals into the atmosphere. This enables legal transmitter testing, tuning, and adjustment without causing interference to other radio users. Using a dummy load prevents unnecessary transmissions that violate communication regulations and allows safe equipment testing without requiring broadcast licenses.

How long can I transmit into the dummy load?

The DL60's integrated heat sink enables extended testing periods, but transmission duration depends on power level and ambient temperature. At maximum 60-watt power, limit continuous transmissions to 30-60 seconds followed by cooling periods. Lower power levels permit longer transmission times. Monitor heat sink temperature - if the unit becomes too hot to touch comfortably, stop testing and allow cooling.

Can I use this dummy load for 100-watt radios?

No, never exceed the DL60's 60-watt power rating. Transmitting at higher power levels can damage the internal resistor and create fire hazards. For radios exceeding 60 watts output, reduce transmitter power during testing or use higher-rated dummy loads designed for your transmitter's power output.

Will the dummy load work with CB radios?

Yes, the DL60 covers VHF/UHF frequencies including Australian UHF CB (477MHz). Most CB radios transmit 5 watts or less, well within the DL60's 60-watt capacity. The dummy load is ideal for CB radio testing, tuning, and troubleshooting without radiating signals that could interfere with other CB users.

Do I need a dummy load if I have an SWR meter?

Yes, dummy loads and SWR meters serve different purposes. SWR meters measure antenna system matching while connected to actual antennas. Dummy loads enable transmitter testing without antennas, allowing power output verification, radio functionality testing, and equipment troubleshooting without radiating RF energy. Professional installations use both tools for comprehensive radio system testing.