Configure a dummy load antenna to protect the transmit path¶
Use the dummy load selector to designate one antenna port as a dummy load. When configured, Port B is automatically routed to that port to protect your antenna from unintended transmission.
Before you start¶
- A ShackSwitch device must be discovered on the LAN or connected via the Peripherals tab in Radio Setup. The ShackSwitch applet appears automatically when a device is active.
- The ShackSwitch applet must be visible. If it is not, click the SS tray button on the right sidebar.
- At least one antenna must be present in the antenna list before a dummy load can be assigned.
Steps¶
- Open the ShackSwitch applet in the Applet Panel.
- Click the Dummy Load selector button near the bottom of the applet. Selects or deselects an antenna as the dummy load. When configured, Port B is automatically routed to the dummy load to protect the antenna when transmitting.
- To remove the dummy load assignment, click the button again to deselect.
What each control does¶
| Control | Behavior | Default | Setting key |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dummy load selector | Selects or deselects an antenna as the dummy load. When configured, Port B is automatically routed to the dummy load to protect the antenna when transmitting. | -1 (no dummy load configured) | SS_DummyLoadAnt |
SS_DummyLoadAnt stores the integer antenna ID of the assigned dummy load. A value of -1 means no dummy load is configured.
Tips¶
- When a dummy load is configured and Port B is auto-routed to it, the [B] button on the intended antenna row blinks amber and the dummy load row's [B] button blinks orange. This gives you a visible indication that B has been parked on the dummy load rather than the antenna you selected.
- The dummy load assignment persists across sessions via
SS_DummyLoadAnt. You do not need to reconfigure it each time you connect.
Troubleshooting¶
- The antenna list for dummy load selection shows no options — The ShackSwitch device has not yet reported any antenna ports. Confirm the device is connected and the status label shows a valid IP address and firmware version rather than a disconnected message.
- Port B is not routing to the dummy load — Verify
SS_DummyLoadAntis set to a valid antenna ID (not-1) by checking that the dummy load selector shows an antenna name rather than being in the deselected state.