Products > Test Equipment
Amazon attenuators, any good?
(1/3) > >>
W4PJB:
Has anyone tested any of the inexpensive attenuators from Amazon, or have experience how they would compare to a much more expensive units from companies like Pasternack or MiniCircuits?

Here is an example:

https://www.amazon.com/BECEN-Male-Female-Connector-Attenuator/dp/B07DXPT3FT/ref=sr_1_8?crid=SM5W8UHDV7B3&keywords=30%2Bdb%2Battenuator%2Bn%2Bconnector&qid=1705076905&sprefix=30%2Bdb%2Battenuator%2Bn%2Bconnector%2Caps%2C92&sr=8-8&th=1

Thanks!
fourfathom:
I've purchased a few attenuators from Amazon / BECEN.  They are usually OK, with decent performance up to 1GHz (at least the smaller-attenuation 10W SMA connector ones I've got)  Sorry, I don't have any test data handy.  But one 100W "50dB" N-connector one I got from BCEN actually just has about 40dB attenuation.  It was reasonably flat over my frequency range of interest, and it managed to handle the 50W or so I ran through it.  I put a "40dB" label on it and still use it.

These attenuators are commonly available from aliexpress.com, and they all look the same -- I don't know who actually makes them, or where "BECEN" gets theirs.  QA rejects, perhaps?

So if you are able to test the attenuator before using it, it's probably worth a shot.  If you want something with better-guaranteed precision Amazon/BECEN is probably not your best source.

And watch out for power ratings on Chinese attenuators and dummy loads.  I can buy the exact SMA dummy load, sold as "1W" and "2W" devices.  They get pretty hot at 1W.
Bud:
For casual use or for Ham radio you can use those, they likely have a vanila axial resistor inside. For use with expensive test and measurement equipment and for measurements i would get one from Minicircuits. The Chinese ones may ruin your equipment connectors because of poor mechanical tolerances. That is beside poor attenuation accuracy, frequency range and return loss.
DaJMasta:
For not so much more, you can get used or NOS name brand attenuators on ebay or similar - while they will probably work at least to some degree and that may be enough, as others have said, the real deal as a surplus part will likely be a lot more reliable and better manufactured provided the connectors are in good shape.
David Hess:

--- Quote from: fourfathom on January 12, 2024, 05:12:30 pm ---But one 100W "50dB" N-connector one I got from BCEN actually just has about 40dB attenuation.  It was reasonably flat over my frequency range of interest, and it managed to handle the 50W or so I ran through it.  I put a "40dB" label on it and still use it.
--- End quote ---

I usually consider single stages of attenuation above 20dB to be questionable anyway.
Navigation
Message Index
Next page
There was an error while thanking
Thanking...

Go to full version
Powered by SMFPacks Advanced Attachments Uploader Mod