When putting an attenuator on a TinySA, the /first/ attenuator in a chain of attenuators (including a chain of one) should be rated to handle the full power being sent to the TinySA, at the far end of the chain.??73RickKC3DO
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As Rick says - also be aware most non-professional attenuators rated over 0.5W only have?one end that can handle the full printed rated power? ?
On some this is indicated by a stuck on arrow (with self-detach-over-time-function) while for others there is no clue apart from an unwritten convention that the 'male' plug end is the source /high power end.? ?(Except not always ???).?
On 2W and 5W? SMA attenuators the 'Male plug =high power end' rule generally applies and often if you get your best magnifying glass out you see?SU? (Which I read somewhere is Source/Upstream)? engraved on the outer 'Nut part' of the SMA male.? ?
Generally this will only bother you on the first attenuator as most are bi-directional once the level is less than 0.5W? (+27dBm) but its not a bad idea to consider it every time so it becomes automatic for when you are in a rush . .? ? ? (Also always check the pins on random SMA connectors before mating them is a pretty good rule to run with)
Bruce Akhurst
