Licensed amateurs must know how to
calculate power in terms of the decibel watt since this is the unit used in the Amateur
Radio License (A) or (B) Terms, Provisions and Limitations Booklet BR68. Column 4 of the
schedule in the middle of the booklet gives the Maximum Power level (in dB relative to one
watt) PEP.
The dBW is a curious but very useful unit.
Once you understand it you will find it very easy to use. In fact you should be able to do
the calculations in your head without using an electronic calculator. I know that this is
difficult for people who were brought up with a calculator fitted to their push chair or
pram; nevertheless, it is possible to do mental arithmetic.
The basis of calculating using dBW is
related to how we use logarithms to multiply numbers. Come back to this section when you
have read the rest of the page. Skip logs. Here is a very simple example:
2 x 2 = 4 (you can do this
sum in your head)
Log 2 + Log 2 = Log 4
(when we convert to logs we add instead of multiply)
The value of Log 2 is 0.3
(you will find that in your Log tables or calculator)
The value of Log 4 is 0.6
(this is Log 2 plus Log 2).
Here is another example:
2 x 4 = 8 (another easy
one).
Log 2 + Log 4 = Log 8
(when we convert to logs we add instead of multiply)
The value of Log 2 is 0.3
(try to remember this value)
The value of Log 4 is 0.6
(the answer in the last example)
The value of Log 8 is 0.9
(this is Log 2 plus Log 4).
When we want to multiply power values we
actually add the dBW values. So far this has been straightforward, we have been using
single digits. So here is an example using tens:
20 x 40 = 800 (another
easy one).
Log 20 + Log 40 = Log 800
(count the number of zeros in each number)
The value of Log 20 is 1.3
(the figure 1 in front of the .3 tells you there is 1 zero)
The value of Log 40 is 1.6
(again there is 1 zero)
The value of Log 800 is 2.9
(the figure 2 shows that there are 2 zeros).
Lets try another:
20 x 8 = 160 (another easy
one).
Log 20 + Log 8 = Log 160
(count the number of zeros in each number)
The value of Log 20 is 1.3
(just as before)
The value of Log 8 is 0.9
(the figure 0 says there are no zeros)
The value of Log 160 is 2.2
(think about this one).
If you found this easy, you will not be
surprised to know that dividing us just as simple: all we do is subtract on log from the
other. Here is one example:
400 / 5 = 80 (another easy
one).
Log 400 - Log 5 = Log 80
(subtract log 5)
The value of Log 400 is 2.6
(just as before)
The value of Log 5 is 0.7
(the figure 0 says there are no zeros)
The value of Log 80 is 1.9
(2.6 minus 0.7).
dBW // decibel
watts
Decibel watts are calculated just like
logarithms except that there is a "deci-" prefix which you must take account of
when converting from watts into dBW. When converting from Watts to dBW you must multiply
by ten. So here are some values to remember:
| Watts |
dBW |
| 32 |
15 |
| 40 |
16 |
| 100 |
20 |
| 160 |
22 |
| 400 |
26 |
| 1000 |
30 |
Convert Watts to
dBW
Look up the log of 32 (use
log tables or calculator): 1.5
Now we must multiply by 10 to make it dBW so we get 15
Look up the log of 400
(use log tables or calculator): 2.6
Now we must multiply by 10 to make it dBW so we get 26
Convert dBW to Watts
First we must divide by 10; so 30dBW/10
= 3.0
Now we look up the anti-log and get 1000 (there are three zeros)
First we must divide by 10, 26dBW/10
= 2.6
Now we look up the anti-log and get 400 (there are two zeros)
Back to logs
Calculations
Once we have our power values in dBW we can
add and subtract them. The schedule says that I must only use 15dBW between 1.85 and
2.00MHz (this is the bottom end of "top band"). My rig can generate 50w power
using telephony on this band. I have 20m of feeder between the rig and the antenna. The
loss in this feeder is 0.1dBW per metre of cable. The total loss in the feeder will
therefore be 2dBW. 50w is 17dBW subtract 2dBW (loss in the feeder) to find the power
delivered to the antenna is 15dBW which is what I am allowed. When I replace my feeder
with a shorter one or one with lower losses, I must reduce power or I will be in breach of
the terms and conditions of my licence.
Here is a simplification from the
"schedule":
| Watts |
dBW |
Bands MHz |
| 32 |
15 |
1.85 - 2.00 |
| 40 |
16 |
430.0 - 432.0 |
| 100 |
20 |
51.00 - 52.00 |
| 160 |
22 |
70.00 - 70.05 |
| 400 |
26 |
All Others |
400 watts +26dBW is the maximum permitted power in
the UK. The values in the table above only refer to attended operation; if you use
automatic methods you should look at the terms and conditions booklet more carefully.
You should also bear in mind that it is not
necessary to use maximum power. Even without a linear amplifier I have made contacts with
the USA and the Middle East, that is with just 50w. You do NOT need 50w let alone (400w)
to contact your neighbour! Some amateurs take great delight in using QRP (see the Q codes page), they make interesting
contacts using less than 1w. |
