[AMRadio] Was what is this???? now why i like am

[Geoff Edmonson]

  On 12/01/2010 12:13 AM, Jim in Waco WB5OXQ wrote:
> I do have a question from those who run solid state transceivers on am.  My
> amplifier requires pretty low drive so even with 25 watts of drive the
> carrier goes beyond 1kw and that is too high so I have 2 ways of lowering
> the drive.  About 12 watts gives me around 375 watts carrier.  I can lower
> the drive by reducing the power out control or leave the power out at full
> on and reduce the carrier level.  I have never had anyone compare my audio
> using either way of limiting my output.  I am inclined to think leaving the
> output full on is best because of less alc action that way.  I do not use
> compressed audio but I do use the built in equalizer to boost highs a bit
> since I have a deep voice.  I use a Heil GM-4 mic also.  I am always open to
> suggestions on how to improve my signal.  I operate mostly at night on 3.880
> or 3.885  on a half wave dipole from central Texas.  Sorry  to be so long
> winded here.
>

Hi, Jim.

first off, the infamous quote by list member Don Chester/K4KYV needs to 
be remembered here;
"Operating your AM Rig without a scope, is like driving your car at 
night without headlights."

Load the amplifier for maximum smoke.  Whatever the maximum output of 
the total RF output is, reduce the drive on the exciter to produce 
somewhere around 1/4 of the max output.
Then, adjust your scope to where the carrier (I pick off the radiated RF 
from the antenna with a simple loop outside in the RF field) consumes 2 
vertical divisions on the graticule.
Adjust your audio level in like fashion. While looking at the scope, 
start at the minimum and increase until you see the negative peaks at or 
very near the baseline (but not cutting the carrier off).  You're at 
100% modulation.

73 = Best Regards,
-Geoff/W5OMR(/m)