[AMRadio] AM and power

[Todd, KA1KAQ]

On Tue, Jan 24, 2012 at 12:34 PM, rbethman <rbethman at comcast.net> wrote:
> The "Tall Ships" are NOT using a linear amplifier hung off the end of
> another radio.

Absolutely not true. I know numerous AMers, including a few on this
list, who run this configuration. Several are running some model of
the Flex radio with amp, for example. Others run the FT-1000D with
amp, and sound the same. They are indistinguishable from a plate
modulated rig. The difference is, they know how to set them up
properly and they monitor their signal.

Conversely, there are several stations running plate modulated rigs
that could do a better job. It's not the equipment, it's the skill
level, and/or attitude. I suspect it's always been this way, it's just
more noticeable with the increase in AM signals. The typical grousing
about 'slopbuckteers' always seems to conveniently omit similar lids
operating AM.

Running any big rig, tube or otherwise, doesn't automatically instill
intellect. Hanging a bunch of audio processing gear off it only
complicates matters and increases the chances for problems. It takes a
well-based knowledge of what you're doing to pull it off. Assumptions
just don't cut it.

~ Todd/KAQ