[ARC5] AM modulating an "ARC-5" transmitter...

[Kenneth G. Gordon]

On 10 Oct 2015 at 17:47, DSP3 wrote:

> Gents,
> 
> Ken is correct about, especially, high-level modulation.

Thank you, Jeep. I have never been totally sure, but I appreciate the 
education. ;-)

>  The actual 
> power, peak, average, wherever is wholly dependent on the waveform.

Now, that, I DID know. All I have to do is to compare a key-down CW signal 
with any form of audio modulated signal.

>  The 
> difference between the peak and average for two transmitters may well be 
> quite different.  Its always best to "visually" characterize the 
> envelope as well as use other measurement methods.

As I said, in the case of CC modulation, one really should use a 'scope to set 
it up properly. After one becomes familiar with the various readings, one can 
then dispense with the scope, as far as I'm concerned.

>  I recently got into 
> a rather heated exchange with someone who refused to acknowledge the 
> existence of low-level modulation modes.

Hmmm....doesn't read or study much, does he? Not a fan of amateur radio 
history, either, I presume. ;-)

>  He insisted that all AM 
> resulted in a peak and average power greater than the un-modulated 
> key-down carrier.  I could not convince him otherwise.

Sigh..."when I am convinced, don't bother me with facts", eh?

>  A scope in this 
> fellows shack would have done wonders.

Well, only if he really knew how to read it and could understand what he 
sees there...

Although IMHO the most valuable and versatile instrument in any ham's 
shack is a good o'scope, it DOES take some effort to learn how to interpret 
what one sees there.

At last count, I have 7 o'scopes in my shack. Two good Tektronixs which I 
use occasionally, a good HP which I use a lot, and at least 4 military scopes 
which need refurbishing. I got the two Teks from the University surplus for 
about $5 each, the HP was given to me, and the military scopes came from 
various sources. I don't think I paid more than $5 for any of them.

Ken