[CW] CW Duty Cycle Question

[fkamp@comcast.net]

N2EY@aol.com wrote:

> Actually, hams have done that for decades. Tubes and other parts rated for continuous service can often be pushed far beyond those limits if the duty cycle is low enough.

The trick is knowing how far to push and how low is 'low enough' for a duty cycle.

I imagine that most heavy duty AM gear could be pushed quite a ways when used on SSB or CW modes.  On the other hand, a rig designed for SSB or CW will most likely have been 'pushed' as far as would be safe in the original design.

> Since most hams spend at least 50% of QSO time listening, and the key-down time when transmitting is less than 50%, some liberties can be taken with the ratings.

Yes, but I would be careful to make sure that those liberties were not already taken in the design.  Especially when we consider manufactured equipment.  Homebrew may be another matter.

> And since most hams are on the air a few hours per day at most, any sacrifice in life is usually not noticed.
>

True, but only if the abuse does not result in the ultimate sacrifice.  I prefer to err on the conservative side.  I have not always done so, but after the smoke cleared I was convinced.

Regards,
Frank Kamp