Eberhart, I get the same output as yours. I did the transmit toroid thing several times & got no more than 3 watts out on 20, 3.3 to 3.5 on 40, & 4 watts on 30. This was done using a 13.6 volt supply. Using a 12 volt supply I get 3 watts out on 20 & 40 meters. I only notice the noise when the S meter is being used. 73s, Reed W4JZ