[Elecraft] K2 QRP Version Max. Safe RF Output Power?

[Jeff]

Hi gang,

Now that we're at the bottom of the solar cycle, I'd like to be able to run more than five watts on occasion, but not at the expense of putting my final PA at risk.  What is the highest level of RF output power that a K2, QRP version, can run on CW without putting the finals at risk?  My K2's power, as indicated by the internal LCD display, reaches a maximum of 15.2 watts, but it's my understanding that it's not safe to transmit for any length of time with the power control turned fully clockwise.  I have the KAT2 internal antenna tuner, which is supposed to make the LCD display's power readings more accurate, but I've gotten the impression from others that, even with the KAT2 installed, the readings are not terribly accurate, especially at the high end of the range.  Is my impression correct?

I believe the instruction manual warns not to set the power to a higher level than the transmitter is capable of producing.  Am I correct in assuming that a fairly accurate external wattmeter is required to determine whether the transmitter is failing to deliver the requested power (with requested power indicated by the K2's display), or is there a way to identify this state of affairs without an external wattmeter?  Alternatively, assuming that CAL CUR is set appropriately, am I safe in cranking the power right on up, as long as doing so doesn't cause a HI CUR warning?

Thanks very much, 73 & 72,
Jeff
WB5GWB
Long Island, NY
K2 #821