[Elecraft] K3 SSB average power output

[K8TB]

Oh, but this IS normal. You need a peak reading wattmeter.  If anyone 
ever uses an average reading power meter to try to figure out the "talk" 
power of a radio, I guarantee you that they are putting out crude. Even 
with the K3 compressor set up more than it should, your peak to average 
ratio is very high. I have the Autek (sp?) peak reading meter in line, 
and it shows exactly what is going on. On SSB, I get 100 + watts, as I 
talk. On CW, I get what I dialed into the K3, and on PSK, I get around 
10, based upon the audio gain settings.

    PLEASE! Never ever use an average reading wattmeter for anything 
other than key down observations. Invest in a peak reading meter. I like 
the Autek because it has two meters, peak reading forward power, and 
peak reading, auto adjusted SWR reading. One has to do nothing but look 
at this meter to tell what is going on.

    tom k8tb



mark roz wrote:

>With SSB mic level adjusted  to the max level (ALC to
>the max)the average power measured on external meter
>is only 4 Watts with distorted audio (power output set
>at 110W). If I use external compressor the average
>power is still only 4 Watts. This is done with CMP
>gain at zero. This is not normal.
>