[Elecraft] KX1 2468 low(ish) power output

[Ron Hahn (EI2JP)]

Colleagues,

I've just completed building KX1 2468 and I'm a bit perplexed about the
20 and 40 metre transmit test.  With a 13.8v supply here's what I see:

20m    3.0w    630mA
40m    2.5w    430mA

This is barely spec for 20m and out of spec for 40m.

I referred to the troubleshooting guide, and checked the following:

R4 fully clockwise
Nylon screw inserted through the tab of Q6
ATU not installed and jumper present
Power output measured on my WM-2 with 50 ohm known load
Relays seem to click when changing from 20m to 4om and vice versa
Continuity check of T1, L3, L1, and L2 for poorly stripped/soldered leads

I have not (yet) checked for a short or incorrect value in the BPF or LPF

Is it safe to operate the transmitter for short periods of time with the
PA heatsink disconnected (i.e. removed from case)?

Thanks for the helping hands,

Ron EI2JP