[Elecraft] New Output Power Issue, and a new question

[N4CW at aol.com]

First of all, regarding a DC power distribution "strip": I used a RigRuner  
4009 and found that there was
a significant voltage drop from the power source (Astron RS-35M) to the K3. 
 Having taken measurements
with a DVM, I concluded that the largest drop was from the distribution  
strip to the K3. A simple solution
was to power the K3 from the larger "main" wire pair that fed the  
distribution strip.
 
Then, to satisfy my own curiosity, I made the following meaurements today  
using the DVM then I took readings with the internal K3 "meter":
 
DVM measurements: 13.773 VDC at the RS-35 terminals
                                 13.735 VDC at K3 connector in RX mode
                                 13.599 VDC at K3 connector in TX-Tune mode 
(10W out)
                                 12.860 VDC at K3 connector in TX mode 
(100W out)
 
K3 "meter" readings:  13.6 VDC in RX mode
                                13.1  VDC in TX-Tune mode (10W out)
                                 12.4 VDC in TX mode (100W out)
 
What's interesting is that the K3 "meter" current indication decreases with 
 time when I
make the test in TX mode (100W out), starting at about 18.2 Amps or so,  
then going down, down,
down to 14.something when I let up on the hand key. I kept the key down  
just 15 or 20 seconds,
not wanting to tempt fate!!! Power output stayed at 100W throught the  
procedure. Hmmmm....
 
I'm satisfied with those readings: everything works just fine!
Bert, N4CW