[Elecraft] KPA 500 - Can you use it on AM?

[Alan]

The peak of a 100%-modulated AM signal is twice the amplitude of the 
unmodulated carrier, or 4 times the power.  So the keep the peak power 
below 500W, the carrier power should be no more than 500/4 = 125 watts.

You might need to keep it somewhat below that if you make long 
transmissions.

Just as a point of interest, with sine-wave audio at 100% modulation, 
each sideband has 1/4 the carrier power, so even though the peak power 
is 4x the carrier, the total *average* RF power is only 1.5x.

Alan N1AL



On 2/27/19 6:20 PM, Mike Lichtman via Elecraft wrote:
> I know the KPA 500 is designed for SSB and CW, but I have always wondered if you can use a KPA500 on AM and, if so, what would be the maximum wattage you should use? The manual
> doesn’t say anything about it.  73 Mike KF6KXG
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