[Elecraft] K2 Power Level

[Don Wilhelm]

All,

I was reminded that I should have added that CW and SSB are low duty 
cycle modes while FT8 and several other data modes are high duty cycle 
and will produce more heat.

The 'finger test' I mentioned is suitable for any mode.

73,
Don W3FPR
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Aaron,

I cannot give you a specific answer, but go by the heat.
I would suggest you first try 5 watts, and operate at that level for a 
while (I suggest 10 minutes).
Then check the heatsink temperature - if you can hold your fingers on it 
for longer than 5 minutes, then all is well.
Increase the power by about 3 watts and try again.
When the heat gets too much to comfortably hold your fingers on the 
heatsink (next to the PA transistors), then you have exceeded the 
maximum power which you should use for transmit.

The generalized answer is that you should consider those modes as 
continuous duty and use 1/2 the normal full power output, but I suggest 
doing the test I referred to as a specific power limit for your 
particular K2.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 8/13/2021 3:38 PM, Aaron K5ATG wrote:
> What is the recommended highest power level for a QRP Elecraft K2 to
> operate on digital modes like FT8, JT65 etc, without blowing the PA's?
>