[Elecraft] Output power being eaten

[jerry]

On 2022-01-01 13:12, john at kk9a.com wrote:
> I follow the SPE Expert list and I never understood their reasoning for
> running 100 watt radios at full power and relying on ALC to control the
> output. I never use ALC.

*** I am building a 600W LDMOS linear.  An input of 5-8 watts gives full 
output.
The maker of the RF deck ( dxworld-e ) recommends putting a 10dB 
attenuator at the input, to get a better match to the typical 100W 
exciter and protect the LDMOS.

    I was reluctant to do it, because I'll be throwing away 10dB of gain 
and also
putting more heat inside the box.  But I do want to preserve the 
devices.  So I
ordered a 10dB resistive attenuator on Ebay - it just looks like a flat 
ceramic pack with a lead at each side, and a plate to bolt it down.  
I'll bolt it to the linear's
big heatsink.

                    - Jerry KF6VB