[Heathkit] SB-102 Low Output on SSB

[Jim Shorney]

Yes on both counts. Your TR-3 should reach near full rated output with a steady
CW carrier. We have become so used to modern rigs with (over)processed and
compressed audio that reads higher on the meter that many hams just don't
realize that these vintage rigs have no processing whatsoever. You need a
decent peak reading wattmeter or a scope to see your true peak output because
the peak-to-average ratio of the unprocessed voice is high. If nothing else,
you should be able to whistle it up to near peak output but under normal
operating conditions an average reading wattmeter will read low with voice
audio or keyed CW.

You can get help and advice on your Drake via the Yahoo DrakRadio grouip.

73

-Jim
NU0C

On Fri, 18 Aug 2017 18:18:39 +0000, RAY FRIESS wrote:

>Is that also the case with Drake?  I have a drake tr3 that shows only about
> 30 watts out.  I've been checking tubes and other things figuring somethin
>g is wrong.  In cw operating mode shouldn't I read full output on a wattmet
>er?
>
>Sent from my Verizon LG Smartphone
>
>------ Original message------
>From: Glen Zook via Heathkit
>Date: Fri, Aug 18, 2017 10:43 AM
>To: Gary H. Harmon, Jr.;'Heathkit2 ';
>Cc:
>Subject:Re: [Heathkit] SB-102 Low Output on SSB
>
>What power are you reading on your wattmeter?  Is the wattmeter a true peak
> reading wattmeter?  If not, then with voice modulation you should show bet
>ween 20-watts and 25-watts average with a VERY occasional peak to around 30
>-watts.  At that point, your peak output power will be around 100-watts.
>
>
>
>Most wattmeters are average reading, not peak power reading, and, as such, 
>cannot follow the peak power.
>
>
>
>Glen, K9STH

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