[Heathkit] SB-102 Low Output on SSB

[Glen Zook]

Unfortunately, also with "modern" equipment with processors, etc., a goodly number of operators turn up those so much that the amplifier stages "flat top", etc., and put out a lot of "splatter", "buckshot", etc., that cause interference all over the band!  Even with the "modern" equipment, it is best to keep the average power output, as read on a non-peak reading wattmeter of which most amateur radio wattmeters are of that type, to around 20% to 25% of what the output reading is in the tune up (full CW output) condition.  Otherwise, interference can, and usually does, happen.

 

Glen, K9STH 

Website:  http://k9sth.net


________________________________
From: Jim Shorney <jshorney at inebraska.com>
To: Glen Zook via Heathkit <heathkit at mailman.qth.net> 
Sent: Friday, August 18, 2017 3:15 PM
Subject: Re: [Heathkit] SB-102 Low Output on SSB




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 something is wrong.  In cw operating mode shouldn't I read full output on a wattmeter?