[Kenwood] Question abt TS-850

[CEMILTON at aol.com]

In a message dated 12/27/2005 6:00:31 PM Eastern Standard Time,  
ka5bkg at sbcglobal.net writes:

According to the meter on the radio, I don't have a external watt  meter, I'm
only getting about 60 watts out with the 50 amp power  supply.



GE Brian,
 
I've seen your posts and my $ 0.02 sez to get yourself a calibrated meter  
and do some actual measurments before you write off the rig or spend unnecessary 
 dollars to prove that it works.
 
Far too many folks worry about power output without grasping just what  
dynamics take place between the rig and the antenna.  There are some pretty  
sophisticated means for measuring power (see the latest ARRL manual) and then  there 
are some simpler ways that most of us can accomplish without spending  large 
sums of cash.
 
If you start with your rig............then the transmission line  
used.............then the antenna you're connected to, you have the beginnings  of what 
is necessary to measure power output.  Since we don't know all  those 
parameters, it's a turkey shoot as to what you are truly measuring.  
 
Start with a 50 ohm dummy load.  Forget the antenna and any matching  devices 
(tuners).  Get a reasonably accurate power meter.  A Bird 43  is a good 
start.  Do the measurements.  See what it reads.   Adjust the rig's meter for 
whatever you want so you are assured it's reading  something meaningful.
 
I see this as a start.  Otherwise, it's like the man who owns two  watches 
and three clocks............... he never knows what time it really  is.
 
Not to preach or sound condescending.  Just some basics.  I   hope you've 
done all this already.  If so, and you don't like the power  readings, send the 
rig to someone who will charge $200 + to "fix" it.
 
Yur 50amp supply should make all the necessary amps to run that rig at its  
rated specs.
 
Your mileage may vary.
 
Best 73 de W4MIL
Chuck