[NLRS] 902 Xverter help needed

[Mike King - KM0T]

Hi all, I built the 902 Down East Microwave transverter and it went together
very well.   I really had a good time building it and learned alot!

After I got the LO pretty much set with 17dbm output as per spec and then
did the final amp installation and tested, I was getting my 10 watts and all
was well.  Steve at DEMI suggested that I "burn in" the crystal for two days
and just let er run.

So, the two days went by and I again checked power output. 10 watts and all
was well.  I then chose to cycle the power on and off a few times and test
again.  That is when I noticed the power dropped off to 6 watts.  Futhur
testing reveled that even an increase in drive did not really gain much,
maby 1/2 to a watt as it was already saturated.  Drive level was set at 2.75
watts and increased to 10 watts for this test.

Receiver gain seems to be in good order and frequency is solid.  Audio is
good and CW was clean as tested with another transverter in the shack.

I did notice as per spec, when I was getting 10 watts.  3 amps of current
was being drawn.  When it starting acting up with the 6 to 7 watts, then the
amp draw was about 2.3 amps.  Increase in the drive level when saturated at
7 watts did not increase the current beyond 2.3 amps.

So, Im wondering if you DEMI kit building Gurus out there can give me any
suggestions.  Im trying to get this up and running tonight and tommorow so I
can get in the mail to a certain rover for next weekends UHF contest.

Any help appreciated.

73

Mike - KM0T EN13vc