[NLRS] Icom IC-251A Low Power Mod?

[acepilot]

Has anybody successfully modified the Icom IC-251A 2M all mode rig so 
that it will provide only 1 mW at the antenna terminal to drive a 
transverter?  On the schematic, it looks like there is a plug that 
supplies the 13.8 Volts to the PA and driver transistors.  If I removed 
this plug, effectively killing these stages, might there be enough power 
leaking through to provide the 1 mW at the antenna jack?  If so, how bad 
do you suppose the harmonics would be at the output?  Any other ideas 
appreciated (I could control the power using the mic gain control down 
to some lower power such as 1 Watt or so and then use a 30 dB pad.  Down 
side is if I ever adjust the mic gain to 10 Watts out, I'd pump 100mW 
into the tranverter until the 30 dB pad finally blew...What say???

-- 

Scott N0EDV
http://corbenflyer.tripod.com/
Building RV-4
Gotta Fly or Gonna Die