The onset of the generation of unwanted
components is relatively sudden.
Driving the amplifier with the minimum
required output power results in a "clean" signal. There should be a simple
relationship between input and output powers {eg. input is 10 Watts, output
80 Watts, input 20 Watts, output 160 Watts, etc. When the relationship starts
to fail (eg. input 40 watts, output 300 watts in stead of 320 watts ) you
have reached the limits, BACK OFF FROM HERE!}
The price of not doing so is an increase
in intermodulation products and harmonics products and harmonics, using
unnecessary bandwidth, and possible damage to the amplifier.
Do not to overdrive but operate below
maximum ratings.
For those who know a thing or two about
power - and that should be all readers - a small reduction in output power
level will give a negligible variation to the strength of received signal.
A doubling of power is usually needed to raise the "S" meter by half a point
(but this does depend upon the calibration of the "S" meter on your rig.
So dropping power to 350W from 400W and having a clean signal will lose you
only a fraction of an "S" point. |
