From: Michael Tope <W4EF@pacbell.net>
To: "'AMPS'" <amps@contesting.com>
Subject: RE: [AMPS] Good Meter vs CRT was Hot wire....
Date sent: Wed, 28 Jul 1999 12:13:17 -0700
>
> This brings up a question that I have. When the FCC inspects
> a station, how is the question of drive power handled? Many
> commercially available amplifiers will run more the 1500 watts
> output if they are driven hard enough. What if I have a
> homebrew 3CX3000? How can they prove that I run it harder
> then legal limit without doing field strength measurements
> when I am not looking?
That's how they do it, as a general rule. They measure your field
strength while you aren't looking.
> If they are there in the shack with you, seems that it would
> just be a question of meter calibration [O-scope if you prefer].
> IOW, my version of 1500 watts versus their's.
Not really. They have meters tracable to a standard, and measure
your PEP on those meters. They make that meassurement into
whatever antenna you were using. They deduct reflected power
from forward power, and if your power is clearly above the level
required for instrument tolerance you can get whacked.
Arguing about the results is like arguing a speeding ticket. The
burden of proof they are wrong is on you.
73, Tom W8JI
w8ji@contesting.com
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