[Amps] AM Downward Modulation

[Joe Isabella]

Yep -- my 950SDX is no different.  If you just use the power adjusment, it actually lowers the entire power envelope and you gain nothing.  The key is having the 100W (150W, in my case) PEP headroom while keeping the carrier reduced to a level that allows it to be fully modulated without exceeding final amp's headroom.  Low-level AM is a whole different ani-mule than real plate modulation!!  I've never messed with screen or series modulation, though.
   
  And then, driving an amp with AM is a whole 'nother can of worms, too.  You MUST tune it with the highest PEP level you have from the rig.  If you tune it just with your unmodulated AM carrier, it'll be mis-tuned and you'll splatter like crazy.  Easiest way with a solid-state, low-level rig is to use fast CW pulses at max output (just like what you would do for SSB), then adjust the rig's AM carrier for the desired level (20-25W max for a 100W rig).
   
  Joe, N3JI
  

Bill Turner <dezrat at copper.net> wrote:
  ORIGINAL MESSAGE:

At 01:56 PM 4/13/2006, Joe Isabella wrote:

> Tip 1: On the Kenwood, leave the power adjustment at max, and use 
> the carrier adjustment to lower it to <25W.

*********** REPLY SEPARATOR ***********

Joe's suggestion is correct. The Kenwood operator's manuals have the 
wrong instructions for AM. I've owned several Kenwood models and they 
are all wrong.

73, Bill W6WRT

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