[Amps] Maximum RF output in practical application: 4-250A

[Michael Tope]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: Joe Isabella 

Okay, so how is that tested?  White noise?  Tones?  Voice?  Max power?  Max allowed ALC?  No ALC?

Come on Michael, there's no way that would be anything but arbitrary, as a lot of the ARRL's "measurements" already are.

Joe, N3JI

White noise with a peak-to-average ratio typical of voice 
transmission, processor on, maximum allowed ALC, and 
output power adjusted to maximum rated PEP output of 
transceiver. IMO, this would provide a good measure of 
whether the rig is capable of reasonably clean operation. 

BTW, I am not as concerned about signal bandwidth (3KHz 
vs 4 KHz vs 6KHz) as others appear to be. My concern is 
with spectral regrowth caused by IMD. In my mind, a guy 
running 2.6 KHz signal bandwidth with horibble IMD products 
stretching +/- 10 KHz of his center frequency is much more 
offensive than a guy running 4 KHz "Hi-Fi" bandwidth into a 
class A amplifier that has very low IMD products resembling 
a brick-wall spectral mask. IOW, I wouldn't have a problem 
stretching or offseting the mask to accommodate variations 
in the signal bandwidth. 

73, Mike W4EF..................................................