[Amps] Elecraft W2, nope

[Roger (K8RI)]

On 3/2/2012 11:03 PM, Al Kozakiewicz wrote:
> I don't understand why you would want to use the peak reading function 
> to tune an amplifier.  The time delay before decay just makes tuning 
> harder and doesn't really add any value.

Using an LED watt meter that acts like an analog (Emtron DX-2sp amp) it 
becomes very easy to tune for peak.    Typically if you tune for tilt on 
nominal it won't be right for PEP anyway.  There are a number of these 
segmented displays that act analog.  Once a segment reaches full 
brilliance the next will start to flicker, it will get brighter and 
brighter.  These are *relatively* easy to tune for voice and there is no 
time constant involved, or at least one the user can notice.

Depending on the amps capabilities it's often important to tune for peak 
rather than nominal, particularly when peak might be 500 to 1000 watts 
more than nominal.

> I also have an LP-100A and an antenna tuner that is rarely used.  The 
> tuner has a wattmeter in it that I leave on instantaneous mode and use 
> that to tune the amp.
>
> If you're using a pecker or some other pulsing device (completely 
> unnecessary, IMO) an instantaneous reading meter will indicate a bit 
> low, but since you're tuning for a peak, it doesn't matter.
Most of these electronic meters that I've tried seem to be right on. 
Analog meters seem to be a bit low.  You don't need a pulser, just you 
voice will work when tuning for peak although it does take a bit of 
learning.

73

Roger (K8RI)