[CQ-Contest] Amplifier ratings nomenclature

[Charles Harpole]

Ok, I have had it with vague sales statements.  The following was used
since at least 1955 and all amp experts know it.

CCS is Continuous Commercial Service.  This is true 100% duty cycle, BRICK
ON THE KEY, rating indicating operations for 24/7/365 with no off times.
No sales talk juggling.

ICAS is Intermittent Commercial and Amateur Service.  That means typical
on-and-off ham operations without long key-down transmissions (usually 10
minutes is called long).  This is NOT 100% duty cycle but indicates use of
full power with limited key-down times and definite key-up times.

An amp can be called 100% ICAS by imaginative advertising writers, but that
number is definitely not CCS.

It is helpful to hold to old established nomenclature for clear
communication.

​73​

Charly, HS0ZCW