[TenTec] Hercules II drive requirement

[Jim Brown K9YC]

On Sat, 14 Nov 2009 15:03:37 -1000, Ken Brown wrote:

>In that case I suspect the "10 watt K3" puts out more than 10 watts. 
>Have you ever made any measurements to find out how much drive you 
>really are giving the Hercules II? And also how are you determining that 
>the Herc is being driven to full output? 

I've only been using the Herc II during contests when I'm not at home, so 
haven't done "real" power measurements of drive level or output power for 
quite a while. Your point is taken, and when I have time, I'll set it up 
with a Bird on both input and output. I can do that -- I have two, and 
suitable slugs. Won't be right away though -- it's at my alternate SS QTH 
right now. :)

My observations are 1) looking at the red light that indicates full power 
AND the red light that indicates overdrive. The overdrive light comes on 
only a fraction of a dB past the red power light. 2) Reading the output 
power setting on the K3 front panel. That reading has been reliable in the 
past, but who knows what evil lurks. :) FWIW, my Titans take 30-50W to get 
to legal power (or as close to full power as I choose to run them), also 
as indicated on the K3 output power indicator. 

73,

Jim K9YC