[TowerTalk] slightly OT - Wattmeter suggestion?

[Jim Brown]

On 4/21/2011 9:20 AM, Tom Osborne wrote:
> Why would you need a peak reading meter for tune up?

I routinely do initial tuning of the antenna at low power, then turn on 
the amp and carefully tune the amp for maximum output with a series of 
dits. This puts less stress on the and and power supply than keydown, 
and while it works with an averaging meter, a peak reading meter makes 
this easier.  A peak reading meter also makes it easier to tweak the amp 
on the fly as you QSY for S&P during a contest.

Tuning for max output is especially important with triode output stages, 
because it minimizes distortion (that is, harmonics and splatter).  When 
you hear a broad signal, it's a sign that the lid running it either 
doesn't know how to tune his amp or set his audio levels, or both.

73, Jim Brown K9YC