Tom, I don't know about the TS-820S, but if the finals are run in linear mode for both CW and SSB, you can safely reduce the drive without hurting anything. If your TS-820 has a drive control, I would think it would be safe to use it to reduce the drive.
OTOH, (just as a cautionary note) a few manufacturers used to run the finals in class AB for SSB, but changed the bias to class C self-bias techniques for CW (mainly to obtain greater output power in CW - but this was usually only true for ancient boat anchors). Some class C stages use the drive power itself to develop the grid bias (using rectification using the grid to cathode junction) - these designs will have runaway plate current if the drive is removed or substantially reduced. If you have fixed bias on the grids for both modes, it is very likely safe to reduce the drive level. 73, Don W3FPR > -----Original Message----- > > Hello group, > > I'm not sure where else to ask this question. I can't seem to get anything > but an answering machine at the Kenwood Amateur Radio Tech support Center. > > While waiting for a new K2, I would like to get on the air (after a > considerable absence) with an old (but very good) TS-820S. The > problem is - > too much interference with the computer and TV at rated output. Since the > neighbors are pretty close, I probably would interfere there as well. I > have done short tests at qrp levels with no interference. > > However: Is it advisable to reduce the drive to qrp levels (for > longer than > short tests) without damage to the 6146 finals? > > Thanks, > > Tom, K0PXL > _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [email protected] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
