Kieth, If you have a true linear amplifier, you can always feed it with less power than the power required for maximum output - if it produces 1000 watts with 100 watts in, it will produce 100 watts with 10 watts in (i.e. the power gain should remain the same). The spectral putity should either be unchanged or be better.
If the linearity degrades, it is not a real linear amplifier and it will distort your SSB waveform when used - on CW there is only the carrier, and any non-linear distortion would only show up if you graphed the input power vs. output power. Yes, do it if you have a linear amp. The output efficiency should remain the same, but if you consider the power pulled from the AC line vs. output power (not usually calculated) the efficiency will be reduced. 73, Don W3FPR > -----Original Message----- > > Since a linear amp is supposed to be "linear", is there any reason that > you have to run 65 to 100 watts into one? What if you used a linear > designed for 65 watt drive and only gave it 15 watts? Does the spectral > purity change? Does the efficiency drop? Does the linearity degrade? > > - Keith KD1E - > _______________________________________________ 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
