The variable power indications you note when initially tuning up on PSK31 are normal. A meter indicating average power will will show lowest indicated power during idle. When transmitting text, indicated power will rise significantly. When transmitting a pure tone (near end of transmission, for example) the indicated power output will be maximum. As to why you're seeing output dropping to less than one watt unpredictably, that is another issue. Check the integrity of your audio connections to/from the K2 and interface. If you QSY by clicking all over the audio spectrum visible on the waterfall, realize that certain high or low frequencies may take you outside the workable passband of the filters in the K2 - in which case your output will fall off dramatically. If the condition does not occur with a dummy load or on other bands, consider 'RF in the shack' issues. For the QRP K2 operating digital modes, I would recommend postioning the power control to 10 watts requested. Set the actual RF output to 5 watts or less using single tone mic audio at filter center. This will usually result in best IMD.
Bill, WA4KBD <After adjusting the transmitter for either SSTV or PSK31, with any of the standard programs, the output stubbornly falls off to less than a watt, unpredictably. When I first adjust the output for PSK31, for instance, the radio idles at 3 watts and jumps to well over five watts when there is signal--and can even jump to nearly 7 watts when the program goes into the steady tone before it changes over to transmit.> _______________________________________________ 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
