Subj : Todays New Gear Tip
To   : All
From : Daryl Stout
Date : Wed Sep 20 2017 12:05 am

Power - Input and Output 

Transmitter output power of HF transceivers ranges from 100 to 200 watts
with most between 100 and 150 watts. The extra power will not make a
dramatic difference on the air, however. Power amplifiers (a.k.a. -
linears or linear amplifiers) are available to increase the output power
to 600 to 1500 watts (maximum legal power for hams) for more demanding
conditions and activities. 

Beginning HF operators will have the most success using power levels
around 100 watts.

Running "barefoot" (without an amplifier) with a modest antenna is often
sufficient for lots of contacts, including world-wide DX during favorable
conditions. More power, provided by an amplifier, will extend your
transmit range and enable you to maintain contact longer as conditions
change, but adds significant expense and raises the demands placed on
station equipment. Lower power, or QRP operating, is something you can
try as you gain experience, turning the radio's output power down whenever
you'd like to give it a try!

A radio with a built-in ac power supply does not need an external dc
supply. Most radios do require an external dc supply, though. Be sure
to select a power supply that is rated to continuously provide the
maximum current specified in the radio's manual. Because most radio
accessories operate from the same voltage as the radio (13.8 V for most
"12 V" radios) it is wise to add a few more amperes of current output
to power them. For example, if a radio requires 24 amps at full power,
choose a supply that can deliver 30 amps or more.


---
 þ Synchronet þ The Thunderbolt BBS - wx1der.dyndns.org

.