Important notes on power output | |
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Measuring power output will vary depending on many variables. Our default test-setup consists of a 14-volt power supply, 50 ohm dummy load, and Bird wattmeter reading PeP (peak envelope power). If you are using different equipment, measuring RMS instead of PeP, or have an SWR reading different that shown, you may have different results. The following chart shows an example of power readings for this radio with changes to measurement variables. | |
Test Bench Settings: | |
Voltage | 14VDC |
SWR | 1.2 with dummy load |
Impedance | 50 ohm |
Bird Wattmeter | |
AM Carrier (low w/ 50W slug) | 10W |
AM Carrier (high w/ 100W slug) | 200W |
AM Modulation (PeP w/ 500W slug) | 450W* |
Bird Wattmeter - RF Deck Switched OFF | |
AM Carrier (low w/ 50W slug) | 0.5W |
AM Carrier (high w/ 50W slug) | 5W |
AM Modulation (PeP @ 100W slug) | 35W |
Dosy Wattmeter - Wide Variation in Accuracy - +/- 15% on average versus Bird | |
AM Carrier | 12W |
AM Carrier | 225W |
AM Modulation | 400W* |
SSS | 550 Watts |
Dimensions | |
Length (chassis only) | 9.25" |
Length (from SO-239 to control knobs) | 11" |
Width | 7 7/8" |
Height | 3 1/4" |
Suggested Power Source | 50A constant (in vehicles, this means a direct to battery power connection) |
IMPORTANT NOTES ON POWER | |
• SWR will affect power readings significantly. The readings above were using a dummy load with a 1.2 SWR reading. | |
• Power output readings drastically vary depending on meter. If you measure power with a Dosy meter the modulation range is anywhere from 400-750 watts! This huge discrepancy in power is exactly why we do not suggest using Dosy meters for measuring modulation. | |
• This radio is best suited for 400 watts PeP modulation as per a Bird wattmeter. If modulation is turned up higher than this, distorted audio and significant strain is placed on the output transistors. We do not turn the radio up past the 400 watt limit to maintain audio clarity AND the life of the radio. |