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Old March 2nd 07, 03:00 PM posted to rec.radio.amateur.boatanchors
John, N9JG John, N9JG is offline
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First recorded activity by RadioBanter: Aug 2006
Posts: 83
Default Duty factor for Drake L-4B

I have a Drake L-4B, which I purchased new in about 1975. Recently I have
started to use RTTY mode with the L-4B, and I have some concerns about what
is the safe RTTY power level for this amplifier. The Drake easily puts out 1
kW into my antenna, but during an RTTY contest the transmission duty cycle
can approach 50%. During a long-winded rag chew, a transmission might be as
long as five minutes (just like the old AM days!). I am reasonably certain
that the L-4B (both the amplifier deck and the PS) can withstand long
transmissions at (say) 500 watts out, but my concern is with the 1000 watt
level.

John, N9JG