Radiomatrix
Member
Always trouble shooting. First things first:
User error always a possibility. Just double checking if jumped correctly.
User error always a possibility. Just double checking if jumped correctly.
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Watt meter goes a backward when I modulate on AM
- Thread starter Radiomatrix
- Start date
Reverse the connectors on the amp.
Radiomatrix
Member
Have I fried my Radio?
slowmover
Active Member
Try it.
A wattmeter treading backwards during modulation usually means you’re seriously overdriving an amplifier. In AM mode whatever your dead carrier power is it will be 6dB or 4X more at 100% modulation. So if you have an amplifier capable of 100w output you need to drive it so it pro 25 watts carrier so it can do 100 watts peak output under full modulation.
An average reading wattmeter should show the carrier level accurately but may not show the peak power very well unless you really get on the microphone But it should go upwards a little if everything is working right. If you are driving your 100 watt amplifier to 100 watts dead carrier or even 75 watts it has no headroom for the 6dB or 4X power increase at full modulation and will go backwards when you talk. That’s normal and will sound like crap unless you lower the drive level to get 1/4 the rated output from your amp at dead carrier so it can work properly when you talk.
An average reading wattmeter should show the carrier level accurately but may not show the peak power very well unless you really get on the microphone But it should go upwards a little if everything is working right. If you are driving your 100 watt amplifier to 100 watts dead carrier or even 75 watts it has no headroom for the 6dB or 4X power increase at full modulation and will go backwards when you talk. That’s normal and will sound like crap unless you lower the drive level to get 1/4 the rated output from your amp at dead carrier so it can work properly when you talk.
slowmover
Active Member
Only gizmo that’s “accurate” is a true PEP Meter (Peak Envelope Power) to read top power. Must have 12V or 120V to operate.
Best known is maybe DAIWA 901.
www.dxengineering.com
(Bargains may not be so. Check reviews).
An oft cited maxim is 1:4 ratio.
.
Best known is maybe DAIWA 901.
Daiwa Products CN-901HP Daiwa CN-901 Professional Series Bench Meters | DX Engineering
Free Shipping - Daiwa CN-901 Professional Series Bench Meters with qualifying orders of $99. Shop SWR/Wattmeters at DX Engineering.
(Bargains may not be so. Check reviews).
An oft cited maxim is 1:4 ratio.
.
Last edited:
Radiomatrix
Member
THANKS. it was working just fine, then it wasn't when I must have crossed the jumpers when I made new jumpers the other day. I unplugged everything except the SWR meter and it is definitely not working right. Another thing I noticed this afternoon was when I PTT, I heard an uncharecteristic clicking in back of the radio. SNAP!! My radio was adjusted to key at 3 watts and swing to 4 for the amp. Life is tough enough without serious user error. Sounds like I screwed the goose cuz it isn't Tx right. I can recieve well..... I think I will ship it off again not be be seen again for 3 months.
Radiomatrix
Member
So is an accident like this a radio frying incident?
I have heard of amps connected in reverse and seems no damage done.
Worst case with cheap amps is blowing the output transistors.
As for the radio, a load is a load and anything like 30 to 100 ohm resistive won't do any harm.
Frankly, I would check your coax jumpers for integrity.
Worst case with cheap amps is blowing the output transistors.
As for the radio, a load is a load and anything like 30 to 100 ohm resistive won't do any harm.
Frankly, I would check your coax jumpers for integrity.
slowmover
Active Member
When a radio or amp fritzes, you may hear it called, “letting the smoke out”.
paulears
Member
The question is did the amp go into transmit? If you wire the in and out backwards, RF sensing transmit power doesn’t put it into transmit so you may be safe. Sticking dozens of Watts into an input expecting microWatts is usually terminal. This is the kind of connection mistake you ever make only once.
The Daiwa is ok but not that accurate on peaks. A Bird 43 with factory peak reading kit is very good.Only gizmo that’s “accurate” is a true PEP Meter (Peak Envelope Power) to read top power. Must have 12V or 120V to operate.
Best known is maybe DAIWA 901.
Daiwa Products CN-901HP Daiwa CN-901 Professional Series Bench Meters | DX Engineering
Free Shipping - Daiwa CN-901 Professional Series Bench Meters with qualifying orders of $99. Shop SWR/Wattmeters at DX Engineering.
(Bargains may not be so. Check reviews).
An oft cited maxim is 1:4 ratio.
.
Radiomatrix
Member
It will arrive in the shop on Tuesday
slowmover
Active Member
Good used Birds are cheap and I’ve sold several for around $110.
slowmover
Active Member
Thanks to you both.
paulears
Member
In all seriousness you buy a bird for accuracy and reliability. If you are testing radios and need to publish power output, then 5.6W is important and worth the cost of calibration and annual realignment and certification. All I need is a meter that is comparative. Did my tweak in crease or decrease output. Is 5w really 5.2? Does it matter? If it’s 4 then I need to know. Measure an icon vs a Yaesu and compare. Yep, icom has more power. Is a claimed 20W only 15? That’s poor but if the meter reads 19 that’s fine. Bird are quality items and like all tools you have to decide what it does for you for the price. Rubbish test gear is bad but sensible stuff is fine. Decimal places may be good on a bird but are pointless on other gear.
Radiomatrix
Member
I just got my radio back. September 22-December 10.
This is what they did to it: "added a broadband RF modification and retuned the output so nothing majorly wrong with the radio"
Anyone know what this means?
thanks
This is what they did to it: "added a broadband RF modification and retuned the output so nothing majorly wrong with the radio"
Anyone know what this means?
thanks
wtp
Member
it means try it without the amp.
then, in a while, hook up the amp.
get used to working it normally and then go up.
then, in a while, hook up the amp.
get used to working it normally and then go up.
