do watts register on ssb

[buffdadjj]

When on ssb does the watt meter register? I am using a barefoot galaxy 959 with an a99 antenna.It reads wattage on am.But when on ssb the meter does not read any watt output.
I have been trying for a couple of weeks to make some contacts. I have been hearing skip from west coast,jemacia,canada,alaska,south and southwest some east coast.Have not been able to make any contacts except some very local stuff. I am wondering if I am getting out.
Thanks for your replys.

[paBullwinkle]

are you talking the meter on the front of your radio or an externel meter?

[Night Crawler]

The RF meter on SSB will only indicate output when your speaking into the microphone unlike AM there isn't a carrier so the RF meter won't show any output by just keying the PTT switch on the mic without modulation.

[buffdadjj]

It is either meter I have both. Thanks nightcrawler I did notice the meter jumping when I speak into the mike on ssb.
I guess I have'nt had good enough conditions to be able to talk to anyone yet
Thanks again.

[jlpicard440]

It will read better if you have a PEP reading watt meter also

[Clodhopper]

Yeah maybe oneday the conditions will come around strong, and contacts will come easy!!!

[Night Crawler]

It will happen give it a couple more years that will be near the peak of the sunspot cycle.