power into the amp

[trx680]

I'm trying to read up amps.
I've read that its best to have the power tuned down on your radio, as low a 1-2 watts, as it will work best for the amp especially on SSB.
Then I read where some don't think thats important.

What do you guys think?

[Deleted User 30222]

I would stay around 4 watts, no more. Your amp will be happy, and last much longer. I have a Galaxy DX959 set at a 4 watt dead key going to a RM Italy KL-503 amp. And it runs just fine. Stay at 4 watts and DO NOT over volt it. What kind of radio and amp are we talking about?

[trx680]

I would stay around 4 watts, no more. Your amp will be happy, and last much longer. I have a Galaxy DX959 set at a 4 watt dead key going to a RM Italy KL-503 amp. And it runs just fine. Stay at 4 watts and DO NOT over volt it. What kind of radio and amp are we talking about?

I have a Uniden 980ssb that had a tuneup. Making 5.5 watts.
as far as an amp...i'm still looking. Don't want anything crazy. Really I'd like to have one that has multiple power levels. Maybe 100 and 200amp. But want it to sound clear. Of course a SSB amp.

[Blue Ox2]

that RM KL 503 from our sponsor here, 88 Radio,
will do quite nicely.

JMHO...

73,

Mike

[MDYoungblood]

Your Bearcat 980SSB isn't known to be a powerhouse radio, pushing 51/2 watts DK (high for a one transistor radio) really isn't doing anything but hurting the radio, the receiving end won't see the difference. The amp Beachbum24 suggested would be a perfect match given you turn the DK back down. When using an amp, the antenna is the most important part, having a good SWR.

3's

Greg

[trx680]

Your Bearcat 980SSB isn't known to be a powerhouse radio pushing 51/2 watts DK (high for a one transistor radio) really isn't doing anything but hurting the radio, the receiving end won't see the difference. The amp Beachbum24 suggested would be a perfect match given you turn the DK back down. When using an amp, the antenna is the most important part, having a good SWR.

3's

Greg

I was just going off what the watt meter was reading, perhaps its out of calibration.
I thought it might be correct since I had a high performance tuneup done from the dealer I bought it from.
What should the output of this radio be?
Here are some pics of the meter on AM19, USB, LSB
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[jessejamesdallas]

You want a good clean sound...use a radio right out of the box that hasn't been all peaked & Tweaked out...Most all radios from the factory will be set with around a 3w DK, which works perfect with most amps...Any more than that and you may sound muffled from being over modulated...But then again this depends on the amp...Bigger amps with no driver stage can handle larger DK's and still sound good.

[trx680]

You want a good clean sound...use a radio right out of the box that hasn't been all peaked & Tweaked out...Most all radios from the factory will be set with around a 3w DK, which works perfect with most amps...Any more than that and you may sound muffled from being over modulated...But then again this depends on the amp...Bigger amps with no driver stage can handle larger DK's and still sound good.

Next radio will have to be a good base station and have to get it tuned down for an amp.