Hi Tom;

Go with an external tuner.

73 De Anthony W2AJV
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ECHOLINK NODE NUMBER: 74389

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "T Behler" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Sunday, December 23, 2007 1:12 PM
Subject: possible problem with output power on IC746


> Hello all.
>
> I've developed a strange problem with my Icom 746 transceiver, that I 
> could
> use some help with.
>
> I have noticed that, when using my talking SWR meter unit, I only seem to
> get about 60% output power with an antenna that is resonant on 3.7 MHZ and
> which has a 1.1 to 1 SWR reading.
>
> Thinking that something might be wrong with my talking SWR meter, I had my
> sighted XYL  help me do some checking without the talking SWR meter, using
> the meter on the front of the radio.
>
> She helped me check the output power meter on the IC746 itself  by
> completely disconnecting the talking SWR meter, and then doing the
> test.
>
> She tells me that, on the bottom scale of the meter, the SWR reading for 
> my
> resonant 80-meter dipole is indeed 1.1 to 1, which is just what I'd expect
> it to be.  However, the power output percentage is only around 60% when 
> the
> RF
> power knob is turned all the way to the right.
>
> I'm doing these tests in both CW and RTTY modes.
>
> When I do the test in RTTY mode, I simply use the PTT on the mic.  When
> doing the test in CW mode, I simply have my paddles send a series of 
> "dahs".
>
> Could I have something set wrong with the 746, or is there something wrong
> with the rig itself?
>
> Is there something else I should try?
>
> I think I'll go play with my new TS480 now.  (grin)
>
> 73 from Tom Behler:  KB8TYJ
>
>