The final settings of the load and tune controls do change a bit as drive
power increases.  Once you have become very familiar with tuning a specific
amp, you simply set the two controls where you know they will end up.  You
should still go thru the process, but when the controls are close, it will
take less time, which means less ware on the amp.  For example, I know where
the load and tune controls should be on each band with my Henry 5K Classic.
Since I preset the knobs where I know they should end up, I can tune the amp
up in less than 20 seconds, even making several steps along the way.

HTH

KD7GC



Alan R. Downing
Phoenix, AZ


-----Original Message-----
From: For blind ham radio operators [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Michael Thurman
Sent: Thursday, January 23, 2014 1:17 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: W8JI's tuning suplement

tuning at low power of course makes total sense, i ws just wondering why =
you have to do more tuning at higher power rather than tuning completely =
at low power. Does the tuning  change a bit depending on drive power, or =
as the amplifier gets toasty warm?. It is sad that  after being a ham =
since 91 I have never keyed a transmitter that output more than 100w.
On Jan 23, 2014, at 3:02 PM, Alan R. Downing <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> You never want to tune an amp up for your ultimate desired output.  It =
is
> generally best to bring your power up in 3 or 4 steps.  For example, =
if I
> know that my ultimate drive power will be about 100 watts, I will =
first tune
> up at about 25 watts, then 50 watts, then 75 watts, and finally 100 =
watts.
> The steps aren't exactly critical, just as long as you bring your =
drive
> power up in 3 or 4 steps.  Waiting 10 or 15 seconds between steps is =
also a
> good idea as you won't heat up the amp too quickly.
>=20
>=20
> HTH
>=20
> KD7GC
>=20
>=20
> Alan R. Downing
> Phoenix, AZ
>=20
>=20
> -----Original Message-----
> From: For blind ham radio operators =
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]
> On Behalf Of Michael Thurman
> Sent: Thursday, January 23, 2014 11:53 AM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: W8JI's tuning suplement
>=20
> stupid question since i do not own an amp, but what is the purpose of =
=3D
> increasing power and then tuning more?  is it to get a usable meter =3D
> reading? I was always under the impression that tuned was tuned no =3D
> matter the power  because once tuned formeximum efficiency  further =3D
> retuning shouldn't be necessary.  Everyoen here having amplifiers =
makes =3D
> me think that if I win the lottery I might someday have one too
> On Jan 23, 2014, at 11:44 AM, Mike Ryan <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>=20
>> Hi Steve:
>> =3D20
>> I've been reading through that info already including the tuning
>> supplement.
>> I think I'll use his A.M method but in CW mode. That is, preset the =3D=

> knobs
>> to the initial start settings and band, set the exciters drive to 10 =
=3D
> or 20
>> watts, key down for no more than 5 2NDS, adjusting the plate for max =
=3D
> power
>> at that level, or pitch with the TW-1.
>> Go back to stand by, setting the exciter up to about 60 watts, =3D
> rekeying
>> increasing the load and tweaking the plate, then just switch to SSB,
>> reducing the drive to around 45W or so and just go ahead and operate.
>> I don't like is actual CW tuning method of pre-setting the exciters =3D=

> drive
>> at 80W prior too keying down, adjusting the plate and load controls.
>> I'm no expert but that sounds like a good way to blow the crap our of
>> things pretty quickly. LOL
>> =3D20
>> 73:
>> Mike