Mike,

I do use the TW-1 for tune up, but  find it to read low for power 
readings.     I have a Wavenode WN-2  computer controlled swr/watt 
meter.     It compares favorably with the analog meters in the shack 
(amps, and tuners), while the TW-1 always reads low.

The amp is rated at 1KW SSB, 800 CW, and 500 RTTY, but  I never push it 
to the limit.     I had to replace the original tube about  a year and 
ahalf ago, with one from RF Parts.    Seems like a bit more   output 
than the original.   Can see more than a KW on most bands, but   I don't 
like the smell of smoke.


I usually tune at 75 watts drive and  then advance the load, then reduce 
drive   to get output I want.    I was running 65 watts drive over the 
weekend to get just under 700 out on 160 CW.

Any difference in drive between CW and SSB is going to be influenced by 
  stuff like microphone,  mic gain, compression, etc.   The manual 
suggests setting  up for a max key down  output of 800 watts, and voice 
peaks will be hitting the 1 K level.  Assuming you want to run 
everything to the max.

I'm not sure I would drive it with 100 watts under any circumstances. 
  For my setup, even 85 seems a bit much.  If you are going to keep 
drive set at 100 watts, use of ALC might be a good idea.

Mine has the grid protection board installed.    I've only had it trip a 
couple of times.  Usually at the start of a tune, if the controls 
weren't set   to the proper initial settings.

73, Steve KW3A


     .




On 12/8/2015 2:10 PM, Michael Ryan wrote:
> Hi Steve (KW3A)
>
> You run an AL-80B right? Do you use a TW-1 for readings?
> What's the headroom like on that amp? How much drive does it take to get rated outputs in both CW and SSB?
> According to the Manual, the typical drive for rated output is 85W but the max drive permissible is 100 plus watts.
> Do you get these numbers?
>
> TNX and 73:
> Mike DE VO1AX
>
> Sent from BlueMail
>