"Jeff Liebermann" wrote in message
...


My guess(tm) is that most modern HF radios can also safely operate
into high VSWR loads, but suspect that manufacturers are also hesitant
to guarantee such operation. Most manufacturers don't even specify a
maximum VSWR and simply reduce power if excessive reverse power
(usually 2:1 at full power) is detected.

That sounds right..

I have two HF radios, (Kenwood TS-120, TS-870) and I often observe the
forward power climbing as I manually tune and reduce the reflected power.
At first glance, this would seem to indicate the rig had previously
throttled back its output in response to the consequences of a mismatch.

I never intentionally tune at anything more than a few watts, so perhaps the
protection circuits operate at less than full power, too. The autotuner in
the TS-870 uses about 10 watts.