Jeff Liebermann wrote:

Good point, but that's not what I had in mind. I was aware of the
problem and suggested that the power control be run by a micro. The
algorithm needs to be worked out, but basically, the weakest signal
sets the power level. The range of power adjustment also will not be
huge or large enough to have much of an effect on distant stations.
Our current 60 watt amplifier might have the power output reduced to
about 20 watts or 4.5dB power reduction. That's less than one S-unit
and probably wouldn't be noticeable even by distant stations. However,
it will make a huge difference in power consumption and battery
operation run time.

Would it? A lot of amplifiers don't change their power consumption all
that much, especially if they're designed for saturated operation (i.e.
if you reduce the input drive, they either distort, or drop into linear
mode and dissipation goes up).

if you have an amplifier designed for variable power output, then what
you say might be a good idea.