So let's use a typical amp rated at 100 watts AM/CW/FM and 200 watts PEP on
SSB. Assuming that the transmitter is modulated at 100%, how many watts
should the carrier be?

Chris
"Roy Lewallen" wrote in message
...
| Chris wrote:
|
|
| To reduce the drive power to an amplifier and make the modulation
louder.
|
| Chris
|
| I see. But reducing the carrier won't make the modulation louder, only
| more distorted.
|
| Well, let me back up a little. What I said is true if the modulation is
| 100%.
|
| But let's suppose that the transmitter is capable of only 50%
| modulation. In that case, you *can* make the modulation louder by
| increasing the amount of audio applied to the carrier. If the
| transmitter is fundamentally designed to handle 100% modulation, this
| would require only more audio gain or a "hotter" microphone. That would
| be the best way to make your modulation louder.
|
| But let's say that instead, you reduce the carrier from 4 watts to 1.
| Then the 1 watt carrier would be 100% modulated. (100% modulation of a 4
| watt carrier takes 2 watts. 50% modulation takes only 1/2 watt, which
| will modulate a 1 watt carrier 100%.) Now you have 100% modulation of
| the 1 watt carrier. There's the same amount of transmitted audio power
| as before -- 1/2 watt --, so you're really not making the audio any
| stronger, and no one will be able to copy you any better than before.
| (In fact, your weaker signal will have more trouble getting through in
| the presence of noise or interference.) But if you're the only signal
| being heard, the receiver's AGC (automatic gain control) will react to
| your weaker carrier by turning up the receiver's gain, making the audio
| sound louder. The person receiving your signal can make your audio just
| as loud with a 4 watt carrier by manually turning up the volume.
|
| So I'll relent and say that reducing the carrier might make your audio
| sound louder -- but only if your transmitter is undermodulated in the
| first place, there's no stronger signal to control the receiver AGC, and
| if you don't reduce the carrier so much that it makes the modulation
| exceed 100%. But your ability to get through interference and noise will
| probably be reduced.
|
| Roy Lewallen, W7EL