If you are interested in doing the job totally "right" when using SSB, the only way to be assured of good linearity in the amplifier, is to use a two-tone test oscillator fed into the audio input and a monitor oscilloscope that gives a trapezoidal test pattern. Yes, I know a lot of people use a CW carrier to do that and are successful at least some of the time. It is easy to mistune this way and NOT get good linearity and maximum `PEP output however. This degrades your signal and often times may disturb QSO's up or down the band with non-linearity products.
Cheapest test scope used to be the Heathkit SB-610 which has a built in 2 tone test oscillator. I think Yaesu and Kenwood also made these as well. Once you get used to the procedure it is easy and fast and assures a very clean and potent signal. 73, Sandy W5TVW -----Original Message----- From: Ian Kahn - Ham Sent: Thursday, January 19, 2012 9:51 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] Tuning AL-811H I have a question about tuning an AL-811H amplifier with my K3. When I used my FT-857D in the shack, I would tune to the antenna in FM mode. However, I don't have the FM filter on my K3. I tried tuning the amp using AM, but I don't have that filter either. So, what is the best mode to use that allows me to briefly transmit an uninterrupted carrier so I can get this amp set up and the settings written down? BTW, after going through this, the saving for the KPA500/KAT500 will soon begin. Thanks everyone for the assist. 73, --Ian Ian Kahn, KM4IK Roswell, GA km4ik....@gmail.com K3 #281, P3 #688 ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html ----- No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2012.0.1901 / Virus Database: 2109/4754 - Release Date: 01/19/12 ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html