Tom, The answer is: Neither. The correct method is to use the "Calibrate Power" screen to adjust the power setting at each of 16 calibration points. When performed per the RSS instructions, the power output will be uniform at any point within the band edges. All of the nuances of the RVN4019 software are explained in the MaxTrac RSS User's Guide 6880900Z03, available from Motorola Parts for about $33.
73, Eric Lemmon WB6FLY -----Original Message----- From: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com [mailto:repeater-buil...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of tgundo2003 Sent: Sunday, June 14, 2009 11:30 AM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Maxtrac Power setting question When setting the power level on a maxtrac, do you set for the power level at your intended frequency of operation or do you do it at the test frequency that's in the software and live with what you get at your freq? My example- Installing a 40w VHF 146-174 Maxtrac in the car for mobile operation, not repeater duty. If I set the output power into a dummy load at the test frequency in the software (I think it's @159 meg)to 40 watts, I get 19w at 146.000 & 22w @ 147.000. I don't want to blow up the finals, but it would be nice to eke a little more out of it in the ham band. I would much rather use the maxtrac instead of the 50w Icom Ham rig, its audio is so much better & I dont have the eternal alternator whine that the Icom just needs to have to be happy (Thats a different story all together). Thanks! Tom W9SRV