Has anyone experienced 8600 power output loss (15%) on all bands above 30M?

Mel Whitten

This loss is a comparison of power output when radio was received and what it is now. Some checks indicated it "may be" the amplifier protective circuit is cutting back the power output even with known good/calibrated dummy load and watt meter. Does the 8600 perform a "calibration" at start up like my 6700? The 6700 power output could change a nominal 5% after calibration which is acceptable. 8600 40/80/160 power output is same as received (~105w max output).

KD0RC

Hi Mel, I would suspect low voltage first. Check your power supply under load. Also run one of the utilities (like FRStack or W9DUR) to see what the voltage is at the finals.

These radios want the full 13.8 volts. I have my 70 amp Astron set to 14.2 v to care for any losses in the cabling or connectors.

If this is not the issue, you should probably submit a help desk ticket.

Mike-VA3MW

After checking the voltages and it doesn't solve the issue, please open a support ticket.

Mel Whitten

Thanks for the responses. Yes, I am aware of voltage sensitivity and have always used 14.2 to 14.4v on all 6 Flex radios I have used. The voltage output was changing randomly from my bench PS. Resolving that issue, then the output on lower bands came up to spec.
Mel

KD0RC

Thanks for the follow-up post Mel. I am glad that resolved it.