Marauder Power problem

[Dale Braun]

Folks,
Recently while using my Heathkit Marauder transmitter in PTT sideband
operation, and monitoring my signal on a scope, I notice that for the first few
seconds after keying up, the power output is low and gradually comes up to full
power.  This also occurs in CW break-in operation.  On CW, I notice that grid
drive comes up slow, at the same rate as output so I assume the problem must be
in a stage before the final amplifier.

This problem is usually not noticed on the other end because many times if a
signal is S9 or better, 10 dB difference in power is seldom noticed.  However,
recently with poor band conditions, it becomes quite noticeable at the other
end.  Has anyone else had that problem and if so, what can be done to correct
it?

Thanks for the advice.

-Dale
WD9GWH
Dale.K.Braun at uwrf.edu