Input vs. Output

[Kenneth G. Gordon]

Bob wrote:

> However, why did they specify input power?  

The reason was that ANY ham could easily and accurately measure 
plate voltage and plate current, then CALCULATE power input, but at 
that time, simple means of accurately measuring output POWER were 
either very expensive, or not otherwise available.

I can remember when the first few articles were written concerning how 
to measure output power at HF with relatively simple instruments, and it 
was considered new and exciting. Most people didn't bother with it, 
since the earlier method was both easier, and adequately fulfilled FCCs 
requirements.

There was, of course, the BIRD wattmeter, which no ham of my 
aquaintance could afford.

After that, the PEP problem became important, which in order to 
accurately measure it, required the availability of cheap solid-state 
devices and the knowledge of how to use them.

Again, I remember the first article written in QST on how to build an 
accurate PEP reading meter.

Ken Gordon W7EKB (Who was born before there was hair...)

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