979 RF Power Changed

[Wheelerdude]

My 979 was tuned/aligned/unlocked and has been working fine since March. The RF Power showed a constant 1-4 watts on both the internal and RadShack meters. This this week I’ve noticed the RF Pwr is showing on CH40 14-6 watts and CH1 is 4-7 watts with the internal meter only; 3.5-6 on CH40 and 4.5-9 on CH1 on the internal meter WITH the RadShack meter installed. The Radshack shows 9-15w on the 20W scale. I still get good reports on my transmit quality. Why has the power changed? What needs to be fixed? Could it be summer heat related (Northeast WA)? I’m perplexed.

[MDYoungblood]

You are probably seeing a change in the SWR which will show a different reading on the meters. Even a slight change will show a difference. Living in Washington State I would venture to say something may have gotten water/moisture in the antenna or coax. The only true way to see if there are changes in the radio is to use a dummy load.

3's

Greg

[Wheelerdude]

Awesome, I was looking for another project. Looks like it's time to build a dummy load - lots of help on the internet. Thanks!

[MDYoungblood]

If you like to experiment try building a saltwater dummy load, search that but I would also build an oil can dummy too, it doesn't radiate like the saltwater does.

3's

Greg