K3 Questions

[W0JFR]

Two questions:
1. I hear weak hetrodynes on 20m about every 1 KHz from 13.900 to roughly 14.040 MHz. I removed the antenna and got the same. Is this normal? If not, what do I do to get rid of them?

2. The advertised power of the K3 is 100w, but it allows you to go to 120w (my wattmeter actually shows 117w out). Are there any problems or cautions running power greater than 100w?

Thanks,
  - 73, John, W0JFR

[Julian, G4ILO]

W0JFR wrote

Two questions:
1. I hear weak hetrodynes on 20m about every 1 KHz from 13.900 to roughly 14.040 MHz. I removed the antenna and got the same. Is this normal? If not, what do I do to get rid of them?

2. The advertised power of the K3 is 100w, but it allows you to go to 120w (my wattmeter actually shows 117w out). Are there any problems or cautions running power greater than 100w?

1. Check for good metal to metal contact where all the cabinet parts join, particularly the internal screen. Make sure the sprogs aren't getting in anywhere else, like the RS-232 cable.

2. As mentioned elsewhere by Eric, 5dB worse IMD in SSB. Considering the difference between 100 and 120W won't be noticeable at the other end, it isn't worth using it.