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Swing Kit Pro's & Con's

I saw a swing kit kit on eBay with a adjustable d.k. The seller claims it comes with good instructions and photo's that anyone can do this install. For $5.50 total I purchased it. Now my question is what are the pro's and cons of these things? I have a Cobra 148GTL pushing a RM Italy KL-503 amp. If this swing kit pushes very high audio wattage into my KL-503 even with a 2 watt dk wouldn't it still cause damage?
 

INPUT POWER: 1-6W AM/FM - 1-12W SSB/CW,
The variable power mod is the ticket for the linear running properly. If that amp will run at 1 watt; then set the radio output for that. Don't be hung up on the output numbers. No one will notice 40 watts less; they will notice a crappy sounding transmit - though.

As far as the swing mod goes; that will depend on how much modulation%/mic gain you use. Again, a crappy loud radio sound isn't always clear - and therefore - not better. Best get a radio check from a local operator that can give you a valid report. Clean sound is always better understood either locally or even distantly . . .
 
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This is a contradiction of terms, if these amps were linear, there would be no need to run a 1/2 watt dead key.

Yes; you are right.
Should have used the word 'amp' instead.

But running that 'amp' according to the input specs will keep it as 'linear' as it will be possible to do.
Think it uses 8(?) mosfets if I recall.
 
I saw a swing kit kit on eBay with a adjustable d.k. The seller claims it comes with good instructions and photo's that anyone can do this install. For $5.50 total I purchased it. Now my question is what are the pro's and cons of these things? I have a Cobra 148GTL pushing a RM Italy KL-503 amp. If this swing kit pushes very high audio wattage into my KL-503 even with a 2 watt dk wouldn't it still cause damage?

You can get the parts at Rat Shack for less then a buck. cbtricks.com should have the information as well. That said the old school 148's are such nice radio's they don't need a swing kit. Do a search here of the forum, lots of threads about swing kits.
 
I saw a swing kit kit on eBay with a adjustable d.k. The seller claims it comes with good instructions and photo's that anyone can do this install. For $5.50 total I purchased it. Now my question is what are the pro's and cons of these things? I have a Cobra 148GTL pushing a RM Italy KL-503 amp. If this swing kit pushes very high audio wattage into my KL-503 even with a 2 watt dk wouldn't it still cause damage?

Dont install a swing kit in your 148, Other radios like a Galaxy, Connex ect take to swing kits better than the 148/Grants. A 148 is a really good radio that does not need a swing kit to be a good performer. I agree with Robb do a variable power mod or just pop the top and adjust VR10, lower the dead key and play around with it a little!
 
In my experience swing kits only increase wattage and not modulation.

and since modulation is what makes you loud, not watts, I let my amplifier create the watts I am looking for.

So in my opinion, and since most amplifiers sound better with lower drive Vs. higher drive, I keep my PEP into the amp on the lower side for best audio quality.

Just my opinion.
 

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