On SSB my meter shows around 50 -80W swing even through the amp. However the calibration won't work on the meter I've got in SSB .. when I deadkey to calibrate the meter it won't move the needle (prbly cuz no carrier).. But if
I calibrate it for AM, then switch to SSB with meter still in PWR setting it shows 50-80W swing when talking.
The Calibrate feature is only needed for Checking SWR, yes you are correct that it will not calibrate on SSB when there is no Audio..... no audio means no power output on SSB.
And You only need to check SWR on AM anyway, it will still not read correct if you set it on AM and then switch to SSB, because the output is different on SSB.
The Guys are just suggesting that the 450 would be a better match for that radio than the 250.
The Pal Knockoffs using ERF 7530`s can take a lot of drive, this has been seen since they started making them, the gain is just not that high on them, but 75 or 80 into two of them is excessive.
As for the Meter on the radio not showing much output, it might be as simple as the VR for the meter in TX on SSB mode needs a tweak.
Testing that involves propagation ( talking Skip ) is not a good way to tell how well a radio/amp combination is working.
Propagation will allow you to talk half way around the world with 3 or 4 watts.
I have literally sat next to another radio operator who was running less than 20 watts, and I was running 600+, both mobile to a station in Great Falls.
The signal difference between us was not as astronomical as one would think, because the conditions were allowing us both a good path at the time.
73
Jeff