The one and only thing I know for sure in that entire post, and have know for 15 years is that modulation is the percentage of information reproduced expressed in degrees of the sign wave. I understand you have taught yourself mostly on the net, do me a favor and google modulation. The class of amp indicates the percentage of modulation. Class a = 360 degrees. Class AB>180 but <360. Class b= 180. Class C<180. Class D=0.
If what lords is saying by saying "over 100% modulation" is that the modulated input drives output power to a level that is greater than double the carrier power level then the term modulation shouldn't be there. I guess it is better to say that the jargon is different.
The modulation of a transmitter will be the exact same, expressed in degrees or as a percentage, weather you are outputing just above dead key, or if your swinging up as hot as the amp circuit will be stable. Distortion comes when the increased power gets to a point where the amplifier circuit is overdriven and the modulated signal breaks down (bad,bad,bad if you are underwater and using a microphone for your eyes!) or if, because of the design of the circuit overmodulation occurs. ( usually only in class a, or in a class A/B of high percentege.) I have literally put my life on this electical fact for 6 of the last 10 years. If the jargon is different, GREAT!! Then I think I understand where all my confusion comes from. But if you look at any text book ( I personaly like the Navy NEETS mods,) it will explain to you the exact thing I just did.
Thanks again for all your help
Ron
