[DEMI] TX power vs TXIF 1296-144

[kf0q@arrl.net]

Working on 1296-144 with HIF (external option) today and having some 
troubles getting max drive out of IC6.  To start out with TX test was 
a bit low (3.53V output of IC9) and (5.37V output of IC7) but not 
necessarily out of spec (as we know many of these parameters can very 
widely ... pse correct me if I am wrong here).  Finding nothing 
apparently wrong and reviewing all steps I continued the build and 
inserted IC6.  Measured DC current values on the power lead when 
keying the transverter go from .37A RX to 1.49A (R14 mid) and 1.73A 
(R14 TXIF max).  I do not notice enough power to measure with the 
435B .. but there is obviously a signal.  My questions are:
Is HIF attenuating too much?
Might there be a problem with IC9 output causing an issue with the 
overall gain of the stage?
Is IC6 working?

Any suggestions helpful.  BTW: I have an older working 1296-144 that 
I can compare with.  The unit is older common IF (internal) however 
so it has been tough to compare drive levels etc.

73,
Matt
KF0Q