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[KH6AQ]

Does the Mercury IIIS shut down only on reflected power exceeding 125 watts or does it also have an SWR trip point?

The reason I ask is when it rains my Hexbeam SWR rises to 2.5:1 on some bands and I wonder if I can simply turn down the PO to keep reflected power under 125 watts so the Mercury doesn't shut down. I'm still on the waiting list.

[WA2EIO]

It monitors the reflected power, not SWR, so your idea should work.  It is worth the wait!

[KH6AQ]

Thank you Ron!

[K0UA]

Does the Mercury IIIS shut down only on reflected power exceeding 125 watts or does it also have an SWR trip point?

The reason I ask is when it rains my Hexbeam SWR rises to 2.5:1 on some bands and I wonder if I can simply turn down the PO to keep reflected power under 125 watts so the Mercury doesn't shut down. I'm still on the waiting list.

I have done exactly what you are describing on my Mercury IIIs as it shuts down on reflected power not SWR,.  BUT the good news is I have the Mercury AT now and dont have to worry about it anymore. The tuner will take care of the issue.  And it IS fast.

[W7DGJ]

Yes, both the MercuryIIIS and the Mercury LUX use Reflected Power as determination for the operation of the Amp. Therefore, at a 2.5 to 1 SWR, I can operate the far ends of 80M at reduced power, but still have the amp functional because it's generating only 80 or 90w of reflected power. Incidentally, both amps and the tuner are reviewed on the "Trials and Errors - Ham Life with an Amateur" column on QRZ's front page. In the amp review, each of these protection algorithms are tested.  Dave, W7DGJ