Stan, turns out it was the voltage protection. So, thank you. I sure wish the voltage readout on the radio had one more digit to show voltage to tenths of a voltage, as other QRP rigs do.?
I've heard others recommend two silicon diodes. Is there an advantage to using those, versus a cheap little voltage regulator module? Do the diodes consume power by converting it into heat, as a resistor does??
I might use 7 rechargeable lithium batteries, as a possible 10.5v solution, to see if that works. Any thoughts on that?
Thanks again!
Braden Glett