Hi Seth
I'm running my 40m QCX off 8V with a solid 1W output and no problems.? I fired it up like that first time, partly to reduce the chances of damage if I'd made a build error, now because I'm still playing around with antennas and the GPS connection.? I might well keep to 1W anyway!
From the power graphs on page 129 of the excellent QCX manual I can see that you might expect around about the same 1W from 8V on 20m if you short circuit the "idiot diode".? Page 3 of the manual gives a recommended power supply range of 7V - 15V so I think you should be fine with 8 AAs.
I've not experienced any delay in the sidetone - have you sorted that one now?
72
Rod
G0VKX
