Plain-language answer: Digital modes often hold the transmitter near continuous output for much longer than conversational SSB, so the same indicated peak power can create far more heat.
Why operators care
Audio overdrive also produces distortion and unwanted bandwidth before the radio reaches its advertised maximum power.
Set it up correctly
Use the radio, amplifier, tuner, feed line, and antenna’s continuous-duty limits; disable speech processing, set clean audio, and monitor temperature and ALC.
The common mistake
Running a 100-watt digital carrier because the station safely reaches 100 watts on voice peaks.
Operating boundary
Current regulations, service documentation, satellite status, software versions, and the complete station’s continuous-duty limits control. Online reports are observations, not guaranteed link performance.
