A frequent misunderstanding about the operation of the SG-2020 is the Power Level setting adjustment activated by pressing CMD+NB. The manual tells you “When pressing CMD and NB simultaneously, but momentarily, Tx output power level is adjustable by rotating the main tuning knob. Adjustment levels are made in increments of approximately one watt, from 0 to 20 watts. To return to the frequency display, press MEM. To enter this setting in the last recalled memory, press FAST + MEM. Accurate calibration is not supported.”

This has led many people to believe that the number they see on the SG-2020 display is in fact the power level. While this is approximately true in the mid-range where the increment does correspond approximately to 1 unit = 1 watt, this is NOT true across the complete frequency range of the transceiver. 

Below 25Mhz, the SG-2020 is guaranteed to produce a minimum of 20 watts PEP, however, above 25 Mhz, the minimum guaranteed output power output is only 12 watts. The ‘M’ setting on the power level display will correspond to the maximum power available at that frequency. Above 25 Mhz, this might be only 13-14 watts PEP while below 25 Mhz, this value could be higher than 20 watts. Actual power level correspondence with the 1-25 display when setting power level can only be determined with an output power meter.

The ONLY sure way to determine the power output of the SG-2020 is to measure the RF output with a power meter. If precise control of power is necessary, then a meter will be required to set the output power level properly.