On 9/21/2012 9:37 AM, Gary Slagel wrote: > I'm looking at the SPE Expert Amp 1K-FA. The SPE amps both recommend using > an ALC connection to automatically control the radio's output power thus > preventing amplifier overdrive.
It is NEVER a good idea to use ALC to set drive level to a power amp. Doing so is a recipe for distortion, key clicks, and splatter. ALWAYS control the amplifier output power by setting the POWER OUTPUT of the transceiver so that the transceiver produces just enough output power to get the desired power from the amplifier. IF you want to use ALC, use it ONLY to protect the power amp from failures in the antenna system. Think of it as "belt and suspenders." FWIW, I've NEVER used ALC between any rig and amp that I've owned or operated. Modern amplifiers do NOT need ALC -- indeed, "modern" includes my vintage Ten Tec Titan power amps that were designed in the late '70s and built well into the '80s. The manual notes that although an ALC output is provided for compatibility with older rigs, it should not be used except as I've described. 73, Jim K9YC ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[email protected] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
