Wes, The capability operates within limits - it cannot be infinite. However, the K3 (K2 as well) uses a control loop for power output control. It senses the output power and adjusts the RF drive to compensate for differences in the power requested and the actual. In SSB (and data modes) it operates on the peak values, so it will be related to the peak audio level rather than to the average.
The K2 has operated this way all its life, but the K3 has a more sophisticated detection mechanism, so control can be more precise than the K2. It still takes a bit of output time for the power to settle down, and that fact has caused a bit of 'wonderment' among users - if the response is too fast, the power level will oscillate because of the required high gain in the control loop, so it take a couple dit times (or equal for SSB and Data modes) for the power to level out. The control loop is reset with a band change, and a few other actions that I cannot recall right now. 73, Don W3FPR Wes Stewart wrote: > > Don, > > I'm curious about your statement that "the K3 will attempt to develop more > power to maintain the power output level you have chosen" - > > Since PSK is an audio driven mode with a varying amplitude component, > linearity is very important. What you are suggesting is that the K3 is > highly non-linear and has infinite gain, i.e. it puts out X watts regardless > of drive. > > I know that you don't mean that, so could you clarify? > > Wes N7WS > > ______________________________________________________________ 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
