[Elecraft] [KX3] Solid state amps and KX3 negative ALC

2013-01-05 Thread Keith Heimbold
Please excuse me for my newbieness in asking this question but it has been on 
my mind for awhile now.  I am the proud owner of KX3 847 and am curious about 
the need for Negative ALC capability and interface for the KX3 as I connect it 
to my solid state amplifiers.

I have been looking at the manual and thinking about interfacing the KX3 with 
my two solid state amplifiers, THP HL450 and the yaesu Quadra. Both recommend 
use of negative ALC connection from the transceiver.  For my K3, the negative 
ALC mod satisfies the Quadra in this respect. 

I am looking for reference of negative ALC for the KX3 and cannot seem to 
locate such a capability and interface. If it is in the manual my apologies for 
taking up reflector space please let me know which page I am overlooking. If 
not, then my assumption is that because of the low level of power output 12W 
max, it was deemed not necessary to have this in the KX3. 

Please let me know if I am on the right track so I can finally feel comfortable 
interfacing the KX3 with my amps.

Thanks  Happy New Year one and all!

Keith
AK6ZZ

Sent from my iPhone please excuse typos
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Re: [Elecraft] [KX3] Solid state amps and KX3 negative ALC

2013-01-05 Thread Don Wilhelm

Keith,

With the power output limited to 12 watts, there should be no need to 
connect anything to the ALC on your amplifier.  That is just not 
available on the KX3, nor is it available on any other QRP transceiver 
that I know about.


Amplifiers historically provided ALC to throttle the power output from 
the transmitter back when a given level of drive was received. That 
worked fine in the old AM and CW days where non-linearity in the 
transmit path could be tolerated, but with the advent of SSB where 
linearity had to be maintained in the transmit path, this method became 
a recipe to create distortion and splatter on the air.  Consider that 
there is a finite time delay between detection of an overdrive condition 
and that ALC signal back to the transmitter to reduce its power level.  
In other words, the overdrive condition had to already be present before 
the ALC could do anything about it.
There is one manufacturer who claims his ALC action is so fast that 
there will be no distortion or splatter, but I have great doubts about 
that - he would have to predict an overdrive situation before it 
actually happened, and I am not sure how that would be accomplished.


Recently, some solid state amplifiers added a new twist.  They have 
incorporated sensing circuits to indicate a fault condition such as a 
high SWR condition, then the use the ALC line to reduce the transmitter 
power to a safe level.  While that is a noble goal, I often wonder why 
any amplifier with that complexity would want to depend on some external 
driver to protect itself.  I guess cost is the answer, but depending on 
something external to do the right thing always has puzzled me.  If 
the amplifier has enough smarts to detect fault conditions and considers 
those faults to be worthy of protecting the amp, then why do they not 
include circuits to dump the drive power into a dummy load instead of 
the amplifier input - and eliminate the requirement for ALC - the KPA500 
goes to standby when it detects a fault and I do not understand why 
other manufacturers do not do the same.


OK, that ends my occasional rant on ALC.
Happy New Year

73,
Don W3FPR



On 1/5/2013 8:10 AM, Keith Heimbold wrote:

Please excuse me for my newbieness in asking this question but it has been on 
my mind for awhile now.  I am the proud owner of KX3 847 and am curious about 
the need for Negative ALC capability and interface for the KX3 as I connect it 
to my solid state amplifiers.

I have been looking at the manual and thinking about interfacing the KX3 with 
my two solid state amplifiers, THP HL450 and the yaesu Quadra. Both recommend 
use of negative ALC connection from the transceiver.  For my K3, the negative 
ALC mod satisfies the Quadra in this respect.

I am looking for reference of negative ALC for the KX3 and cannot seem to 
locate such a capability and interface. If it is in the manual my apologies for 
taking up reflector space please let me know which page I am overlooking. If 
not, then my assumption is that because of the low level of power output 12W 
max, it was deemed not necessary to have this in the KX3.

Please let me know if I am on the right track so I can finally feel comfortable 
interfacing the KX3 with my amps.




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Re: [Elecraft] [KX3] Solid state amps and KX3 negative ALC

2013-01-05 Thread hawley, charles j jr
I like what you say Don. I was thinking the same about ALC and do not use it on 
the K line...or anywhere in the last 20 years.

Chuck, KE9UW
Lionel Trains, TCA, LCCA, LRRC
aka Jack, BMW Motorcycles BMWMOA #224


From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] on 
behalf of Don Wilhelm [w3...@embarqmail.com]
Sent: Saturday, January 05, 2013 7:47 AM
To: Keith Heimbold
Cc: Elecraft Group
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [KX3] Solid state amps and KX3 negative ALC

Keith,

With the power output limited to 12 watts, there should be no need to
connect anything to the ALC on your amplifier.  That is just not
available on the KX3, nor is it available on any other QRP transceiver
that I know about.

Amplifiers historically provided ALC to throttle the power output from
the transmitter back when a given level of drive was received. That
worked fine in the old AM and CW days where non-linearity in the
transmit path could be tolerated, but with the advent of SSB where
linearity had to be maintained in the transmit path, this method became
a recipe to create distortion and splatter on the air.  Consider that
there is a finite time delay between detection of an overdrive condition
and that ALC signal back to the transmitter to reduce its power level.
In other words, the overdrive condition had to already be present before
the ALC could do anything about it.
There is one manufacturer who claims his ALC action is so fast that
there will be no distortion or splatter, but I have great doubts about
that - he would have to predict an overdrive situation before it
actually happened, and I am not sure how that would be accomplished.

Recently, some solid state amplifiers added a new twist.  They have
incorporated sensing circuits to indicate a fault condition such as a
high SWR condition, then the use the ALC line to reduce the transmitter
power to a safe level.  While that is a noble goal, I often wonder why
any amplifier with that complexity would want to depend on some external
driver to protect itself.  I guess cost is the answer, but depending on
something external to do the right thing always has puzzled me.  If
the amplifier has enough smarts to detect fault conditions and considers
those faults to be worthy of protecting the amp, then why do they not
include circuits to dump the drive power into a dummy load instead of
the amplifier input - and eliminate the requirement for ALC - the KPA500
goes to standby when it detects a fault and I do not understand why
other manufacturers do not do the same.

OK, that ends my occasional rant on ALC.
Happy New Year

73,
Don W3FPR



On 1/5/2013 8:10 AM, Keith Heimbold wrote:
 Please excuse me for my newbieness in asking this question but it has been on 
 my mind for awhile now.  I am the proud owner of KX3 847 and am curious about 
 the need for Negative ALC capability and interface for the KX3 as I connect 
 it to my solid state amplifiers.

 I have been looking at the manual and thinking about interfacing the KX3 with 
 my two solid state amplifiers, THP HL450 and the yaesu Quadra. Both recommend 
 use of negative ALC connection from the transceiver.  For my K3, the negative 
 ALC mod satisfies the Quadra in this respect.

 I am looking for reference of negative ALC for the KX3 and cannot seem to 
 locate such a capability and interface. If it is in the manual my apologies 
 for taking up reflector space please let me know which page I am overlooking. 
 If not, then my assumption is that because of the low level of power output 
 12W max, it was deemed not necessary to have this in the KX3.

 Please let me know if I am on the right track so I can finally feel 
 comfortable interfacing the KX3 with my amps.



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Re: [Elecraft] [KX3] Solid state amps and KX3 negative ALC

2013-01-05 Thread Keith Heimbold
Don,

Thanks I appreciate the confirmation greatly of what I assumed was the case. 

 With the power output limited to 12 watts, there should be no need to connect 
 anything to the ALC on your amplifier.  That is just not available on the 
 KX3, nor is it available on any other QRP transceiver that I know about.
 
I plan to eventually go K line all the way to include the P3, KPA500 and KAT500 
but for now I have many different types of equipment cobbled to together in the 
shack and wanted to get a little more operating scope with my KX3.

Thanks,

Keith
AK6ZZ
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Re: [Elecraft] [KX3] Solid state amps and KX3 negative ALC

2013-01-05 Thread Rick Tavan N6XI
Good explanation as usual, Don. I think there may also be an another factor
in play: Back in the day, rigs had manual controls (e.g. drive, power, tube
amp plate/load controls, etc.) and it was pretty easy for a busy or
distracted operator to position them incorrectly and overdrive an external
amplifier, especially when changing bands or making long QSYs. Maybe
protective ALC was justified in those cases, although I never used it and
never got into trouble. Modern, solid state rigs such as the KX3 and K3
don't have manual tuning controls to mis-set and can memorize desired
output levels on a per-band basis. It is far less likely today to make the
kinds of mistakes that used to suggest a need for ALC protection. So now,
more than ever, it seems unnecessary and possibly inadvisable to use
external ALC. It has always been best to adjust output appropriately to
prevent over-driving an external amp. Now it's easy, too.

/Rick

On Sat, Jan 5, 2013 at 5:47 AM, Don Wilhelm w3...@embarqmail.com wrote:

 Keith,

 With the power output limited to 12 watts, there should be no need to
 connect anything to the ALC on your amplifier.  That is just not available
 on the KX3, nor is it available on any other QRP transceiver that I know
 about.

 Amplifiers historically provided ALC to throttle the power output from the
 transmitter back when a given level of drive was received. That worked fine
 in the old AM and CW days where non-linearity in the transmit path could be
 tolerated, but with the advent of SSB where linearity had to be maintained
 in the transmit path, this method became a recipe to create distortion and
 splatter on the air.  Consider that there is a finite time delay between
 detection of an overdrive condition and that ALC signal back to the
 transmitter to reduce its power level.  In other words, the overdrive
 condition had to already be present before the ALC could do anything about
 it.
 There is one manufacturer who claims his ALC action is so fast that there
 will be no distortion or splatter, but I have great doubts about that - he
 would have to predict an overdrive situation before it actually happened,
 and I am not sure how that would be accomplished.

 Recently, some solid state amplifiers added a new twist.  They have
 incorporated sensing circuits to indicate a fault condition such as a high
 SWR condition, then the use the ALC line to reduce the transmitter power to
 a safe level.  While that is a noble goal, I often wonder why any amplifier
 with that complexity would want to depend on some external driver to
 protect itself.  I guess cost is the answer, but depending on something
 external to do the right thing always has puzzled me.  If the amplifier
 has enough smarts to detect fault conditions and considers those faults to
 be worthy of protecting the amp, then why do they not include circuits to
 dump the drive power into a dummy load instead of the amplifier input - and
 eliminate the requirement for ALC - the KPA500 goes to standby when it
 detects a fault and I do not understand why other manufacturers do not do
 the same.

 OK, that ends my occasional rant on ALC.
 Happy New Year

 73,
 Don W3FPR




 On 1/5/2013 8:10 AM, Keith Heimbold wrote:

 Please excuse me for my newbieness in asking this question but it has
 been on my mind for awhile now.  I am the proud owner of KX3 847 and am
 curious about the need for Negative ALC capability and interface for the
 KX3 as I connect it to my solid state amplifiers.

 I have been looking at the manual and thinking about interfacing the KX3
 with my two solid state amplifiers, THP HL450 and the yaesu Quadra. Both
 recommend use of negative ALC connection from the transceiver.  For my K3,
 the negative ALC mod satisfies the Quadra in this respect.

 I am looking for reference of negative ALC for the KX3 and cannot seem to
 locate such a capability and interface. If it is in the manual my apologies
 for taking up reflector space please let me know which page I am
 overlooking. If not, then my assumption is that because of the low level of
 power output 12W max, it was deemed not necessary to have this in the KX3.

 Please let me know if I am on the right track so I can finally feel
 comfortable interfacing the KX3 with my amps.



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-- 
Rick Tavan N6XI
Truckee, CA
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Re: [Elecraft] [KX3] Solid state amps and KX3 negative ALC

2013-01-05 Thread Phil Debbie Salas
“With the power output limited to 12 watts, there should be no need to connect 
anything to the ALC on your amplifier. That is just not available on the KX3, 
nor is it available on any other QRP transceiver that I know about.”

I agree that ALC is unnecessary.  But FYI - both the FT-817 and the IC-703 have 
ALC inputs as I recall.

Phil – AD5X
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Re: [Elecraft] [KX3] Solid state amps and KX3 negative ALC

2013-01-05 Thread Keith Heimbold
I have been using the KX3 with the THP HL450B and they seem to be getting along 
fine.  I am currently using the KX3 again in my truck as I sold my K3 that was 
in my mobile. The K3 was a real nice mobile radio but I needed the money for 
antenna repairs and upgrades.

Funny thing is that the KX3 is still having high current warnings and the K3 
had absolutely zero issues in the mobile. Not sure why the KX3 doesn't like my 
mobile environment but after having a FT450AT, my K3 and a Icom 706 having 
minimal issues the KX3 seems to have more problems in my truck than the other 
radios.

Thanks for providing the information. Just want to make sure that I get this 
right. 

Keith
AK6ZZ

Sent from my iPhone please excuse typos

On Jan 5, 2013, at 9:48 AM, Phil  Debbie Salas dpsa...@tx.rr.com wrote:

 “With the power output limited to 12 watts, there should be no need to 
 connect anything to the ALC on your amplifier. That is just not available on 
 the KX3, nor is it available on any other QRP transceiver that I know about.”
 
 I agree that ALC is unnecessary.  But FYI - both the FT-817 and the IC-703 
 have ALC inputs as I recall.
 
 Phil – AD5X
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Re: [Elecraft] [KX3] Solid state amps and KX3 negative ALC

2013-01-05 Thread Matt Zilmer
Keith,

If you don't mind, could we discuss this?  I have had a similar
problem but it's sporadic.

Please let me know how to reach you directly if you're intrerested to
discuss this person to person.

73,
matt W6NIA
Upland, CA.

On Sat, 05 Jan 2013 10:12:30 -0800, you wrote:

I have been using the KX3 with the THP HL450B and they seem to be getting 
along fine.  I am currently using the KX3 again in my truck as I sold my K3 
that was in my mobile. The K3 was a real nice mobile radio but I needed the 
money for antenna repairs and upgrades.

Funny thing is that the KX3 is still having high current warnings and the K3 
had absolutely zero issues in the mobile. Not sure why the KX3 doesn't like my 
mobile environment but after having a FT450AT, my K3 and a Icom 706 having 
minimal issues the KX3 seems to have more problems in my truck than the other 
radios.

Thanks for providing the information. Just want to make sure that I get this 
right. 

Keith
AK6ZZ

Sent from my iPhone please excuse typos

On Jan 5, 2013, at 9:48 AM, Phil  Debbie Salas dpsa...@tx.rr.com wrote:

 “With the power output limited to 12 watts, there should be no need to 
 connect anything to the ALC on your amplifier. That is just not available on 
 the KX3, nor is it available on any other QRP transceiver that I know about.”
 
 I agree that ALC is unnecessary.  But FYI - both the FT-817 and the IC-703 
 have ALC inputs as I recall.
 
 Phil – AD5X
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Re: [Elecraft] [KX3] Solid state amps and KX3 negative ALC

2013-01-05 Thread Keith Heimbold
If anyone is interested the THP HL450B is putting out about 180-200W with 12W 
input from my KX3. I am surprised and extremely pleased to see that output.

As soon as I solve the issue that I will discuss with Matt, I will share the 
solution with the group. 

Keith
AK6ZZ

Sent from my iPhone please excuse typos

On Jan 5, 2013, at 10:12 AM, Keith Heimbold ag...@hotmail.com wrote:

 I have been using the KX3 with the THP HL450B and they seem to be getting 
 along fine.  I am currently using the KX3 again in my truck as I sold my K3 
 that was in my mobile. The K3 was a real nice mobile radio but I needed the 
 money for antenna repairs and upgrades.
 
 Funny thing is that the KX3 is still having high current warnings and the K3 
 had absolutely zero issues in the mobile. Not sure why the KX3 doesn't like 
 my mobile environment but after having a FT450AT, my K3 and a Icom 706 having 
 minimal issues the KX3 seems to have more problems in my truck than the other 
 radios.
 
 Thanks for providing the information. Just want to make sure that I get this 
 right. 
 
 Keith
 AK6ZZ
 
 Sent from my iPhone please excuse typos
 
 On Jan 5, 2013, at 9:48 AM, Phil  Debbie Salas dpsa...@tx.rr.com wrote:
 
 “With the power output limited to 12 watts, there should be no need to 
 connect anything to the ALC on your amplifier. That is just not available on 
 the KX3, nor is it available on any other QRP transceiver that I know about.”
 
 I agree that ALC is unnecessary.  But FYI - both the FT-817 and the IC-703 
 have ALC inputs as I recall.
 
 Phil – AD5X
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Re: [Elecraft] [KX3] Solid state amps and KX3 negative ALC

2013-01-05 Thread Phil Debbie Salas
I had this high current warning problem awhile and it drove me crazy. 
Turns out that I was using another 2.1x5.5mm cable I had (not the one 
supplied by Elecraft).  That cable had 24 gauge wires in it.  It may have 
also been due to a poor interface at the plug end.  Anyway, I saw an 
excessive voltage drop when transmitting (took me awhile to think to monitor 
the voltage on the KX3), which caused the high current warning for some 
reason.  Anyway, going back to the Elecraft 2.1x5.5mm cable COMPLETELY 
solved the problem.  I have since purchased several cables from Mouser (part 
number 172-7445-E).  These are 2-foot long cables using 18 gauge wire.  They 
also have the right-angle 2.1x5.5mm connector.  These cables work great.  I 
terminated the stripped end with PowerPole connectors so I can then add 
extension cables if needed.


Phil - AD5X

-Original Message- 
From: Keith Heimbold

Sent: Saturday, January 05, 2013 12:12 PM
To: Phil  Debbie Salas
Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [KX3] Solid state amps and KX3 negative ALC

I have been using the KX3 with the THP HL450B and they seem to be getting 
along fine.  I am currently using the KX3 again in my truck as I sold my K3 
that was in my mobile. The K3 was a real nice mobile radio but I needed the 
money for antenna repairs and upgrades.


Funny thing is that the KX3 is still having high current warnings and the K3 
had absolutely zero issues in the mobile. Not sure why the KX3 doesn't like 
my mobile environment but after having a FT450AT, my K3 and a Icom 706 
having minimal issues the KX3 seems to have more problems in my truck than 
the other radios.


Thanks for providing the information. Just want to make sure that I get this 
right.


Keith
AK6ZZ

Sent from my iPhone please excuse typos

On Jan 5, 2013, at 9:48 AM, Phil  Debbie Salas dpsa...@tx.rr.com wrote:

“With the power output limited to 12 watts, there should be no need to 
connect anything to the ALC on your amplifier. That is just not available 
on the KX3, nor is it available on any other QRP transceiver that I know 
about.”


I agree that ALC is unnecessary.  But FYI - both the FT-817 and the IC-703 
have ALC inputs as I recall.


Phil – AD5X
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Re: [Elecraft] [KX3] Solid state amps and KX3 negative ALC

2013-01-05 Thread Keith Heimbold
Hi Phil,

Thanks. I previously used the Elecraft cable and had the same warnings. I will 
check out the Mouser supply with the 18 gauge wires. Maybe one of those cables 
will solve this illusive issue.

Best regards,

Keith
AK6ZZ



Sent from my iPhone please excuse typos

On Jan 5, 2013, at 1:54 PM, Phil  Debbie Salas dpsa...@tx.rr.com wrote:

 I had this high current warning problem awhile and it drove me crazy. Turns 
 out that I was using another 2.1x5.5mm cable I had (not the one supplied by 
 Elecraft).  That cable had 24 gauge wires in it.  It may have also been due 
 to a poor interface at the plug end.  Anyway, I saw an excessive voltage drop 
 when transmitting (took me awhile to think to monitor the voltage on the 
 KX3), which caused the high current warning for some reason.  Anyway, going 
 back to the Elecraft 2.1x5.5mm cable COMPLETELY solved the problem.  I have 
 since purchased several cables from Mouser (part number 172-7445-E).  These 
 are 2-foot long cables using 18 gauge wire.  They also have the right-angle 
 2.1x5.5mm connector.  These cables work great.  I terminated the stripped end 
 with PowerPole connectors so I can then add extension cables if needed.
 
 Phil - AD5X
 
 -Original Message- From: Keith Heimbold
 Sent: Saturday, January 05, 2013 12:12 PM
 To: Phil  Debbie Salas
 Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
 Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [KX3] Solid state amps and KX3 negative ALC
 
 I have been using the KX3 with the THP HL450B and they seem to be getting 
 along fine.  I am currently using the KX3 again in my truck as I sold my K3 
 that was in my mobile. The K3 was a real nice mobile radio but I needed the 
 money for antenna repairs and upgrades.
 
 Funny thing is that the KX3 is still having high current warnings and the K3 
 had absolutely zero issues in the mobile. Not sure why the KX3 doesn't like 
 my mobile environment but after having a FT450AT, my K3 and a Icom 706 having 
 minimal issues the KX3 seems to have more problems in my truck than the other 
 radios.
 
 Thanks for providing the information. Just want to make sure that I get this 
 right.
 
 Keith
 AK6ZZ
 
 Sent from my iPhone please excuse typos
 
 On Jan 5, 2013, at 9:48 AM, Phil  Debbie Salas dpsa...@tx.rr.com wrote:
 
 “With the power output limited to 12 watts, there should be no need to 
 connect anything to the ALC on your amplifier. That is just not available on 
 the KX3, nor is it available on any other QRP transceiver that I know about.”
 
 I agree that ALC is unnecessary.  But FYI - both the FT-817 and the IC-703 
 have ALC inputs as I recall.
 
 Phil – AD5X
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Re: [Elecraft] [KX3] Solid state amps and KX3 negative ALC

2013-01-05 Thread NM6E_QRP
I get about the same output with my THP HL-200B , 180-200 watts with 12 watts 
drive. 

Used the setup for CQP without any heating or high current issues with a tuner 
and an S9v-43' vertical in San Francisco. 

Javier NM6E/5

Please excuse any mis-spelling 

Sent from my iPhone 5

On Jan 5, 2013, at 1:38 PM, Keith Heimbold ag...@hotmail.com wrote:

 If anyone is interested the THP HL450B is putting out about 180-200W with 12W 
 input from my KX3. I am surprised and extremely pleased to see that output.
 
 As soon as I solve the issue that I will discuss with Matt, I will share the 
 solution with the group. 
 
 Keith
 AK6ZZ
 
 Sent from my iPhone please excuse typos
 
 On Jan 5, 2013, at 10:12 AM, Keith Heimbold ag...@hotmail.com wrote:
 
 I have been using the KX3 with the THP HL450B and they seem to be getting 
 along fine.  I am currently using the KX3 again in my truck as I sold my K3 
 that was in my mobile. The K3 was a real nice mobile radio but I needed the 
 money for antenna repairs and upgrades.
 
 Funny thing is that the KX3 is still having high current warnings and the K3 
 had absolutely zero issues in the mobile. Not sure why the KX3 doesn't like 
 my mobile environment but after having a FT450AT, my K3 and a Icom 706 
 having minimal issues the KX3 seems to have more problems in my truck than 
 the other radios.
 
 Thanks for providing the information. Just want to make sure that I get this 
 right. 
 
 Keith
 AK6ZZ
 
 Sent from my iPhone please excuse typos
 
 On Jan 5, 2013, at 9:48 AM, Phil  Debbie Salas dpsa...@tx.rr.com wrote:
 
 “With the power output limited to 12 watts, there should be no need to 
 connect anything to the ALC on your amplifier. That is just not available 
 on the KX3, nor is it available on any other QRP transceiver that I know 
 about.”
 
 I agree that ALC is unnecessary.  But FYI - both the FT-817 and the IC-703 
 have ALC inputs as I recall.
 
 Phil – AD5X
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