Re: [Elecraft] ALC issue - K3s

Dick, If you use the AUX cable between the K3S and the KPA500, check the ALC THR setting on the KPA500 to be sure its ALC threshold level is not set too low. Have you tried running the K3S directly into a dummy load to see if the ALC behavior is the same as what you've observed (or run the

[Elecraft] ALC issue - K3s

Been waiting over a month for a reply from Elecraft: "SSB problem: very little output, 2-5W peak when set for 100. ALC reads full scale regardless of MIC setting, nil @<2. Tried two microphones. If I whistle, I can get full output. All this independent of compression. on CW: first dit after a

Re: [Elecraft] ALC implementation

I like to think of ALC as receiver AGC in reverse. Done properly, it results in minimal distortion while keeping the signal level nearly constant.  As far as I can tell, commercial transceivers have all been doing this pretty well for a long time. What I've never been able to figure out is

Re: [Elecraft] ALC implementation

The original concept of ALC was devised by Collins engineers as part of their development program for speech processing. Speech clipping flattens the peak amplitude, but also introduces some splatter which then has to be filtered out - but the filtering re-introduces a small amount of level

Re: [Elecraft] ALC implementation

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Re: [Elecraft] ALC implementation

The compression modulates the signal. That will have a fourier transform of its own. If we think of it as a simple amplitude modulation then, as for AM signals, the spectrum of the original signal will be combined (convolved) with upper and lower sidebands representing the spectrum of the

Re: [Elecraft] ALC implementation

Wes: Yes but I assume you have have used or use other xcvrs as well. As a general comment, that doesn’t change the idea that using ALC to control a xcvr’s power to one’s linear isn’t the purpose of ALC and would seem to not be a very healthy practice. If one were to choose that path, then

Re: [Elecraft] ALC implementation

You do know that the K3(S) uses a slow ALC system for power control don't you? Wes  N7WS On 7/12/2019 8:53 PM, Brian Denley wrote: Nothing when that’s what you want. But using ALC to control xcvr power is uncontrolled compression that may or may not be desired. Brian KB1VBF Sent from my

Re: [Elecraft] ALC implementation

Nothing when that’s what you want. But using ALC to control xcvr power is uncontrolled compression that may or may not be desired. Brian KB1VBF Sent from my iPad > On Jul 12, 2019, at 4:09 PM, Wes wrote: > > And what exactly is the problem with compression? It's used all over the >

Re: [Elecraft] ALC implementation

A common cause of incidental AM is ripple in the crystal filter(s) in use. One reason I went to the 2.8 kHz filter was that it had less ripple, and the difference was obvious on RTTY. 73, Jim K9YC On 7/12/2019 3:45 PM, Conrad PA5Y wrote: It should be mentioned that FT8 and JT65 are constant

Re: [Elecraft] ALC implementation

Actually, gain compression reduces "gain" not dynamic range.  All signals are reduced in amplitude by the same number of dB.  This is the only way it doesn't introduce distortion. This reminds me of the endless discussions about RX AGC where everyone has their favorite combination of rf-gain,

Re: [Elecraft] ALC implementation

@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] ALC implementation Well ... I think it depends on your definition of distortion.  One can argue that, if the RF envelope does not exactly equal the original AF envelope, the signal has been distorted and that is certainly the case when the dynamic range has

Re: [Elecraft] ALC implementation

Well ... I think it depends on your definition of distortion.  One can argue that, if the RF envelope does not exactly equal the original AF envelope, the signal has been distorted and that is certainly the case when the dynamic range has been reduced with compression.  It doesn't increase the

Re: [Elecraft] ALC implementation

Don't confuse compression and clipping. Compression reduces dynamic range while clipping sets a hard ceiling and does generate distortion. Compression used correctly does not generate distortion. 73 Bob, K4TAX Sent from my iPhone > On Jul 12, 2019, at 4:00 PM, Wes wrote: > > What

Re: [Elecraft] ALC implementation

What distortion? On 7/12/2019 1:15 PM, Jim Rhodes wrote: Nothing when it is done correctly on a mode that can stand the distortion. I personally won't use it on digital modes as my rigs tend to turn it off by default. Jim Rhodes K0XU On Fri, Jul 12, 2019, 15:10 Wes

Re: [Elecraft] ALC implementation

Nothing when it is done correctly on a mode that can stand the distortion. I personally won't use it on digital modes as my rigs tend to turn it off by default. Jim Rhodes K0XU On Fri, Jul 12, 2019, 15:10 Wes wrote: > And what exactly is the problem with compression? It's used all over the >

Re: [Elecraft] ALC implementation

And what exactly is the problem with compression?  It's used all over the place. Wes  N7WS On 6/28/2019 11:38 AM, Brian Denley wrote: I have always thought that ALC is not appropriate for power control. It’s a protection system. Over use of ALC acts like compression. No? Brian KB1VBF Sent

Re: [Elecraft] ALC implementation

d for data (4 bars solid, 5th flashing) or voice modes (5 to 7 bars) and all will be well. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/29/2019 1:35 PM, Greg Troxel wrote: I have always been a bit unclear on what the Elecraft ALC/power was really doing. You mention low power then then hunting, and the notion of a set p

Re: [Elecraft] ALC implementation

er with the power knob. Doing otherwise will result in > low power at the start and power hunting as the transmission goes on. I have always been a bit unclear on what the Elecraft ALC/power was really doing. You mention low power then then hunting, and the notion of a set power lev

Re: [Elecraft] ALC implementation

Right.  Almost ten years ago, I used an audio FFT to measure the harmonics in a Thinkpad's line level (also used for headphones) output. The distortion decreased by 10 dB when the output was first set just below clip and then reduced by 6 dB (half the output voltage).  Just below clip, the

Re: [Elecraft] ALC implementation

Among other issues, this article is incorrect when calling for the "Device" (Master) volume level in Windows to be set to 100%. Nearly every sound card for which I've seen test results has increased distortion above the 70 - 80% level (-1 to -2 dB or -3 to -6 dB depending on the driver

Re: [Elecraft] ALC implementation

Analog ALC is a fully closed loop too. And Elecraft measuring the output and generating feedback isn't without flaw either. There is an ADC in that output measurement system that introduces low-level power jitter easily observed on a spectrum analyzer. Wes  N7WS On 6/28/2019 12:04 PM, Don

Re: [Elecraft] ALC implementation

Richard, When you put the KX3 into DATA A mode, the mic gain is reduced to something resembling Line level. Depending on your soundcard output, you may still need an attenuator. Strive for each audio control in the computer and application to be at 30 to 50%, and then if you have too much

Re: [Elecraft] ALC implementation

-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Brian Denley Sent: Friday, June 28, 2019 1:38 PM To: Jim Rhodes Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net; Andy Durbin Subject: Re: [Elecraft] ALC implementation I have always thought that ALC is not appropriate for power control

Re: [Elecraft] ALC implementation

" which measures the actual power output, compares it with the set power and adjusts the RF drive accordingly. This is a fully closed loop system. As far as I know, Elecraft is the only amateur transceiver using that type of system." I think you will find that is exactly how TS-590 power

Re: [Elecraft] ALC implementation

Brian, ALC should never be used for power control doing so usually causes RF compression and distortion. Many of the digital application instructions tell you to set for NO ALC as a *maximum* audio level, set the power control for the maximum desired and then reduce the audio level to

Re: [Elecraft] ALC implementation

That's interesting thanks. It means that by aiming for no ALC indication I've been under modulating. I assume the input stage in the KX3 can take higher levels? On Fri, 28 Jun 2019, 16:35 Bob McGraw K4TAX, wrote: > Well written generic paper for operation of FT-8 and other digital > signals of

Re: [Elecraft] ALC implementation

: Friday, June 28, 2019 1:38 PM To: Jim Rhodes Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net; Andy Durbin Subject: Re: [Elecraft] ALC implementation I have always thought that ALC is not appropriate for power control. It’s a protection system. Over use of ALC acts like compression. No? Brian KB1VBF Sent from

Re: [Elecraft] ALC implementation

On 6/28/2019 11:38 AM, Brian Denley wrote: I have always thought that ALC is not appropriate for power control. It’s a protection system. Over use of ALC acts like compression. You are absolutely right. ALC should never be used between a transceiver and an amplifier for power control.

Re: [Elecraft] ALC implementation

I have always thought that ALC is not appropriate for power control. It’s a protection system. Over use of ALC acts like compression. No? Brian KB1VBF Sent from my iPad > On Jun 28, 2019, at 1:11 PM, Jim Rhodes wrote: > > Yes Andy, I used a TS590 at field day. But this is the Elecraft

Re: [Elecraft] ALC implementation

Yes Andy, I used a TS590 at field day. But this is the Elecraft reflector. These rigs work differently. Use my K3 for FT8 often. I built an interface for my Kenwood rig too. But you treat them differently. Jim Rhodes K0XU On Fri, Jun 28, 2019, 11:21 Andy Durbin wrote: > I strongly disagree

Re: [Elecraft] ALC implementation

I strongly disagree that ALC should be zero for FT8 but that is based only on my experience with the TS-590S. My draft paper on FT8 harmonics can be found here - https://www.dropbox.com/s/85aoc937kz235iq/FT8%20audio%20harmonics%20draft%20d%20k3wyc.pdf?dl=0 ALC must be in the control range for

Re: [Elecraft] ALC implementation

Well written generic paper for operation of FT-8 and other digital signals of like mode.   It does not totally nor correctly apply to Elecraft radios as power management is handled by a totally different means.   And those means and methods suggested in this paper are not applicable to

[Elecraft] ALC implementation

Does anyone know of any rig that uses "compression" rather than linear gain control to implement ALC? ref - https://www.dropbox.com/s/f4uaop5tqwzaweu/FT8Noise6.docx?dl=1 73, Andy, k3wyc __ Elecraft mailing list Home:

Re: [Elecraft] ALC for Digi, One Last Check Please

Kev et al: The most complex issues have the most simple solutions.   It's just knowing where to hit it with the hammer. Glad the non-issue is resolved and glad to assist. 73 Bob, K4TAX On 6/25/2019 3:32 PM, Kevin, N4TT wrote: Bob: You nailed it again. 1500 Hz is where I normally set my

Re: [Elecraft] ALC for Digi, One Last Check Please

Reducing Windows output helps in most situations like this. Sent from my iPhone ...nr4c. bill > On Jun 25, 2019, at 3:42 PM, Kevin, N4TT wrote: > > I've made a few PSK-31 contacts on the K3s and I've not gotten any bad > reports. However, I'm still a little concerned about what I see for

Re: [Elecraft] ALC for Digi, One Last Check Please

Bob: You nailed it again. 1500 Hz is where I normally set my audio so when I do my quick test before operating this pulsating is what I see. I went to 1700 Hz (and a few others) and ran the same tests. It was steady as a rock in tune and exactly as expected in transmit (4+1 blinking). Sometimes

Re: [Elecraft] ALC for Digi, One Last Check Please

The pulsating is the result of the refresh rate of the display and the 1500 Hz tone.  Change the TUNE tone to a non- 500 Hz interval such as 1250 Hz. or 1700 HZ as such.   Yes, in FLDIGI the TUNE tone is a single frequency you have selected on the waterfall scale or in the box at the bottom of

[Elecraft] ALC for Digi, One Last Check Please

I've made a few PSK-31 contacts on the K3s and I've not gotten any bad reports. However, I'm still a little concerned about what I see for ALC. The video below (no audio) shows the ALC meter responding first to a "TUNE" command from fldigi. This sounds like a pure tone in the headphones but the

Re: [Elecraft] ALC knob control missing on my K3

On 3/27/2019 19:01, Bob McGraw K4TAX wrote: > With the radio in Data A mode, tap MENU, scroll to MIC SEL YES!!! the definitive answer !! Apparently, I had mistakenly changed that setting. thank you very much for a succinct answer! -- 73 Bob KD7YZ AMSAT LM #901

Re: [Elecraft] ALC knob control missing on my K3

Hi Don, Not lately, but I've rented (Camaro); not with ALL the foo foo items, but it went WAY fast in a big hurry! That was kinda the point of that choice, apply more foot; go more fast.  While waiting for the passenger, I ran through the dash menu, made the readout settings the way I wanted

Re: [Elecraft] ALC knob control missing on my K3

Rick, Have you bought a new vehicle lately? My 2017 model (moving from a 2008 model) had more bells and whistles than I could imagine. The salesman made an attempt at familiarizing me with the various functions, but the mind became saturated during his demo, and I concentrated only on what

Re: [Elecraft] ALC knob control missing on my K3

Heh, I'm the exact opposite.  It's one of my evaluation test points that if the device/software is truly user intuitive, friendly etc, the manual become superfluous, rarely needed.  But for picking out the nits and finer subtle details these days, one must read because ultimately, they matter.

Re: [Elecraft] ALC knob control missing on my K3

It's amazing the things you can learn simply by reading the manual.  It's the first thing I do with an new product. 73, Jim K9YC On 3/27/2019 4:01 PM, Bob McGraw K4TAX wrote: With the radio in Data A mode, tap MENU, scroll to MIC SEL shown in the VFO B area, and then using the VFO knob scroll

Re: [Elecraft] ALC knob control missing on my K3

With the radio in Data A mode, tap MENU, scroll to MIC SEL shown in the VFO B area, and then using the VFO knob scroll to Line In. Tap MENU to exit. The SPEED/MIC knob should have the LED illuminated showing MIC. When you turn the knob the VFO B area should show LINE xx where xx is the value

Re: [Elecraft] ALC knob control missing on my K3

On 3/27/2019 08:02, Richard Ferch wrote: > There is no ALC knob. Within the K3, My bad to paraphrase it that way "Line" It was the way I dickered with the apparent ALC "BARS" Now I can't get a TAP push or shove to say Line" FT8 Data-A as usual I am not concerned about the ancillary issue of

Re: [Elecraft] ALC knob control missing on my K3

You didn't say so, but the "4 to 5 bars" phrase makes it sound as if you are trying to use a digital mode. If so, what mode is the rig in? It should be in DATA A. If you don't like the default filter setting in DATA A, use the SHIFT/WIDTH (or HI/LO CUT) filter controls to set the filter bandwidth

Re: [Elecraft] ALC knob control missing on my K3

On 3/26/2019 23:02, Nr4c wrote: > Tap the knob to switch between Speed and Mic Gain. I think VOX is a hold > function. tnx Bill. Tapp or push, all I see are Mic/ -- 73 Bob KD7YZ AMSAT LM #901 __ Elecraft mailing list Home:

Re: [Elecraft] ALC knob control missing on my K3

Tap the knob to switch between Speed and Mic Gain. I think VOX is a hold function. Sent from my iPhone ...nr4c. bill > On Mar 26, 2019, at 7:32 PM, Bob KD7YZ wrote: > > So I was following some really great help from Don re ALC on my SSPA > .and I didn't get back to using the K3 .. was

[Elecraft] ALC knob control missing on my K3

So I was following some really great help from Don re ALC on my SSPA and I didn't get back to using the K3 .. was Sats on the Icom. Anyway, I finished 1200 feet of random wire accross 80 90 foot tree tops. I decoded a CN2 on 80 at 1700 local. pretty good but then I try xmit and when I press

Re: [Elecraft] ALC

Does anyone have a built or un-built KSB2 SSB Option for K2 they would sell? Please reply off-reflector to j...@w5la.net. 73, Jim W5LA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help:

[Elecraft] ALC

Never used it on the S Line, never ever on Elecraft. Watch my drive, watch my waveforms, it was invented in the olden days to keep lids from splattering. Just not necessary. Limit your drive. Voice peaks matter. It’s so much easier now I don’t know why it’s still included on radios and amps.

Re: [Elecraft] ALC control of W6PQL amp from my K3

I connect the computer to my K3S with one USB cable. That's all that's needed as it handles all of the signals and commands. KISS!Works great. Bob, K4TAX Sent from my iPhone > On Mar 10, 2019, at 4:51 PM, Bill Frantz wrote: > > I lost the SignaLink as well, but I think a lot of

Re: [Elecraft] ALC control of W6PQL amp from my K3

I lost the SignaLink as well, but I think a lot of readers of this list use one. I currently use the internal "sound card" in my upgraded K3, or a home brew interface based on a $5 sound card from Amazon on my KX3. 73 Bill AE6JV On 3/10/19 at 2:40 PM, wes_n...@triconet.org (Wes) wrote:

Re: [Elecraft] ALC control of W6PQL amp from my K3

True to a point.  I would (and did) lose the SignaLink.  I use my Lenovo laptop's internal sound card, even with a K3S. Wes  N7WS On 3/10/2019 2:16 PM, Bill Frantz wrote: What makes Don's excellend advice harder is that there may be as many as 4 audio level controls between the computer and

Re: [Elecraft] ALC control of W6PQL amp from my K3

TUNE is a bit different than normal operating.  The power control is not as tight. I am speaking from my K2 experience, but the K3 has about the same power control mechanism 73, Don W3FPR On 3/10/2019 5:03 PM, John Simmons wrote: I have seen overshoot in the TUNE mode. -John NI0K

Re: [Elecraft] ALC control of W6PQL amp from my K3

What makes Don's excellend advice harder is that there may be as many as 4 audio level controls between the computer and the transmitter. (The one in the program, the OS's control, one on the interface box (SignaLink), and the one on the radio.) My solution is to have all but one, the one in

Re: [Elecraft] ALC control of W6PQL amp from my K3

I have seen overshoot in the TUNE mode. -John NI0K Don Wilhelm Sunday, March 10, 2019 2:40 PM I am left wondering if some K3 users who are seeing "Overshoot" are actually seeing what is referred to as "Power Hunting". That would occur mostly in Voice or DATA

Re: [Elecraft] ALC control of W6PQL amp from my K3

I am left wondering if some K3 users who are seeing "Overshoot" are actually seeing what is referred to as "Power Hunting". That would occur mostly in Voice or DATA modes when the audio level is not set high enough. With insufficient audio, the K3 can initially go up to the set power, and

Re: [Elecraft] ALC control of W6PQL amp from my K3

And with my P3 or SDR when one closely examines a signal, the evidence of improper ALC usage or ALC overshoot is very prominent with many signals. The sad thing is that it can be corrected with proper settings and usage. There is no need to occupy 10kHz of the band. And just listening to a

Re: [Elecraft] ALC control of W6PQL amp from my K3

On 3/10/2019 11:34 AM, John Simmons wrote: Once I got my LP100, I began to see the same behavior with my K3. This type of output anomaly is a huge reason to use ALC. I've had an LP100 in line for several years, always set to read peak power, and the most overshoot I've seen from either of my

Re: [Elecraft] ALC control of W6PQL amp from my K3

Wes, Once I got my LP100, I began to see the same behavior with my K3. This type of output anomaly is a huge reason to use ALC. 73, -John NI0K Wes Sunday, March 10, 2019 9:39 AM Indeed. Folks who would never think to turn off the AGC in their receivers get

Re: [Elecraft] ALC control of W6PQL amp from my K3

Indeed.  Folks who would never think to turn off the AGC in their receivers get weak-kneed at the thought of AGC (ALC) being used in the transmit loop.  In "Fundamentals of SSB", Collins radio speaks of ALC (pp.7-10,11) without any negativity, and in fact calls it a form of speech compression. 

Re: [Elecraft] ALC control of W6PQL amp from my K3

The underlying reality is that if you analyze the input-output transfer function for a linear amplifier with ALC, the resulting transfer function is not linear. Thus you would expect all sorts of odd behaviors as the function changes order when ALC engages. Simple math. Dr. William J.

Re: [Elecraft] ALC control of W6PQL amp from my K3

Jim and all: I have been a ham and avid CW op since 1970. I remember the Drake twins having a wonderful sound on CW, an almost bell-like sound. Has anyone looked at the CW waveform of those old rigs compared to the new generation? -John NI0K Jim Brown

Re: [Elecraft] ALC control of W6PQL amp from my K3

On 3/9/2019 12:57 PM, Bob McGraw K4TAX wrote: Yes and some brand(s) of radios are affectionately known as "click generators" being the result of they way they control power. I wouldn't call that affection, but rather disgust. And I wouldn't blame it entirely on how they control power.

Re: [Elecraft] ALC control of W6PQL amp from my K3

On 3/9/2019 9:59 AM, KENT TRIMBLE wrote: As a friend of mine puts it, the ALC controversy borders on being a religious issue. No, it does not. It is science. ALC should NEVER be used to set the output power of a power amplifier, because doing so produces lots of distortion (splatter,

Re: [Elecraft] ALC control of W6PQL amp from my K3

As an example of how we feel about ALC with the K3 and KPA500, neither of my custom-made AUX-IO cables has the ALC pin (pin 15) connected. It is just not needed. If the KPA500 needs to protect itself, it will. 73! Jack, W6FB > On Mar 9, 2019, at 10:23 AM, Bob McGraw K4TAX wrote: > > I would

Re: [Elecraft] ALC control of W6PQL amp from my K3

On 2019-03-09 12:59 PM, KENT TRIMBLE wrote: Some brands require a one-time ALC calibration procedure prior to use. Once properly configured, they are usually free of the distortion Don rightfully talks about. Regardless of "calibration" most non-Elecraft transceivers have significant ALC

Re: [Elecraft] ALC control of W6PQL amp from my K3

I would emphasize with the K3S and KPA500, if one follows the set-up EXACTLY as described in the KPA500 manual page 16 & 17, and in the K3S manual page 29 & 59,  all will be well with the EXT ALC engaged.    Anything else will be a PICNIC problem. I suggest the set-up be done with a 50 ohm

Re: [Elecraft] ALC control of W6PQL amp from my K3

Along with this, it should be noted (especially for new Amateurs) that . . . Don is correct (always is) concerning the non-employment of ALC with respect to Elecraft transceivers which produce power differently from other brands.  On this reflector, the recommendation not to use ALC pertains

Re: [Elecraft] ALC control of W6PQL amp from my K3

Bob, It is important to understand that ALC does not control the amplifier, it is an attempt by the amplifier to control the transceiver. ALC is sent FROM the amplifier in an attempt to control the power of the transceiver. Used indiscriminately, that will cause distortion in the driving

[Elecraft] ALC control of W6PQL amp from my K3

Wondering how to do this. I see a cable on https://www.arraysolutions.com/k3alc A K3 ALC cable ... or any other ideas ? I have a W6PQL 2m SSPA with an ALC input on the back many thanks. -- 73 Bob KD7YZ AMSAT LM #901 __ Elecraft

Re: [Elecraft] ALC and Solid State Amps...

As a general practice, most do not recommend using ALC from the amp to the transceiver.    ALC is not a "compression" mode and should not be used as such.   The ALC performance in modern transceivers will usually be superior in performance to the voltage derived in the amp and then processed

Re: [Elecraft] ALC and Solid State Amps...

Just don’t do it. Sent from my iPhone ...nr4c. bill > On Feb 4, 2018, at 2:18 PM, Dave Cole (NK7Z) wrote: > > I have asked on and off about ALC over the past few months, and I think I > want to use ALC as a safeguard to amp overdriving as an error, not as a way > of

[Elecraft] ALC and Solid State Amps...

I have asked on and off about ALC over the past few months, and I think I want to use ALC as a safeguard to amp overdriving as an error, not as a way of obtaining compression. That said-- is the K3 ALC input directly compatible with the ALC from the ALS-1306? i.e. Is anyone using ALC on an

Re: [Elecraft] ALC and the K3

but not for a SS amp, IMHO. 73, Bill K9YEQ -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Dave Cole (NK7Z) Sent: Thursday, December 21, 2017 2:43 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] ALC and the K3 Don, et

Re: [Elecraft] ALC and the K3

As I understand and was taught, the amplifier ALC came about as the result of exciters having the ability to excessively overdrive the linear amp.  Case and point, the Collins 32S1 transmitter would produce about 150 watts output when correctly tuned and loaded.  That was about twice the

Re: [Elecraft] ALC and the K3

Sometime back around 1970, I built an amplifier for my college radio club.  I spent many, many hours trying to get ALC to work, and failed completely.  Fortunately, the exciter really couldn't overdrive a pair of 3-500Z's, so we ended up running it just as Elecraft recommends, using only the

Re: [Elecraft] ALC and the K3

Don, et al., I did a bit more reading on the Ameritron site, and on other forms, it seems the 1306 only uses ALC for overpower, which the K3 can contain with the adjustments you mentioned, so no need for the ALC cable!! Thanks for letting me know about the menu sets for this. I had not run

Re: [Elecraft] ALC and the K3

Don, Thank you for the information here... My amp, (the ALS-1306, solid state), I believe does use the ALC to shut things down in the event of a failure of some sort... Here is a cut from the ALS-1306 blurb page: "Output power is automatically reduced to prevent amplifier damage by

Re: [Elecraft] ALC and the K3

On 12/21/2017 2:34 PM, Bob McGraw K4TAX wrote: > Just tune and load the amp for maximum output and then reduce drive > power from the K3 to attain the level of power you desire to operate. This assumes one has a (tube) amplifier with Tune/Load controls. If it is linear at 1500 watts, then

Re: [Elecraft] ALC and the K3

That's a great feature. The problem I have is going from running without amp at 100W to driving amp and forgetting to reset levels. So human error (at least in my case) is easy and requires some protection. I also run 2 different 6m amps, one for terrestrial and another for EME, with different

Re: [Elecraft] ALC and the K3

The problem I've had in the past using ALC in that manner is that it was transparent to me that ALC was limiting output power. So unless I happened to notice, or someone local pointed out my wicked key clicks, I was unaware. Using TX inhibit, I get the same result of protecting the amp, but it

Re: [Elecraft] ALC and the K3

As a rule ALC is not needed and is not recommended by Elecraft. The K3 power management system with the internal ALC is far superior to the derived voltage from most all amps.   And, unlike many radios which when operated with reduced power, they do have a propensity to overshoot, the K3

Re: [Elecraft] ALC and the K3

Dave, The K3 does not overshoot due to the way output power is controlled (it is different than other amateur transceivers in that regard. So unless the amplifier contains protective circuits which activate the ALC for excessive SWR or other amplifier faults, there is no need to connect the

Re: [Elecraft] ALC and the K3

Thank you for the information, however I just want to reduce the possibility of excessive voice peaks via ALC, not to do compression via ALC. We all make errors, and I would like to reduce the possibility of hitting the amp too hard on voice peaks in the event I miss adjust the K3 output

Re: [Elecraft] ALC and the K3

It creates garbage in your transmitted signal when ALC wiggles. If you keep drive power set low enough that ALC doesn't activate, it's okay. Better option is to use the K3's xmit inhibit line if your amp supports it. 73 Josh W6XU Sent from my mobile device > On Dec 21, 2017, at 9:45 AM,

[Elecraft] ALC and the K3

I want to run ALC for my amp if for no other reason to protect the amp from overpower events. I understand Elecraft does not recommend the use of ALC... Exactly why is that? -- 73s and thanks, Dave NK7Z http://www.nk7z.net __

Re: [Elecraft] ALC on RTTY Again

I called Howard at ELecrafthe saw my email come it to. . He said to look at Windows 10 again because he noted that it does some strange things to the sound card settings depend on program. I checked it again, and the Windows and FUBARed the settings. FUBAR! Made the changeworks now.

Re: [Elecraft] ALC on RTTY Again

Leroy, Have you considered that you may have a problem with your computer and the soundcard (Signalink) output? There is always a tendency to blame the transceiver, but the fact that you do not have the proper number of ALC bars indicates that there may be a problem with the volume of audio

[Elecraft] ALC on RTTY Again

I am installing a new computer system here and have had to install my Signalink USB and MMTTY. It seems to be working but there seems to be an issue with the K3. This kind of showed up on my on XP machine in recent weeks. Problem. There is not ALC no matter how hard a drive it with the mic

Re: [Elecraft] ALC on line in?

Jamie (and all), I post this information frequently. Adjust the audio input level to produce 4 bars solid on the ALC meter with the 5th bar flashing. That usually means setting the soundcard output slider on the computer to about 75% and then adjusting the K3(S) MIC GAIN (actually LINE IN

Re: [Elecraft] ALC on line in?

ALC display is independent of audio input (front mic, rear mic or line in). Press [hold] the DISP/METER button to toggle between CMP/ALC and SWR/PWR displays. Trying WSJT-X , DATA-A mode, and while I have power out, no ALC is > displayed, and I’m concerned about overdriving JT modes are

[Elecraft] ALC on line in?

Is it possible to display ALC while using the line in jack on the rear panel? Trying WSJT-X , DATA-A mode, and while I have power out, no ALC is displayed, and I’m concerned about overdriving. __ Elecraft mailing list Home:

Re: [Elecraft] ALC adjustment on K3S

I don't use JT modes, but on RTTY and PSK I've found a similar issue with my K3S. I've mentioned it here in the past more in reference to the built-in sound card super sensitivity affecting VOX setup. The best I've done is to go into the Windows Sound setup and reduce the output (speaker)

Re: [Elecraft] ALC adjustment on K3S

Dave: This is a great post. I am not currently working JT but you just motivated me. I will begin using it. Thank you for taking your time to write this very useful set of instructions. Ramon NQ9V > On Feb 28, 2016, at 9:00 AM, N5XL . wrote: > > Sid, > > While I am

[Elecraft] ALC adjustment on K3S

Sid, While I am not using a K3 (I am running a KX3/KXPA100), I can give you a general guideline of how I control things here for successful operation in JT. It should give you a general guideline on what to initially adjust, look for, and set up for your K3 / computer / software package.

Re: [Elecraft] ALC adjustment on K3S

Reduce the signal level on the computer output. Somewhere. Near 30% will often give you nice control with Lin In control (Mic gain). Sent from my iPhone ...nr4c. bill > On Feb 27, 2016, at 5:17 PM, Sid Frissell wrote: > > Howdy > Been using my K3s (S/N 10462) for

Re: [Elecraft] ALC adjustment on K3S

Sid, What mode? SSB or a soundcard data mode? For SSB, did you first set Compression to zero? If not, you should do that (Data modes do that automatically for you). For SSB, you want 5 to 7 bars, but for DATA modes, you want 4 bars solid with the 5th bar flashing. Set the soundcard output

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