[Elecraft] K2 + External Linear, ALC Needed?

[Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft]

Hi Steve,

The K2, at 10-15W, does not have enough power to overdrive any large amplifier
on the market. As a result, ALC feedback is not needed from the amplifier. (The
K2 uses internal ALC to control its power, but this is not accessible
externally.) 

Many of us were brought up to believe that ALC is necessary from the external
AMP, probably because we saw the connections provided on our rigs. As a matter
of fact, many amplifier manufacturers recommend -not- to use ALC back from the
amp, as it can actually add distortion to a signal. Alpha Power and many others
fall into this category. Personally, I haven't used ALC from a KW PA back to any
radio I have owned for the past 10 years.

As a general question, how many of you are using ALC from an external amplifier,
and what benefits are you getting from it? 

73, Eric  WA6HHQ
=============

Steve Carey wrote:
> 
> OK so there is info for TR switching of an external Linear Amplifier . . .
> BUT what about ALC I/P socket on the back panel! Where and how should it be
> interfaced?

> Steve/G4MJW
> PS: Now had 8 QSO's on my K2 . . . . the latest: T99A on 21.207 SSB could
> not beleive I was only using 10 Watts!