[Elecraft] ALC

[Bob Locher]

Before I started using my K2 I was using a 150 watt transceiver driving
a Henry 3KA. I always used the ALC.

Amplifier tubes are expensive, and a good way to shorten their life
severely is to overdrive them. ALC limits this.

The ALC level from the 3KA, unfortunately, changed from band to band. I
had it set up so that it was just right for 20 meters, my favorite band
- all I needed to do was turn the gain all the way up and the drive
level came in right per the book specs. Unfortunately, on 15 and 10 I
could easily overdrive the linear and had to monitor the drive carefully
to avoid overdriving the finals. And on 40 meters I could not drive the
amplifier to full output because of the ALC. But I kept it connected for
the convenience on 20 meters.

I still would prefer to have it available.

73

Bob W9KNI