[Elecraft] Low SSB drive on K2

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

Rich -=20

The moment the first ALC bar flickers, your K2 is then limiting itself =
to no
more RF output than it is making at that point.=20

More ALC bars simply mean that the gain control is decreasing the gain =
more
to hold the output at the "requested" level (set by the POWER control).=20

So that's proof that your K2 thinks it's giving you everything you are
asking for. The ALC indication says that the K2 is actually reducing the =
RF
output to keep it down to the "requested" level.=20

The puzzle seems to be why the K2 RF output metering says you are making =
100
watts when your external meter says you aren't.

Normally you'll see the most ALC action on 40 meters. That's where the
transmitter circuits have the most gain in the K2. It will be the least =
at
10 and sometimes 160 meters, in most rigs. On 10 it's not uncommon to =
see
only one bar flicker occasionally. Of course, it varies with the power
output you requested too since it 'kicks in' to hold  the power down to
whatever you have the POWER level set for. Lower POWER settings produce
greater ALC action. Also, it will vary somewhat with the compression =
level
since the audio gain varies with the amount of compression used. =20

Ron AC7AC

-----Original Message-----
James,

I really do not get much ALC indication. A bar or two at best and none =
on
some bands.

Elecraft told me that was OK. I will go back and look at the mic. but I
think you are talking about the hand mic??  Mine is the MH2 desk mic and =
I
did have the cover off to check it. The mounting is far from impresive =
in it
as well.

73,

Rich
kd0zv