[Elecraft] ALC and External Power Amplifiers (K2)

[Bob Nielsen]

On Mon, May 12, 2003 at 10:15:56AM -0700, Vic Rosenthal wrote:
> Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft wrote:
> >In general we and a number of manufacturers do not recommend using ALC 
> >between the rig and amplifier since it almost always ends up causing 
> >significant problems with overshoot etc. when the rig relies on the 
> >amplifier to limit its drive power. This in turn leads to key clicks on 
> >CW and more splatter on SSB.
> 
> That is correct -- ALC should not be used in normal operation.
> 
> However, it can be a valuable safety feature.  For example, my amp 
> requires about 50w drive to produce 1500w output.  I don't know what 
> would happen (and don't want to find out) if I were to have my K2/100 
> set for 100w and then forget to turn the power down before activating 
> the amp!

Swamping resistors, anyone?

Bob, N7XY