[Elecraft] Re: K3 Need for compressor

[Bob Evans]

Steve,

I think something must be wrong because both of my K3s peak to 100W without
compression.  When I use the COMP (which I do for contesting), it spanks the
**** out of my amps.  Still no distortion in either case.  I'm using the
Heil #4 and #5 elements in the Pro-Headset

Bob K5WA

K3 #234 and #752 

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Message: 10

Date: Wed, 28 May 2008 23:20:23 -0400

From: "n4lq" <n4lq at insightbb.com>

Subject: [Elecraft] K3 Need for compressor

To: <Elecraft at mailman.qth.net>

Message-ID: <00e701c8c13a$eec60d40$be691dac at Steve>

Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";

reply-type=original

It seems that without the compressor it is difficult to obtain full SSB 

output. I'm listening to a guy right now on 160m in QSO. He had is 

compression on and as can be expected, was picking up plenty of fan noise 

from his amplifier. He was advised to "turn off the compression". This he 

did and the fan noise went away but he complained about insufficient drive 

to his amp and his K3 was only putting out 38 watts now.

I don't have a decent peak reading wattmeter but I think weak RF output is a


common complaint. I just wonder if Elecraft expects everyone to run some 

degree of compression? Or are we interpreting the PWR meter on the K3 

incorrectly?

Steve Ellington

N4LQ at insightbb.com