[Elecraft] [K3] PSK31 newbie questions

[Dave Van Wallaghen]

Hi all,

I decided to give PSK31 a try today for the first time. Still working 
out a few kinks here and there and boy did I feel bad for the couple of 
op's on the other end ;-) I made a contact in WA and OR on 30 watts so I 
think it works OK. I spent yesterday getting everything setup and trying 
to get a grasp on DM780. After playing around for awhile, I got 
comfortable enough to try it out today.

During the setup though, I read on Elecraft's site and on the reflector 
to set the line input level to obtain 4-7 ALC bars. In reading about 
PSK31 elsewhere and including the HRD site, they all mention not to use 
any ALC or Compression. My guess is that we are not actually using the 
K3's ALC in this manner, but wondered if anyone could tell me what the 
K3 is really doing?

Also, I've seen the power problems posted by some here in regards to 
setting up digital modes this way and I'm not sure if I'm seeing it or 
not. If I set my line input level for 5 ALC bars and set my power to 30 
watts, I'm seeing peak readings around 30 watts with my LP100 meter. Is 
that how it is supposed to work?

Sorry if these questions are mundane or have been covered elsewhere. 
Like I said, I'm new to this and really didn't find this info out there.

Thanks in advance & 73,
Dave W8FGU