[Elecraft] [K3] PSK31 newbie questions

[Lyle Johnson]

> ...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.

4 to 5 bars, I think.

> 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?

The K3 meter from 0 to 5 bars of "ALC" is really showing you the input 
audio level. It is only after 5 bars of ALC that the mic audio system 
begins to do any fast attack, slow decay gain control.

Traditional ALC indicators usually show compression occurring at RF, 
with attendant distortion and splatter.  Hence, our very specific 
instruction for the K3.

> ...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?

Yes!

73,

Lyle KK7P