[Elecraft] [K3] PSK31 newbie questions

[Dave Van Wallaghen]

Thanks Lyle - I appreciate the reply.

73,
Dave W8FGU

Lyle Johnson wrote:
>> ...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
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