[Elecraft] K3: Still unable to set power correctly in DATA A(sigh)

[Joe Subich, W4TV]

> I can report the identical problem to that which Julian 
> describes.  I don't remember the firmware version where this 
> started but it was certainly not always the case that the 
> actual power output in Data A mode was so much greater than 
> the requested power.  I can set for 5W and get a displayed (K3
> meter) output in excess of 10W. No problems at all with the 
> other modes that I have tried.

So?  Reduce the power you request to get the required output. 
What other radio has a "calibrated" power output control?  

The wattmeter in the K3 is relative ... there is a documented 
power vs. frequency slope.  Testing seems to indicate there 
are also nonlinearities with changes in peak to average ratio 
and as the power level moves away from the calibration points. 
The directional coupler in the K3 does not have the high level 
of directivity and compensation of a product like the Telepost 
LP-100 nor does it have the high quality detectors. 

If you want a bloody laboratory grade meter, buy a laboratory 
grade power meter.
 



> -----Original Message-----
> From: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net 
> [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Stephen Prior
> Sent: Saturday, January 03, 2009 11:45 AM
> To: elecraft
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3: Still unable to set power 
> correctly in DATA A(sigh)
> 
> 
> I can report the identical problem to that which Julian 
> describes.  I don't remember the firmware version where this 
> started but it was certainly not always the case that the 
> actual power output in Data A mode was so much greater than 
> the requested power.  I can set for 5W and get a displayed (K3
> meter) output in excess of 10W. No problems at all with the 
> other modes that I have tried.
> 
> Stephen G4SJP 
> 
> 
> On 03/01/2009 16:36, "Julian, G4ILO" <julian.g4ilo at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> > 
> > 
> > I recently installed the latest firmware and ran the TX Power 
> > calibration wizard - nice work. However while running WSPR (a sound 
> > card data mode) I was somewhat annoyed to find the K3 power meter 
> > showing about twice the output power I had selected. Checks 
> using my 
> > own power meter confirmed that the K3 is putting out about 
> twice the 
> > amount of power specified by the power control when DATA A is used 
> > (though the exact difference seems to vary a bit from band to band.)
> > 
> > Using TXG VCE is NOT the answer, as the output power in SSB (and in 
> > CW) is regulated correctly. Using the maximum TXG VCE 
> -3.0dB I still 
> > can't quite get the power down to what it should be, but if 
> I do that, 
> > SSB output is too low.
> > 
> > Forgive the note of frustration but I am frankly very 
> annoyed and fed 
> > up that after all this time and numerous reports of this 
> issue from me 
> > and several other people going back several months, the K3 is still 
> > not capable of performing a simple basic function like 
> regulating the 
> > output power to the level the operator requests. I am seriously 
> > considering selling the K3 at this point, as I am losing confidence 
> > that Elecraft has any intention of fixing this issue.
> > 
> > -----
> > Julian, G4ILO. K2 #392  K3 #222.
> > http://www.g4ilo.com/ G4ILO's Shack   
> http://www.ham-directory.com/ Ham
> > Directory    http://www.g4ilo.com/kcomm.html KComm for 
> Elecraft K2 and K3 
> 
> 
> 
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