[Elecraft] K3 pwr out on digimodes

[R. Kevin Stover]

Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:

> Older (tube) radios did not have "power level controls."  They 
> were operated at their design power and ALC reduced the gain 
> to prevent overdriving the final amplifiers. 

This is true.

I used to run PSK31 with a Kenwood TS-520. No power control on that rig 
and the ALC circuit was designed to keep from overdriving an external 
linear amp, -9V if memory serves. The manual said to keep the ALC 
reading on the meter below the top of the arc in SSB to keep from 
splattering. It didn't take much turning of the mic gain to go from no 
indication (flat needle) to top of the arc.

When I used that radio on PSK I tuned it up to maximum smoke on CW, 
switched to USB and had to fiddle with the sound card output and the mic 
gain control to get my 30W out with NO action on the ALC scale of the 
analog meter. Way different than running straight SSB. Worst IMD reading 
I had with that setup was -25dB, most of the time -30 or better.

It must have had a pretty flat filter in it because I didn't see any 
power excursions on my peak reading meter while "clicking and pouncing" 
in the waterfall of MixW or digipan.

-- 
R. Kevin Stover, ACØH
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