[Elecraft] ext ALC problem

[Jim Brown]

On Thu, 28 May 2009 19:04:17 +0000, Howard K2HK wrote:

>I am having a problem with the external ALC. I am trying a new amp 
>that requires ALC feedback. 

It is VERY rare for a modern power amp to REQUIRE ALC. The proper 
way to drive an amp is to use the transceiver's power control to set 
the drive level sufficient to get the desired output from the 
amplifier. ALC should be used only as a "safety" to protect the 
amplifier in those conditions when something goes wrong -- perhaps 
an antenna or antenna tuner fails, the feedline shorts, etc.  

What do I mean by "modern power amp?"  Well, the manuals for my Ten 
Tec tube and solid state amps, written in the early 80's, 
specifically state that their ALC function should not be used to set 
the drive power, but that the method I described is the right way to 
do it. 

With many power amps, using ALC to set the drive power will generate 
clicks and other trash.  

73,

Jim Brown K9YC