[Elecraft] K3 AM Power Setting: Was (no subject)

[Andy Wood]

Hi Jim,

I have used my K3 on AM quite a bit recently and can share a few ideas and
experiences with you.

First of all, the information you have received so far about the indicated
power level on the K3 is correct - the K3 power display shows PEP reading.
So, 100w on the display is equivalent to 25w of carrier in AM TX.

Do not use the compressor at all on AM TX - set it to zero. I looked at the
TX output of my K3 with a 'scope, and, with the compressor on, there appears
to be an extra "bubble" in the waveform at the zero crossing point. I know,
not the most technical description. Maybe someone can enlighten us on what
this is called and what the cause is? This is noticeable as increased
distortion when monitoring the TX on a second receiver too.

It seems impossible to drive the K3 in excess of 100% modulation without the
compressor, even with the mic gain at maximum. I think there are some pretty
good "smarts" in there to keep the waveform clean. As a rule, I always set
the audio drive by the ALC meter, trying to keep the peaks around the fifth
ALC "bar", with only very brief excursions to bar 6 and 7. This works for me
and I receive good signal reports. 

Hope this info is of some help.

Andy  VK4KY

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