[Elecraft] Serial #4019 is on the air, and I have a few questions...

[Don Wilhelm]

Did you turn bias on for the rear panel mic jack?  It sounds like the 
typical "problem" when an electret type mic is used and bias is not applied.

I would strongly suggest using your amp without any ALC connection.  
Using external ALC to control the power output only results in 
distortion and splatter.  The K3 has adequate controls on the output 
power to assure that your amplifier stays within its linear range.

73,
Don W3FPR

MeLikeyTacos wrote:
> Hello everyone,
> I ordered a K3/100 Feb. 22, received it yesterday March 8.  I've been
> messing around with it and now have it on the air in a basic fashion, but I
> have a few questions regarding how to set it up further.
>
> For starters, I got the Proset K2 headset with it.  I was under the
> impression that I could use the microphone/headphone jacks in the rear, but
> this doesn't seem to be the case.  When trying to use the rear jack, even
> with the mic gain all the way up I can't hear myself in the monitor, and it
> only outputs around 5W on voice peaks when set at 100W.  I've read the
> manual for both the radio and the headset and am using the settings
> specified.  Also in the manual I saw a reference to changing the voice
> transmit gain using the CONFIG: TXG VOICE menu setting, but I can't find
> that setting in the config menu.  I eventually gave up and started using the
> 8-pin adapter for the front mic jack, and now it works, but looks ugly.  I
> would much rather use the rear jack.
>
> Second issue is getting the K3 connected to my Drake L-4B amp, specifically
> the ALC connection.  Since I bought the 6 meter preamp I already have the
> 15-pin "ACC" connector, and I was going to just attach an ALC lead to that
> connector.  It looks like I need to use pins 15 and 12, correct?  
>
> Also with the ALC function, in the manual on page 27 it says "External ALC
> is set up using the CONFIG:EXT ALC menu entry".  However, like with the
> "CONFIG: TXG VOICE", for the life of me I cannot find that menu entry in
> either of the menus.  Am I missing something or is it simply not there?
>
> So those are my two hiccups so far, otherwise I am really enjoying the
> radio.  And if any of you are also using a Drake L-4B with your K3, I'd love
> to hear any tips/advice/settings I should be aware of.
>   
>