[Elecraft] K3 unstable ssb power

[Dave, G4AON]

Juha this "problem" is an old one. Some time back the K3 had poor ALC 
which allowed for overshoot on peaks, the firmware was altered to soften 
the ALC control with the results you (and the rest of us) experience. 
The power can slowly increase over the first few seconds on SSB, the 
effect is less if you "TUNE" first via the front panel button. Also, 
have you checked that you are driving the ALC meter reasonably well, as 
per the manual?

For comparison, my TS-480SAT is also quite soft on ALC control with the 
peak power seeming to vary from one moment to the next. With some 
previous radios I recall seeing the peaks on an oscilloscope looking 
like a trimmed hedge, which is liable to create excessive IMD.

I use an LP-100 peak reading power meter and the K3 is similar in it's 
peaks compared to my TS-480 with the same linear (Acom 1000). I don't 
think it's anything to worry about.

73 Dave, G4AON
K3/100 #80 f/w 3.79
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I have K3 #2100. On CW power is very stable, but not on SSB. There is some
change on output power, it is not constant.