[Elecraft] [K3] How much compression for contest use?

[Bill VanAlstyne W5WVO]

Sorry about that goof. Yes, I use data modes a lot more than I use SSB this 
time of year (no 6m Es LOL) Hopefully I didn't confuse the dude too much.

Bill W5WVO


-----Original Message----- 
From: Don Wilhelm
Sent: Saturday, October 30, 2010 13:22
To: Bill VanAlstyne W5WVO
Cc: jim at audiosystemsgroup.com ; elecraft at mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [K3] How much compression for contest use?

  Bill,

When setting up for voice modes, that should be 5 to 7 bars on the ALC
display - and that must be done with compression backed off to zero.
Add compression as you want after setting the mic gain level.

It is 4 to 5 bars for data modes.

The fact is that the K3 "ALC" meter is like a VU meter.  ALC action does
not start until the 4th bar - below that the meter just indicates the
audio drive level.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 10/30/2010 9:03 AM, Bill VanAlstyne W5WVO wrote:
>   And make sure you follow the directions in the K3 manual EXACTLY when
> setting up a new mic. Meter the ALC voltage on the K3 and set the mic gain
> to produce 4-5 bars of INTERNAL ALC, no more. Then add compression as
> desired for the best effect. You might also want to experiment with the
> transmit equalization, especially by removing the first two (lowest) 
> octaves
> of response. Cut them all the way down as far as they will go. You don't
> need or want any audio energy at those low frequencies.
>