[Elecraft] PSK Power Output

[Richard Ferch]

Mark,

If adjusting the TX control on the SignaLink affects the K3's output 
power, then it is likely that you have the audio drive set incorrectly 
for the K3.

Set the K3's PWR control to the desired output power (40W; don't go 
above 50W or so in PSK modes). Put the K3's meter in ALC mode and while 
transmitting, adjust the audio drive (SignaLink TX control and/or the 
K3's Line In level control) until you see 4 bars fully on and the 5th 
bar flickering on the K3's ALC meter display.

Yes, this is contrary to the way you would adjust most other 
transmitters; that's because the K3's ALC and ALC metering work 
differently than other transmitters. The first four bars on the ALC 
meter are like a VU meter, and actual ALC doesn't start until the 5th 
bar. If the audio drive is insufficient to reach the required level (4 
bars), the K3 will slowly increase its internal gain until the requested 
power level is reached, causing the power creep you have observed. With 
sufficient audio drive, the power output should start out at the 
requested level and stay there.

73,
Rich VE3KI


KB3Z wrote:

> I have noticed today that when I am in Data A Mode and using either Hamradio Deluxe \
> or Digipan that when I key the transmitter it take some time before it gets up to the \
> power that I have set for transmit. I have the power output set at 40 watts. When I \
> key the K3 it starts at 25 watts on my meter and then goes up to 40 after about 10 \
> seconds.  Maybe I never noticed this before, but I thought it just started to \
> transmit at 40 and that was it.  I am currently using a signalink USB and of course \
> when I adjust the TX knob that adjusts the power output.  Am I missing something or \
> do I need to make an additional setting to get it to work right?  Any help would be \
> much appreciated.  Mark KB3Z \