[Elecraft] K3 Data Modes using SignaLink USB

[David Little]

Don,

That puts things into a better perspective.  

With that in mind, it does mimic normal ALC operation.

I don't quite know how to interpret the instability in output while it is
measuring volume units, before it switches to ALC and stabilizes.


-----Original Message-----
From: Don Wilhelm [mailto:w3fpr at embarqmail.com] 
Sent: Friday, October 12, 2012 11:01 PM
To: dalite01 at bellsouth.net
Cc: Elecraft at mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Data Modes using SignaLink USB


David.

I would like to point out that the K3 "ALC" indicator is also a level 
indicator.  The onset of ALC begins at the 5ht bar, and bars 1 through 4 
do not indicate any ALC action at all.  They are more like a VU meter 
provided to allow you some metering to help you adjust the audio level.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 10/12/2012 10:19 PM, David Little wrote:
> Got my cable in today to do soundcard data modes on the K3 with a 
> SignaLink USB
>
> Not much chance of getting the cabling incorrect, installation was 
> uber easy.  I used the rear panel inputs and outputs for the 
> additional isolation; allowing me to keep the Mic on the front panel 
> for mixed mode operation requirements.
>
> However, I am not having much luck finding a stable plateau to chance 
> moving it off the dummy load and on the air.
>
> Output power isn't stable, and rises while the rig is in transmit.
>
> If power is changed while in transmit, it drops off, then starts 
> building again.
>
> No power is generated until output level on the interface is high 
> enough to generate ALC action.
>
> Not much chance of anything dependable here....  Where am I going 
> wrong?
>
> I never run any ALC, unless it is an occasional flicker; usually a 
> reference to decrease volume for a purer signal.
>
> Some prefer to run the output power to 25 watts and run 50% ALC, and 
> share the signal up and down the band.
>
> I would prefer to set the power to a higher starting point, set the 
> volume level correctly, then decrease the power, if necessary, 
> maintaining a clean signal throughout.
>
> Anytime the power level on the K3 is changed at all, the output falls 
> down and starts to build again.  Around 30 to 45 seconds into a 
> transmission, it may stabilize.
>
> I  have used the SignaLink USB on a FT-897, FT-817, FTDX-9000MP, 
> TS-2000, IC-756Pro II, IC-7000, IC-706, IC-7200, FT-857, FT-2000, 
> Jupiter, IC-756 Pro, TS-870,  TS-480.... And never experienced any 
> instability of output before.
>
> Currently, I run them in the shack on a FT-897,  FT-817, IC-756 Pro 
> II, TS-2000 and the K3.  The other rigs provide a stable digital 
> platform
>
> When using a protocol where sync is dependent on the start of the 
> transmission, the instability of power cannot be tolerated.
>
> I am a bit beyond RTTY and PSK-31 in the modes I need to run.   The trend
I
> am operating toward now is in the direction of ARQ modes, and require 
> a more refined approach than what I am seeing so far.
>
> I hope I am doing something wrong, and someone can provide some 
> direction.
>
> David
> KD4NUE
>
>
>
>
>
>   
>
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