[Elecraft] Free DV (digital voice as reported in QST-Aprilissue)

[Don Wilhelm]

Well, I 'thought' was in the manual, and it *should* be.

Lyle has explained several times here on the reflector (and he should 
know, he designed it) that the onset of ALC action is at the 5th bar.  
The bars below that do not indicate ALC action at all.

Due to the way the K3 controls power, if you do not have sufficient 
audio, the K3 will increase power (thinking there is not enough drive) 
and you will find your power drifting upward as you transmit.

So adjust for 4 bars on the ALC meter (that is *no* ALC) so your power 
will be uniform throughout the transmission.  With the K3 you must have 
sufficient audio drive to allow the power controls to work as they should.
Contrary to the advice given for most transceivers (which do not control 
power in a closed loop), the K3 power will behave strangely if you use 
that advice - which is to set the power for maximum and use the audio 
drive to control the power output.  That just will not work with the K3.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 4/3/2013 2:25 PM, Richard Fjeld wrote:
> Maybe I need an updated manual??  I do not find that in my manual, else I am overlooking it.  'Data modes' in my manual takes me to page 31.
>
> Isn't it better to be on the 'lean' side than the 'strong' side for ALC in data modes?
>
> I would like to know more about the K3 'power hunting'.
>
> Rich, n0ce
>
>    ----- Original Message -----
>    From: Don Wilhelm
>    To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
>    Sent: Wednesday, April 03, 2013 12:29 PM
>    Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Free DV (digital voice as reported in QST-Aprilissue)
>
>
>    Since this is just another digital mode, why would you not set the K3
>    ALC indication as specified for other digital modes.  4 bars on the ALC
>    meter with the 5th bar flickering.
>
>    If you do not do it that way, the K3 will "power hunt" and you will not
>    have consistent power output.
>    Bring the audio up as indicated in the digital operation section of the
>    K3 manual and set the power knob for the desired power output.
>
>    73,
>    Don W3FPR
>
>    On 4/3/2013 1:12 PM, Richard Fjeld wrote:
>    > Keep your ALC low, just barely visible.  Make notes.
>    >
>    >
>