[Elecraft] K2 / KPA ALC problem.

[Chris Kimball]

I'm getting reports that my digital mode Olivia 8/500 signals are distorted. 
Usually, the comments fall into two categories: 1) overdrive  2) audio
compression on.  I know that the audio compression is set 1:1 (off). And
I've tried to prevent overdrive by the method suggested by Don Wilheim,
W3FPR, in his response to my earlier posting of Apr 14, 2013.  That is,
adjust the input levels so that no bar appears in the K2 ALC bar graph.

But I've had a strange problem with the ALC. When the power level is 10 W or
less (and the KPA is in-line, but off) I'm able to set the input levels so
that the ALC bar indicator shows no bars AND a signal is output.  When I
increase the power level to 11 W (KPA is on), the exact same settings yield
an unwanted, single ALC bar indication.  If I then decrease input levels,
the ALC bar disappears, but, alas, there's no signal output.

For power levels greater than 10 W, that is, with the KPA on, I can't get
any reliable output unless at least one ALC bar is showing.

Listeners say the less than 10 W signal sounds fine.

As I understand it, the ALC stays entirely within the K2, that is, it
doesn't go to the KPA.  Control, DC, and RF lines are short and the system
is well grounded.

Suggestions would be appreciated.

Chris
NQ8Z






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