[Elecraft] [KX3] Solid state amps and KX3 negative ALC

[Phil & Debbie Salas]

I had this "high current" warning problem awhile and it drove me crazy. 
Turns out that I was using another 2.1x5.5mm cable I had (not the one 
supplied by Elecraft).  That cable had 24 gauge wires in it.  It may have 
also been due to a poor interface at the plug end.  Anyway, I saw an 
excessive voltage drop when transmitting (took me awhile to think to monitor 
the voltage on the KX3), which caused the high current warning for some 
reason.  Anyway, going back to the Elecraft 2.1x5.5mm cable COMPLETELY 
solved the problem.  I have since purchased several cables from Mouser (part 
number 172-7445-E).  These are 2-foot long cables using 18 gauge wire.  They 
also have the right-angle 2.1x5.5mm connector.  These cables work great.  I 
terminated the stripped end with PowerPole connectors so I can then add 
extension cables if needed.

Phil - AD5X

-----Original Message----- 
From: Keith Heimbold
Sent: Saturday, January 05, 2013 12:12 PM
To: Phil & Debbie Salas
Cc: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [KX3] Solid state amps and KX3 negative ALC

I have been using the KX3 with the THP HL450B and they seem to be getting 
along fine.  I am currently using the KX3 again in my truck as I sold my K3 
that was in my mobile. The K3 was a real nice mobile radio but I needed the 
money for antenna repairs and upgrades.

Funny thing is that the KX3 is still having high current warnings and the K3 
had absolutely zero issues in the mobile. Not sure why the KX3 doesn't like 
my mobile environment but after having a FT450AT, my K3 and a Icom 706 
having minimal issues the KX3 seems to have more problems in my truck than 
the other radios.

Thanks for providing the information. Just want to make sure that I get this 
right.

Keith
AK6ZZ

Sent from my iPhone please excuse typos

On Jan 5, 2013, at 9:48 AM, "Phil & Debbie Salas" <dpsalas at tx.rr.com> wrote:

> “With the power output limited to 12 watts, there should be no need to 
> connect anything to the ALC on your amplifier. That is just not available 
> on the KX3, nor is it available on any other QRP transceiver that I know 
> about.”
>
> I agree that ALC is unnecessary.  But FYI - both the FT-817 and the IC-703 
> have ALC inputs as I recall.
>
> Phil – AD5X
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