[Elecraft] KX3 - Power out vs. ALC bars

[Don Wilhelm]

John,

The KX3 (or the K3 or K2) will not control its power output properly 
unless you drive the audio sufficiently.
The "ALC meter" on the K3 and KX3 is a combination of an audio level 
meter and ALC meter.  Below 5 bars indicated is really the 'no ALC' 
range.  So adjust the soundcard audio and/or the KX3 mic gain to produce 
4 bars on the ALC meter.
After doing that, adjust to the desired power with the power knob.

Remember that the KX3 will attempt to maintain the power level 
requested, so if your audio level is too low, the power control will 
become erratic and creep up and down.  What I am saying is that 
attempting to control the power output with the audio level will not 
result in proper operation.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 3/2/2015 12:44 AM, John wrote:
> Is it safe to say my very low input audio level was compensated by the 
> KX3's power control loop to yield 5 watts out (the actual radio power 
> setting)?
>
> It's hard to shake my Icom digital interface habits.
>
> Thanks.
> John, kx4o
>
> On 3/2/2015 12:34 AM, k3ndm at comcast.net wrote:
>> John,
>>      The manual states that you should keep the ALC bars in the not 
>> to exceed 5 range. This keeps distortion down. Power is controlled by 
>> other means. As the radio is not rated for 100% duty cycle for 10 
>> Watts, I would recommend that you stay under 4 Watts for the digital 
>> modes if running barefoot.
>>
>> 73,
>> Barry
>> K3NDM
>>
>>
>
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