[Elecraft] [K3] ALC In DATA A

[Don Wilhelm]

Joel,

The 4 bars solid with the 5th flickering still is the proper way to set 
the audio drive to the K3.
Actually that is the "no ALC" point for the K3.  The 1st 4 bars of the 
ALC meter are similar to a "VU meter" to allow you to properly adjust 
the audio drive.  Failure to provide sufficient audio drive will cause 
the K3 to "power hunt" and the power output will not be stable.
Set the audio correctly and control the power with the power knob.
The onset of ALC is indicated by the 5th bar on the meter, so 4 bars is 
still "zero ALC".

Yes, that is different than most other transceivers and the internet 
'wisdom' which typically says to set the power to maximum and control 
the actual power output by adjusting the audio level.
The K3 controls power differently than most other transceivers.  It will 
attempt to increase the RF drive to try to develop the power requested 
by the power knob.  If there is not sufficient audio, that cannot be 
obtained and the power will not be steady.

So there was no need to rescind your statement - the proper statement is 
that the K3 is different than most others.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 10/16/2015 7:18 AM, Joel Black wrote:
> I will try to do this as concisely as possible so no rabbit trails are run… I’ll try by stating below are the conditions in question. Despite what you may *think*, there is no reason to talk about anything other than this in this thread.
>
> I have owned my K3 for several years. In that time, when using data modes in DATA A, I have been told consistently to set ALC so that the fifth bar just flickers. In the past, when I have turned ALC all the way down, I have gotten no output power. This has bitten me more than once.
>
> I have read other groups / boards where folks are adamant about setting *every* radio so that ALC is zero. My response is to state that the K3 (and KX3) require four bars of ALC with the fifth bar just flickering. I also know there are other radios out there (Icom comes to mind, but I’m not sure) on which you cannot turn ALC to zero. ALC bottoms out and it still shows ALC.
>
> Last night, such a discussion occurred on another group. I once again stated the K3 ALC settings. Now I’ve had to go back and rescind my comments.
>
>