[Elecraft] [K3] ALC In DATA A

[Joel Black]

Thanks to all who responded. It sure cleared it up for me. It was explained very well.

73,
Joel - W4JBB

> On Oct 16, 2015, at 6:18 AM, Joel Black <joel.b.black at gmail.com> 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.
> 
> I just tested and I can turn ALC down so that no ALC shows and I still transmit according to the K3’s RF wattmeter.
> 
> My question is has something changed in the K3’s ALC circuit? If not, have I misunderstood what was said about setting the ALC when using DATA A?
> 
> I use LINE IN / LINE OUT when using DATA A. I always watch the ALC meter and make sure that I have four bars with the fifth bar flickering. In the past, if I set it for lower than that, I wouldn’t get any output. Now (this morning), If I set for *minimum* ALC (no bars, but not zero), I still get output. I do not remember this being the case but I could be wrong.
> 
> Current firmware in the K3 is 5.35.
> 
> Thank you.
> 
> 73,
> Joel - W4JBB