[Elecraft] K3 power oddity

[Leroy Buller]

Don...

Thanks for the information. I will check that out.  I was told a long time
ago by that elusive "someone" to keep the K3 linear that the ALC meter
should just flicker.  Obviously, that was bogus advice.  I  will check this
out yet today.

Thanks

Lee


On Sun, Jul 17, 2016 at 8:19 AM, Don Wilhelm <donwilh at embarqmail.com> wrote:

> Lee (and others)
>
> It is normal for the power control circuits to be reset after a band
> change.  That prevents overshoot if you are driving an amplifier.
> Normally the power will come up to the requested power level in a couple
> dot times on CW, or several syllables when operating voice.
>
> If the problem is on voice or data, make sure you are driving the audio
> sufficiently.  If you are not driving the K3 audio hard enough, power
> control will be "flaky".
>
> For Voice: With the compression set to zero, you should produce 5 to 7
> bars on the ALC meter.  After adjusting the mic gain for that indication,
> increase the compression as you choose - normally I would suggest
> compression of less than 10dB.
>
> For RTTY, if you are using FSK D mode, the power control should be
> automatic, but if you are using AFSK A (or other soundcard data modes),
> then do check your audio drive - of course compression should be set to
> zero, but the audio drive should drive the ALC meter to 4 bars solid with
> the 5th bar flashing.
>
> Note that the K3 controls power differently than other transceivers.
> Ignore the advice on the internet to show no ALC and adjust the power with
> the audio level.
> With the K3 (and K3S, KX3, KX2), the "ALC" meter is a combination "VU"
> meter and ALC meter.  The 1st 4 bars are there to help you adjust the audio
> level.  The onset of ALC is indicated by the 5th bar.  So 4 bars solid and
> 5th bar flickering is the "no ALC" point for the K3.
> In data modes, adjust the power with the Power knob, not the audio level.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> On 7/17/2016 8:38 AM, Leroy Buller wrote:
>
>> Operated RTTY NAQP this weekend.   When changing bands, I noticed my power
>> would drop to 40 watts or so.  After several transmissions, it would rise
>> to 100 watts.  I don't think this is normal.   All antennas are matched.
>> Comments?
>>
>>
>>
>