[Elecraft] [K3] Tokyo Hy-Power HL-1.2KFX amp interfacing (to ALC or not to ALC?)

[Edward R Cole]

I thought the best way to drive an amplifier was to increase drive 
until output no longer increased proportional to input; eg output 
increases 3-dB with an 3-dB increase in drive is linear.  Isn't the 
point the increase drops 1-dB the upper limit?

That is how I determine best drive level on VHF linear amps.  Most 
folks run up drive until they reach saturation (no change in output 
with increased drive) and then operate SSB there.  No wonder their 
voice peaks are cut off causing splatter.  BTW high speed CW should 
not be run at saturated power, either.  CW actually has bandwidth 
though at 5wpm probably not measurable <ha ha>

ALC was a good concept that never worked very well (negative feedback 
gain control).  ALC meter on the K3 is useful for setting audio drive 
just to the point ALC begins to act (four bars with 5th flickering). 
But I guess all of you know that - right?

73, Ed - KL7UW
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