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

[Jim Brown]

On Tue,3/29/2016 10:13 AM, Edward R Cole wrote:
> CW actually has bandwidth though at 5wpm probably not measurable <ha ha>

WRONG! CW speed has NOTHING to do with bandwidth, which is determined by 
RISE and FALL times of the keying waveform and distortion in the RF stages.

I strongly agree that amplifier output power should NEVER EVER be set 
using AGC. It should ALWAYS be set by setting drive power for the 
desired output, but always staying below the power level that increases 
amplifier non-linearity (distortion).

The use of AGC to set amplifier power has been considered a bad thing 
for at least 35 years -- the operating manual for my Ten Tec Titans says 
not to use it that way. If you look at the schematics (in the manual) 
you'll find K4XU's initials on them. Thank you, Dick!

The ONLY good way to use AGC is to protect the amplifier when something 
fails in the antenna system (by reducing drive from the transceiver). 
Yes, some rigs produce power spikes at the beginning of a transmission. 
Those are bad rigs, and have no business being used to drive a power 
amp! If you want to run an amp, buy a REAL radio. :)

73, Jim K9YC