[Elecraft] K3S Data Mode Question

[Don Wilhelm]

Tom,

Are you driving your audio level correctly.
With the K3S (or K3 or KX3 or KX2) you need to set the soundcard level 
and the line in level so you have 4 bars solid on the ALC meter with 
possibly the 5th bar flickering.

Then adjust the power output to the desired level with the power knob.

This is essential for the K3S to maintain good power control. Power 
control will be erratic if you do otherwise.

Ignore the common internet advice to set the power to maximum and use 
the audio level to control the power - that just does not work with the 
K3S because its power control mechanism is different than other 
transceivers.

As far as the "No ALC" internet advice goes, for the K3S, the onset of 
ALC is at the 5th bar, so 4 bars is actually the No ALC point.  The 1st 
4 bars are there to help you adjust the audio level - sort of like a VU 
Meter.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 9/12/2016 8:41 PM, Tom Richardson wrote:
> I bought a new K3S two weeks ago, and I am trying to learn how to use
> it. I apologize if the answer to this issue is obvious, but it isn't
> obvious to me.
>
> I am trying to use the K3S in data mode (JT65 or AFSK). I have the
> DATA MD set to DATA A, MIC SEL to LInE In, MODE to DATA, and LINE
> input gain to 10. Everything seems to work until I try to increase the
> power output beyond 12 watts. At 13 watts and beyond, the power
> abruptly drops down to one or two watts.
>
>