[Elecraft] K3: Odd ALC behavior

[Don Wilhelm]

Dave,

Set the K3 LINE IN gain for a midrange value.  It has more resolution 
there than at either a high or a low setting.
Then adjust the soundcard to obtain about 4 bars on the ALC meter and 
"fine tune" that level with the LINE IN gain to get the 5th bar to flicker.
Note that this is the NO ALC point for the K3 - ALC action does not 
start until the 5th bar.  The first 4 bars are there to help you adjust 
the audio.

Too much audio from the sondcard can cause at least part of what you are 
describing.  Are you using the 'speaker' output instead of LINE OUT on 
the soundcard.  If speaker is your only choice see if you can set it for 
headphones or amplified speakers.

I had a similar problem at Field Day this year - we were going to use 
the logging computer for digital modes, but could not get the soundcard 
in that computer to work - we pressed my laptop into service, but it has 
no line in, and I did not bring an external soundcard along - had to use 
one that another person had.
The output on that soundcard was so high, I had trouble adjusting 
levels.  We finally put an attenuator in the soundcard output to tame 
things.  It was still too much audio, but we managed with 4 bars of ALC, 
but if we tried to get the 5th bar to flicker, it would light all the 
way and sometimes the 6th bar would also light up.

73,
Don W3FPR


On 8/3/2017 4:25 PM, Dave Cole wrote:
> Hi,
> 
> I have an issue in  regards to obtaining 4 bars, and getting the 5th bar 
> of ALC to fluctuate while transmitting JT65.
> 
> I have plenty of audio, and can drive the ALC to 6 or more bars if I 
> turn things up.  However, as I get to 4 bars with the 5th flashing a 
> bit, the ALC starts to fluctuate between nothing and 4 or 5 bars...
>