[Elecraft] K3: Odd ALC behavior

[Don Wilhelm]

Steve,

Those settings are too extreme - they need to be more mid-range.
Set the K3 LINE IN gain to something mid-range (about 30), then reduce 
the soundcard and WSJT-X settings to about 50% and give it a try.
Adjust the computer soundcard and WSJT-X settings to produce 4 bars on 
the ALC meter, then fine-tune the adjustment with the K3 LINE IN gain.

If you use other digital modes in addition to WSJT-X, pick one without 
the application slider to adjust the soundcard only for the 4 bars with 
the 5th flickering.
If you do that, then go back to WSJT-X and adjust its slider to give you 
the 4 bars with the 5th bar flickering.
Remember the soundcard and WSJT-X settings for the next time.

The problem is that WSJT-X tries to make it "easy" for most transceivers 
which will use the audio level to control the power output.
That does not work well with Elecraft transceivers which will try 
continuously to adjust the drive level to produce the power output set 
by the POWER knob.  The result with insufficient audio is "Power hunting".
With Elecraft gear, set the audio level correctly - leave it there - 
and adjust the desired power with the POWER knob.  In other words, 
ignore the internet and often the application software instructions 
which typically say to set the power to the maximum and adjust the power 
with the audio level.  That just does not work with Elecraft gear which 
uses a different (and better) power control system.

That applies to all soundcard data modes, and is not unique to WSJT-X.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 8/3/2017 7:00 PM, Steve Lund wrote:
> Dave,
> 
> I have exactly the same problem. For me it does not occur with RTTY. That
> seems to be solid. JT65 and FT8 really show the problem. When the problem
> occurs I can often make a RTTY transmission and suddenly the ALC shows for
> FT8/JT65.
> 
> I have multiple soundcards in my computer and in theory the windows
> 'sounds' are going to another soundcard. But, it has always seemed like the
> problem occurs after I've gone on the internet and a website has sound on
> it.
> 
> I'm going to try K4TAX's solution. When 'working' my K3 Line In is 4 or so;
> WSJT-X is 70% and Speaker is 100%.
>