[Elecraft] ALC and the K3

[Dave Cole (NK7Z)]

Don, et al.,

I did a bit more reading on the Ameritron site, and on other forms, it 
seems the 1306 only uses ALC for overpower, which the K3 can contain 
with the adjustments you mentioned, so no need for the ALC cable!!

Thanks for letting me know about the menu sets for this.  I had not run 
across them, and I thought I had looked at every menu setting there!

73s and thanks,
Dave
NK7Z
http://www.nk7z.net

On 12/21/2017 12:23 PM, Dave Cole (NK7Z) wrote:
> Don,
> 
> Thank you for the information here...  My amp, (the ALS-1306, solid 
> state), I believe does use the ALC to shut things down in the event of a 
> failure of some sort...
> 
> Here is a cut from the ALS-1306 blurb page:
> 
> "Output power is automatically reduced to prevent amplifier damage by 
> controlling ALC to exciter."
> 
> That does not tell me exactly what triggers ALC action, but it does tell 
> me that they are using ALC as a form of protection...  As such I want to 
> use ALC.
> 
> I think I like your idea of adjusting the Amp to not issue ALC during 
> normal operation, that way, if something goes way wrong, the ALC may 
> still be able to shut things down.  Fortunately the Amp has both 
> metered, and front panel adjustable ALC.
> 
> I think I will also adjust the Max power for all bands as well...  I 
> just finished the install of the SWR/signal monitor thing-a-mabob in my 
> P3.  I also have an outboard demod I built, which I can feed into the 
> scope to do a bit of monitoring during setup...
> 
> Too all the rest of the folks that made suggestions thank you as well!!
> 
> 73s and thanks,
> Dave
> NK7Z
> http://www.nk7z.net
> 
> On 12/21/2017 11:01 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
>> Dave,
>>
>> The K3 does not overshoot due to the way output power is controlled 
>> (it is different than other amateur transceivers in that regard.
>> So unless the amplifier contains protective circuits which activate 
>> the ALC for excessive SWR or other amplifier faults, there is no need 
>> to connect the ALC line.  Even if the amp contains such protective 
>> circuits, adjust the ALC in the amp so it does not activate with 
>> normal operation.
>> Set the power so the amplifier is not overdriven.
>>
>> If the ALC is activated in normal operation you will be creating 
>> excessive IMD in your transmit signal - you can hear a lot of that 
>> going on during a contest weekend.
>>
>> The K3 has a menu setting (PWR SET) that can allow you to set the 
>> maximum power on a per-band basis.  You can use that to avoid 
>> overdriving the amplifier.
>>
>> 73,
>> Don W3FPR
>>
>>
>>
>> On 12/21/2017 12:45 PM, Dave Cole (NK7Z) wrote:
>>> I want to run ALC for my amp if for no other reason to protect the 
>>> amp from overpower events.  I understand Elecraft does not recommend 
>>> the use of ALC...
>>>
>>> Exactly why is that?
>>>
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