[Elecraft] K3S USB audio output needs to be adjustable in Menu

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

I find Don's info to be exactly correct as it applies to the USB 
connection between the radio and computer.    As to the Line IN and Line 
OUT on the back of the radio........I've never used it.

With Windows 10, if you wish the Sound Card to show the levels in dB, 
just right click on the level slider in the Recording devices for 
example.  This will give one the option of displaying the level as  
"decibels" or "percentage".   For WSJT-X I find 0 dB about optimum, for 
HRD/DM780 I use +10 dB and for FLDIGI and MMTTY about +15 dB seems 
best.    For the Speaker level, adjust about mid scale with a full scale 
value of 50 .   In the Playback devices window the level is about - 10 dB.

The default value for LINE OUT in my K3S is 010.   I've found no need to 
change this as the other controls in the computer and application 
software are most adequate.  All this applies when using DATA A mode in 
the K3S.  If you aren't using DATA A mode, then be sure any EQ or CMP 
values are set to zero.

73
Bob, K4TAX
S/N 10163

On 6/26/2017 10:43 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
> Jim,
>
> What are the settings for the K3S CODEC in the computer?
> Look at your soundcard settings and set them to something lower. There 
> is normally no need for an additional control in the K3S other than 
> the normal LINE IN gain settings.  The settings for the K3/K3S 
> computer LINE OUT (or SPKR) should be about 50%. but lower is K too.  
> The K3/K3S should be set to some mid-range value.  If very low or very 
> high, adjust the computer soundcard settings until it adjusts in the 
> K3/K3S midrange.
>
> Same goes for LINE OUT - the soundcard LINE IN should be set to about 
> 50% in the computer, set K3/K3S LINE OUT to some value near 8 or 10.
>
> For soundcard data modes, you need to adjust the audio drive level for 
> 4 bars solid on the ALC mater with the 5th bar flashing - that is the 
> NO ALC point for the K3/K3S.  Adjust the power level with the POWER 
> knob. To do it like the JT instructions tell you will lead to power 
> "hunting" which will include power overshoot.
>
> Ignore the JT instructions and the common internet advice which is to 
> set the power to full and adjust the power with the audio level.  That 
> is for other transceivers.  The Elecraft transceivers control power 
> differently than all other amateur transceivers that I know of.  Some 
> commercial gear does work like the K3/K3S with a closed loop power 
> control system.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>