[Elecraft] [KPA500] K3S/KPA500/KAT500 - Adjusting TX Power

[Wes Stewart]

I am often puzzled by some of this advice. The K3S manual on page 30 says among 
other things:

"While speaking into the microphone in a
normal voice, adjust MIC for a peak ALC
meter indication of about 5-7 bars (see below)".

Then regarding audio data modes it says on page 34:

"If you’re using an audio-shift transmit mode (LSB,
USB, DATA A, or AFSK A), you’ll need to set
the MIC level while watching the ALC meter.
You can use the same procedure outlined for voice
modes (pg. 30), except that speech compression
should not be used."

So 5 to 7 bars seem to be indicated.  Where does the '4 solid, fifth flashing 
come from'?

This is particularly questionable with constant amplitude modes, where it 
doesn't matter whether there is ALC developed or not.

Maybe someone can enlighten me.

Wes  N7WS


On 9/8/2017 5:36 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
> Bret,
>
> This is a condition we call "Power Hunting", and it usually indicates that you 
> do not have the audio level set correctly for Elecraft transceivers.
>
> Are you driving the audio to illuminate 4 bars on the K3S ALC meter with the 
> 5th bar flashing?  You must operate Elecraft gear differently than other 
> transceivers because of the closed loop system used for power control is 
> different than the simplistic "control the drive level" system that other 
> transceivers use.
>
> Ignore the internet (and WSJT-X) advice which tells you to adjust the power 
> with the audio level and set the power to maximum.
>
> With Elecraft gear, set the audio as instructed in the manual and adjust the 
> power with the POWER knob.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR