[Elecraft] No ALC Bars with WSJT-X and FD8

[Philip Alley]

I had finally got my KX3 and MaxcBook Pro set up to operate FT8.  I even gave a demo presentation at our club meeting this past Friday.

Yesterday I reassembled everything at my home shack and managed to log 8 FT8 contacts while familiarizing my self with the tutorials and software.  After taking a break came back to the fun to find that I was not getting any ALC indication on my KX3.  (Previously that had been fine and I had adjusted to the 4+ bars as so often recommended.)

I have tried everything including switching sound cards (Signal Link to my Sabrent USB-C dongle) with the same result.

Operating the radio in CW and SSB the bars show normally.

I do notice that when I hit the WSJT-X “Tune” button there is a brief burst of noise where the bars show but once the test tone comes one there are no bars.  Same result when sending a CQ.

I have cranked all levels way up (sound car output, WSJT-X “Power” and KX3 MIC input) with no change.

Also rebooted the Mac and reselected the sound in and out several times.

I thought there might be some CAT interface dueling with  MacLogger DX but I have made sure to keep the Logger from taking control of the rig.

I have actually been able to complete a couple of QSOs with this condition so something is getting out but I have no way of properly adjusting levels If I can’t see the bars.

Help!  Please!

Phil
AA2EA
Louisville KY