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

[Brian Waterworth]

Actually, sounds like your levels are too high now.  When they are too
high, the KX3 will behave as you have indicated.  Back off all the levels.

   1. KX3 Mic gain for me is typically around 11-12.
   2. KX3 AF gain is around 6-7.
   3. KX3 Preamp off
   - although still fussing if I want to turn it on - but then AF levels
      will all need to be reset.  Doing find without it at my qth
      4. Sound card (USB Soundblaster): input about 45% of max; Output
   about 30% of max.
   - But, that is for my sound card with my computer (Raspberry Pi 3b).
      5. WSJT-X: Power output at two notches down from maximum
   - I have found this control can be a bit touchy to tune.  Very carefully
      move it (up or down) until you see some action on the KX3 ALC after you
      have backed off all your audio levels.  The increments can be
very small on
      this power output slider on the right hand edge of WSJT-X.

I assume you will use a dummy load and turn down your power for your
testing.  Even my dummy load can make JT or FT contacts close by.  I
usually turn the power down to 0.1W when testing on the KX3.

I take it that you have PTT = Cat.  I do too.  The KX3 will happily key up
with a PTT cat command even without audio drive.  If there is not enough
audio drive or too much audio drive, what you observe with the ALC
indicator is what I have observed too.

P.S.  Consider setting up a KX3 macro to preset all levels on your KX3.  If
you accidentally nudge something, then you can reset to a known state with
a press of one button.  Use the KX3 Utility to set the macros.  If you want
a starter macro, let me know and I will send.

regards,
Brian
VE3IBW

On Mon, Mar 19, 2018 at 10:39 AM, Philip Alley <pjalley at me.com> wrote:

> 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
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