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

[Don Wilhelm]

Phil,

Can you plug headphones or an audio amplifier (computer speakers) into 
the soundcard to see if you are really getting the transmit tones from it.

If audio there, check your audio cable or use another known good one.

In the KX3 turn the MIC Gain down to a low level and bring it up higher 
from there. Set the other audio level controls (soundcard and 
application) to mid-range.  If you actually have a large audio signal 
into the KX3, the audio protection mechanism will kick in and shut down 
the audio.

73,
Don W3FPR


On 3/19/2018 10:39 AM, Philip Alley 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.
>