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

Mon Mar 19 19:46:56 EDT 2018

I had requests from a few hams looking for my macros I have assigned to the
KX3's PF1 and PF2 buttons.  Note: I used to toggle as well so I could have
four macros assigned between the two PF buttons.  But I landed onr just two
at this time.  Consequently I removed the toggle.

Here is my macro for *Digital* Operations (FT8 being the dominant mode I
use lately):
GT002;MG013;AG007;ML007;MD6;DT0;RG250;PA0;PC005;MN128;MP001;MN135;MP000;MN255;BW9999;SWH29;

Here is what it all means:

   - AGC Time Constant (Fast) = GT002;
   - Mic Gain (12) = MG012;
   - AF Gain (7) = AG007;
   - Monitor Level (7) = ML007;
   - Mode (Data - USB is default) = MD6;
   - Data Sub-Mode (Data A) = DT0; [has to be after MD6 and then it will
   work]
   - RF Gain (max) = RG250;
   - Pre-amp off = PA0;
   - Power output (5W) = PC005;
   - AGC Mode On = MN128;MP001;
   - Mic Bias off = MN135;MP000;
   - Menu Exit = MN255;
   - Bandwidth = BW9999; [important to place this one after the band and
   mode have been selected]
   - [Optional] VOX on = SWH29; [this is a toggle.  You may have to hit the
   VOX switch again or run the macro again.]

Here is what I use to go back to *SSB*:
SWH29;MD2;BW0300;GT004;MG045;AG010;ML000;PC010;MN128;MP001;MN129;MP000;MN135;MP016;MN255;

Here is what it means:

   - [Optional] VOX toggle = SWH29; [this is a toggle. You may have to hit
   the VOX switch again or run the macro again.]
   - Mode (Data USB is default) = MD2;
   - Bandwidth = BW0300; [important to place this one after the band and
   mode have been selected]
   - AGC Time Constant (Slow) = GT004;
   - Mic Gain (45) = MG045;
   - AF Gain (10) = AG010;
   - Monitor Level (7) = ML000;
   - Power output (10W) = PC010;
   - AGC Mode On = MN128;MP001;
   - AGC SPD (fast)  = MN129;MP000;
   - Mic Bias on = MN135;MP016;
   - Menu Exit = MN255;

You will likely have to change the AF and Mic Gain values to those you
prefer.

regards,
Brian
VE3IBW

On Mon, Mar 19, 2018 at 10:58 AM, Brian Waterworth <
brian.waterworth at gmail.com> wrote:

> 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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>
>