[Elecraft] K3 ALC

[Don Wilhelm]

Yes, I will provide a response.  Bill is entirely correct.
Select the proper soundcard in your application - in the case of the 
internal soundcard in the K3S (or upgraded K3) it is "USB AUDIO CODEC".

Then set the audio levels in the various controls as Bill indicated - 
midrange or a bit below to produce 4 bars on the ALC meter with the 5th 
bar flashing.  Adjust the power with the K3S power knob.

You may have up to 3 gain controls to contend with and juggle.  1) the 
software application may have a slider (some are marked "POWER"), 2) the 
OS soundcard audio output (speaker or line out) level, and 3) the K3/K3S 
line in level.  Set them all at midrange or a bit below so nothing is 
overloaded until you can achieve the 4 bars solid with the 5th bar flashing.

You can do that adjustment in TX TEST mode, so you do not bother folks 
on the band with your testing.

For more information on the "why" of all this, go to my website 
www.w3fpr.com and in the left column, scroll down to the last entry. 
Click on that link to take you to the article.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 3/22/2018 8:57 AM, Nr4c wrote:
> You’re sure to get Dons response to this.  But, it’s really the same as before.
> 
> Using the USB cable for audio be sure to select USB AUDIO CODEC as sound device for both recording and playback. Now bring up the Windows mixer and set the level for playback (transmit) to about 30%. Now adjust the Line In (Mic Gain) to get 4 solid bars and fifth flickering. If the granularity is too coarse, set windows mixer level lower, maybe 20%. Try the radio again. I have set my Windows level quite low but get fine control with K3S Lime In Control. It is very stable and repeatable. As before, set Power with PWR knob on radio.