[Elecraft] K3: Lack of ALC meter response

[Edward R Cole]

Recently checking audio drive to my K3 in support of JT65, I noted 
the ALC meter not registering normal 4-bars stead 5th 
flickering.  Immediately checking audio level setting from my emu0202 
soundcard (I use the headphone jack because it has an adjustable pot 
for level = manual knob vs computer dialog window slider).  Thus I do 
not use the internal soundcard in my computer (crapped out years 
ago).  Emu0202 connects via USB port.

Next i checked audio lines.  Then finally used a different soundcard.

All result in two bars showing on ALC meter and not adjustable.  So I 
am suspecting failure in the indication ckts.

Final test was doing some JT65 moon-bounce where my signal was 
successfully received and decoded, indicating that I was probably 
modulating properly.  The peaking of the RF power meter looked right 
(there is about 2% variation in power on Bird power meter in 
conjunction with tones).

So what should I look for?  Is there any menu setting that could be 
incorrect?  Or does this suggest component failure in ALC metering?
Remember that I have 14 years experience using JT65, and seven using 
the K3 on JT65.  Seems incredulous that I could be making a "pilot 
error".  But accidental button push is a possiblity.  Yes, I tried 
adjusting Line-IN with no indicated change on the ALC meter.  This 
was using a tone test/set up mode in WSJT providing steady single freq. tones.

73, Ed - KL7UW
   http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
   dubususa at gmail.com