[Elecraft] KX2 TX "Sticks On" in FT8?

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

 From my take, the radio is in transmit mode, the ALC is showing 1 bar 
and stuck in transmit.  This to me says there is noise coming out of the 
computer, even though WSJT-X is given the receive command.   Somewhere 
in this post I read that the OP reducing the computer slider eliminated 
the issue.   This again says there is / was noise coming out of the 
computer causing the VOX in the interface, not the radio as the VOX was 
off, to be tripped by the computer noise.

There are multiple places where the audio level from the computer to the 
radio can and must be adjusted correctly.  From experience, none of the 
level adjustments should be at or near maximum and same for the minimum 
audio level adjustments.  Strive for a mid range value of all 
adjustments.    The PWR slider on the WSJT-X screen is one of the 3 or 4 
audio level adjustments.

As to Elecraft ALC, it is clearly different in behavior and indication 
with regard to "other" radios.   Do Not apply "other" radio methods for 
the Elecraft radios.     For Elecraft radios, the ALC indicator, to 
which the first 4 bars are actually AUDIO LEVEL indication, thus are not 
indicating ALC action.  The ALC takes place at or after the 5th bar.   
For that reason, one should adjust the audio levels such that there are 
4 bars on solid and the 5th bar flickering on and off.  With the 5th bar 
flickering, set the power output using the PWR control on the radio {not 
on WSJT-X} and do not adjust any audio level.

In the case of the K3S and maybe other radios, I find when using the 
TUNE function from WSJT-X of 1500 Hz there seems to be a beat between 
the tone and the display scan rate.  This produces a wildly fluctuation 
in level appearance.  Change the TUNE tone to some value slightly higher 
or lower and the issue will be resolved.

For further reading, go to http://www.w3fpr.com/

and scroll on the left side down to: Setup Elecraft Radios for Data Modes.

That link is:    http://www.w3fpr.com/Data_setup.htm

73

Bob, K4TAX


On 8/9/2019 9:27 AM, Keith N6JPA wrote:
> On Fri, 9 Aug 2019 04:32:26 -0700 (MST), you wrote:
>
>> ALC is stuck on 1 Bar
>
> Read this document discussing ALC use with FT-8 and elecraft radios.
>
> <https://www.g4ifb.com/FT8_Hinson_tips_for_HF_DXers.pdf>
> ______________________________________________________________
>