[Elecraft] ALC control of W6PQL amp from my K3

[KENT TRIMBLE]

Along with this, it should be noted (especially for new Amateurs) that . . .

Don is correct (always is) concerning the non-employment of ALC with 
respect to Elecraft transceivers which produce power differently from 
other brands.  On this reflector, the recommendation not to use ALC 
pertains solely to Elecraft products.

However, many Elecraft owners own and operate other brands of 
transceivers and amplifiers.  When using those other brands, the 
instructions provided in the transceiver manual AND the instructions 
provided in the amplifier manual about using ALC should be followed, 
especially with solid state amplifiers. Those instructions often differ 
from those recommended by Elecraft.  Some brands require a one-time ALC 
calibration procedure prior to use.  Once properly configured, they are 
usually free of the distortion Don rightfully talks about.

As a friend of mine puts it, the ALC controversy borders on being a 
religious issue.

73,

Kent  K9ZTV


On 3/9/2019 11:01 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
> Bob,
>
> It is important to understand that ALC does not control the amplifier, 
> it is an attempt by the amplifier to control the transceiver.
>
> ALC is sent FROM the amplifier in an attempt to control the power of 
> the transceiver.
>
> Used indiscriminately, that will cause distortion in the driving 
> transciver.
>
> Elecraft does not recommend the use of ALC for power control because 
> of that.  Set the power output of the transceiver to drive the 
> amplifier properly and adjust the amplifier ALC to produce no ALC at 
> that point. If the amplifier has fault detection, then ALC can be used 
> to drop input power if a fault occurs - that is the only legitimate 
> use of ALC.
>
> So in many cases, an ALC connection is not needed.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> On 3/8/2019 9:11 PM, Bob KD7YZ wrote:
>> Wondering how to do this.
>>
>> I see a cable on https://www.arraysolutions.com/k3alc
>>
>> A K3 ALC cable ...
>>
>> or any other ideas ?
>>
>> I have a W6PQL 2m SSPA with an ALC input on the back
>>
>>
>> many thanks.
>>
>>
>> -- 
>> 73
>> Bob KD7YZ
>> AMSAT LM #901
>>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:Elecraft at mailman.qth.net
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>
>



---
This email has been checked for viruses by AVG.
https://www.avg.com