[Elecraft] ALC knob control missing on my K3

[Richard Ferch]

You didn't say so, but the "4 to 5 bars" phrase makes it sound as if you
are trying to use a digital mode. If so, what mode is the rig in? It should
be in DATA A. If you don't like the default filter setting in DATA A, use
the SHIFT/WIDTH (or HI/LO CUT) filter controls to set the filter bandwidth
where you want it (that will only affect data modes, not voice or CW modes).

Now look at the MAIN:MIC SEL setting. It should be on LINE IN. If (and only
if) MIC SEL is set to LINE IN, rotating (not pressing) the MIC gain control
should display LINE xx (where xx changes as you rotate the knob). Adjust
this control, and/or the sound card output level, to get the 4-5 bars
indication on the ALC meter. The MIC SEL setting and gain settings are
stored separately in digital vs. phone modes, so making changes while in
DATA A will have no effect on your mic gain settings for phone modes.

There is no ALC knob. Within the K3, you adjust the audio input level to
get the required reading on the ALC meter. Between the K3 and an external
amplifier, the amplifier generates the ALC signal; it's an input on the K3,
not an output, and it should only be used to protect against overdrive, not
to adjust the net output power. To adjust the power with or without an
external amplifier, use the PWR control.

73,
Rich VE3KI


KD7YZ wrote:

but then I try xmit and when I press the Mic/Speed button I see VOX and no
way to tickle the 4 to 5 bars.