[Elecraft] [KX3] Digital modes: proper ALC for full output power?

[Bill Frantz]

Hi Julia -

Running the Transmit Gain procedure (page 33 in my manual) is 
the usual first thing to do when the power output seems "wanky".

The general recommendation for drive level from the computer is 
4 bars with the 5th flashing. If the drive level is too low, the 
output power will start off low and then build to the power 
output setting on the radio. If the drive level is 4 bars with 
the 5th flashing, the radio will start close to the power output setting.

If the drive level is too high, you will drive the radio into 
using automatic level control which will produce a distorted 
signal on the air.

If the output power is stablising at levels lower than the 
setting, try the Transmit Gain calibration procedure.

73 Bill AE6JV

On 3/4/21 at 2:35 PM, julia at juliatuttle.net (Julia Tuttle) wrote:

>I'm trying to get my KX3 set up for FT8 and JS8call and all those fun
>modes, and I'm running into a bit of trouble with setting the audio
>interface volume and mic gain.
>
>The KX3 manual suggests aiming for no more than 3-4 bars of ALC indication
>to prevent distortion, but if I do this, I don't always get full output
>power.
>
>Initially I chalked this up to the firmware reducing output power from
>heat, but it's proportional: if I ask for 10 W, I get 7; if I ask for 5, I
>get 3, and so on.
>
>It also doesn't always happen!
>
>Any ideas?
>
>73s,
>
>Julie
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