[Elecraft] K3 Power-hunting on FT8

[Rick NK7I]

Hi Jim,

Maybe you’d feel better knowing that with WSJT-X at max; I had always adjusted the OS driver level plus the rig levels, starting mid range on both.  And from midway, find the right blend to get the level to be proper with neither control at (or near) max so nobody shouts and no one strains to hear.

That method has worked well for me, for many years now.  With that added background, I stand by what I said.  Set it to MAX and forget it. 

Adding more display controls opens the door to added confusion with poor signals by those who do not know what they’re doing in the first place.  Eliminating the “power control” would be a step in the right direction; it only adds confusion, misunderstanding and poor signals.  Audio level tweaking to adjust RF output is a poor method [on a modern radio].

Using the right controls (driver out —> rig input), as they were designed to be used is enough, adding more just mungs things up.

So I suspect we actually agree.

73,
Rick NK7I

> On Jul 20, 2023, at 3:42 PM, Jim Brown <jim at audiosystemsgroup.com> wrote:
> 
> On 7/20/2023 2:47 PM, Rick NK7I wrote:
>> s said MANY times, set the WSJT-X output to MAX, then IGNORE IT.
> 
> Hi Rick,
> 
> This is the only part of your excellent advice that I disagree with. The reason is that the analog stages of computer gear tend to be poor, and start generating increased distortion well below clip. My advice is to run analog outputs of computer gear 6 dB below clip.
> 
> 73, Jim K9YC
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