[Elecraft] Weird K-3 Power Behavior

[Pete Smith N4ZR]

I just set the audio to be sure I'm  hitting 4 bars of ALC,and the cycle 
of adjust K-3 power to full expected drive to the KPA-1500 is now more 
like CW, but the question remains -  after I adjust the power a tiny 
fraction in either direction, why does the K-3's output power drop way 
back and relatively slowly recover?

73, Pete N4ZR

On 4/4/2024 7:41 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:
>
> This is typical for those who insist on not running data modes
> with 4-5 bars of ALC.  You are not providing enough audio and
> the K3/K3s needs to engage the expander (additional audio gain)
> in order to achieve enough drive to reach the set power level.
>
> 73,
>
>    ... Joe, W4TV
>
>
> On 4/4/2024 6:21 PM, Pete Smith N4ZR wrote:
>> I have a K-3 driving a KPA-1500, and have started seeing some strange 
>> behavior.  After I adjust the power level control on the K-3,. even a 
>> little (like 33 to 31 watts), the driving power delivered to the 
>> KPA-1500 starts much below the K-3's indication, and only gradually 
>> increases to what would be expected at the K-3's power setting.  This 
>> behavior is apparent in CW, but is more dramatic in FT* using TXData, 
>> where it can take several 12-second transmit intervals to reach full 
>> power.  Touch the K-3's power control even a little, and this cycle 
>> starts over again at reduced power, gradually returning to full.
>>
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