Don, That puts things into a better perspective.
With that in mind, it does mimic normal ALC operation. I don't quite know how to interpret the instability in output while it is measuring volume units, before it switches to ALC and stabilizes. -----Original Message----- From: Don Wilhelm [mailto:w3...@embarqmail.com] Sent: Friday, October 12, 2012 11:01 PM To: dalit...@bellsouth.net Cc: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Data Modes using SignaLink USB David. I would like to point out that the K3 "ALC" indicator is also a level indicator. The onset of ALC begins at the 5ht bar, and bars 1 through 4 do not indicate any ALC action at all. They are more like a VU meter provided to allow you some metering to help you adjust the audio level. 73, Don W3FPR On 10/12/2012 10:19 PM, David Little wrote: > Got my cable in today to do soundcard data modes on the K3 with a > SignaLink USB > > Not much chance of getting the cabling incorrect, installation was > uber easy. I used the rear panel inputs and outputs for the > additional isolation; allowing me to keep the Mic on the front panel > for mixed mode operation requirements. > > However, I am not having much luck finding a stable plateau to chance > moving it off the dummy load and on the air. > > Output power isn't stable, and rises while the rig is in transmit. > > If power is changed while in transmit, it drops off, then starts > building again. > > No power is generated until output level on the interface is high > enough to generate ALC action. > > Not much chance of anything dependable here.... Where am I going > wrong? > > I never run any ALC, unless it is an occasional flicker; usually a > reference to decrease volume for a purer signal. > > Some prefer to run the output power to 25 watts and run 50% ALC, and > share the signal up and down the band. > > I would prefer to set the power to a higher starting point, set the > volume level correctly, then decrease the power, if necessary, > maintaining a clean signal throughout. > > Anytime the power level on the K3 is changed at all, the output falls > down and starts to build again. Around 30 to 45 seconds into a > transmission, it may stabilize. > > I have used the SignaLink USB on a FT-897, FT-817, FTDX-9000MP, > TS-2000, IC-756Pro II, IC-7000, IC-706, IC-7200, FT-857, FT-2000, > Jupiter, IC-756 Pro, TS-870, TS-480.... And never experienced any > instability of output before. > > Currently, I run them in the shack on a FT-897, FT-817, IC-756 Pro > II, TS-2000 and the K3. The other rigs provide a stable digital > platform > > When using a protocol where sync is dependent on the start of the > transmission, the instability of power cannot be tolerated. > > I am a bit beyond RTTY and PSK-31 in the modes I need to run. The trend I > am operating toward now is in the direction of ARQ modes, and require > a more refined approach than what I am seeing so far. > > I hope I am doing something wrong, and someone can provide some > direction. > > David > KD4NUE > > > > > > > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
