FT8 FT8 FT8 FT8 FT8 FT8 FT8
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Setting the drive power and ALC threshold using FT8 is a challenge because of GUI delays reading and displaying internal metrics from the remote.? Actually the K3/K3S has one of the - if not the - cleanest audio paths of almost all modern radios -- BUT -- only if it is not over driven.
The simplest way to achieve a clean signal using the remote is to find the "sweet spot" for your individual set-up - that is - where to set the WSJT "pwr slider".
For the most part (unless you are using a Mini or a K3 in terminal mode) the easiest and best way to make sure you are not creating tons of distortion is to monitor the KPA1500? PowerOut display - of course, the AMP should be in STBY.
Procedure:
When you are transmitting - take the WSJT Pwr Slider all the way to the bottom and slowly bring it up while you watch the PowerOut indicator until you see about 70 watts output - once you are there- stop - you are at the "right" setting.?
I know you will want to watch the audio crawler at the top of K3 GUI like you do for SSB or "try" to watch for an ALC display of about 40% but just pay attention to the PowerOut display.??
Once you see something in the 70 watt range don't go further - sure - you might get a few more watts - but - the ALC will quickly go to 100% and you will be splattering all over the place - and - your response rate will seriously go down.? Yep - it's touchy and flaky - that's just the nature of the beast.
Use a little finesse - you'll be glad you did - and - so will everyone else!
Have fun - - '73 es gud dxing -- Don N4HH
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