ALC
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I recently purchased a SPE 1K A linear solid state amplifier. It does not operate properly without negative ALC on SSB.
Why produce a new rig that is not compatible with present solid state amplifiers? I hope this is corrected before mine is ready to be delivered, or I will just cancel my order. 73, Albert _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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> I recently purchased a SPE 1K A linear solid state amplifier. It does not
> ... (stuff removed) ... > cancel my order. I'm sorry, but I slowly am starting to feel that this ALC discussion is getting out of hand. Personally I have never needed ALC, but do understand that in some cases it might be useful. But to claim that an amplifier will not work without ALC strikes me as going a bit too far. Also we have passed examinations to get our calls and have proved that we have knowledge to design and build equipment ourselves. Even if it might not be nice to have an external box, it surely is not a show stopper? Faber est suae quisque fortunae. And, imho, the use of ALC to continuously control the exciter is usually not a good idea, unless the timing and other characteristics of the ALC match the exciter perfectly. BTW, according to the SPE 1K FA Manual: ---------------------------------------------------------- Page 10: Is a voltage (0, -11 Vcc) generated by the amplifier, it is used to control the output power of the transceiver. In this way the power from the amplifier may be automatically controlled. This link is recommended. If the ALC port is not connected, it is ncessary to manually regulate the drive power from the transceiver. Page 28: if you choose to set the output power of the amplifier by varying the output power of the transceiver, the ALC connection is not required. <http://www.reimesch.de/download/amateurfunk/expert/expert_manual_v20.pdf> ---------------------------------------------------------- vy 73 de toby _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by Albert Crespo
I do not own an amp or use one when I operate from home. I also do
not have any involvement with Elecraft other than being a customer. I have used amps while guests at other stations (many times I forget to even turn them on!). When I purchased my K3, the ALC was not a issue for me, as I don't use it. I have used my K3 with an AL1200 without connecting the ALC. That being said, I can understand your specific concern. When I checked the manual for my Icom radio, I saw that the ALC went from 0 to -4V. I guess these ALC voltages are a holdover from the older pure tube generation of amps. Apparently some modern amps kept that standard and some decided to go positive. I would also think that it would have been a trivial addition to the K3 to have the polarity of the ALC selected in a CONFIG menu item. I am sure that Wayne, Eric, et al are quite smart and had their reasons to implement ALC the way it is today. Whether it was the right way to do it or not, it is the way it is at this point in time. I can tell you for certain one of two things will happen. Either it will stay the same or they will change it. Personally, I think it is foolish to cancel an order for this issue. For probably less than $5 in cost (either to the end user or absorbed by Elecraft for customers who demonstrate a need) a simple device can be constructed to plug in to the 15 pin ACC connector and the amp's ALC connector and deliver a negative ALC voltage. Yes, I think it sounds on the surface as an oversight, but we weren't involved with the design over the last three years. At 12/3/2007 07:33 AM, Albert Crespo wrote: >I recently purchased a SPE 1K A linear solid state amplifier. It >does not operate properly without negative ALC on SSB. >Why produce a new rig that is not compatible with present solid >state amplifiers? >I hope this is corrected before mine is ready to be delivered, or I >will just cancel my order. >73, Albert _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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I have never used ALC with any amps, tube or solid-state without any issue.
Felt the power control on the rig gave me enough control. But I can see why some may feel they need it. But I have a question about this. Besides needing the option of positive or negative going ALC, would there need to be a calibration pot or something to correlate the amps total ALC voltage swing with that of the rig so that they match? Or is this a non-issue with ALC control as long as it is either a positive or negative going ALC signal? By the way my Acom 2000A amp recommends to not use ALC unless the transceiver requires it. Anxioulsy waiting for my K3. Ordered May 2. 73, N2TK, Tony -----Original Message----- From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Ed K1EP Sent: Monday, December 03, 2007 8:18 AM To: Albert Crespo; [hidden email] Subject: Re: [Elecraft] ALC I do not own an amp or use one when I operate from home. I also do not have any involvement with Elecraft other than being a customer. I have used amps while guests at other stations (many times I forget to even turn them on!). When I purchased my K3, the ALC was not a issue for me, as I don't use it. I have used my K3 with an AL1200 without connecting the ALC. That being said, I can understand your specific concern. When I checked the manual for my Icom radio, I saw that the ALC went from 0 to -4V. I guess these ALC voltages are a holdover from the older pure tube generation of amps. Apparently some modern amps kept that standard and some decided to go positive. I would also think that it would have been a trivial addition to the K3 to have the polarity of the ALC selected in a CONFIG menu item. I am sure that Wayne, Eric, et al are quite smart and had their reasons to implement ALC the way it is today. Whether it was the right way to do it or not, it is the way it is at this point in time. I can tell you for certain one of two things will happen. Either it will stay the same or they will change it. Personally, I think it is foolish to cancel an order for this issue. For probably less than $5 in cost (either to the end user or absorbed by Elecraft for customers who demonstrate a need) a simple device can be constructed to plug in to the 15 pin ACC connector and the amp's ALC connector and deliver a negative ALC voltage. Yes, I think it sounds on the surface as an oversight, but we weren't involved with the design over the last three years. At 12/3/2007 07:33 AM, Albert Crespo wrote: >I recently purchased a SPE 1K A linear solid state amplifier. It >does not operate properly without negative ALC on SSB. >Why produce a new rig that is not compatible with present solid >state amplifiers? >I hope this is corrected before mine is ready to be delivered, or I >will just cancel my order. >73, Albert _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by Ed K1EP
Some comments on the history of ALC, especially with older transceivers,
that do not have a variable RF output control. During the early years of transceiver designs, such as the Kenwood TS-930S and other rigs from that era, these radios were not designed with variable RF power output controls. For example, I have my original TS-930S radio from the early 1980s, and it runs about 130 watts output at full power. My TS-930S has a Mic Gain control and a Carrier Level control on the same concentric shaft. Also, this same rig has an input and output Processor level control. However, there is no variable RF output control. As soon as the carrier level control is increased above a certain threshold, the RF output power immediately jumps up to full output or about 120 to 130 watts. Note: A Carrier Level Control is NOT an RF power level control. So, with these older style rigs, ALC is more important when running into an amplifier that only wants to see 50 to 75 watts. Any of the modern transceivers all have RF output controls to vary the power outputs from 5 to 200 watts and also allow you to set the proper RF drive level. Therefore, with newer rigs that allow the RF power output to be set, the ALC is unnecessary. However, rigs that go to full output, as well as that have power spikes, would probably save some amplifiers, unnecessary grief by having ALC voltage protection, against full power drive levels or power spikes on the RF input of the Amplifier. Jim K4PV -----Original Message----- From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]]On Behalf Of Ed K1EP Sent: Monday, December 03, 2007 7:18 AM To: Albert Crespo; [hidden email] Subject: Re: [Elecraft] ALC I do not own an amp or use one when I operate from home. I also do not have any involvement with Elecraft other than being a customer. I have used amps while guests at other stations (many times I forget to even turn them on!). When I purchased my K3, the ALC was not a issue for me, as I don't use it. I have used my K3 with an AL1200 without connecting the ALC. That being said, I can understand your specific concern. When I checked the manual for my Icom radio, I saw that the ALC went from 0 to -4V. I guess these ALC voltages are a holdover from the older pure tube generation of amps. Apparently some modern amps kept that standard and some decided to go positive. I would also think that it would have been a trivial addition to the K3 to have the polarity of the ALC selected in a CONFIG menu item. I am sure that Wayne, Eric, et al are quite smart and had their reasons to implement ALC the way it is today. Whether it was the right way to do it or not, it is the way it is at this point in time. I can tell you for certain one of two things will happen. Either it will stay the same or they will change it. Personally, I think it is foolish to cancel an order for this issue. For probably less than $5 in cost (either to the end user or absorbed by Elecraft for customers who demonstrate a need) a simple device can be constructed to plug in to the 15 pin ACC connector and the amp's ALC connector and deliver a negative ALC voltage. Yes, I think it sounds on the surface as an oversight, but we weren't involved with the design over the last three years. At 12/3/2007 07:33 AM, Albert Crespo wrote: >I recently purchased a SPE 1K A linear solid state amplifier. It >does not operate properly without negative ALC on SSB. >Why produce a new rig that is not compatible with present solid >state amplifiers? >I hope this is corrected before mine is ready to be delivered, or I >will just cancel my order. >73, Albert _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by N2TK
On Mon, 03 Dec 2007 08:38:01 -0500, you wrote:
>I have never used ALC with any amps, tube or solid-state without any issue. >Felt the power control on the rig gave me enough control. But I can see why >some may feel they need it. > >But I have a question about this. Besides needing the option of positive or >negative going ALC, would there need to be a calibration pot or something to >correlate the amps total ALC voltage swing with that of the rig so that they >match? Or is this a non-issue with ALC control as long as it is either a >positive or negative going ALC signal? > >By the way my Acom 2000A amp recommends to not use ALC unless the >transceiver requires it. As does my Alpha 87A. > >Anxioulsy waiting for my K3. Ordered May 2. > >73, >N2TK, Tony > [snip] Tom, N5GE - SWOT 3537 - Grid EM12jq "They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." --Benjamin Franklin 1775 http://www.n5ge.com http://www.eQSL.cc/Member.cfm?N5GE _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Amateur Radio Operator N5GE
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