Problem with EXT ALC

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Problem with EXT ALC

Howard..K2HK

I agree entirely Jim. Don't remember the last time I had an amp that required EXT ALC let alone didn't warn against using it. But this  manufacturer strongly recommends it and cautions against not using it. I guess I am a believer in follow the manufacturer's recommendation.....at least while in warrantee. The amp does have built in protection so perhaps this a case of suspenders and a belt.

 

Howard..K2HK

 

 

 

Jim Brown, K9YC wrote:

 

  It is VERY rare for a modern power amp to REQUIRE ALC. The proper way to drive an amp is to use the transceiver's power control to set the drive level sufficient to get the desired output from the amplifier. ALC should be used only as a "safety" to protect the amplifier in those conditions when something goes wrong -- perhaps an antenna or antenna tuner fails, the feedline shorts, etc.  What do I mean by "modern power amp?" Well, the manuals for my Ten Tec tube and solid state amps, written in the early 80's, specifically state that their ALC function should not be used to set the drive power, but that the method I described is the right way to do it.  With many power amps, using ALC to set the drive power will generate clicks and other trash.  73, Jim Brown K9YC



 
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Re: Problem with EXT ALC

Jim Brown-10
On Fri, 29 May 2009 19:11:04 +0000, Howard K2HK wrote:

>perhaps this a case of suspenders and a belt.

Nothing wrong with that if you use the K3 power control to reduce
drive to the right level for your amp and operating conditions. My
Ten Tec amps (three different models) all hit rated power with 40
watts or less.

73,

Jim K9YC


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