How low (V) can the K3 go?

Posted by Chris Kimball on Sep 16, 2016; 3:54pm
URL: http://elecraft.85.s1.nabble.com/How-low-V-can-the-K3-go-tp7622535.html


I'm running a test on my K3 with Olivia 8/500 data mode at 40 W output. The duty cycle is 1/3 transmit (4 min) and 2/3 receive.  A "LOW BAT" warning and beep occur occasionally during transmit, however, the ALC remains at about 4 bars solid, one flickering.  The voltage during receive is more than 11 V, but during transmit it drops into the 9.x range sporadically.

The test is into a dummy load and I have no way to judge the signal quality.

When, at this power level, should I stop the test?  What's the best indication that the voltage is too low for a clean and usable signal?

Chris
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