[TenTec] ALC Question

[James C. Owen, III]

Hi Jay,
   Consider the ALC a power output control, which it is. With
adjustment of the ALC you can set the MAXIMUM output somewhere
between about 25 Watts and Maximum power of about 100 watts. The
drive control can be considered a mic gain control though it also
sets the CW level as I remember. If you want to do QRP and never
exceed 5 watts there is a modification to change a resistor in
the ALC circuit that extends it setting range from about 5 watts
or less to 100 watts. To set up for any power level place Corsair
in CW transmit with Drive advanced somewhat and adjust ALC
control for desired power output using an accurate watt meter.
The one in the Corsair is far off at the low power end though
it's pretty good at maximum. For SSB then adjust drive so when
you talk the ALC light flash's about 25% or the time, this is not
too critical even if its on 50% or a little more usually things
are still not over-driven but you don't want it to stay on for
near 100%. For CW after setting ALC for power you want adjust
drive until the ALC light just comes, on or a slight bit more,
with key down. Also for SSB if you use the processor remember a
rule. If you have the processor on you MUST turn the gain up to
get output. That is, if it's on and set too low, below
compression meter reading, there will be no output. Set processor
for the compression you want, I suggest not over 10% but use a
monitor scope to set it if possible, and then readjust drive
until the ALC light flash's about 25%. Any change in the
processor will require some change in the Drive control. The ALC
will be set and forget after you set the power output you want.
The ALC adjustment, ie power level, if why you don't need an ALC
feedback from an amplifier when using Ten-Tec equipment. Since an
amplifier takes a certain amount of drive to reach full output
you simply set the ALC adjust to supply that amount and since it
can't go over that power level you can never overdrive the
amplifier.
   Hope this helps.
73 Jim K4CGY

--- AJ4AY <aj4ay at comcast.net> wrote:

> I am trying to grasp the relationship between the ALC control
> and the drive
> control on my Corsair II.
> 


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