FT8 and ALC on 6500

Paul F6EXV

Hi all
I keep having messages that my signal is bad on FT8.
I am using Windows 10, SmartSDR v2.4.9 and WSJT-x v2.0.0
I am told it is an ALC issue. But I cannot find where to adjust it.
Thanks in advance for your help
73
Paul F6EXV

Wim

you can lower the audio output on WSJT program itself, look for the sliding bar
on the right to lower the TX power by 2 or 4 dB, you will see your ALC audio level go down on the
flex panel.

You can also click on the DAX icon on  your taskbar and lower the TX Audio level directly
there.

Adjust so that the peak audio level is a bit below the red zone on the Flex audio level indication panel 

David Ahrendts

Agreed. Make sure you're not "pinning" the meter into the red. Back off the WSJT-X v.2.0.0 Pwr bar lower right of the FT8 screen to maybe 80-90% and check the Flex transmit slider meter. Stay in the yellow, not red. Processor off. Should make it crisp and sharp.

AND DON'T FORGET TO UPGRADE TO WSJT-X VERSION 2.0.0 FOR FT8. Previous version is being deprecated and is not compatible with 2.0.0.

David A., KK6DA, Los Angeles

Larry _ NY8T

On your level meter you need to stay below 0 DB, as long as the level indicator is yellow and not RED you are putting out a clean signal. The Way I do it is, I leave the Pwr setting on the right side of the main WSJT-X screen up all the way and adjust my audio level in the DAX TX STREAM adjustment in the DAX Control panel, I find once I set this it is good for all bands and power levels and never need to mess with it again but always keep an eye on it to make sure. Power can then be controlled by the SSDR RF Power slider. When others tell you its an ALC issue, they are correct on a  conventional radio where digital audio levels should be set up right before you see any deflection reading on the radios ALC Meter.

Others may do it differently but this works perfect for me.

K0FLY

Make sure the Processor and DEXP are off.  These functions may cause some distortion.  I also flatten out the TX equalizer.  When you get setup make an FT8 mic profile.

Paul F6EXV

With all this info, I should have a clear signal !
Thanks guys
73 + HNY
Paul F6EXV

Mark Whatley

You should use DIGU also. This turns off all the processing features.


HNY   K5XH

Russ K5OA

very nice way to show it, it works perfect for me -5.1 db

KI4P

Thanks this answered my question

Paul F6EXV

Hi guys
Well, this is what I have done, and I am still told (with very bad manners) that I am splattering.
I just do not know what to do to clean my signal...
Any help ? Thanks
Paul F6EXV

Roger_W6VZV

Paul I am sure this is being caused by the slider on the DAX menu for transmit.  Put it at about 50% and then control transmit power with the SDR power slider.  That should clean up your signal.

de Roger W6VZV

Paul F6EXV

Hi Roger
I have the DAX TX at 35% !!! On JTDX power at -7db, RF power on SSdr at 100%...
And I trust all these 3 settings are about power out.
What about ALC on transmit ?
73
Paul F6EXV

Geoff AB6BT

If you monitor your audio while you are transmitting does it sound distorted?
Many times I experience this and I have to close DAX  and restart it.

Paul F6EXV

It does sound slightly distorted, but even with dax TX gain at 5% ....
I'll try to restart the DAX...
It definitely sounds different (better....) after restarting....
I will remembert the trick ! Thanks Geoff
73
Paul F6EXV

Bill W2PKY

If you run your radio 24X7 it's a good idea to restart DAX each day. If listening in the earphones when DAX gets corrupt a scratchy sound will be heard. The signal in the panadapter will look more like a square wave rather than a single peak. Hope this helps.

Paul F6EXV

Thanks all ! Worked West Coast this evening, so it looks like it's working fine !
73
Paul F6EXV

Bob KC9RF

Look at your transmit signal on the pan adapter. If it has two or three spikes you are over driving the audio in the flex. Back off the signal by using either the tune power slider in WSJT-X or reduce the Dax TX transmit audio. until a nice clean looking single spike appears. Audio listening can give you a general idea but using the panadapter window gives a much better picture of the modulated signal.