Run "mmsys.cpl" and right-click your rig Playback device and select "Properties".Right-click the Levels slider and choose "dB".Almost all rigs should have this at 0dB.  There are a few exceptions:FT-DX101D needs about -12dBIC-7000 with RigBlaster needs about +24dBTS-590S/SG Menu 71=1, Menu 72-2, Playback level at -37.6dB (verified on more than two rigs).Last note on IC-7610 shows it can't do full power without harmonics --  14%USB MOD INPUT gives 100W w/no ALC but has 3rd order harmonics at-20dB from signal
The way you determine this is to set the rig at 50W and dial the WSJTX power slider to -3dB.  You should see 20-25W of power.  If you see more than 25W  then you are overdriving your audio.  I've only seen one rig so far that cannot do 90% of rated power and get a clean signal.


Mike W9MDB

On Sunday, October 16, 2022 at 05:23:33 AM CDT, Nick Smeltzer <nikthegeek@...> wrote:
What do you mean by setting Windows to 0db? What would 0db be?

Anyway, I currently have:

1. Windows USB output to radio set at 100%
2. WSJT-X power slider set at 100%
3. Radio USB modulation (preset for FT8) set at 15

This gives dead on 50w, even with the radio set to 100w. This also means
I can't accidentally adjust something on my PC and over drive the radio.

So thanks both - good idea!

Nick

On 15/10/2022 22:44, Michael Black via groups.io wrote:

I forgot another step....
#1 Set Windows Playback level to 0dB#2 Set WSJT-X to full power#3 Set Rig to 100W#4 Set your FT8 Preset USB Mod Gain to give you 50W




      On Saturday, October 15, 2022 at 04:38:12 PM CDT, Black Michael <mdblack98@...> wrote:
  Without looking at your signal you don't really know.
Here's what I would recommend.
#1 Set WSJT-X to full power#2 Set Rig to 100W#3 Set your FT8 Preset USB Mod Gain to give you 50W
Then you will never exceed 50W of output.
Mike W9MDB


      On Saturday, October 15, 2022 at 04:33:33 PM CDT, Nick Smeltzer <nikthegeek@...> wrote:
  But is that actual power?

I've been setting my radio to, say, 20w and then using the power slider
so that the ALC indicates some deflection. If, however, I set my radio
to 100w and turn the power slider down, I get no ALC deflection. Will I
still be transmitting a decent quality signal? I'll have to have a
listen on a monitoring radio and see what it sounds like. But if it
works, then yes, good idea, thanks.

Nick

On 15/10/2022 21:23, Reino Talarmo wrote:

I also wonder if WSJT-X could take care of this by having a CAT control option to set power to a pre-determined level (set in the software) each time you change band?

Hi Nick
Perhaps the existing selection "Remember power settings by band" on the Audio tab is what you want. I have not studied how it exactly works, should be in the User Guide.
73, Reino OH3mA