The goal is to use the highest value, but with no visible ALC
Set the radio METER to ALC
Use the TONE button in WSJT-X to transmit
Raise the DT GAIN until you see ALC
Then dial it back down until the ALC is no longer visible
Stop transmitting (ie: click the TONE button again)
Lots of people will say to keep DT GAIN at or below 10. I tried this, and
virtually no one ever heard my signals. Using higher values made a enormous
difference in my setup. Note as you approach 75W you will probably see your
ALC start to increase, at which point you’ll need to reduce your DT GAIN to
prevent visible ALC.
The radio monitor can be used to verify that the computer is able to transmit
using the radio’s USB sound card. This is particularly useful when using the
software TONE button. Set the MONI to 50 and listen to the tone to ensure
it’s clear and free from clipping or distortion. Just remember to turn it back
off when you’re done testing or it’ll drive you nuts.
Be careful with USB hubs. I was using one with my Lenovo T490s and was all the sudden
not able to get any audio from the radio. Eventually I realized I had moved
my office around and plugged the radio in via a hub. Plugging it directly into
the radio fixed it right up. I presume my hub is rubbish.
Note the Rig Mode used by the software. I made contacts with it set to None, but I had
way better luck after setting it to Rig, though that also coincided with using a much
higher DT GAIN. Maybe I should test to isolate the two.
Try to line up your transmit frequency to be offset from the receive (red and green).
I can’t say I’ve noticed a big difference, but it’s considered a polite practice from what
I gather.