Hi Rick,
I don’t know that I would say ALC is pointless. I know there are combinations of transceivers and amplifiers where ALC works quite effectively. However, you’re right, there are probably many more cases where it is causes more problem than good.
My immediate interest was deciding whether to add ALC to my Ext Ctrl interface cable. The plan will be to leave it off for now.
I’ve never had or needed ALC with my Flex-5000A or Flex-3000 radios. Provided the SunSDR2 DX can hold a maximum power output without overshoots, it shouldn’t be a problem. Also, the KPA500 does a really good job of protecting itself! Does the ESDR2 ‘Device/Expert/Power Correction’ menu set the maximum power output per band overriding the Drive setting?
Thanks, and 73,
Sheldon, VE1GPY/VE1SL