[ARC5] AGC in the AN/ARC-5 receivers.

[Bill Cromwell]

On 11/03/2013 11:15 AM, Kenneth G. Gordon wrote:
-----snip--
> It has become abundantly clear over the past several months that using 
> an ARC receiver withOUT also installing an effective AF gain control 
> keeps the receiver from reaching its most useful potential, at least 
> for AM work.
--snip-----
>  Ken W7EKB

Hi,

There are several much later designs including some in solid state that 
do NOT have an audio gain control. In other cases the recommendation is 
to run the audio all the way up and control gain with the RF gain 
control and AGC turned off. That is for CW of course. And with Hi-Z 
cans. Any kind of crude limiting is useful for preventing a "blowout" - 
including diode clamps. Hi-Z cans give us a head start in that regard.

My own thoughts from running radios that way is to include the audio 
gain and run near wide open and use the RF gain as suggested. With a 
choice of levels on the audio amp we might set the radio up for a little 
better gain distribution sometimes. In practice that has worked best for 
me. AM/SSB are better with AGC applied. I don't know about the digital 
modes and AGC.

73,

Bill  KU8H