[Elecraft] Re: S meter operationg ...

[Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft]

Hi Larry,

Actually there are a couple of very good reasons for turning off the RX AGC on
occasion. Many operators prefer to use the manual RF (IF) gain control with AGC
off when listening to weak signals. This prevents larger signals within a few
100 hz from pumping the AGC and masking the weak signal. The filter between our
ears does wonders for pulling out the weak ones this way. Also, when local noise
(thunder crashes, pc harmonics etc.) is masking a weak signal, turning off the
AGC can mean the difference between solid copy and nothing.

Of course, its up to the operator and their lightening fast reflexes to protect
their ears from overload with the RF gain control! (Or they will certainly
suffer the rock and roll symptom you alluded to..)

73, Eric  WA6HHQ
========

Larry East wrote:
> 
> I fail to understand all the whoo-pa about the S-meter not working with the
> AGC off. WHY turn the AGC off in the first place? It was designed for a
> reason -- to keep the audio output reasonably constant with varying signal
> levels, so a loud signal won't blow the earphones off your head. But maybe
> some of you folks are old rock-and-rollers who just can't stand not having
> your eardrums pounded by something. :-)