[Elecraft] Re: S meter operationg ...

[George, W5YR]

Back in the 20's or 30's, I really forget which decade, National produced a
little regen radio called the SW-3 which became the "standard" ham receiver
for several years. It was relatively cheap, well made and *it worked* very
well. Very much a colllectors' item these days.

It is interesting that the audio gain control - termed a "volume control"
back then - was calibrated in R units, R standing for overall signal
strength, etc. since the RST system had not yet been devised. Calibration
ran from R1 (full gain) to R9 (near minimum gain) so the op could give a
somewhat objective report based upon where he set the "volume control" for
comfortable signal level (to him).

As now, it was all highly subjective, but having a calibrated knob added
some credibility to the reports, I suppose. Look where that approach has
taken us!   <:}

73/72/oo, George W5YR - the Yellow Rose of Texas         
Fairview, TX 30 mi NE of Dallas in Collin county EM13qe   
Amateur Radio W5YR, in the 56th year and it just keeps getting better!
QRP-L 1373 NETXQRP 6 SOC 262 COG 8 FPQRP 404 TEN-X 11771 I-LINK 11735
Icom IC-756PRO #02121  Kachina 505 DSP  #91900556  Icom IC-765 #02437


Lyle Johnson wrote:
> 
> Hello Ron!
> 
> > AGC, like most of the various "conveniences" in our rigs, has it's
> > limitations. When it comes down  to critical operating, there are
> > few things that can beat the computer and sound processor between
> > our ears.
> 
> Are you saying that you can tell if a signal is loud or not by listening?
> What a concept! (Ref: QST, January, 1963, P. 29)
> 
> I keep giving signal reports of "I don't know if I can read you, but you are
> S9 here, OM."  That's because the R-meter is nowhere to be found on the
> front (or rear) panel of my K2.  Maybe it's in one of the Aux menus? I don't
> operate CW, but if I did, I guess I'd want a T meter, too...  "UR SIGS RST
> ??9 ??9 OM K"