[Elecraft] AGC

[Larry East]

At 09:17 AM 5/4/02 -0600, James R. Duffey wrote:

>I find the operation of a receiver much more pleasant without AGC. For
>cruising the bands I use AGC when strong signals are present to preserve my
>ears, but other than that I seldom use it. I find a "AGCless" receiver to
>sound better. It has more audio dynamic range, a quieter noise floor, less
>spurious thumps and clicks, and gives a true indication of the strength of
>signals.

Unlike many QRP rigs that have audio derived AGC, I find the K2's AGC to 
have no noticeable artifacts (thumps, clicks, etc.). An it does not affect 
the noise floor unless a strong and VERY close signal is "pumping" it.

>I run my K-1 with the AGC turned off all the time. I find that the receiver
>is much more palatable this way.

AH HA! The K-1, unfortunately, has audio derived AGC. 'Nuff said. :-)

73,
Larry W1HUE/7

PS - If your goal is high dynamic range audio, you might consider investing 
in a good DVD player... (Sorry, I just couldn't resist! :-)