[Elecraft] K2 RF Gain control

[Dale Boresz]

Hello Bob,

I have noticed on my K2, that if I adjust the AGC threshold such that 
the background noise level *truly* doesn't change when turning the AGC 
on and off, then the RF gain control when turned completely ccw, does 
not sufficiently reduce the level of very strong stations.

I have to adjust the AGC threshold such that there is at least some AGC 
action, and then the RF gain control does actually reduce volume level 
when turned ccw.

When trying to copy weak signals, I prefer to operate with the AGC off, 
the AF Gain advanced, and I use the RF Gain control to control the 
signal level. This seems to give me the best signal-to-noise ratio. So, 
in order to have enough range of adjustment with the RF Gain control, I 
adjust the AGC threshold until the RF Gain, when adjusted fully ccw, 
sufficiently attenuates the largest signals. That seems to be the best 
compromise.

I make no claim that this is the 'correct' way to adjust the AGC 
threshold. It's just a method that I've found works best for the way I 
prefer to operate. What's nice about the K2, is that we *can* perform 
these kinds of optimizations.

73, Dale WA8SRA


Robert Greenwalt wrote:

>... I recently noticed that the RF
>gain control doesn't change signal levels coming out of the speaker.
>The control has been left at max until I played with it recently, and I
>was surprised to notice that its only function seems to be changing the
>number of illuminated LEDs in the S-meter.  I tried it with various AF
>gain control levels and with the AGC both active and turned off - no
>difference.  ... 
>Bob Greenwalt
>K6VZT 
>
>  
>