[Elecraft] K2 RF Gain control

[Stewart Baker]

On Thu, 20 Jan 2005 10:11:38 -0500, Dale Boresz wrote:
> 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
>
I find the K2 RF Gain (IF gain) control very ineffective with either the AGC on 
or off. I tend to use the RF ATT - better from the point of overload, IMD's etc.
The RF gain control on my FT1000MP can reduce S9+60 signals to zero.

73
Stewart G3RXQ