[Elecraft] General testing for key clicks: AGC

[Vic K2VCO]

Linden, Mike (BRC-Hes) wrote:
>   Should the receiver's AGC be disabled when testing a transmitter for
> key clicks -- does it matter? Does it make the transmitter "sound" worse
> or better?

I doubt that it matters.  What *does* matter is that you must listen 
*away* from the transmitter's frequency.

To check for clicks, use your narrowest filter and tune off the signal 
frequency, both up and down.  If the transmitter is producing clicks, 
you will hear them when the actual signal is outside the passband.  Some 
rigs produce clicks 3 or more KHz from the frequency.

Some people think that you check for clicks by listening to the signal 
and hearing how 'hard' it sounds.  This is not the case; you can easily 
soften the signal to your ear by using a narrow filter.  The real test 
is "is the transmitter generating click energy away from the signal?"
-- 
73,
Vic, K2VCO
Fresno CA
http://www.qsl.net/k2vco