[Elecraft] When do you use fast AGC?

[Tom Hammond]

Hi Jeff:

>The K2 is the first rig I've had that has adjustable AGC.  Under 
>what conditions would one benefit from using fast AGC?  It seems 
>that slow AGC is easier on the ears on CW.

FAST (or OFF) AGC is the only setting is EVER use on CW!

If you only work the 'strong ones', then using SLOW AGC will work 
well for you. However, if you work weak stations with SLOW AGC 
enabled, you'll find that a strong nearby station can (and often 
will) 'pump up' the AGC, thus REDUCING IF GAIN, to the point that the 
weak station will either drop significantly in signal level, or 
possibly completely disappear until the strong in-band signal is gone.

Additionally, using FAST or OFF AGC will give you a 'sharper 
sounding' CW note, which can be more easily copied, especially at 
higher speeds.

You'll have to ask a phone operator about using FAST/SLOW AGC on 
SSB... I have little experience there... <G>

73,

Tom Hammond    N0SS