[Elecraft] Re: K3: S-meter calibration (redux)

[Brian Lloyd]

On Jun 7, 2007, at 9:50 AM, Leigh L Klotz, Jr. wrote:

> I wholly and completely disagree.

Interesting. It seems to me that we are saying the same thing.

> 1. S Meter standardization is a failed effort.  S meters are  
> "marketing" numbers.  dBuV or dBmW is the measure to use.  If you  
> are filing interference reports with the FCC and cannot figure out  
> how to convert your signal strength readings to dB relative units,  
> you need to make better measurements.

Precisely.

> 2. If Elecraft chooses to allow end-users to calibrate and set  
> their S Meter readings to have a known intercept (50uV at S9) and  
> slope (4dB, 6dB, 3dB), so much the better, as it helps number one.

That Elecraft allows it to be set to a standard and that it will be  
consistent from day-to-day and band-to-band is fantastic. It means it  
CAN be used for measurement. The only question is what the  
calibration will be. Since we have been taught that one S-unit  
represents a 6dB change, new kit should adhere to that. When I sit  
down at your radio and see a 1 S-unit change, I should be able to  
know what that means without having to ask you, "Hey Leigh, what are  
your S-meter calibration coefficients?" I don't have to do that with  
a wattmeter or a voltmeter, do I?

> 3. And, although I would not hold MSFT responsible for pushing  
> forward UI design, I certainly don't think they offer the best  
> options in terms of user configurability!

I think Microsoft has their head up their ... uh ... well, they are  
pretty clueless when it comes to coming up with a good UI. Their  
options su... are supremely suboptimal.

So, seems you are agreeing with me and I with you.

73 de Brian, WB6RQN
Brian Lloyd - brian HYPHEN wb6rqn AT lloyd DOT com