[Elecraft] K3 Buffer Mod

[Bill W4ZV]

Jerry Flanders wrote:
> 
> 
>>At 08:16 AM 8/22/2008, Bill W4ZV wrote:
>>17.7 dB transfer loss from RF IN to IF OUT is why...
> 
> But isn't that just an engineering design decision made by the 
> Elecraft team? Since that decision was (hopefully) made with regard 
> to the entire radio system, isn't that decision likely to be a good one?
> 
> As one data point, my K3 is not modified, yet the IF panadaptor works 
> extremely well, and PowerSDR gives peak heights approximating the 
> true signal strengths seen at the input of the K3. When I feed in a 1 
> uV signal from my KG-2 signal generator, I see a definite distinct 
> peak on the panadaptor, and when I feed in a 50 uV (S9) signal, I see 
> a large S9 signal on the panadaptor.
> 
> I am a loss to understand why you guys are quarreling with the 
> Elecraft design in this instance. I am beginning to suspect that it 
> is simply because it does not agree with the usual designs provided 
> by some military contractors who are probably using an _arbitrary_ 
> "standard" anyway.
> 
> I would think twice before possibly damaging my radio or lowering its 
> resale value with non-factory authorized modifications.
> 

1uV (-107 dBm) is ~30 dB above the K3's noise floor.  One of the primary
reasons I wanted LP-PAN was to use either PowerSDR or CW Skimmer's waterfall
to help detect very weak (i.e. noise floor) signals.  Why would I want to
limit myself to signals 30 dB above the noise floor?  Answer:  I wouldn't!  

Elecraft is well aware of N8LP's mod, Wayne saw no problems with it at first
glance and is now considering whether to make it a production mod.  Both
N8LP and K8ZOA seem to feel it is not "damaging the radio, etc".

Begging your pardon Jerry but Elecraft does not always get everything right
the first time (e.g. the HAGC mod) but fortunately they are willing to
listen to data and rational arguments for potential improvements. 
Thankfully Elecraft is much more open-minded to improvements than most
manufacturers!

73,  Bill

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