[Elecraft] K3 S-meter Mode

[Lyle Johnson]

Paul Kirley wrote:
> When I tried setting K3 CONFIG:SMTR MD to ABS, I found that the S-meter reading then stayed constant regardless of the setting of the preamp/attenuator, in agreement with the Owner's Manual addendum.
> 
> However, the reading for a 50-microvolt input signal (with the preamp on and attenuator off) falls from S-9 to S-6 as CONFIG:SMTR MD is changed from NOR to ABS.
> 
> Shouldn't a 50-microvolt input signal produce an S-9 reading regardless of the setting of CONFIG:SMTR MD?  

No, that is what the ABS mode is available.  You are seeing the correct 
response.

In NOR the S Meter is affected by PRE and ATTN.

The default calibration assumes: NOR, PRE ON and ATTN OFF.  The drop you 
are seeing when you go to ABS is because the PRE gain is no longer 
allowed to affect the S Meter reading.

73,

Lyle KK7P