[Elecraft] K3 S-meter calibration

[W6NEK]

Hi Dave,
I am curious what version of firmware you're running in your K3.  My K3 (SN
312) is running the latest firmware (MCU 1.66 & DSP1 1.52).  I have CONFIG
menu "SMTR OF = 024 & SMTR SC = 014) with PRE AMP on.  As expected my
S-Meter reads S9 with 50uv applied from a XG1 signal generator.  However,
when tuning in local broadcast stations, which are S9+50 db on three other
receivers, my K3 only reads S9+20 db.  In addition, if I turn my RF Gain
Control fully counter clock wise (anti clock wise) the S-Meter only reads S7
rather then full scale.  I thought this S-Meter performance was a known
problem that was being address by Elecraft.  However reading your post makes
me think I have a serious AGC problem in my particular K3.  Have any others
experienced the same results I have or does your S-Meter read full scale
with RF Gain turned all the way down?  If you tune into nearby broadcast
stations or have a signal generator what is the maximum your S-Meter reads
with a given input?

I'm returning my K3 to Elecraft for repair of an audio problem (no internal
speaker or external speaker audio unless CONFIG menu "SPKR+PH=yes".  Then I
have audio.  Acts like I always have headphones plugged in (which I do not). 
Also do not have "LIN OUT' audio when connected to known good computer
soundcard.  I figure while it's at Elecraft if I have an S-Meter/AGC problem
I'll have that fixed too.  So the question is: am I the only one who has an
S-Meter response as described above?

Thanks for any input,
Frank - W6NEK



Dave G4AON wrote:
> 
> Bryan
> 
> You can set the S-Meter to whatever you want, given that most other HF 
> transceiver S-Meters are nowhere near as accurate as that in a K3. The 
> recommended setting with firmware ver 1.66 is SMTR SC=14 and SMTR OF=24 
> (from the firmware notes), whether you calibrate yours with the pre-amp 
> on or off is a personal choice depending on your use of the pre-amp. As 
> I mostly use the bands from 80m to 20m without a pre-amp, I calibrated 
> mine without the pre-amp.
> 
> I find my K3 to have a very accurate S-Meter, when set for S9 = 50 uV pd 
> (-73 dBm), S9 + 20 = -53 dBm, S9 + 40 = -33 dBm and S9 + 60 = -13 dBm. 
> It's not bad down to about S6, but I'm not too concerned about that.
> 
> 73 Dave, G4AON
> K3/100 #80
> http://www.astromag.co.uk/k3/
> ==============================
> 
> I am fully satisfied with my K3 s/n 181, in every respect, it exceeds my 
> expectations, thank you Elecraft and company. I am puzzled by the 
> reference on page 9 to Nom S9=50microvolts, preamp on, and for the setup 
> of [MAIN] SMTR SC. As arrived the settings gave me S9 as 50microvolts, 
> preamp off, using my XG1. I seem to have been puzzled when I built my 
> K2, s/n 4421 as well.
> Whats the correct method ?
> 
> 73 Bryan GM3AKF
> _______________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Post to: Elecraft at mailman.qth.net
> You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
> Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
>  http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft    
> 
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
> Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
> 
> 

-- 
View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/Re%3AK3-S-meter-calibration-tp15397426p15398877.html
Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.