[Elecraft] K3 Noise Blanker Question

[Mike Warden]

I have Elecraft K3 Serial # 924 (kit) and, after a very straightforward
assemble, test, and calibration, everything appears to be working perfectly,
except for one small concern that may or may not be a real issue.  Any
advice would be appreciated.

 

When I am listening to any SSB signal (or AM signal) and I engage the Noise
Blanker (NB) function, both the S-Meter reading and the audio drop way down.
For example, if I am listening to an SSB signal at S-9 and have the audio
set at a moderate level, engaging the NB IF function, at any level from NAR1
through WID7 results in an S-Meter drop to S1 or lower and an audio drop to
an almost inaudible level.

 

I understand that the NB-IF function may result in some loss of the signal,
but the loss I'm experiencing seems excessive to me.

 

I have tried the NB function with the ACG set for Slow, Fast, and Off, with
the same results.

 

Is this normal, or do I have something set incorrectly?  Any advice would be
appreciated.

 

'73

-mike-

W2PY