[Elecraft] K3 Need for compressor

[Dave G4AON]

Steve

Using compression here I obtain absolutely superb SSB audio from my K3, 
it sounds really nice and does not have excessive microphone levels to 
the point where background noise is a problem. I've had several 
unsolicited reports saying how good the transmission sounds, it isn't 
broke so it doesn't need fixing as far as I am concerned.

Anyone with sufficient fan noise from an amplifier to be picked up on 
their microphone should be looking for a quieter amplifier!

73 Dave, G4AON
K3/100 #80, Kenwood MC-43S microphone, Acom 1000 linear (they are very 
quiet)
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It seems that without the compressor it is difficult to obtain full SSB
output. I'm listening to a guy right now on 160m in QSO. He had is
compression on and as can be expected, was picking up plenty of fan noise
from his amplifier. He was advised to "turn off the compression". This he
did and the fan noise went away but he complained about insufficient drive
to his amp and his K3 was only putting out 38 watts now.
I don't have a decent peak reading wattmeter but I think weak RF output 
is a
common complaint. I just wonder if Elecraft expects everyone to run some
degree of compression? Or are we interpreting the PWR meter on the K3
incorrectly?
Steve Ellington
N4LQ at insightbb.com <http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft>