[Elecraft] K3 - Preamp gain

[Don Wilhelm]

Fred,

The real answer depends on your antenna system, and not on the gain of 
the preamp.

You should try each band with the preamp off and then on.  If attaching 
the antenna results in an increase in received noise, you have the K3 
set for the best usable sensitivity.  If that condition is met with the 
preamp off, then for that band, you should run with the preamp off.

73,
Don W3FPR

Fred Jensen wrote:
> Can someone tell me how much gain [like in S units] I should see from 
> the preamp?  This will sound weird but with the preamp on, the band is 
> full of sweepstakes signals, many very strong.  With it off, it is 
> almost silent.  15 is quieter than 20 with the preamp off, 20 and 40 
> are about the same -- preamp off = just discernible signals.
>
> I've probably set something wrong in one of the menus, just don't know 
> what.
>
> 73,
>
> Fred K6DGW
> - Northern California Contest Club
> - CU in the 2009 Cal QSO Party  3-4 Oct 2008
> - www.cqp.org
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