[Elecraft] Attentuation

[Ed Muns]

> Ralph K1ZZI wrote:
> > 
> > I just received my K3 last week (#2169) so I'm just getting 
> used to it. 
> > My FT-1000MP MKV had a 3 position anttenuation selector 6, 
> 12 and 18 dB. 
> > Many times I had the 18 dB pad cranked in on 160m.  I know 
> it's only 
> > one S unit difference from the K3 but sometimes it's just what you 
> > need to pull it out.  Wish I had more than one ATT choice.
> >

Bill W4ZV replied: 
> 
> One of the things you'll notice with the K3 is that you 
> seldom (i.e. never for me) need to bother with the attenuator 
> to reduce IMD or BDR problems. 
> That's one of the benefits of exceptional dynamic range.  The 
> K3 has about
> 10-15 dB more IMD dynamic range (91 at 5kHz for MP/Inrad 5k 
> roofing filter vs 102/106 at 5kHz for K3/500or400) than an Inrad 
> MP which will more than cover the 8 dB difference (18-10) in 
> attenuators.  
> 
> I nearly wore out the ATT switch in VY2ZM's FT-1000D last 
> year in the CQ 160 CW.  I'm looking forward to Jeff getting 
> his new K3 soon...or I'll take my own K3 if I return.  :-)

I'll see Bill's comment and raise it!  I also seldom, as in "never", use the
K3 ATT and have even used the PRE-amp on 40 meters for weak signals with a
very low band-noise background.  I'd never consider using a pre-amp on the
low bands with any other radio.

I just recalled the one application of the K3 ATTenuator I have used.  When
strong local contesters saturate my S-meter (zero-beat), I've used ATT to
see whether they were 60+ or 70+ dB over S9!  Of course, with the K3, when
these guys are at least 5 kHz away I don't even know they're on the band,
without a bandscope.

Ed - W0YK