[Elecraft] S-meter read S9 with no signal

[Don Wilhelm]

There are no 'default' settings for the S-meter.  The adjustment 
procedure is in the manual.  Do these steps in the order listed.
1) Set the AGC Threshold to 3.80 volts measured at Control Board U2 pin 5
Note - if your 8 volt regulator is on the low side of its specification 
you will not be able to achieve the 3.8 volt reading - in that case, 
measure the 8 volt regulator output voltage and calculate 45% of that.  
Set the AGC Threshold to that voltage.
2)  With no antenna connected, turn the RF Gain control to maximum (full 
clockwise), then enter the menu for CAL S LO.  Set the menu parameter 
one count above the value where the left bar turns off.  Exit the menu.
3)  Turn the RF Gain control to minimum (full counterclockwise), then 
enter the menu for CAL S HI.  Adjust the menu parameter to just 
illuminate the rightmost bar of the bargraph.  Exit the menu.
4) (Optional) If you have a calibrated signal generator that will 
produce a 50 uV output at a frequency the K2 can tune to (preferably 40 
meters), tune that signal for maximum S-meter reading with the preamp 
off.  If the S-meter reading is different than S-9, adjust the CAL S HI 
menu parameter to produce an S-9 indication.

If you cannot achieve these results, that is an indication that you need 
to do some troubleshooting.

73,
Don W3FPR


Ignacy wrote:
> I built my K2 yesterday. It worked right away but the minimum S-meter reading
> is S9, even with no antenna. With signals it easily goes to +60.
>
> The SMTR settings are default. I tried fiddling with them but it seems the
> problem is elsewhere.
>
> RF gain action is awkward. When decreased all the way the S-meter goes to
> +40 but not S60.
>
> The radio seems more noisy than Mark V Field. Still, one can hear an
> increase in noise when the preamp is turned on. 
>
> Have I messed up something in installation? 
> Ignacy, NO9E
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