[Elecraft] Noisy K-3 Receiver

[Enno, PF5X]

Hi Dick,

I have both a K3 and FT-1000MP. I agree that the K3 can have a somewhat
noisy behaviour leading to listening fatigue. I have the impression that the
various F/W versions in the past gave different AGC behaviour influencing
the "noisiness". I played quite a while with the AGC SLP and AGC THR
parameters in the config menu (TECH MODE ON !!).

I am not behind the rig right now, but I remember decreasing the SLP and
increasing the THR parameter tend to give a more old-fashioned "analog"
listening experience. If you play a bit with these parameters you'll find
out whether you can make your K3 sound more to your linking.

In any case, on the weak signal side I can hear equally well on both radios.
On the loud signal/crowded band side the K3 is much better, also due to the
fact that I have both 500 and 250Hz roofing filters (which I let kick in at
650 and 350Hz respectively, something I can recommend to everyone to try). 

-- Enno, PF5X
K3 #1263


RLVZ wrote:
> 
> Hi Guys,
> 
> I'd appreciate your thoughts as to why my K-3 receiver is so noisy.  I'd 
> really like to make this radio perform.  The radio is Serial #603F
> (factory 
> model) running 1.2.10.27.  I purchased the unit from the original owner a 
> couple of months ago so I don't know if it's always been this noisy but I
> do 
> know it was the same before I  recently updated software to 1.2.10.27.  
> The 
> radio is in immaculate condition and was never used mobile or bounced
> around.  
> (it's a beautiful radio that looks like new!)
> 
> I say the receiver is noisy based upon listening to dozens of different 
> signals on: 40/20/15 m. and by doing numerous A/B comparison tests.  The 
> comparison tests were done with the K-3 Pre-Amp turned Off.  (and tried
> with ATT 
> on and off but mostly on to reduce noise).  
> 
> Radio 1: Yaesu FT-1000-MP w/AF Mod.  A signal is peaking S-8 and with the 
> no signal noise level is averaging S-1.  Therefore, the signal is peaking 
> aprx. 7 s-units above the noise based upon the MP s-meter and the signal
> sounds 
> loud and is way above the noise level.  Now I switch to the K-3:
> 
> Radio 2: K-3 tuned to the same signal with PreAmp Off and is peaking S-7 
> but the no signal noise level is noisy S-4 to S-5.  Therefore, the signal
> is 
> peaking only about 2 or 3 s-units above the noise level based upon the K-3 
> s-meter.  The result is that the MP has aprx. a 4 s-unit  S/N ratio
> advantage. 
> 
> 
> Thoughts: I realize that all s-meters read differently and the fact that 
> the MP s-meter shows a 4 s-unit stronger signal above the noise level 
> doesn't 
> mean alot.  But the fact is that the signal on the MP sounds MUCH louder 
> with alot more headroom above the noise level.  The K-3 receiver sounds so 
> noisy even with the S-7 signal that it isn't enjoyable listening to and
> that's 
> why I ran the comparisons because I couldn't stand all the noise. 
> Switching 
> on the K-3's NR, ATT, and/or adjusting the RF Gain does help some but the 
> signal still sounds noisy compared to the MP.  
> 
> Based upon "Reviews" of the K-3 I believe that I must have an unusual "K-3 
> noisy receiver" problem.
> 
> I'd sure appreciate your ideas on how I can get a better S/N ratio on my 
> K-3.       
> 
> Thanks!
> 
> 73,
> Dick- K9OM
> 
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