[Elecraft] Noisy K-3 Receiver

[Mike]

Dick -
You said "running 1.2.10.27". That is the version number of the utility 
program used to load the firmware into the K3(among other things) , not 
what the K3 is running
. The version of that would be more relevant to this discussion. The 
current version is 3.68.

73, Mike NF4L

RLVZ at aol.com 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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