[Elecraft] K3 RF Gain, Preamp, and Attenuator

[W1UE]

Doug

During contest work, I seldom use the preamp on bands 160-15M.  I find 
the preamp is
of use, at least in this point in the sunspot cycle, on 10M.  Other than 
that, the K3 has plenty
of gain.  I want to keep the signal level as low as possible into the 
all the mixers of the radio. 
When I work someone, all I'm interested in is hearing the signal; I 
don't care if he's S0 or S9.
By reducing the signal level into the mixers, I reduce the intermod 
created by the mixers.

I also use the ATT and RF Gain to assist in working a pileup.  There are 
three things that distinguish
a CW signal: Pitch, speed, and signal strength.  If I use AGC, the 
signal strength of  signals
between S6 and S9+ all tend to equalize somewhat, so I lose one of the 3 
variables  that help
me copy any one signal.  If I use AGC Off, I can more clearly hear the 
difference between an
S6 and an S8 signal.  If I reduce RF gain and/or add ATT, I can now hear 
only the S8 signals.
As I work the pileup down, I increase RF Gain and turn off the ATT. 

I use the same technique for any radio that I may be using. 

Nice to have worked you in many contests, and I hope to work you a bunch 
in the future.

Dennis W1UE