[Elecraft] K3 on-channel strong signal overload?

[David Gilbert]

I don't think front end overload is your problem.  I've had S9 + 45db 
signals sound perfectly fine on my K3 with no audio distortion and no 
off-frequency artifacts at all.  I use the least amount of AGC possible 
... AGC THR = 008 and AGC SLP = 000.  The only way I've ever experienced 
audio distortion is when I turn the AGC off.

On the other hand, K6LL and others have pointed out that the AF limiter 
in the K3 kicks in a bit early even if it is set to the maximum of 30.  
It's a pretty abrupt limiting action that can cause audio distortion, 
and if you have yours set lower than 30 you'd probably hear problems 
with even weaker signals.

Also, are you using a speaker, either an external one or the one in the 
K3?  You could be getting mechanical resonances on strong signals if you 
are.

73,
Dave   AB7E




WILLIS COOKE wrote:
> I have had some similar observations on ten meters.  After reading your report I am inclined to agree with you.  I have a station about 5 miles away who I contact on a regular basis on 10 meters, both SSB and CW.  He is usually very distorted here and I have not been able to understand because others on the net do not seem to observe the distortion.  I have also heard a few stations with strong skip that seem the same way.  I have not tried a different antenna, but turning off the pre-amp helps some and engaging the attenuator helps even more.
>
> It makes sense to me that the front end overload clipping is activating and distorting the signal.  It may not be such a problem now that I think I understand what is going on.
>
> Willis 'Cookie' Cooke 
> K5EWJ
>
>
> --- On Sun, 5/3/09, orbarrett <hoosac19 at hotmail.com> wrote:
>
>   
>> From: orbarrett <hoosac19 at hotmail.com>
>> Subject: [Elecraft]  K3 on-channel strong signal overload?
>> To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
>> Date: Sunday, May 3, 2009, 9:39 PM
>> Hello all,
>>
>> I just finished operating my K3 from my friend's
>> driveway using a portable
>> dipole on 60M, and wanted to inquire about some incoming
>> signal overload
>> that cropped up.  I was joined while ragchewing with some
>> friends on 5371.5
>>     
>
>