[Elecraft] K3 S-Meter and Noise

[Radio Amateur N5GE]

On Thu, 24 Sep 2009 15:18:33 +0000, Jim Harris <w0em at q.com> wrote:

>
>Hi All,
>
>I've had my new K3 up and running for about a week after replacing the DSP board during assembly due to the 5vdc rail being shorted to ground.  The S-meter shows about S-2/3 noise and there is about an equal level of noise from the speaker.  I have an IC-756ProIII sitting beside it and it shows S-0 with minimum noise from the speaker.  Of course, I'm using the same mode and have set the filters in both to the same width.  I have played with the preamp and attenuator in both and the K3 always shows a higher noise level with accompanying S-meter reading.  
>
>My K2 is extremely quiet and does just great on the many portable trips I take.  I may well be missing something on the K3 in all the myriad menu settings of the K3 but don't have a clue at this point as to how to proceed.  I sure don't want to think this $2000 radio has such a noise problem and I'm going to have to live it.  Does anyone have any information that may help?  I would be most appreciative.
>
>Thank you, have a good day and 73.
>
>Jim, W0EM
>
[snip]

Have you compared the two rigs with their antennas disconnected?  Are
they both on the same antenna?  Have you calibrated the Icon/K2
S-Meters with a known 50 microvolt signal?  What band are you on?

Just a guess, but it sounds like the K3 has a  more sensitive RX than
the other two.

73,

Tom, N5GE

n5ge at n5ge.com
K3 #806, K3 #1055, PR6,
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