[Elecraft] Noise Blankers

[Wayne Burdick]

Hi Tom,

You'll get a lot of opinions on noise blankers, I suspect :)

Here's my 2 cents: The K3's combination of two noise blankers -- one  
at the 1st IF and one at the DSP -- can work wonders on all sorts of  
noise. But it's especially good with power-line noise (loads of that  
at my QTH). The K3 doesn't pre-filter down to 15 kHz, which means the  
sharp pulse rise-times are preseved. This means you can typically keep  
the IF blanker's threshold very high, minimizing the type of IMD that  
all IF blankers cause. The DSP blanker is icing on the cake,  
especially if you also have complex noise like that from switching  
supplies, etc. (stuff that drifts a lot).

That said, I suggest you borrow a K3 and try it at your QTH. We can  
find a nearby K3 owner for you, or you can ask on the reflector.

Good luck with whatever rig you choose, and don't hesitate to post  
further questions.

73,
Wayne
N6KR

On Jan 6, 2010, at 5:38 PM, Tom Bickley wrote:

>
> I'm overdue for a new radio (at least, that's what I am telling my
> XYL). In considering the purchase, unfortunately one of the major
> considerations I must take into account is
> the noise blanker function. I have recently moved to an area with A  
> LOT
> of power line noise. I have high voltage lines around my immediate  
> QTH.
> It is a constant S3 to S5 on all bands above 7 MHz and, sometimes on
> really
> cold mornings, a seperate, additional noise kicks in that takes it to
> S9 or more. I am trying to locate these noise sources but have been
> unable to so far. I must run the noise blanker on my old TS-850s at  
> all times to help me manage this problem. With the NB engaged (which
> is 'always') I have audio distortion created from nearby signals,
> especially stronger  signals within 30
> kc's of my receive frequency, no matter at what level I run either  
> of the noise
> blankers.
>
> I would like to hear from K3 owners who might have
> 'line noise problems' and know how the noise blanker in your K3  
> handles
> the problem.
>
> Mni Tnx / 73 >  K4NA  		 	   		
> 		 	   		
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