[Elecraft] K3 output buffer modification‏

[Bill Davis Jr]

  I have a K3 that has the higher gain IF output (#3460). I follow the IF output with the Cliffton Labs buffer and then a SoftRock SDR for a panadaptor. I use Rocky SDR software by VE3NEA for my weak signal panadapter. Power SDR for non weak sig conditions. (mostly HF)

  Since my interest is VHF-Microwave, the K3 is preceded by transverters for all bands 6meters and above. I DO NOT have QRM issues at these frequencies (except perhaps 6m during Es season) and as a result I run my noise floor at 28Mhz on the K3 at about S2 for all the transverters. I feel that a little bit of IF gain helps with detecting weak siganls on the panadapter. 

  I can see signals on Rocky (CW sigs are easier) that I can not copy. It is this weak signal spotting that is why I want the panadapter. When I compare this panadaptor to a very optimized SoftRock 28Mhz IF paanadapter system, I am giving up at worst a couple db.

  I CONTINUE to be very happy with this combo. VERY weak SSB signals are hard to see in the noise HF or VHF. 

73  Bill  K0AWU  EN37ed