[Elecraft] Regarding the K3 and high QRN levels

[Nate Bargmann]

I'm lurking this list to gain a feel for the K3.  As it seems to be the
hot item these days, it's growing (glowing?) reputation makes it worth
looking into.

Recently, a thread took place on eHam (I know, I know...) about an op's
issue with another DSP based rig and high levels of QRN.  A comment in
the thread from another op leaves the impression that his K3 also has
the same response to high levels of QRN, a sort of reverb as he
described it.  Here is the thread in question:

http://www.eham.net/articles/23975

My main desk rig is an FT-920 that I've had for over ten years and its
DSP functions have seemed to help a lot with reducing the effect of QRN
and I've not noticed what was described by the poster.  As a K3 would
necessarily replace the '920, I certainly would not want to take a step
backward especially since QRN is common with 75m nets during the summer.

My questions are twofold.  First, is the "reverb" common or is it just
certain ops who notice it?  Second, from my research I know that the K3
is heavily DSP based, but also has provisions for IF filtering.  Can te
DSP essentially be "turned off" or otherwise disabled so that it
functions as an analog rig which posters in that thread claimed as
superior.  Perhaps this is much to do about nothing.

Don't get me wrong, I'm quite impressed by the various videos I've
watched of the K3 in action which is the closest I can get to operating
one before I buy.  The numbers and the reviews look very good and I'm
considering purchasing one later in the year.  The QRN issue with DSP
took me a bit by surprise which is why I'm asking.

Thanks!

73, de Nate >>

-- 

"The optimist proclaims that we live in the best of all
possible worlds.  The pessimist fears this is true."

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