[Elecraft] K3 S Meter behavior

[Tom W8JI]

> Personally, I would prefer that the s-meter not operate in this way in
> ABS mode. RF Gain should have no effect on the s-meter action when in
> ABS mode, just as ATT and PRE do not.

It would probably screw up (highly technical term) how the system works, or 
require a separate receiver just for the S meter.

The RF gain must be ahead of the DSP system. This means the real signal 
level to the DSP could be reduced 30 dB or even significantly more than that 
amount.

How and why would someone design a DSP system that could measure the level 
on a signal that was not actually present??? There is no cheap or easy way 
to do that, so Elecraft does what everyone else does.  Ever since receivers 
began, the RF gain will either affect the absolute S meter reading in 
relationship to input level, or the S meter will show the increase in gain 
reduction by increasing resting S meter reading as the gain is reduced.

I think you want something that cannot be done.

Besides, S meter are pretty much meaningless anyway. I only use mine to tell 
me when I need to use an attenuator pad or a preamp.

73 Tom