[Elecraft] [K3] RX-settings w/ preamp?

[Lance Collister, W7GJ]

On 6/1/2010 11:07 AM, DM4iM wrote:
> Elecrafters,
> i have a masthead preamp for 6m with 18db gain wich i will install
> today. I would like to query the VHF people : What settings do you use
> with an external preamp in line?
>
> ATT ON or OFF?
> PRE ON or OFF?
>
> I feel the right answer is PRE OFF in combination with ATT ON
> for maximum performance, but i'm not sure.
>
> Martin
>
Hallo Martin,

Others may have other suggestions, but I I usually run it with BOTH and external and 
the internal preamp on.  However, here at my location, almost everything I am trying 
to work on 6m is very weak.  When the band opens up and signals become strong on Es, 
I have to completely turn off the NB, and then I also can turn off the internal 
preamp.  I have not needed to use the attenuator, but I suspect your strong signal 
environment over there is a bit more challenging.

As far as the tower mounted preamplifier is concerned, most of the weak signal 6m 
operators I know opt instead for low loss feedline and put the preamplifier in the 
shack next to the radio.  A receive-only preamplifier arrangement is much less 
expensive (and flexible, since you can easily add an amplifier) and the money saved 
can be put toward low loss coax, which will help also on transmit.

GL on the Magic Band!  VY 73, Lance

-- 
Lance Collister, W7GJ (ex: WN3GPL, WA3GPL, WA1JXN, WA1JXN/C6A, ZF2OC/ZF8, E51SIX)
P.O. Box 73
Frenchtown, MT  59834  USA
QTH: DN27UB
TEL: (406) 626-5728
URL: http://www.bigskyspaces.com/w7gj
2m DXCC #11/6m DXCC #815

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