[Elecraft] Volume Level with NR

[Dale Wiese]

Wayne, 

I am going to disagree - I think its a real issue, and an area for K3 improvement.  While I have not been to Jim's shack to hear what he is hearing, it  sounds like what I have always observed, at least for SSB reception.   Engaging the NR significantly reduces the overall audio level.

When I engage the NR on my MkV or FT-847, the band noise drops away, but the perceived volume of the monitored voice stays about the same.  It is rare that I need to touch the volume control.  Yaesu NR is reasonably effective for turning a marginal signal into something that can be copied, and turning a strong signal with high band noise into something more pleasant to listen to.

On the K3, engaging the NR in SSB drops both the noise and the apparent voice level substantially, requiring that the volume control be turned up [a lot]  to copy the voice.   But then the noise is also increased.   Frequently it feels like the NR has done little to no good, but it is hard to tell.  Perhaps the ratio between the band noise and the desired signal is improved, but overall I would say its not.  Or not very much.   

The NR difference on SSB between the K3 and the Yaesu products I have used is large, and the K3 loses.  It is the _only_ K3 feature I find which is sub-par, and only for SSB - NR for CW seems much more effective.

73,
Dale
N9XD


On Oct 4, 2010, at 9:13 AM, Wayne Burdick wrote:

> Jim,
> 
> Some drop in apparent volume level is typical with NR. Part of the  
> drop is due to the removal of noise. Part of it may be a  
> psychoacoustic effect (sorry, I'm not an expert on this).
> 
> You might also try setting F5-1. Settings from F5-x to F8-x use a  
> different algorithm.
> 
> 73,
> Wayne
> N6KR
> 
> 
> On Oct 4, 2010, at 9:04 AM, Jim Harris wrote:
> 
>> 
>> Hi,
>> 
>> I've noticed recently that when I press NR the volume level drops  
>> what could be called a considerable amount.  I normally use NR  
>> setting of F-1-1 or -2.  More than that tends to almost mute the  
>> receiver.  I find that the volume control needs to be increased  
>> about 70 degrees or so to give the same loudness as before the NR  
>> was pressed with the above settings.  I have to manually change the  
>> volume every time I engage or disengage the NR.  I realize that most  
>> likely there should be some decrease in loudness but this seems to  
>> be excessive.
>> 
>> Does anyone have any meaningful experience or recommendations they  
>> can pass along.
>> 
>> Thank you.
>> 
>> 
>> Take Pride in the USA!
>> 
>> 73,  Jim, W0EM
>> 
>> 
>> 		 	   		
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