[Elecraft] K3 AGC Mush

[K5WA]

I really can't agree with the mush comment.  I've just returned from ZF1A
where we put almost 8000 Qs in the log over the CQWW CW weekend.  I took my
K3 and was able to evaluate it against the station's existing TS-850 since
we were M/S and rotated positions.  In my opinion, the 850 WAS mushy and the
K3 was very clear however, K6AM, our host (who is a VERY serious contester),
prefers the 850 since he has been using it for 10 years.  He also owns 4 K3s
but didn't bring them on the trip since the 850s "live" in Cayman and he
brought many pounds of other equipment.  Personal preference plays a huge
part of this discussion.  In this case, K6AM feels like his hearing is
limited to a frequency range of 6-7K while mine is still near 20K.  Maybe
that is part of the puzzle.

We regularly saw the 10 minute QSO rate meter in the 300 range and topped
400 occasionally.  I loved the way the K3 was able to plow through the
pileups which were calling us and work through them as fast as possible.
The only time I heard mush on the K3 was when we had worked down the pileup
and only had very low strength guys all calling on the same frequency (the
packet/reverse beacon spotting phenomenon).  These must have been micro-watt
QRP'ers or stations with minimal/indoor antennas.  I had my AGC on and
didn't have any time to try multiple settings but I am extremely happy with
the K3's receiver and think it is in the high end competition grade for me.

I am sending Eric my configuration file as he requested in case he is able
to find an improvement but I will be amazed if one can be found.  I've
always been extremely happy with Elecraft's commitment and motivation to
exceed expectations but they have already exceeded mine as it is.  ;-)

73,
Bob K5WA



>>>>>>>>>
This has been a very real problem for serious contesters and is the 
number one dissatisfaction I have with the K3 ... and with Elecraft.

Multiple low level CW signals within a narrow passband simply turn to 
mush and are very difficult to distinguish.  I use the bare minimum AGC 
settings in an attempt to cope since turning AGC completely off during a 
contest can be painful to both the ears and the K3 itself (as those who 
have had to replace their audio ICs can attest) but that often does not