[Elecraft] RF gain sweet spot

[Don Wilhelm]

Ed,

Ok, I have just confirmed your experience (but I cannot explain it).  If 
I tune to a band where the noise level is S-3 and I reduce the RF Gain a 
bit (to the 2:30 or 3 o'clock position), the S-meter reading will 
reduce, but if I reduce the RF Gain more CCW, the S-meter reading will 
increase as expected.

The schematics tell me that the reduced RF Gain is the same as increased 
AGC - so there is something strange going on between the full CW 
position of the RF Gain control and the 3 o'clock position.  It does not 
respond as I would expect.  Maybe Lyle can chime in with some "words of 
wisdom" to explain this "happening" - Wayne is on vacation, so I don't 
think he can be of much help right now.

Ed, I no longer doubt your report - but I do find it a bit strange.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 7/21/2011 4:52 PM, K7WIA wrote:
> Ok we did the RF calibration per the K3 utility program using the XG3 for the
> signal source and I see no change with the way the S meter responds,  being
> I use the  K3 for 6 meters only I set the S meter calibration for that band
> using the XG3 this is how my S meter is set up in the Confg. menu.
>
> SMTR OF: 027
> SMTR SC: 012
> SMTR PK: OFF
> SMTR MD: NOR
> this is set with the preamp on in the K3
>
> -107 dbm = S3
> -73 dbm = S9
> -33 dbm = 40/9
>
> Ed K7WIA
>