[Elecraft] K3. RX too sensitive for me - S-meter/RFgain/absolute mode...

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

Sometimes we're just too picky about that "S-Meter". Many years ago (almost
before my time) a number of receivers had no meter but instead calibrated
the gain control in S-units (or the S-unit's ancestor, the "R-unit"). If you
wanted to see how strong the signal was, set the gain for a comfortable
volume and check the position of the knob. Of course 99% of us reported
signal strength "by ear" and didn't need a "calibrated" knob, Hi! 

I'm not entirely sure today's rigs are an improvement, at least in the area
of receiver gain control. They are, however, much more "automatic" and with
that comes limitations. I'm a heavy user of the ATTEN, Preamp and RF gain
control in any receiver. 

Ron AC7AC



-----Original Message-----
Helpful comments, Jim.
I ride the RF gain control on the K3 to very good effect.  The only problem,
as you point out, is that the S-meter won't read signal strength at the
antenna with the RF gain wound back.  I have my K3 s-meter set in absolute
mode, so using ATT or PRE does not influence the s-meter reading, but using
RF gain does.

On my TenTec Eagle, the S-meter reads independently of ATT, PRE AND RF gain
control.  I find this very helpful, given that rely on the RF gain control
adjustment to give me comfortable listening.  I can then look at the s-meter
and give a meaningful report without having to wind up the RF gain.

Is there a way of implementing this on the K3?  Is there any reason why this
hasn't been implemented in absolute mode?  Would be great if it could be.

73,
John
VK7JB