[Elecraft] K3 - background hiss

[Don Wilhelm]

Bob,

The K3 has more reserve gain than most other receivers, and the lack of 
signals cause the AGC to set the receiver top full gain.

With other receivers, I usually can run the preamp to advantage, but 
with my K3 it is fine without the preamp on.

Do you have the preamp on?  If not, perhaps you want to turn on the 
attenuator.  To tell if you have enough gain, disconnect the antenna and 
then reconnect it.  If the receiver can hear the "antenna noise" you can 
reduce the gain even further - perhaps by reducing the RF Gain.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 4/28/2012 6:42 PM, Bob K6UJ wrote:
> I have a Kenwood TS-590S for a back up to my K3 and it has a noticeably quieter background than the K3.
> I believe we should be able to address this with the NR in the K3,  I'm still learning how to adjust the NR.
>
>
> Bob
> K6UJ
>
>
>
> On Apr 28, 2012, at 12:15 PM, hawley, charles j jr wrote:
>
>> I remember that my Kenwood 850 was quiet like that compared to my Yeasu 990. Possibly how the agc is handled by Kenwood?
>>
>> Sent from my iPad
>>
>> On Apr 28, 2012, at 8:07 AM, "Bill"<bill at w2blc.net>  wrote:
>>
>>> I have had my K3 for a couple of months - so I am still learning.
>>>
>>> At this point, my primary concern is the amount of background hiss that
>>> I have when no signals are being received. For example: When on 75 this
>>> AM I am listening to a local net. When no one is talking the background
>>> hiss rises.
>>>
>>> When I switch to my TS-480, signals are just as strong and everything is
>>> the same - EXCEPT there is nearly zero background hiss. I use the ATT on
>>> both rigs. I much prefer the near FM silence of the 480.
>>>
>>> I have already reduced it somewhat by use of the RX Equalizer. However,
>>> it needs a lot more reduction to get to what I feel is an acceptable
>>> level. Of note: I live in a rural area that has no background noise -
>>> daytime level on 75 meters is zero.
>>>
>>> Suggestions would be most appreciated.
>>>
>>> Bill W2BLC
>>>
>>> -- 
>>> IN GOD I TRUST (but, NOT a single politician)
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