[Elecraft] Rev 4.51 firmware - what AGC settings worked on big pile-ups with loud AND weak signals in the WPX?

[Vic K2VCO]

Some 'suggested settings' include threshold = 20, which almost entirely turns off AGC, 
except for a 'soft limiting' effect that kicks in on very loud signals. I certainly 
wouldn't do this in a contest, when, as the post indicates, one does not want to keep 
one's hand on the gain control. In fact, I wouldn't do this for almost any kind of operating.

Nevertheless, I think the wider range of threshold settings is useful.I have been setting 
it to 12, and in my noisy location I find this a big improvement over the default of 8.

I only operated casually in the WPX, picking off needed band-countries by 
search-and-pounce. I probably would have reduced the threshold even further if I were 
spending hours running stations, to reduce fatigue.

On 5/29/2012 5:26 AM, Robby.VY2SS wrote:
> I had limited time available for the WPX and operated as VF2A. I loaded v4.51
> beta before the contest to try it out. I tried the settings mentioned above
> before the contest. I cannot imagine using them. I cannot imagine spending
> the entire contest with my hand on the  gain controls to prevent serious ear
> damage. I run my RF gain wide open. Always. I finally changed my settings to
> the defaults in my owners manual. I contested with both hands on the
> keyboard. I worked the weak stations with no difficulty and the strong ones
> with no pain. I do not expect every improvement to be useful to me. Everyone
> configures and uses their K3 differently. I am very impressed that Elecraft
> is able (and willing) to keep improving our equipment. I have never
> regretted buying anything from them.
>
> -Robby
> VY2SS

-- 
Vic, K2VCO
Fresno CA
http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/