[Elecraft] [K3] need help with hiss on ssb receive

[Scott Manthe]

I've heard of this problem, but have never actually heard the problem on 
my K3, which has a serial number in the 3000 range. I'm sure you'll get 
numerous replies offering suggestions.

I'm curious, when you say you "hang out" on USB, does this mean you 
never operate below 10 mHz? Or do you operate on USB even on 40, 80 and 
160 meters? Personally, I don't notice much difference in the frequency 
response on USB and LSB, but that might be because I only operate USB on 
the bands above 10 mHz.

73,
Scott, N9AA

On 11/23/12 11:00 PM, Mike Rodgers wrote:
> I've been putting up with this hiss on receive for two years. Others have complained as well. It sounds like a rushing wind. Kinda like old cassette tape hiss. It's the dirty little secret no one wants to talk about and the first thing that comes up on other forums when you mention k3. The most common being "tiring to listen to.
>
> I think I've got it the best it can be but I'm looking for tips to make it better.
> It keeps me from listening wide. Any hi cut above 2400 starts to irritate me so that limits me to a width of 2.1!
>
> Others complain on LSB but to me it seems more noticeable on USB where I hang out.
>
> It's a two year old k3 #5047 running latest firmware (not the beta).
> It's not Agc related as its the same with agc off.
>
> I feel I have a very aggressive negative eq as follows.
>
> 0.  0.  0.  -3.  -3.  -12.  -12/16.  -16
>
> I love the rig except for this. I'm not planning to sell it but I would like to make it better if possible.
> Right now I'm stuck at a width of 2.1 because of this. Am I doomed to just get used to it? I can filter it out with a kenwood speaker with filters but that's really just doing the same as reducing hi cut or bandwidth.
>
> Any ideas welcomed.
>
> Thanks and 73
> Mike R
>
>
>
> Play me some fiddle, but no stinkin' violin!
>
> Amateur/Ham Radio KE5GBC
> HF & Echolink mobile