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

[KD8NNU]

I have hiss problems with all my radios.   In the mobile operations I use 
DSP amplified speakers to kill hiss.

For the K3 me I went to external amplified stereo speakers and cut the 
treble down.

I almost never use my head phones due to the hiss.   However, since the 
shack is in the basement I don’t need earphones very often.

I did use an external equalizer when I first got the K3 but I had RF issues 
with it so I had to take it out of line.    I might have to give it a try 
again as I fixed my RF problems so maybe it would work and I could use the 
earphones again.  However I am not sure it would be worth the effort.

Don

~73
Don
KD8NNU
-.- -.. ---.. -. -. ..-
-----Original Message----- 
From: Mike Rodgers
Sent: Friday, November 23, 2012 11:00 PM
To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] [K3] need help with hiss on ssb receive

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
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