[Elecraft] K3 S-Meter

[Don Wilhelm]

On the contrary, one can give an honest report even with the RF gain 
reduced (but only under certain circumstances).
If one has reduced the RF gain to the point (just) where the S-meter 
deflection is at the noise floor, then the S-meter readings should still 
be valid - you are simply reducing the receiver gain to keep from 
hearing the noise.

For instance, if your local noise floor is S-3, then reducing the RF 
gain so the S-meter reads a low of S-3, you will find an S-4 signal 
still " moving the meter" at S-4 - he is 1 S-unit higher than your noise 
level.  Would you want to report that signal strength at S-1 (if the RF 
gain did not increase the S-meter reading) or report him to be a 
realistic S-4.

Each to his own, but that is the way I see the picture.

Yes, reducing the RF gain to greater than the band noise level will skew 
the S-meter readings, but I do not use the RF gain control for that, I 
reduce the gain just to the point where the S-meter matches the band 
noise.  Signals stronger than that band noise will still be indicating 
at the level indicated on the S-meter.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 3/4/2013 7:22 PM, Toby Pennington wrote:
>   
>
>>> ...I would like to see the RF gain ride the signals instead of deflecting. W4CAK wrote>>>  Ralph, ve7Xf  wrote,I don't understand.
> The S-meter usually indicates the AGC voltage.
> I like it the way it is.
>
> Ralph, VE7XF
> Ralph,  I probably did not phrase that properly.   I would like to see the RF gain removed from affecting the S-Meter in any way.  Let us see the signals on the s-meter and at the same time have a very quiet copy on the received weaker signal. Every one wants a signal report,but if you have the RF gain up you dont see his signal in order to give a honest report. .  Toby  W4CAK
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