[Elecraft] Using K3 to measure noise levels

[Sam Morgan]

also a review of S-Meter Lite here:
http://nk7z.net/review-of-s-meter-lite/

and more info on how Nk&z used it to chase his RFI problem(s) here:
http://nk7z.net/rfi-at-my-home-qth/

On 10/12/2013 6:24 PM, Sam Morgan wrote:
> you might find this software useful:
> http://www.seed-solutions.com/gregordy/Software/SMeterLite.htm
>
> On 10/12/2013 6:09 PM, Rich - K1HTV wrote:
>> Using K3 to measure noise levels
>>
>> Since the beginning of the year I've been plagued with power line
>> noise on the 6 Meter band. Before I called the local power company I
>> used my K3 and rotatable 6M yagi antenna to quantify noise levels in
>> various directions. I wanted to set a baseline to measure any
>> improvement after the power line crew completed their work. Using the
>> K3 with the beam aimed in the most quiet direction I was able to get a
>> 0.0 dBV reference level based on the AFV reading for that particular
>> direction. Then rotating the yagi, I took dBV readings every 10
>> degrees from 000 degrees to 360 degrees.
>>
>> If you have a rotatable beam for the VHF, UHF or higher HF bands and
>> would like to map the noise levels in various directions around your
>> QTH, here is how to do it with your K3.
>>
>> - Turn on your K3 and move to an quiet frequency on the band to be used.
>> - Turn TECH mode to 'ON"' (Hold 'Menu' button to get to 'CONFIG' menu)
>> - Rotate VFO-B to 'TECH MD' and rotate VFO-A dial to display "ON".
>> - Tap MENU button
>> - Tap 'DISP' button
>> - Rotate VFO-B dial until 'AFV nnnn' is displayed. This AFV reading
>> (nnnn) will be used as the 0.0 dBV reference level to which noise
>> levels in other directions will be compared.
>> - Rotate VFO-B to the maximum clockwise direction to read 'dBV'.
>> - Record this reading and its beam heading. It should be close to 0.0
>> DB (+) plus or minus (-) a half DB or so.
>> ***Note*** Do NOT move VFO-B from 'dBV' to 'AFV'. Doing so will reset
>> the reference voltage.
>>
>> If you have a long yagi you probably want to measure every 10 degrees.
>> On the higher HF bands every 30 degrees should do.
>> - When finished taking all of your readings for each beam heading, tap
>> "DISP" to return to the normal VFO-B display.
>>
>> After making noise measurements a few months after the initial ones, I
>> was able to determine the level of improvement (in dB) resulting from
>> the work done by the power company crew. I also discovered a new noise
>> source in a different direction which needs to be corrected.
>>
>> In addition to making noise measurements You can also use the K3
>> AFV/dBV procedure described above to plot your yagi pattern. All you
>> need is a Ham friend within a few miles of you to provide a steady QRP
>> level carrier (With ID every 10 minutes, of course).
>>
>> I was able to plot my 6M yagi pattern and determine that something,
>> possibly guys or HF antennas, was distorting the beam's pattern in
>> certain directions.
>>
>>
>> Hope that you found this K3 information of some use.
>>
>> 73,
>> Rich - K1HTV
>

-- 

GB & 73
K5OAI
Sam Morgan