[Elecraft] More data on K3 Receiver S meter calibration

[Mike Sullivan]

I got one response from Don W3FPR who indicated I should try S-Meter Config MD: to ABS "which causes the S-Meter reading to stay fairly constant but require SMTR OF and SC to be re-aligned" and to "find a happy medium for the setting".

The K3 internal Tuner was bypassed.

I did that and have prepared the following table of  observed S meter values (utilizing the XG3):


Band    -73 dBm      -33 dBm
160           S9                S40
   80          S9                S40
   40          S9                S45
   30          S9                S40
   20          S4                S10
   17          S9                S40
   15          S9                S40
   12          S9                S40
   10          S9                S40

I did double check the XG3 with the Rigol Spectrum Analyzer and it was dead on.

The obvious question is why is the 20 meter results so different from the other bands?  I am enough of a purist to send the K3 back for a re-alignment,  but could an incorrect component been assembled on the receiver board?

Any ideas?