[Elecraft] [K3] Using K3 for relative noise survey

[Wes Stewart]

I was going to recommend what Don says with a twist.  (BTW, it's page 38 in the 
K3S manual)

To get a normalized noise reading, terminate the RX antenna connector, select it 
and let the AFV value stabilize.  Then select the normal antenna and the dBV 
display.  This will display the ratio of external noise to a 50 Ohm 
termination.  Mode and BW will have some effect but as long as they are constant 
you will get good info.  Of course, all of this assumes no signals in the passband.

Wes  N7WS

On 8/1/2017 7:58 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
> Dave,
>
> You can use the Alternate VFO B display of AFV to give better resolution than 
> the S-meter.  See page 36 of the K3 manual.  You must have the CONFIG: TECH 
> MODE turned on to show the AFV entry.
>
> If you want to see the difference between two values, there is also the DBV 
> alternate VFO B display which will show the difference in dB between 2 noise 
> or signal settings.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> On 8/1/2017 10:17 AM, Dave Sublette wrote:
>
>>>
>>> I currently live in a townhouse and have made an offer on a few acres in a
>>> more rural area. I would like to measure the relative noise levels between
>>> the two locations to reduce the probability of surprises or disappointments
>>> should I close the deal.  I have gotten access to a very good battery
>>> powered spectrum analyzer and plan to use a tripod-mounted 6 foot whip and a
>>> 20 dB LNA to measure the noise levels at each location.
>>>
>>> While setting this up, I though it would be interesting to try to also use
>>> the K3 to measure noise with the same antenna (but without the LNA).  I've
>>> written a Python script to control the K3 as it steps through each band and
>>> records S meter levels.
>>>
>>> I'm looking for recommendations on K3 settings for this purpose.  Specific
>>> questions I have are:
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:Elecraft at mailman.qth.net
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to wes_n7ws at triconet.org
>