[Elecraft] a question to Wayne Burdick - K3S if gain

[Don Wilhelm]

The filter gain settings are only the suggested starting points, and 
will work if your particular filters are "average", but in fact the 
optimum setting will vary from filter to filter.

One method for determining the proper gain to use is to use the gain 
metering in the K2 itself and a signal generator.
You will be using AFV and dBV in the Alternate VFO B display.  See page 
38 of the K3S manual.  Be sure to turn Tech Mode ON in the configuration 
menu.

Turn AGC off and center the signal in the narrowest filter (in CW mode).
Then go to the widest filter. (stay in CW mode)
Set the audio gain for a comfortable level and look at the K3S AFV - 
wait until it settles.  Do not readjust the AF gain until finished.
Change the VFO B display to dBV - it should read zero dB.
Now switch to FL2 and again note the dBV value - if it is also zero, you 
already have the correct FLx GN value set.  If not zero, make note of 
the dBV value and do the same with FL3.

Once you have the dBV readings from the procedure above, you may go into 
the CONFIG:TXx GN values up or down by the dBV values you measured.

This procedure is indicated on page 40 of the K3S manual, but I believe 
I have provided more detail.

For setting the AGC for your K3S, you might want to look at the 
information contained in the "Noisy K3" article on my website www.w3fpr.com.
KE7X, Fred Cady also has some information on his website.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 7/8/2018 7:49 AM, IK4EWX wrote:
> I need an info, and this time I thought "why not ask to the Elecraft nr.1 top
> tech?"
> If it is possible.
> On my Elecraft K3S, sn 10715, the if gain, or better the FLx GN, was setted
> 0 for FL1 (2700hz-5 pole),
> 4 for FL2 (500hz-5 pole) and 8 for FL3 (200hz-5 pole).
> I read somewhere that it would be better 0 for wide filter, 2dB for medium
> filter, 4 dB for narrow filter.
> What is better Wayne? Can I use on my great K3S 0dB-2dB-4dB? Or you prefer
> other settings?
> C op 99% of time...