[Elecraft] KX3 Tech Question

[Jim Brown]

While setting up for a grid expedition next weekend, I fear that W6GJB 
and I may have blown up the front end of my KX3 -- transmitted 1kW FT8 
into a Yagi within 100 ft of the antenna connected to the KX3. Prior to 
that, I had a screen full of JA decodes on 6M, but after, I had none.

Returning from FD, I put the KX3 into an old HP generator of unknown 
calibration, and, for comparison, also fed the RX in of my K3. 50uv at 
50.09 MHz gave S9 on the K3, but only S5 on the KX3 with the preamp off 
and 5 dB over S9 with the preamp on.

I can clearly hear the preamp turning on and I could hear -143 dBm (the 
lowest level to which I can set the generator).

So, the question is, is this "normal?"  Is it possible that a protection 
diode has fried? This is major physical effort for the four guys 
carrying a complete station up a 3 mile trail that gains 1,000 ft, so I 
want to make certain that they're taking a good radio. :)

73, Jim K9YC