[Elecraft] When to use the preamp on the K3/K3S

[Al Lorona]

Scott,

If the weakest signals are already activating the AGC, that's the exact condition that leads to the many 'my K3 is noisy' complaints that we see here. Plus, that tends to make all signals sound like they're the same strength, another complaint we've heard in the past.

In fact, you don't want weak signals activating AGC. You want strong signals, above a certain threshhold (AGC THR on the K3) to activate it.

This gives you a nice, quiet linear region where weak signals sound weak, and stronger signals sound stronger.


In addition, overload should not determine whether you turn off the preamp! That's way bad advice.

Here's the general principle: you should only use as much gain as you need. AF as well as RF. Less is usually better. Your ears will not be blown by reducing your receiver gain.

R,

Al  W6LX