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

[K9MA]

I make a deliberate choice to set the AGC threshold low, so I DO get AGC 
action on weak signals. Perhaps my ears just don't have the dynamic 
range they used to, but I find otherwise the strong signals are just 
uncomfortably loud.  Yes, I have to ride the RF gain to distinguish 
signals of different strengths, but I find that a fair trade-off.  Give 
the average age of hams these days, I doubt I'm the only one with such 
issues.  Of course, younger operators may want to treat their ears 
gently, to preserve that good dynamic range.

Note that high acoustic background noise can further reduce the 
difference between audible and painful.  The Radiosport headset is the 
best remedy I've found for that, short of putting the amplifier in 
another room.

73,
Scott K9MA


On 5/23/2018 15:37, Al Lorona wrote:
> 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


-- 
Scott  K9MA

k9ma at sdellington.us