[Elecraft] K3s/FT8 Audio Question

[Bill Frantz]

There is no reason to always run RF gain at maximum. Otherwise 
there wouldn't be a control.

I have always set up FT8 with the gains about 12 o'clock and 
adjusted the RF gain so the signal strength meter in wsjt-x is 
about 60 to 70. This adjustment gives the maximum level for the 
weak signals without overloading the analog to digital 
converter. The whole idea is to get every stage in the RF and AF 
chains in their linear range.

Sometimes when trying to copy a weak CW or SSB signal, dropping 
the RF gain so the band noise is barely audible will help.

73 Bill AE6JV

On 10/30/19 at 8:24 PM, FlatHat at comcast.net (Richard) wrote:

>The Elecraft K3s manual states over and over that the RF gain 
>should always be wide open. I had been running it at about 12 
>o'clock on FT8 for some time before this was brought to my 
>attention. I supposed that 100% RF gain could possibly show me 
>weak stations I’d not seen before, so I’m trying it.
>
>In order to keep the Audio Input to WSJT FT8 at a reasonable 
>level (nominally 40dB: noise only) with the K3s RF gain wide 
>open I have to run the SignaLink’s RX way down near full CCW. 
>Very touchy and hard to adjust. SignaLink’s JP2  jumper is 
>NOT connected. I do NOT use AGC, nor do I wish to.
>
>Oh, this is a Mac so the USB Audio Codec input has no level adjustment.
>
>Any suggestions as to what I might do to get SignaLink’s RX 
>back to about 12 o’clock where it used to be?
>
>Please reply to FlatHat at comcast.net
>
>Cheers!
>
>Richard Kunc  - W4KBX

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Bill Frantz        | When an old person dies, a   | Periwinkle
(408)356-8506      | library burns. - Joe McGawon | 16345 
Englewood Ave
www.pwpconsult.com | Irish Ethnographer           | Los Gatos, 
CA 95032