[Elecraft] K3S Noise Reduction

[Charles Hill]

Richard,

I saw this explanation of a procedure to adjust the NB from this reflector.  I’ve tried it and it works.

Also see page 103 of “Getting the Most from Elecraft K3” by Fred Cody KE7X.

73,
Chuck K0MV

The approach I use for the Noise Blanker is this.

I first activate the NB and then the Level.   I start with the DSP OFF and the IF OFF.  I then adjust the DSP value for optimum results without it destroying the quality of the signal.  DO MAKE A NOTE OF THIS VALUE.  Then set the DSP back to OFF.  Then move to the IF and scroll through the settings in an effort to find optimum results.  Once this is done, leave the IF value as determined and return to the DSP and set it to the value previously determined.

This works for a given band and given type of noise.  Change bands or noise and do it all again.  There is no ONE setting correct for every condition.   Right now my 6M noise buzz is S-7 with the NB off.  Then turning it ON and adjusted as above the 6M noise is S-3.  That's 4 S units or 24 dB improvement.  I doubt you will get much better than this.

As to Noise Reduction, I find it best performs for CW mode. Again it takes careful adjustment to obtain optimum results.   I don't use NR for SSB signals. I prefer to adjust the Attenuation value and the RF Gain to produce optimum results when operating SSB.   I find optimum results occur when the no signal band noise is about 10 dB above the receiver noise floor.   In order to accomplish this operating point, one will need to use ATTENUATION and RF Gain reduction.   More gain won't aid in receiving weak signals, but just the opposite, as the signal will pop out of the noise.

I generally find using either NB or NR, but not both, is the better way to operate.  I doubt there is anything wrong with your radio.  Most likely the result is more related to receiver setting parameters.

73

Bob, K4TAX

> On Nov 6, 2022, at 18:33, Richard <FlatHat at comcast.net> wrote:
> 
> Is there ANY way to make the NR feature work worth a damn? In general, when I turn it on, the audio level drops to almost nothing, and none of the Adjustment setting do much of anything.
> 
> My other two radios, an old Icom and a new Icom, both have very effective NR features.
> 
> Is this a design heartbreak, or is my radio looking at ANOTHER trip to the factory?
> 
> Firmware # UC 05.67
> 
> Cheers.
> 
> Richard Kunc
> W4KBX
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