[K3PZN-List] Transmitter keying spectrum and composite-noise test results

[Peter Morton]

I read the QST reviews for the following transceivers and tabulated 
parameters that are important to operating multiple transceivers at a 
Field Day site on the same band.

Below is a list of common transceivers followed my three parameters:

The first column is the keying spectrum at +4 KHz from the carrier, 
measured with a spectrum analyzer having a 10 Hz resolution bandwidth.  
These numbers are important for determining the amount of key-click 
heard when operating nearby.

The second column is the composite noise at 20 KHz from the carrier.  
Units are dBc/Hz.

The third column is composite noise 100 KHz from the carrier. Units are 
dBc/Hz.  This parameter is important when operating two transmitters, 
one phone and one CW, on the same band.

Note that the Elecraft K3 outperforms all those in the list.  I sorted 
the list from best to worst on the third column, composite noise at 100 
KHz offset.

K3/100      -90   -147  -155
TS-590      -88   -135  -138
IC-7700     -83   -135  -137
FT-DX5000D  -81   -130  -130
IC-7200     -88   -121  -121
FT-450D     -70   -112  -121
FT-DX3000   -81   -119  -119
FT-1000MP    NA   -133   NA

WX3B and W3LPL like the FT-1000MP so I've included it in the list.  The 
keying spectrum and 100KHz composite noise data were not available in 
the QST review.   I can conclude that the first four in the list are 
probably acceptable for FD use when comparing with the FT-1000MP, based 
on composite noise 20 KHz offset data. This, of course, does not imply 
that the others are not acceptable.

I find the FT-DX3000 numbers disappointing.

-Pete, W3GVX