[Lowfer] Level settings

[Andy - KU4XR]

Hi J.B. :::

I have tried both ways you mention. From my own exeprience ( others may differ ), I leave the RF Gain at maximum gain ( minimum reduction ), and that seems to work best with my setup here. Reducing the RF Gain, or in other words, trying to control the audio level with the RF Gain control has adverse effects on received signals, and if the RF Gain is reduced too much; a weak signal that is actually there, may not get through. I do all my audio control by using a combination of the AF Gain on the radio, and the settings of my DSP filter software.
One thing I have noticed, and I'm sure you have too, is that " more, is NOT necessarily better " from an audio standpoint anyway. Some of the software packages do not like high audio levels. I have gotten the best results by using audio input levels from 5% up to around 25% depending on the program I am using.
On AGC; I usually leave mine set to fast. This has the least effect on weak signals by letting the gain return to maximum as quickly as the rig will allow after a heavy static burst, or gain reduction from a nearby strong signal that " Pumps " the AGC voltage. As with many modern HF rigs, I can't turn the AGC off, that's why I use the fast setting.
I do use the Noise Blanker. On my Kenwood TS450S, it is very effective at greatly reducing the effects of static crashes, and powerline buzz, and yet not affect the received signal. I have no trouble in decoding any digital mode while using the Noise Blanker in this particular radio, and sometimes I can't get decodes without using it due to rapid impulse noise. I mention " This particular radio " because I also have a YAESU FT757 GX-II, it has great receive at LF, but its Noise Blanker will obliterate signals when you turn it on, and does not do a good job at reducing the noise either. So using a Noise Blanker will depend on whether or not it works for your particular setup. Basically; try it and see....

Well, that's my 2 cents worth; 73 to all :::


Andy - KU4XR - EM75xr - Friendsville, TN. USA
LOWfer Beacon " XR " @ 185.29875 KHz ( QRSS-60 ) - Temporarily OFF
Coordinates:  N:  35º 43' 54" - W:  84º 3' 16"
http://www.myspace.com/beaconxr


--- On Thu, 7/8/10, John Bruce McCreath <weazle at hurontel.on.ca> wrote:

> From: John Bruce McCreath <weazle at hurontel.on.ca>
> Subject: [Lowfer] Level settings
> To: rsgb_lf_group at blacksheep.org
> Cc: "& UK) and MedFer bands Discussion of the Lowfer (US European" <lowfer at mailman.qth.net>
> Date: Thursday, July 8, 2010, 9:23 AM
> Hello LFers, Lowfers,
> 
> When setting the audio levels being fed to the various
> digital modes running on our computers, is it best to set
> the R.F. gain at a fixed spot and adjust the level with the
> A.F. gain, or visa versa?  I've been playing here over
> the last week or so and I can't seem to come to any real
> conclusion.
> 
> 73, J.B., VE3EAR
> 
> LowFER Beacon "EAR"
> 188.830 kHz. QRSS30
> EN93dr
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
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