I really can't agree with the mush comment. I've just returned from ZF1A where we put almost 8000 Qs in the log over the CQWW CW weekend. I took my K3 and was able to evaluate it against the station's existing TS-850 since we were M/S and rotated positions. In my opinion, the 850 WAS mushy and the K3 was very clear however, K6AM, our host (who is a VERY serious contester), prefers the 850 since he has been using it for 10 years. He also owns 4 K3s but didn't bring them on the trip since the 850s "live" in Cayman and he brought many pounds of other equipment. Personal preference plays a huge part of this discussion. In this case, K6AM feels like his hearing is limited to a frequency range of 6-7K while mine is still near 20K. Maybe that is part of the puzzle.
We regularly saw the 10 minute QSO rate meter in the 300 range and topped 400 occasionally. I loved the way the K3 was able to plow through the pileups which were calling us and work through them as fast as possible. The only time I heard mush on the K3 was when we had worked down the pileup and only had very low strength guys all calling on the same frequency (the packet/reverse beacon spotting phenomenon). These must have been micro-watt QRP'ers or stations with minimal/indoor antennas. I had my AGC on and didn't have any time to try multiple settings but I am extremely happy with the K3's receiver and think it is in the high end competition grade for me. I am sending Eric my configuration file as he requested in case he is able to find an improvement but I will be amazed if one can be found. I've always been extremely happy with Elecraft's commitment and motivation to exceed expectations but they have already exceeded mine as it is. ;-) 73, Bob K5WA >>>>>>>>> This has been a very real problem for serious contesters and is the number one dissatisfaction I have with the K3 ... and with Elecraft. Multiple low level CW signals within a narrow passband simply turn to mush and are very difficult to distinguish. I use the bare minimum AGC settings in an attempt to cope since turning AGC completely off during a contest can be painful to both the ears and the K3 itself (as those who have had to replace their audio ICs can attest) but that often does not ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[email protected] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
