you might find this software useful: http://www.seed-solutions.com/gregordy/Software/SMeterLite.htm
On 10/12/2013 6:09 PM, Rich - K1HTV wrote:
Using K3 to measure noise levels Since the beginning of the year I've been plagued with power line noise on the 6 Meter band. Before I called the local power company I used my K3 and rotatable 6M yagi antenna to quantify noise levels in various directions. I wanted to set a baseline to measure any improvement after the power line crew completed their work. Using the K3 with the beam aimed in the most quiet direction I was able to get a 0.0 dBV reference level based on the AFV reading for that particular direction. Then rotating the yagi, I took dBV readings every 10 degrees from 000 degrees to 360 degrees. If you have a rotatable beam for the VHF, UHF or higher HF bands and would like to map the noise levels in various directions around your QTH, here is how to do it with your K3. - Turn on your K3 and move to an quiet frequency on the band to be used. - Turn TECH mode to 'ON"' (Hold 'Menu' button to get to 'CONFIG' menu) - Rotate VFO-B to 'TECH MD' and rotate VFO-A dial to display "ON". - Tap MENU button - Tap 'DISP' button - Rotate VFO-B dial until 'AFV nnnn' is displayed. This AFV reading (nnnn) will be used as the 0.0 dBV reference level to which noise levels in other directions will be compared. - Rotate VFO-B to the maximum clockwise direction to read 'dBV'. - Record this reading and its beam heading. It should be close to 0.0 DB (+) plus or minus (-) a half DB or so. ***Note*** Do NOT move VFO-B from 'dBV' to 'AFV'. Doing so will reset the reference voltage. If you have a long yagi you probably want to measure every 10 degrees. On the higher HF bands every 30 degrees should do. - When finished taking all of your readings for each beam heading, tap "DISP" to return to the normal VFO-B display. After making noise measurements a few months after the initial ones, I was able to determine the level of improvement (in dB) resulting from the work done by the power company crew. I also discovered a new noise source in a different direction which needs to be corrected. In addition to making noise measurements You can also use the K3 AFV/dBV procedure described above to plot your yagi pattern. All you need is a Ham friend within a few miles of you to provide a steady QRP level carrier (With ID every 10 minutes, of course). I was able to plot my 6M yagi pattern and determine that something, possibly guys or HF antennas, was distorting the beam's pattern in certain directions. Hope that you found this K3 information of some use. 73, Rich - K1HTV
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