I''ve been somewhat frustrated with the same issue. I purchased the Array Solutions (AS) Front End Protector, as you mention. When I first connected it, I was treated with terrible noise and images all over the 20 meter and 40 meter bands. I returned the unit to AS, and they tested it and found no problems. After further investigation, I discovered that the RXFEP was being overloaded by broadcast signals, both from the US Commercial AM broadcast band (550 to 1600KHz) as well as very strong signals from some short wave broadcasters. These short wave stations are on 5 MHz and believe it or not, even one station in Alabama transmitting on 13.830, which pegs my K3's S-meter at +60dB over S9 at certain times of the day depending on conditions and the orientation of my RX loop. All of these together overload the RXFEP. Putting my antenna into a scope input, I can see more than 2 volts p-p during the day, and up to 5 volts p-p at night!!! If I did my calculations right, that's around +18 dBm!
So then I purchased the receive-only broadcast filter from AS, and that improved my situation 95%. Now I need to eliminate the energy from the other 5, 12 and 13 MHz broadcasters. Even with the RXFEP installed, I still have COR clicking on 40 meters, likely due to the proximity of my Rx Loop to my 40-meter vertical. I HATE relay clicks, and LOVE the fact that the K3 is such a great CW rig with silent TR switching. But...the only solution so far I've found is to connect the K3 key out jack to the power tap from my Inlogis Rx Loop. Unfortunately, that is a relay, and gives me audible clicks when I send CW. I am in the process of further investigation/testing, and I'm going to try some bandbass filters to see if I can alleviate the overloading issue. But I might also be forced to relocate my loop or vertical to eliminate the need to use a relay in the rx antenna circuit. I would appreciate hearing about other's experiences. 73, Chris K1AY disclaimer: I don't mean to bash Array Solutions. I think the AS-RXFEP is a great product, and AS has other great products. Best money I ever spent in amateur radio was my recent purchase of the AS AIM4300. On Thu, Aug 6, 2015 at 12:40 PM, Nr4c <[email protected]> wrote: > I'm looking for a device to protect my K3S front end when using a RX > antenna. As I key my rig I can hear the COR clicking and it's making me > nervous. > > I have seen the AS-RXFEP review by W1ZR in QST. I have also seen devices > with reed relays on the web. What are you using or am I just foolish to > worry about this? > > > Sent from my iPhone > ...nr4c. bill > > ______________________________________________________________ > 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 > Message delivered to [email protected] > -- Life is like Linux - it never stands still. ______________________________________________________________ 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 Message delivered to [email protected]
