Hi Dave, I am curious what version of firmware you're running in your K3. My K3 (SN 312) is running the latest firmware (MCU 1.66 & DSP1 1.52). I have CONFIG menu "SMTR OF = 024 & SMTR SC = 014) with PRE AMP on. As expected my S-Meter reads S9 with 50uv applied from a XG1 signal generator. However, when tuning in local broadcast stations, which are S9+50 db on three other receivers, my K3 only reads S9+20 db. In addition, if I turn my RF Gain Control fully counter clock wise (anti clock wise) the S-Meter only reads S7 rather then full scale. I thought this S-Meter performance was a known problem that was being address by Elecraft. However reading your post makes me think I have a serious AGC problem in my particular K3. Have any others experienced the same results I have or does your S-Meter read full scale with RF Gain turned all the way down? If you tune into nearby broadcast stations or have a signal generator what is the maximum your S-Meter reads with a given input?
I'm returning my K3 to Elecraft for repair of an audio problem (no internal speaker or external speaker audio unless CONFIG menu "SPKR+PH=yes". Then I have audio. Acts like I always have headphones plugged in (which I do not). Also do not have "LIN OUT' audio when connected to known good computer soundcard. I figure while it's at Elecraft if I have an S-Meter/AGC problem I'll have that fixed too. So the question is: am I the only one who has an S-Meter response as described above? Thanks for any input, Frank - W6NEK Dave G4AON wrote: > > Bryan > > You can set the S-Meter to whatever you want, given that most other HF > transceiver S-Meters are nowhere near as accurate as that in a K3. The > recommended setting with firmware ver 1.66 is SMTR SC=14 and SMTR OF=24 > (from the firmware notes), whether you calibrate yours with the pre-amp > on or off is a personal choice depending on your use of the pre-amp. As > I mostly use the bands from 80m to 20m without a pre-amp, I calibrated > mine without the pre-amp. > > I find my K3 to have a very accurate S-Meter, when set for S9 = 50 uV pd > (-73 dBm), S9 + 20 = -53 dBm, S9 + 40 = -33 dBm and S9 + 60 = -13 dBm. > It's not bad down to about S6, but I'm not too concerned about that. > > 73 Dave, G4AON > K3/100 #80 > http://www.astromag.co.uk/k3/ > ============================== > > I am fully satisfied with my K3 s/n 181, in every respect, it exceeds my > expectations, thank you Elecraft and company. I am puzzled by the > reference on page 9 to Nom S9=50microvolts, preamp on, and for the setup > of [MAIN] SMTR SC. As arrived the settings gave me S9 as 50microvolts, > preamp off, using my XG1. I seem to have been puzzled when I built my > K2, s/n 4421 as well. > Whats the correct method ? > > 73 Bryan GM3AKF > _______________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com > > -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/Re%3AK3-S-meter-calibration-tp15397426p15398877.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
