Hi Guys, I'd appreciate your thoughts as to why my K-3 receiver is so noisy. I'd really like to make this radio perform. The radio is Serial #603F (factory model) running 1.2.10.27. I purchased the unit from the original owner a couple of months ago so I don't know if it's always been this noisy but I do know it was the same before I recently updated software to 1.2.10.27. The radio is in immaculate condition and was never used mobile or bounced around. (it's a beautiful radio that looks like new!)
I say the receiver is noisy based upon listening to dozens of different signals on: 40/20/15 m. and by doing numerous A/B comparison tests. The comparison tests were done with the K-3 Pre-Amp turned Off. (and tried with ATT on and off but mostly on to reduce noise). Radio 1: Yaesu FT-1000-MP w/AF Mod. A signal is peaking S-8 and with the no signal noise level is averaging S-1. Therefore, the signal is peaking aprx. 7 s-units above the noise based upon the MP s-meter and the signal sounds loud and is way above the noise level. Now I switch to the K-3: Radio 2: K-3 tuned to the same signal with PreAmp Off and is peaking S-7 but the no signal noise level is noisy S-4 to S-5. Therefore, the signal is peaking only about 2 or 3 s-units above the noise level based upon the K-3 s-meter. The result is that the MP has aprx. a 4 s-unit S/N ratio advantage. Thoughts: I realize that all s-meters read differently and the fact that the MP s-meter shows a 4 s-unit stronger signal above the noise level doesn't mean alot. But the fact is that the signal on the MP sounds MUCH louder with alot more headroom above the noise level. The K-3 receiver sounds so noisy even with the S-7 signal that it isn't enjoyable listening to and that's why I ran the comparisons because I couldn't stand all the noise. Switching on the K-3's NR, ATT, and/or adjusting the RF Gain does help some but the signal still sounds noisy compared to the MP. Based upon "Reviews" of the K-3 I believe that I must have an unusual "K-3 noisy receiver" problem. I'd sure appreciate your ideas on how I can get a better S/N ratio on my K-3. Thanks! 73, Dick- K9OM ______________________________________________________________ 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
