K3 - Latest firmware (last nite) FM test results, not good for U.S.

[Dave, G4AON]

Josh

Elecraft need to see how other manufacturers configure their
transceivers... The TS480, which covers the same bands as a K3, has
wide/narrow TX deviation which toggles between the two when the FIL/Nar
button is held down, this switches between 2.5 KHz and 5 KHz maximum
deviation and also shows "NAR" on the display when set for 2.5 KHz dev.
It's not easily implemented when the display and front panel don't
include "NAR".

73 Dave, G4AON
K3/100 #80 (and a TS480)



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[Julian, G4ILO]

Dave G4AON wrote

Elecraft need to see how other manufacturers configure their
transceivers... The TS480, which covers the same bands as a K3, has
wide/narrow TX deviation which toggles between the two when the FIL/Nar
button is held down, this switches between 2.5 KHz and 5 KHz maximum
deviation and also shows "NAR" on the display when set for 2.5 KHz dev.
It's not easily implemented when the display and front panel don't
include "NAR".

Perhaps they could make it change depending on whether you have selected an HF or a VHF band. I agree it needs to be selectable by one means or another. Lower deviation is needed on 10m where there is no strict channelization and people tend to operate on 5KHz multiples than on 2m where 12.5KHz (15KHz in the USA?) channels are the norm.

[Joe Stofko-2]

Sorry for the last "incomplete" post.

Josh, K6ZRX wrote:

- My FM measurements were as follows:
Frequency was 52.525, did not check 10 meters.
12Db SINAD .47uV -113.4dBm
Looses squelch (13) takes .79uV -109.0dBm to break
Squelch closes at .33uV -116.5dBm
Max modulation acceptance 4.90kHz
TX CTCSS deviation .3kHz (at 114.8Hz)
Maximum mic deviation 2.0kHz (at 1000 Hz mod
frequency)
Max overall deviation 2.29kHz (above two tones)-

<snip>

 I no longer work in the 2-way field...  so I don't
have easy access to a Communications service monitor,
but I can say that on-air tests on a 6-meter repeater
bear out the lack of audio... When I worked in a
Motorola shop (half-a-lifetime ago)we used to shoot
for a CTCSS deviation of between 450 and 600Hz...
and Josh is right on with his comment regarding
a target voice deviation of 5.5KHz. I also agree
that the squelch needs some work...   As the operator
at the far end during my on air testing commented...
"You'll need a lot more audio if you expect to work
anyone in a mobile who may be riding with the windows
open!"

I am certain that these problems will be addressed in a
subsequent firmware update... and hope it will be soon.

I've tried some of the other enhancements...  I love
the ability to send CW while in SSB mode with an
offset that will allow a station zero beat (on ssb)
to hear the CW. Thanks guys, for adding this
feature... and for all the tremendous work on firmware
to enhance and improve the K3 experience.

73,

Joe - W1AIU



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