Elecraft › [K3]

K3 firmware and AGC question

Classic

List

Threaded

9 messages Options

Allan Taylor

K3 firmware and AGC question

I recently had my K3 (S/N 740) updated at the factory with the 2nd
receiver and other relevant mods. It has firmware 2.78 installed and
the rig was received back from Aptos about two weeks ago. Since
receiving it, I have noticed that the Audio gain needs to be cranked
up more than before. The rig never had gobs of rx audio, but I am
finding it at 2 or 3 o'clock most of the time. I was on 30m with the
bandwidth set to about 1.0 kHz and using NR. As a test, I shut down
the AGC and it seems to have plenty of rx audio then (but of course NO
protection...). Turn on NR substantially drops rx audio including
signals...
Even without NR, it seems a bit weak. I am not a young buck and
hearing is somewhat addled, but no hearing aids yet!

Has anyone noticed changes in rx audio with either installation of the
2nd rx or somewhat updated firmware? If I upgrade to the
latest and greatest (3.11??) what should the AGC settings be for
general use? I know there were lengthy discussions here regarding AGC
parameters, but didn't pay much attention when they came by. Is there
a summary page/wiki somewhere??

--
73 Allan K7GT
______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Steve Ellington

Re: K3 firmware and AGC question

Allan. In the conif. menu, is you AF Gain set for LO or HI?
Steve Ellington
[hidden email]
----- Original Message -----
From: "Allan Taylor" <[hidden email]>
To: <[hidden email]>
Sent: Tuesday, April 28, 2009 11:52 AM
Subject: [Elecraft] K3 firmware and AGC question

>I recently had my K3 (S/N 740) updated at the factory with the 2nd
> receiver and other relevant mods. It has firmware 2.78 installed and
> the rig was received back from Aptos about two weeks ago. Since
> receiving it, I have noticed that the Audio gain needs to be cranked
> up more than before. The rig never had gobs of rx audio, but I am
> finding it at 2 or 3 o'clock most of the time. I was on 30m with the
> bandwidth set to about 1.0 kHz and using NR. As a test, I shut down
> the AGC and it seems to have plenty of rx audio then (but of course NO
> protection...). Turn on NR substantially drops rx audio including
> signals...
> Even without NR, it seems a bit weak. I am not a young buck and
> hearing is somewhat addled, but no hearing aids yet!
>
> Has anyone noticed changes in rx audio with either installation of the
> 2nd rx or somewhat updated firmware? If I upgrade to the
> latest and greatest (3.11??) what should the AGC settings be for
> general use? I know there were lengthy discussions here regarding AGC
> parameters, but didn't pay much attention when they came by. Is there
> a summary page/wiki somewhere??
>
> --
> 73 Allan K7GT
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Jim-168

Re: K3 firmware and AGC question

In reply to this post by Allan Taylor

My k3 audio level is typically set to 10 o'clock.

73 de ke4wy jim

Sent from my iPod

On Apr 28, 2009, at 11:52 AM, Allan Taylor <[hidden email]> wrote:

> I recently had my K3 (S/N 740) updated at the factory with the 2nd
> receiver and other relevant mods. It has firmware 2.78 installed and
> the rig was received back from Aptos about two weeks ago. Since
> receiving it, I have noticed that the Audio gain needs to be cranked
> up more than before. The rig never had gobs of rx audio, but I am
> finding it at 2 or 3 o'clock most of the time. I was on 30m with the
> bandwidth set to about 1.0 kHz and using NR. As a test, I shut down
> the AGC and it seems to have plenty of rx audio then (but of course NO
> protection...). Turn on NR substantially drops rx audio including
> signals...
> Even without NR, it seems a bit weak. I am not a young buck and
> hearing is somewhat addled, but no hearing aids yet!
>
> Has anyone noticed changes in rx audio with either installation of the
> 2nd rx or somewhat updated firmware? If I upgrade to the
> latest and greatest (3.11??) what should the AGC settings be for
> general use? I know there were lengthy discussions here regarding AGC
> parameters, but didn't pay much attention when they came by. Is there
> a summary page/wiki somewhere??
>
> --
> 73 Allan K7GT
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Dave Hachadorian

Re: K3 firmware and AGC question

In reply to this post by Allan Taylor

> what should the AGC settings be for
> general use?

Try these:
dcy soft
hld 0.20
pls nor
slp 0
thr 8
f 200
s 020

Dave Hachadorian, K6LL
Yuma, AZ

______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Allan Taylor

Re: K3 firmware and AGC question

In reply to this post by Allan Taylor

Tom, et al.

Boy, does THAT make a difference... Yup, AF GAIN was set on LO. Now things are
about right at 10 o'clock w/o NR and 11 o'clock with NR.

(Now the Aptos gang needs to implement the same configuration option
on the K2...)

I guess the fact that I haven't taken the time to really familiarize
myself with the K3 is
showing. I figured out how to change B/W and centering of filters, set
power level, interface with computer for logging and key an amp. Then
off to enjoying the new radio.
I bought a Kenwood mike to use with it, but have yet to plug it in.

Biggest unresolved problem so far: the K3 is too light. Slides back
when I put in the
headphone plug!

Oh, I like the NR on the K3. Level one is at least as good as on the
OmniVI. I seldom
drop down to really narrow bandwidths, preferring about 800 to 1000 Hz
B/W. I have yet
to use it in a contest, though. (Used the OmniVI for SS last fall)

Thanks, guys

K7GT

On Tue, Apr 28, 2009 at 9:47 AM, Radio Amateur N5GE <[hidden email]> wrote:

> On Tue, 28 Apr 2009 08:52:52 -0700, Allan Taylor <[hidden email]>
> wrote:
>
> Allan,
>
> When you have the sub RX and Main RX both turned on there will be a
> 3dB reduction in signal strength (and Volume) due to the combiner that
> combines the two signals. This is normal and can't be avoided.
>
> As the other folks told you they may have set your volume level to
> low. Hold the Menu button till you are in CONFIG mode, turn the VFO B
> knob till you see AF GAIN, then turn the A VFO Knob till you see HI in
> the display.
>
> NR does seem to reduce the volume a bit, but when you get a signal it
> will be above the noise unless it is very weak.
>
>
>>I recently had my K3 (S/N 740) updated at the factory with the 2nd
>>receiver and other relevant mods. It has firmware 2.78 installed and
>>the rig was received back from Aptos about two weeks ago. Since
>>receiving it, I have noticed that the Audio gain needs to be cranked
>>up more than before. The rig never had gobs of rx audio, but I am
>>finding it at 2 or 3 o'clock most of the time. I was on 30m with the
>>bandwidth set to about 1.0 kHz and using NR. As a test, I shut down
>>the AGC and it seems to have plenty of rx audio then (but of course NO
>>protection...). Turn on NR substantially drops rx audio including
>>signals...
>>Even without NR, it seems a bit weak. I am not a young buck and
>>hearing is somewhat addled, but no hearing aids yet!
>
> Alan I am 64 and have hearing loss and wear hearing aides, but did not
> know I needed them until I went for a hearing test and found that my
> hearing was very poor at several frequencies.
>
> On the day I got my hearing aides it was raining lightly. When I
> realized I could hear the rain hitting the dry leave on the ground
> again I almost wept. Normally I'm not very much of a wimp, but that
> event was a wonderful experience.
>
> Have your hearing tested and get some good digital hearing aides if
> you find you need them, but not from the cut rate places that
> advertise in the paper and on TV.
>
> I'm not selling anything. If you want more information about my
> experience with them I'll be glad to tell you more.
>
> Enjoy your K3
>
>
>>
>>Has anyone noticed changes in rx audio with either installation of the
>>2nd rx or somewhat updated firmware? If I upgrade to the
>>latest and greatest (3.11??) what should the AGC settings be for
>>general use? I know there were lengthy discussions here regarding AGC
>>parameters, but didn't pay much attention when they came by. Is there
>>a summary page/wiki somewhere??
> Tom, N5GE
> K3 #806, K3 #1055
> XV144, XV432
> W1 and other small kits.
> http://www.n5ge.com
>
>

--
73 Allan K7GT
______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Andreas Junge

Re: K3 firmware and AGC question

Allan,

What's your address? I have some extra black rubber "lace" that you can put
under your K3. It made all the difference for me. This stuff is supposed to
go into the cupboard or into kitchen drawers.

Andreas, N6NU

> -----Original Message-----
> From: [hidden email]
> [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Allan Taylor
> Sent: Tuesday, April 28, 2009 12:06 PM
> To: [hidden email]
> Cc: Elecraft
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 firmware and AGC question
>
> Tom, et al.
>
> Boy, does THAT make a difference... Yup, AF GAIN was set on
> LO. Now things are about right at 10 o'clock w/o NR and 11
> o'clock with NR.
>
> (Now the Aptos gang needs to implement the same configuration
> option on the K2...)
>
> I guess the fact that I haven't taken the time to really
> familiarize myself with the K3 is showing. I figured out how
> to change B/W and centering of filters, set power level,
> interface with computer for logging and key an amp. Then off
> to enjoying the new radio.
> I bought a Kenwood mike to use with it, but have yet to plug it in.
>
> Biggest unresolved problem so far: the K3 is too light.
> Slides back when I put in the headphone plug!
>
> Oh, I like the NR on the K3. Level one is at least as good as
> on the OmniVI. I seldom drop down to really narrow
> bandwidths, preferring about 800 to 1000 Hz B/W. I have yet
> to use it in a contest, though. (Used the OmniVI for SS last fall)
>
>
> Thanks, guys
>
> K7GT
>
> On Tue, Apr 28, 2009 at 9:47 AM, Radio Amateur N5GE
> <[hidden email]> wrote:
> > On Tue, 28 Apr 2009 08:52:52 -0700, Allan Taylor <[hidden email]>
> > wrote:
> >
> > Allan,
> >
> > When you have the sub RX and Main RX both turned on there will be a
> > 3dB reduction in signal strength (and Volume) due to the
> combiner that
> > combines the two signals. This is normal and can't be avoided.
> >
> > As the other folks told you they may have set your volume level to
> > low. Hold the Menu button till you are in CONFIG mode,
> turn the VFO B
> > knob till you see AF GAIN, then turn the A VFO Knob till
> you see HI in
> > the display.
> >
> > NR does seem to reduce the volume a bit, but when you get a
> signal it
> > will be above the noise unless it is very weak.
> >
> >
> >>I recently had my K3 (S/N 740) updated at the factory with the 2nd
> >>receiver and other relevant mods. It has firmware 2.78
> installed and
> >>the rig was received back from Aptos about two weeks ago. Since
> >>receiving it, I have noticed that the Audio gain needs to
> be cranked
> >>up more than before. The rig never had gobs of rx audio, but I am
> >>finding it at 2 or 3 o'clock most of the time. I was on 30m
> with the
> >>bandwidth set to about 1.0 kHz and using NR. As a test, I shut down
> >>the AGC and it seems to have plenty of rx audio then (but
> of course NO
> >>protection...). Turn on NR substantially drops rx audio including
> >>signals...
> >>Even without NR, it seems a bit weak. I am not a young buck and
> >>hearing is somewhat addled, but no hearing aids yet!
> >
> > Alan I am 64 and have hearing loss and wear hearing aides,
> but did not
> > know I needed them until I went for a hearing test and
> found that my
> > hearing was very poor at several frequencies.
> >
> > On the day I got my hearing aides it was raining lightly. When I
> > realized I could hear the rain hitting the dry leave on the ground
> > again I almost wept. Normally I'm not very much of a wimp,
> but that
> > event was a wonderful experience.
> >
> > Have your hearing tested and get some good digital hearing aides if
> > you find you need them, but not from the cut rate places that
> > advertise in the paper and on TV.
> >
> > I'm not selling anything. If you want more information about my
> > experience with them I'll be glad to tell you more.
> >
> > Enjoy your K3
> >
> >
> >>
> >>Has anyone noticed changes in rx audio with either
> installation of the
> >>2nd rx or somewhat updated firmware? If I upgrade to the latest and
> >>greatest (3.11??) what should the AGC settings be for
> general use? I
> >>know there were lengthy discussions here regarding AGC
> parameters, but
> >>didn't pay much attention when they came by. Is there a summary
> >>page/wiki somewhere??
> > Tom, N5GE
> > K3 #806, K3 #1055
> > XV144, XV432
> > W1 and other small kits.
> > http://www.n5ge.com
> >
> >
>
>
>
> --
> 73 Allan K7GT
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>

KK6T

Re: K3 firmware and AGC question

Yep, best stuff I ever "stole" from my wife! :-)

73 de Terry KK6T

K3 #2965 (still in kit form)

Andreas Junge wrote:

> Allan,
>
> What's your address? I have some extra black rubber "lace" that you can put
> under your K3. It made all the difference for me. This stuff is supposed to
> go into the cupboard or into kitchen drawers.
>
> Andreas, N6NU
>
>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: [hidden email]
>> [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Allan Taylor
>> Sent: Tuesday, April 28, 2009 12:06 PM
>> To: [hidden email]
>> Cc: Elecraft
>> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 firmware and AGC question
>>
>> Tom, et al.
>>
>> Boy, does THAT make a difference... Yup, AF GAIN was set on
>> LO. Now things are about right at 10 o'clock w/o NR and 11
>> o'clock with NR.
>>
>> (Now the Aptos gang needs to implement the same configuration
>> option on the K2...)
>>
>> I guess the fact that I haven't taken the time to really
>> familiarize myself with the K3 is showing. I figured out how
>> to change B/W and centering of filters, set power level,
>> interface with computer for logging and key an amp. Then off
>> to enjoying the new radio.
>> I bought a Kenwood mike to use with it, but have yet to plug it in.
>>
>> Biggest unresolved problem so far: the K3 is too light.
>> Slides back when I put in the headphone plug!
>>
>> Oh, I like the NR on the K3. Level one is at least as good as
>> on the OmniVI. I seldom drop down to really narrow
>> bandwidths, preferring about 800 to 1000 Hz B/W. I have yet
>> to use it in a contest, though. (Used the OmniVI for SS last fall)
>>
>>
>> Thanks, guys
>>
>> K7GT
>>
>> On Tue, Apr 28, 2009 at 9:47 AM, Radio Amateur N5GE
>> <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>>> On Tue, 28 Apr 2009 08:52:52 -0700, Allan Taylor <[hidden email]>
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>> Allan,
>>>
>>> When you have the sub RX and Main RX both turned on there will be a
>>> 3dB reduction in signal strength (and Volume) due to the
>>>
>> combiner that
>>
>>> combines the two signals. This is normal and can't be avoided.
>>>
>>> As the other folks told you they may have set your volume level to
>>> low. Hold the Menu button till you are in CONFIG mode,
>>>
>> turn the VFO B
>>
>>> knob till you see AF GAIN, then turn the A VFO Knob till
>>>
>> you see HI in
>>
>>> the display.
>>>
>>> NR does seem to reduce the volume a bit, but when you get a
>>>
>> signal it
>>
>>> will be above the noise unless it is very weak.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>> I recently had my K3 (S/N 740) updated at the factory with the 2nd
>>>> receiver and other relevant mods. It has firmware 2.78
>>>>
>> installed and
>>
>>>> the rig was received back from Aptos about two weeks ago. Since
>>>> receiving it, I have noticed that the Audio gain needs to
>>>>
>> be cranked
>>
>>>> up more than before. The rig never had gobs of rx audio, but I am
>>>> finding it at 2 or 3 o'clock most of the time. I was on 30m
>>>>
>> with the
>>
>>>> bandwidth set to about 1.0 kHz and using NR. As a test, I shut down
>>>> the AGC and it seems to have plenty of rx audio then (but
>>>>
>> of course NO
>>
>>>> protection...). Turn on NR substantially drops rx audio including
>>>> signals...
>>>> Even without NR, it seems a bit weak. I am not a young buck and
>>>> hearing is somewhat addled, but no hearing aids yet!
>>>>
>>> Alan I am 64 and have hearing loss and wear hearing aides,
>>>
>> but did not
>>
>>> know I needed them until I went for a hearing test and
>>>
>> found that my
>>
>>> hearing was very poor at several frequencies.
>>>
>>> On the day I got my hearing aides it was raining lightly. When I
>>> realized I could hear the rain hitting the dry leave on the ground
>>> again I almost wept. Normally I'm not very much of a wimp,
>>>
>> but that
>>
>>> event was a wonderful experience.
>>>
>>> Have your hearing tested and get some good digital hearing aides if
>>> you find you need them, but not from the cut rate places that
>>> advertise in the paper and on TV.
>>>
>>> I'm not selling anything. If you want more information about my
>>> experience with them I'll be glad to tell you more.
>>>
>>> Enjoy your K3
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>> Has anyone noticed changes in rx audio with either
>>>>
>> installation of the
>>
>>>> 2nd rx or somewhat updated firmware? If I upgrade to the latest and
>>>> greatest (3.11??) what should the AGC settings be for
>>>>
>> general use? I
>>
>>>> know there were lengthy discussions here regarding AGC
>>>>
>> parameters, but
>>
>>>> didn't pay much attention when they came by. Is there a summary
>>>> page/wiki somewhere??
>>>>
>>> Tom, N5GE
>>> K3 #806, K3 #1055
>>> XV144, XV432
>>> W1 and other small kits.
>>> http://www.n5ge.com
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>> --
>> 73 Allan K7GT
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> Elecraft mailing list
>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>>
>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>>
>>
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>
>
>

N5GE

Re: K3 firmware and AGC question

In reply to this post by Allan Taylor

On Tue, 28 Apr 2009 12:05:50 -0700, Allan Taylor <[hidden email]>
wrote:

>Biggest unresolved problem so far: the K3 is too light. Slides back
>when I put in the
>headphone plug!
>

Allan,

You won't think so if you ever want to take it on a trip ;o)

Plug the headphones in and leave them plugged in, then go to the Menu
and find the SPKR+PH Setting and set it to YES. Any time you want to
turn the speaker(s) off, set SPKR+PH to NO.

Tom, N5GE
K3 #806, K3 #1055
XV144, XV432
W1 and other small kits.
http://www.n5ge.com

______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Amateur Radio Operator N5GE

Larry K1UO

Re: K3 firmware and AGC question

<quote author="Radio Amateur N5GE">

"Plug the headphones in and leave them plugged in, then go to the Menu
and find the SPKR+PH Setting and set it to YES. Any time you want to
turn the speaker(s) off, set SPKR+PH to NO."

And better yet is to program the above SPKR+PH setting into the PF1 or PF2 special function
key and turn the speaker on/off with a simple push of the PF key!

73 Larry K1UO