KX3 - audio distortion after level 30

[Johnny Siu]

Hello elecrafters,
 
I fully understand that audio from the internal speaker of KX3 could be distorted at high level say >30.  However, even I plug in an external self-power speaker, the audio is still distorted if I set the AF level at say >30.
 
Apparently, the audio distortion is not only due to the small speaker but also caused by the internal audio amplifier within KX3.
 
Is my observation normal?  I am NOT complaining anything but just want to make sure that my radio is without fault.
 
Thanks for your help in advance.

TNX & 73,


Johnny VR2XMC
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[Ignacy]

Could it be due to AF limiter?
Ignacy, NO9E

[Jim Rhodes-2]

If you are running the output to an external amplifier and running the
output of the KX3 at full volume I would expect distortion from simple
overload (clipping). Try turning the KX3 down and the external amp up.

Jim Rhodes K0XU
Sent from my Droid Razr Maxx
On Oct 2, 2012 4:36 AM, "Ignacy" <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> Could it be due to AF limiter?
> Ignacy, NO9E
>
>
>
> --
> View this message in context:
http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KX3-audio-distortion-after-level-30-tp7563603p7563604.html
> Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
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[Johnny Siu]

Yes, when I reduce the AF level to <25, the audio is ok.


TNX & 73,


Johnny VR2XMC

寄件人︰ Jim Rhodes <[hidden email]>
收件人︰ Ignacy <[hidden email]>
副本(CC)︰ [hidden email]
傳送日期︰ 2012年10月2日 (週二) 6:00 PM
主題︰ Re: [Elecraft] KX3 - audio distortion after level 30

If you are running the output to an external amplifier and running the
output of the KX3 at full volume I would expect distortion from simple
overload (clipping). Try turning the KX3 down and the external amp up.

Jim Rhodes K0XU
Sent from my Droid Razr Maxx
On Oct 2, 2012 4:36 AM, "Ignacy" <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> Could it be due to AF limiter?
> Ignacy, NO9E
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[Alan Davenport]

Yes, I had the same issue. You can reduce it if you go into the menu and set AGC*THR to 5 (or 4).  4 will totally eliminate the distortion but will reduce the maximum volume the radio will produce. For me, (I'm going to say it) the wimpy audio amplifier is a big disappointment. As you have discovered, even using an external speaker it does not produce decent volume.  If I use the radio outside in my patio, headphones are pretty much manditory. Even with headphones, if my neighbor is mowing his lawn. it can be difficult to hear. My K2 has enough amplifier that I can just drown out such noise. I would certainly have accepted a few more mA of current drain for a decent audio amplifier.
 
 73/72 de Al, W2GZN
 

________________________________
 From: Johnny Siu <[hidden email]>
To: "[hidden email]" <[hidden email]>
Cc: Elecraft <[hidden email]>
Sent: Tuesday, October 2, 2012 3:53 AM
Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 - audio distortion after level 30
 
Hello elecrafters,
 
I fully understand that audio from the internal speaker of KX3 could be distorted at high level say >30.  However, even I plug in an external self-power speaker, the audio is still distorted if I set the AF level at say >30.
 
Apparently, the audio distortion is not only due to the small speaker but also caused by the internal audio amplifier within KX3.
 
Is my observation normal?  I am NOT complaining anything but just want to make sure that my radio is without fault.
 
Thanks for your help in advance.

TNX & 73,


Johnny VR2XMC
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[Alan Davenport]

 
----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Alan Davenport <[hidden email]>
To: MontyS <[hidden email]>
Sent: Tuesday, October 2, 2012 8:49 AM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KX3 - audio distortion after level 30
 

You miss my point. For what this rig cost, it should not be necessary to need external amplification. I do not buy into the "small speaker cannot play loud" theory either. My HT has a  smaller speaker and produces much more volume. All I am saying is the rig would be perfect except for the volume issues. For me, they makes it somewhat less than perfect.
 
     73/72 de Al, W2GZN.
 

________________________________
 From: MontyS <[hidden email]>
To: Alan Davenport <[hidden email]>
Sent: Tuesday, October 2, 2012 6:40 AM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KX3 - audio distortion after level 30
 
Geez Louise, for $4.08 + $2.98 shipping you can buy a pair of foldable compact speakers from Amazon.com that will fill your room with audio. Powered from a USB port or wall wart.  Look for "Black Folding Stereo Speaker for Apple iPod Touch 4G".  It plugs into phones jack for  input.

Monty K2DLJ

-----Original Message----- From: Alan Davenport
Sent: Tuesday, October 02, 2012 6:06 AM
To: Johnny Siu ; [hidden email]
Cc: Elecraft
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KX3 - audio distortion after level 30

Yes, I had the same issue. You can reduce it if you go into the menu and set AGC*THR to 5 (or 4).  4 will totally eliminate the distortion but will reduce the maximum volume the radio will produce. For me, (I'm going to say it) the wimpy audio amplifier is a big disappointment. As you have discovered, even using an external speaker it does
 not produce decent volume.  If I use the radio outside in my patio, headphones are pretty much manditory. Even with headphones, if my neighbor is mowing his lawn. it can be difficult to hear. My K2 has enough amplifier that I can just drown out such noise. I would certainly have accepted a few more mA of current drain for a decent audio amplifier.

73/72 de Al, W2GZN


________________________________
From: Johnny Siu <[hidden email]>
To: "[hidden email]" <[hidden email]>
Cc: Elecraft <[hidden email]>
Sent: Tuesday, October 2, 2012 3:53 AM
Subject: [Elecraft]
 KX3 - audio distortion after level 30

Hello elecrafters,

I fully understand that audio from the internal speaker of KX3 could be distorted at high level say >30.  However, even I plug in an external self-power speaker, the audio is still distorted if I set the AF level at say >30.

Apparently, the audio distortion is not only due to the small speaker but also caused by the internal audio amplifier within KX3.

Is my observation normal?  I am NOT complaining anything but just want to make sure that my radio is without fault.

Thanks for your help in advance.

TNX & 73,


Johnny VR2XMC
______________________________________________________________
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