Elecraft

Re Elecraft] Crackling in Headphones

Classic

List

Threaded

19 messages Options

Brian D. Comer

Re Elecraft] Crackling in Headphones

I have noted a similar Cracking in the speaker when listing to AM broadcast
station KFI (640 KHz). At first I assumed it was just overload as I was
using a 160 meter dipole and the signal strength meter was maxed: however
moving to steppir antenna tuned to 40 meters gave the same result with and
smeter reading of only S9.

I have a local AM station on 1450 KHz that produces a -10 dBm into a
spectrum analyzer and -30 dBm on the P3. I had assumed from this, without
making any further checks, that the receiver was just overloaded.

The cracking sound does not sound like any dynamic range problem I have
heard before but I have not taken the time to make any serious tests.

I make these comments because I am not convinced this is any form of
overload and wonder if it could be related to your problem.

73 Brian KF6C.

On 30 Nov 2015 14:02, [hidden email] wrote:

> There are times that I have noticed a crackling sound in my headphones

> with my K3S. This is not the normal band noise static that has depth,

> this crackle sound seems very close to my ears. I first noticed it

> with my Heil headset and I tried wiggling the connection, changing the

> RX EQ settings and turning on noise reduction but nothing had any

> effect. It randomly comes and goes and I think I have also heard it on

> TX. I thought perhaps it was related to the Heil brand headphones.

> Last night I plugged in a new Sony professional headphone and the

> crackling sound was very strong for a few minutes and then eventually

> went away. I have never experience this with any other radio and I

> have no idea what is causing it or how to make it go away.

>

> John KK9A

______________________________________________________________
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
Message delivered to [hidden email]

Matt Murphy

Re: Re Elecraft] Crackling in Headphones

Just wondering if either of you have done the RF gain calibration before
and/or after the synth board upgrade.

73,

Matt NQ6N

On Monday, November 30, 2015, Brian D. Comer <[hidden email]> wrote:

>
>
> I have noted a similar Cracking in the speaker when listing to AM broadcast
> station KFI (640 KHz). At first I assumed it was just overload as I was
> using a 160 meter dipole and the signal strength meter was maxed: however
> moving to steppir antenna tuned to 40 meters gave the same result with and
> smeter reading of only S9.
>
> I have a local AM station on 1450 KHz that produces a -10 dBm into a
> spectrum analyzer and -30 dBm on the P3. I had assumed from this, without
> making any further checks, that the receiver was just overloaded.
>
> The cracking sound does not sound like any dynamic range problem I have
> heard before but I have not taken the time to make any serious tests.
>
> I make these comments because I am not convinced this is any form of
> overload and wonder if it could be related to your problem.
>
>
>
> 73 Brian KF6C.
>
>
>
> On 30 Nov 2015 14:02, [hidden email] <javascript:;> wrote:
>
> > There are times that I have noticed a crackling sound in my headphones
>
> > with my K3S. This is not the normal band noise static that has depth,
>
> > this crackle sound seems very close to my ears. I first noticed it
>
> > with my Heil headset and I tried wiggling the connection, changing the
>
> > RX EQ settings and turning on noise reduction but nothing had any
>
> > effect. It randomly comes and goes and I think I have also heard it on
>
> > TX. I thought perhaps it was related to the Heil brand headphones.
>
> > Last night I plugged in a new Sony professional headphone and the
>
> > crackling sound was very strong for a few minutes and then eventually
>
> > went away. I have never experience this with any other radio and I
>
> > have no idea what is causing it or how to make it go away.
>
> >
>
> > John KK9A
>
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email] <javascript:;>
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email] <javascript:;>
>

'DGB'

Re: Re Elecraft] Crackling in Headphones

No Matt but will look into that tomorrow! Thanks!

73 Dwight NS9I

On 11/30/2015 6:55 PM, Matt Murphy wrote:

> Just wondering if either of you have done the RF gain calibration before
> and/or after the synth board upgrade.
>
> 73,
>
> Matt NQ6N
>
> On Monday, November 30, 2015, Brian D. Comer <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
>>
>> I have noted a similar Cracking in the speaker when listing to AM broadcast
>> station KFI (640 KHz). At first I assumed it was just overload as I was
>> using a 160 meter dipole and the signal strength meter was maxed: however
>> moving to steppir antenna tuned to 40 meters gave the same result with and
>> smeter reading of only S9.
>>
>> I have a local AM station on 1450 KHz that produces a -10 dBm into a
>> spectrum analyzer and -30 dBm on the P3. I had assumed from this, without
>> making any further checks, that the receiver was just overloaded.
>>
>> The cracking sound does not sound like any dynamic range problem I have
>> heard before but I have not taken the time to make any serious tests.
>>
>> I make these comments because I am not convinced this is any form of
>> overload and wonder if it could be related to your problem.
>>
>>
>>
>> 73 Brian KF6C.
>>
>>
>>
>> On 30 Nov 2015 14:02, [hidden email] <javascript:;> wrote:
>>
>>> There are times that I have noticed a crackling sound in my headphones
>>> with my K3S. This is not the normal band noise static that has depth,
>>> this crackle sound seems very close to my ears. I first noticed it
>>> with my Heil headset and I tried wiggling the connection, changing the
>>> RX EQ settings and turning on noise reduction but nothing had any
>>> effect. It randomly comes and goes and I think I have also heard it on
>>> TX. I thought perhaps it was related to the Heil brand headphones.
>>> Last night I plugged in a new Sony professional headphone and the
>>> crackling sound was very strong for a few minutes and then eventually
>>> went away. I have never experience this with any other radio and I
>>> have no idea what is causing it or how to make it go away.
>>> John KK9A
>>
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> Elecraft mailing list
>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>> Post: mailto:[hidden email] <javascript:;>
>>
>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>> Message delivered to [hidden email] <javascript:;>
>>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>
>

Elecraft mailing list

Re: [Bulk] Re Elecraft] Crackling in Headphones

In reply to this post by Brian D. Comer

To all with the crackling sound,

I had that problem with AM broadcast. I enabled the AGC, and the crackling
went away. No issues right now.

YMMV!

'73 de JIM N2ZZ

-----Original Message-----
From: Elecraft [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Brian
D. Comer
Sent: Monday, November 30, 2015 6:41 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: [Bulk] [Elecraft] Re Elecraft] Crackling in Headphones

I have noted a similar Cracking in the speaker when listing to AM broadcast
station KFI (640 KHz). At first I assumed it was just overload as I was
using a 160 meter dipole and the signal strength meter was maxed: however
moving to steppir antenna tuned to 40 meters gave the same result with and
smeter reading of only S9.

I have a local AM station on 1450 KHz that produces a -10 dBm into a
spectrum analyzer and -30 dBm on the P3. I had assumed from this, without
making any further checks, that the receiver was just overloaded.

The cracking sound does not sound like any dynamic range problem I have
heard before but I have not taken the time to make any serious tests.

I make these comments because I am not convinced this is any form of
overload and wonder if it could be related to your problem.

73 Brian KF6C.

On 30 Nov 2015 14:02, [hidden email] wrote:

> There are times that I have noticed a crackling sound in my headphones

> with my K3S. This is not the normal band noise static that has depth,

> this crackle sound seems very close to my ears. I first noticed it

> with my Heil headset and I tried wiggling the connection, changing the

> RX EQ settings and turning on noise reduction but nothing had any

> effect. It randomly comes and goes and I think I have also heard it on

> TX. I thought perhaps it was related to the Heil brand headphones.

> Last night I plugged in a new Sony professional headphone and the

> crackling sound was very strong for a few minutes and then eventually

> went away. I have never experience this with any other radio and I

> have no idea what is causing it or how to make it go away.

>

> John KK9A

______________________________________________________________
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 Message
delivered to [hidden email]

______________________________________________________________
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
Message delivered to [hidden email]

Jim Bolit

Re: [Bulk] Re Elecraft] Crackling in Headphones

Mileage does vary. I am 99% CW, and have only heard it there. It randomly comes and gpes, e c en when listening to a dead band 10 meters at midnight

Jim
W6AIM

.

The Rake

-------- Original message --------
From: "James F. Boehner MD via Elecraft" <[hidden email]>
Date: 11/30/2015 8:10 PM (GMT-08:00)
To: "'Brian D. Comer'" <[hidden email]>, [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [Bulk] Re Elecraft] Crackling in Headphones

To all with the crackling sound,

I had that problem with AM broadcast. I enabled the AGC, and the crackling
went away. No issues right now.

YMMV!

'73 de JIM N2ZZ

-----Original Message-----
From: Elecraft [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Brian
D. Comer
Sent: Monday, November 30, 2015 6:41 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: [Bulk] [Elecraft] Re Elecraft] Crackling in Headphones

I have noted a similar Cracking in the speaker when listing to AM broadcast
station KFI (640 KHz). At first I assumed it was just overload as I was
using a 160 meter dipole and the signal strength meter was maxed: however
moving to steppir antenna tuned to 40 meters gave the same result with and
smeter reading of only S9.

I have a local AM station on 1450 KHz that produces a -10 dBm into a
spectrum analyzer and -30 dBm on the P3. I had assumed from this, without
making any further checks, that the receiver was just overloaded.

The cracking sound does not sound like any dynamic range problem I have
heard before but I have not taken the time to make any serious tests.

I make these comments because I am not convinced this is any form of
overload and wonder if it could be related to your problem.

73 Brian KF6C.

On 30 Nov 2015 14:02, [hidden email] wrote:

> There are times that I have noticed a crackling sound in my headphones

> with my K3S. This is not the normal band noise static that has depth,

> this crackle sound seems very close to my ears. I first noticed it

> with my Heil headset and I tried wiggling the connection, changing the

> RX EQ settings and turning on noise reduction but nothing had any

> effect. It randomly comes and goes and I think I have also heard it on

> TX. I thought perhaps it was related to the Heil brand headphones.

> Last night I plugged in a new Sony professional headphone and the

> crackling sound was very strong for a few minutes and then eventually

> went away. I have never experience this with any other radio and I

> have no idea what is causing it or how to make it go away.

>

> John KK9A

______________________________________________________________
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 Message
delivered to [hidden email]

______________________________________________________________
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
Message delivered to [hidden email]
______________________________________________________________
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
Message delivered to [hidden email]

Don Wilhelm-4

Re: [Bulk] Re Elecraft] Crackling in Headphones

For those with 'Crackling in Headphones', I have to ask if you are
running with AGC off? If so, the limiter can be kicking in and cause
such crackling.
Better than running with AGC off, just leave the AGC on and if you
reduce the RF gain to counter strong signals, the AGC action will be
reduced.
I know old habits die hard, but the K3 is not the same as my old NC-100
receiver and needs to be operated differently.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 12/1/2015 9:13 AM, Jim Bolit wrote:
> Mileage does vary. I am 99% CW, and have only heard it there. It randomly comes and gpes, e c en when listening to a dead band 10 meters at midnight
>
>

______________________________________________________________
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
Message delivered to [hidden email]

Peter Pauly

Re: [Bulk] Re Elecraft] Crackling in Headphones

What about digital modes? I thought they were supposed to work better with
AGC off?

On Tue, Dec 1, 2015 at 9:30 AM, Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]> wrote:

> For those with 'Crackling in Headphones', I have to ask if you are running
> with AGC off? If so, the limiter can be kicking in and cause such
> crackling.
> Better than running with AGC off, just leave the AGC on and if you reduce
> the RF gain to counter strong signals, the AGC action will be reduced.
> I know old habits die hard, but the K3 is not the same as my old NC-100
> receiver and needs to be operated differently.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> On 12/1/2015 9:13 AM, Jim Bolit wrote:
>
>> Mileage does vary. I am 99% CW, and have only heard it there. It randomly
>> comes and gpes, e c en when listening to a dead band 10 meters at midnight
>>
>>
>>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>

Don Wilhelm-4

Re: [Bulk] Re Elecraft] Crackling in Headphones

Peter,

I run digital modes with AGC on, I can't speak for anyone else. The AGC
in the K3 can be customized (see my website www.w3fpr.com).
"supposed to work better with AGC off" sounds like a generalized
statement. If there is an extra strong signal in the passband of the
receiver, having AGC on will reduce the strength of all signals within
the passband, but with the K3, all it takes is a turn of the width and
shift knobs to isolate the desired signal so that reduction in gain due
to the strong signal is no longer a problem. There is no need to have a
full width waterfall when tuning to a specific signal.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 12/1/2015 9:33 AM, Peter Pauly wrote:

> What about digital modes? I thought they were supposed to work better
> with AGC off?
>
> On Tue, Dec 1, 2015 at 9:30 AM, Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]
> <mailto:[hidden email]>> wrote:
>
> For those with 'Crackling in Headphones', I have to ask if you are
> running with AGC off? If so, the limiter can be kicking in and
> cause such crackling.
> Better than running with AGC off, just leave the AGC on and if you
> reduce the RF gain to counter strong signals, the AGC action will
> be reduced.
> I know old habits die hard, but the K3 is not the same as my old
> NC-100 receiver and needs to be operated differently.
>

Wes (N7WS)

Re: [Bulk] Re Elecraft] Crackling in Headphones

In reply to this post by Peter Pauly

Where did you get that idea?

I have 250 entities worked on RTTY/PSK, all with a K3 (now K3S) and I've never
once turned the AGC off, for that or any other mode. I never fuss with the "RF"
gain control either.

On 12/1/2015 7:33 AM, Peter Pauly wrote:
> What about digital modes? I thought they were supposed to work better with
> AGC off?
>

______________________________________________________________
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
Message delivered to [hidden email]

Joe Subich, W4TV-4

Re: [Bulk] Re Elecraft] Crackling in Headphones

In reply to this post by Don Wilhelm-4

On 12/1/2015 10:59 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
> If there is an extra strong signal in the passband of the receiver,
> having AGC on will reduce the strength of all signals within the
> passband, but with the K3, all it takes is a turn of the width and
> shift knobs to isolate the desired signal so that reduction in gain
> due to the strong signal is no longer a problem.

Provided the K3/K3S has a suitable selection of narrowed roofing
filters available. If one has only the single default 2.7 or 2.8
KHz filter, it may not be possible to remove the strong interfering
signal from the *input* to the ADC resulting in hardware AGC action
and/or ADC overload which *can* create the crackling described.

73,

... Joe, W4TV

On 12/1/2015 10:59 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote:

> Peter,
>
> I run digital modes with AGC on, I can't speak for anyone else. The AGC
> in the K3 can be customized (see my website www.w3fpr.com).
> "supposed to work better with AGC off" sounds like a generalized
> statement. If there is an extra strong signal in the passband of the
> receiver, having AGC on will reduce the strength of all signals within
> the passband, but with the K3, all it takes is a turn of the width and
> shift knobs to isolate the desired signal so that reduction in gain due
> to the strong signal is no longer a problem. There is no need to have a
> full width waterfall when tuning to a specific signal.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> On 12/1/2015 9:33 AM, Peter Pauly wrote:
>> What about digital modes? I thought they were supposed to work better
>> with AGC off?
>>
>> On Tue, Dec 1, 2015 at 9:30 AM, Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]
>> <mailto:[hidden email]>> wrote:
>>
>> For those with 'Crackling in Headphones', I have to ask if you are
>> running with AGC off? If so, the limiter can be kicking in and
>> cause such crackling.
>> Better than running with AGC off, just leave the AGC on and if you
>> reduce the RF gain to counter strong signals, the AGC action will
>> be reduced.
>> I know old habits die hard, but the K3 is not the same as my old
>> NC-100 receiver and needs to be operated differently.
>>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>

Jim Brown-10

Re: [Bulk] Re Elecraft] Crackling in Headphones

In reply to this post by Peter Pauly

On Tue,12/1/2015 6:33 AM, Peter Pauly wrote:
> What about digital modes? I thought they were supposed to work better with AGC off?

That's news to me. And I work a lot of digital modes.

Regardless of what mode I'm using, I set the ATTEN and PRE for
conditions on the bands where I'm operating. On the higher bands, ATTEN
is off and one of the two PRE settings will be on (I have the new KXVB3
installed in my vintage K3). For 30M and below, PRE is usually off. On
80 and 160, ATTEN us usually on.

73, Jim K9YC
______________________________________________________________
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
Message delivered to [hidden email]

Jim Bolit

Re: [Bulk] Re Elecraft] Crackling in Headphones

In reply to this post by Don Wilhelm-4

For me, the AGC is on and the RF gaIN is run at about 9 o'clock. I have not tried to see if there was any effect on the crackling noise if i vary the RF gain.
However, the crackling noise does increase intensity as I increase the AF game, however, it is not in a linear fashion i.e. the crackling noise does not increase at the same rate as the band noise. I am only using the front panel Jack and it happens with three different sets of headphones and three different adapters quarter inch to 1/8 inch

Jim
W6AIM

.

-------- Original message --------
From: Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]>
Date: 12/1/2015 6:31 AM (GMT-08:00)
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [Bulk] Re Elecraft] Crackling in Headphones

For those with 'Crackling in Headphones', I have to ask if you are
running with AGC off? If so, the limiter can be kicking in and cause
such crackling.
Better than running with AGC off, just leave the AGC on and if you
reduce the RF gain to counter strong signals, the AGC action will be
reduced.
I know old habits die hard, but the K3 is not the same as my old NC-100
receiver and needs to be operated differently.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 12/1/2015 9:13 AM, Jim Bolit wrote:
> Mileage does vary. I am 99% CW, and have only heard it there. It randomly comes and gpes, e c en when listening to a dead band 10 meters at midnight
>
>

______________________________________________________________
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
Message delivered to [hidden email]
______________________________________________________________
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
Message delivered to [hidden email]

Jim Bolit

Re: [Bulk] Re Elecraft] Crackling in Headphones

In reply to this post by Joe Subich, W4TV-4

The crackling noises I hear in three different headsets occur with no antenna connected.

It does not occur all the time.

I did not have this issue with my stock k3 which was sent in to Elecraft for the syn upgrades

The crackling noise is very annoying when trying to do weak CW signal work.

Jim
W6AIM

.

-------- Original message --------
From: "Joe Subich, W4TV" <[hidden email]>
Date: 12/1/2015 8:41 AM (GMT-08:00)
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [Bulk] Re Elecraft] Crackling in Headphones

On 12/1/2015 10:59 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
> If there is an extra strong signal in the passband of the receiver,
> having AGC on will reduce the strength of all signals within the
> passband, but with the K3, all it takes is a turn of the width and
> shift knobs to isolate the desired signal so that reduction in gain
> due to the strong signal is no longer a problem.

Provided the K3/K3S has a suitable selection of narrowed roofing
filters available. If one has only the single default 2.7 or 2.8
KHz filter, it may not be possible to remove the strong interfering
signal from the *input* to the ADC resulting in hardware AGC action
and/or ADC overload which *can* create the crackling described.

73,

... Joe, W4TV

On 12/1/2015 10:59 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote:

> Peter,
>
> I run digital modes with AGC on, I can't speak for anyone else. The AGC
> in the K3 can be customized (see my website www.w3fpr.com<http://www.w3fpr.com>).
> "supposed to work better with AGC off" sounds like a generalized
> statement. If there is an extra strong signal in the passband of the
> receiver, having AGC on will reduce the strength of all signals within
> the passband, but with the K3, all it takes is a turn of the width and
> shift knobs to isolate the desired signal so that reduction in gain due
> to the strong signal is no longer a problem. There is no need to have a
> full width waterfall when tuning to a specific signal.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> On 12/1/2015 9:33 AM, Peter Pauly wrote:
>> What about digital modes? I thought they were supposed to work better
>> with AGC off?
>>
>> On Tue, Dec 1, 2015 at 9:30 AM, Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]
>> <mailto:[hidden email]>> wrote:
>>
>> For those with 'Crackling in Headphones', I have to ask if you are
>> running with AGC off? If so, the limiter can be kicking in and
>> cause such crackling.
>> Better than running with AGC off, just leave the AGC on and if you
>> reduce the RF gain to counter strong signals, the AGC action will
>> be reduced.
>> I know old habits die hard, but the K3 is not the same as my old
>> NC-100 receiver and needs to be operated differently.
>>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>

______________________________________________________________
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
Message delivered to [hidden email]
______________________________________________________________
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
Message delivered to [hidden email]

Rick WA6NHC-2

Re: [Bulk] Re Elecraft] Crackling in Headphones

In reply to this post by Wes (N7WS)

The majority of the time, the DX station is not far off the noise
floor. If they are, then the RF gain becomes useful, otherwise I leave
it alone.

I recently tried turning the AGC off in DATA A mode. If you're trying
to capture the entire audio bandwidth, it helps, a lot. A strong signal
no longer swamps the weaker signals. This is for 'sweep' mode only, but
I don't bother to switch it in for working DX. It follows my concept of
never allowing AGC to kick in for the best data decoding (least is
best). For low level signals, it seems to work better and is certainly
worth a try.

Then I narrow the filtering down to only the desired station per usual,
clone the other VFO, offset split according to the DX instructions and
make the contact. Pretty durned simple and easy. The only thing it's
hard on is the ears, the sudden LOUDness of the band can be jolting when
you switch to DATA A.

Rick nhc

On 12/1/2015 8:15 AM, Wes (N7WS) wrote:

> Where did you get that idea?
>
> I have 250 entities worked on RTTY/PSK, all with a K3 (now K3S) and
> I've never once turned the AGC off, for that or any other mode. I
> never fuss with the "RF" gain control either.
>
> On 12/1/2015 7:33 AM, Peter Pauly wrote:
>> What about digital modes? I thought they were supposed to work better
>> with
>> AGC off?
>>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
> Message delivered to [hidden email]

Guy Olinger K2AV

Re: [Bulk] Re Elecraft] Crackling in Headphones

In reply to this post by Jim Bolit

"The crackling noises I hear in three different headsets occur with no
antenna connected. It does not occur all the time."

As you describe it, this does not sound normal, nor is it a common
trouble. The popping most refer to usually occurs with AGC off and
noise spikes with NB off. Yours sounds like a poor connection
somewhere.

You need to call Elecraft technical support with your problem. This is
far more likely to be something mechanical in the radio that needs
repair under warranty.

73, Guy K2AV

On Tue, Dec 1, 2015 at 2:11 PM, Jim Bolit <[hidden email]> wrote:

> The crackling noises I hear in three different headsets occur with no antenna connected.
>
> It does not occur all the time.
>
> I did not have this issue with my stock k3 which was sent in to Elecraft for the syn upgrades
>
> The crackling noise is very annoying when trying to do weak CW signal work.
>
> Jim
> W6AIM
>
>
>
> .
>
>
>
> -------- Original message --------
> From: "Joe Subich, W4TV" <[hidden email]>
> Date: 12/1/2015 8:41 AM (GMT-08:00)
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [Bulk] Re Elecraft] Crackling in Headphones
>
> On 12/1/2015 10:59 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
>> If there is an extra strong signal in the passband of the receiver,
>> having AGC on will reduce the strength of all signals within the
>> passband, but with the K3, all it takes is a turn of the width and
>> shift knobs to isolate the desired signal so that reduction in gain
>> due to the strong signal is no longer a problem.
>
> Provided the K3/K3S has a suitable selection of narrowed roofing
> filters available. If one has only the single default 2.7 or 2.8
> KHz filter, it may not be possible to remove the strong interfering
> signal from the *input* to the ADC resulting in hardware AGC action
> and/or ADC overload which *can* create the crackling described.
>
> 73,
>
> ... Joe, W4TV
>
>
> On 12/1/2015 10:59 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
>> Peter,
>>
>> I run digital modes with AGC on, I can't speak for anyone else. The AGC
>> in the K3 can be customized (see my website www.w3fpr.com<http://www.w3fpr.com>).
>> "supposed to work better with AGC off" sounds like a generalized
>> statement. If there is an extra strong signal in the passband of the
>> receiver, having AGC on will reduce the strength of all signals within
>> the passband, but with the K3, all it takes is a turn of the width and
>> shift knobs to isolate the desired signal so that reduction in gain due
>> to the strong signal is no longer a problem. There is no need to have a
>> full width waterfall when tuning to a specific signal.
>>
>> 73,
>> Don W3FPR
>>
>> On 12/1/2015 9:33 AM, Peter Pauly wrote:
>>> What about digital modes? I thought they were supposed to work better
>>> with AGC off?
>>>
>>> On Tue, Dec 1, 2015 at 9:30 AM, Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]
>>> <mailto:[hidden email]>> wrote:
>>>
>>> For those with 'Crackling in Headphones', I have to ask if you are
>>> running with AGC off? If so, the limiter can be kicking in and
>>> cause such crackling.
>>> Better than running with AGC off, just leave the AGC on and if you
>>> reduce the RF gain to counter strong signals, the AGC action will
>>> be reduced.
>>> I know old habits die hard, but the K3 is not the same as my old
>>> NC-100 receiver and needs to be operated differently.
>>>
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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
>> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
> Message delivered to [hidden email]
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
> Message delivered to [hidden email]

Bill-3

Re: [Bulk] Re Elecraft] Crackling in Headphones

Now I am very glad I did not upgrade my K3 to the new synth. Seems there
are some teething pains. I would have to cry real tears if I broke the
best rig I have ever had. Angel on my shoulder?

Bill W2BLC K-Line
______________________________________________________________
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
Message delivered to [hidden email]

N2TK

Re: [Bulk] Re Elecraft] Crackling in Headphones

In reply to this post by Guy Olinger K2AV

Do you get the crackling through the speaker or just with headphones?
N2TK, Tony

-----Original Message-----
From: Elecraft [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Guy
Olinger K2AV
Sent: Tuesday, December 01, 2015 2:54 PM
To: Jim Bolit <[hidden email]>
Cc: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [Bulk] Re Elecraft] Crackling in Headphones

"The crackling noises I hear in three different headsets occur with no
antenna connected. It does not occur all the time."

As you describe it, this does not sound normal, nor is it a common trouble.
The popping most refer to usually occurs with AGC off and noise spikes with
NB off. Yours sounds like a poor connection somewhere.

You need to call Elecraft technical support with your problem. This is far
more likely to be something mechanical in the radio that needs repair under
warranty.

73, Guy K2AV

On Tue, Dec 1, 2015 at 2:11 PM, Jim Bolit <[hidden email]> wrote:
> The crackling noises I hear in three different headsets occur with no
antenna connected.
>
> It does not occur all the time.
>
> I did not have this issue with my stock k3 which was sent in to
> Elecraft for the syn upgrades
>
> The crackling noise is very annoying when trying to do weak CW signal
work.

>
> Jim
> W6AIM
>
>
>
> .
>
>
>
> -------- Original message --------
> From: "Joe Subich, W4TV" <[hidden email]>
> Date: 12/1/2015 8:41 AM (GMT-08:00)
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [Bulk] Re Elecraft] Crackling in Headphones
>
> On 12/1/2015 10:59 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
>> If there is an extra strong signal in the passband of the receiver,
>> having AGC on will reduce the strength of all signals within the
>> passband, but with the K3, all it takes is a turn of the width and
>> shift knobs to isolate the desired signal so that reduction in gain
>> due to the strong signal is no longer a problem.
>
> Provided the K3/K3S has a suitable selection of narrowed roofing
> filters available. If one has only the single default 2.7 or 2.8 KHz
> filter, it may not be possible to remove the strong interfering signal
> from the *input* to the ADC resulting in hardware AGC action and/or
> ADC overload which *can* create the crackling described.
>
> 73,
>
> ... Joe, W4TV
>
>
> On 12/1/2015 10:59 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
>> Peter,
>>
>> I run digital modes with AGC on, I can't speak for anyone else. The
>> AGC in the K3 can be customized (see my website

www.w3fpr.com<http://www.w3fpr.com>).

>> "supposed to work better with AGC off" sounds like a generalized
>> statement. If there is an extra strong signal in the passband of the
>> receiver, having AGC on will reduce the strength of all signals
>> within the passband, but with the K3, all it takes is a turn of the
>> width and shift knobs to isolate the desired signal so that reduction
>> in gain due to the strong signal is no longer a problem. There is no
>> need to have a full width waterfall when tuning to a specific signal.
>>
>> 73,
>> Don W3FPR
>>
>> On 12/1/2015 9:33 AM, Peter Pauly wrote:
>>> What about digital modes? I thought they were supposed to work
>>> better with AGC off?
>>>
>>> On Tue, Dec 1, 2015 at 9:30 AM, Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]
>>> <mailto:[hidden email]>> wrote:
>>>
>>> For those with 'Crackling in Headphones', I have to ask if you are
>>> running with AGC off? If so, the limiter can be kicking in and
>>> cause such crackling.
>>> Better than running with AGC off, just leave the AGC on and if you
>>> reduce the RF gain to counter strong signals, the AGC action will
>>> be reduced.
>>> I know old habits die hard, but the K3 is not the same as my old
>>> NC-100 receiver and needs to be operated differently.
>>>
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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 Message delivered to
>> [hidden email]
>>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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 Message delivered to
> [hidden email]
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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 Message delivered to
> [hidden email]

______________________________________________________________
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 Message
delivered to [hidden email]

______________________________________________________________
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
Message delivered to [hidden email]

Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ

Re: [Bulk] Re Elecraft] Crackling in Headphones

Administrator

In reply to this post by Bill-3

We have not seen any problem with the synth like this, and we are not
experiencing it on our current K3S's or upgraded synth K3 radios, or on our
personal K3s and K3S's, those in the lab here or those in for repair.

My suspicion is that there is an intermittent elsewhere in the radio of the
original reporter's K3 (cold solder joint, loose connector etc), and it is not a
problem with the Synth.

We'll certainly try to reproduce it here, but so far no luck.

73,
Eric
/elecraft.com/

On 12/1/2015 1:03 PM, Bill wrote:
> Now I am very glad I did not upgrade my K3 to the new synth. Seems there are
> some teething pains. I would have to cry real tears if I broke the best rig I
> have ever had. Angel on my shoulder?
>

______________________________________________________________
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
Message delivered to [hidden email]

Jim Bolit

Re: [Bulk] Re Elecraft] Crackling in Headphones

In reply to this post by N2TK

Did not check spkr. I am returning unit under warranty

Jim
W6AIM

The Rake

-------- Original message --------
From: "N2TK, Tony" <[hidden email]>
Date: 12/1/2015 2:07 PM (GMT-08:00)
To: 'Guy Olinger K2AV' <[hidden email]>, 'Jim Bolit' <[hidden email]>
Cc: [hidden email]
Subject: RE: [Elecraft] [Bulk] Re Elecraft] Crackling in Headphones

Do you get the crackling through the speaker or just with headphones?
N2TK, Tony

-----Original Message-----
From: Elecraft [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Guy
Olinger K2AV
Sent: Tuesday, December 01, 2015 2:54 PM
To: Jim Bolit <[hidden email]>
Cc: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [Bulk] Re Elecraft] Crackling in Headphones

"The crackling noises I hear in three different headsets occur with no
antenna connected. It does not occur all the time."

As you describe it, this does not sound normal, nor is it a common trouble.
The popping most refer to usually occurs with AGC off and noise spikes with
NB off. Yours sounds like a poor connection somewhere.

You need to call Elecraft technical support with your problem. This is far
more likely to be something mechanical in the radio that needs repair under
warranty.

73, Guy K2AV

On Tue, Dec 1, 2015 at 2:11 PM, Jim Bolit <[hidden email]> wrote:
> The crackling noises I hear in three different headsets occur with no
antenna connected.
>
> It does not occur all the time.
>
> I did not have this issue with my stock k3 which was sent in to
> Elecraft for the syn upgrades
>
> The crackling noise is very annoying when trying to do weak CW signal
work.

www.w3fpr.com<http://www.w3fpr.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 Message
delivered to [hidden email]

______________________________________________________________
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
Message delivered to [hidden email]