Using both AGC and RF gain?

[Darwin, Keith]

Ron's comments in another thread got me thinking.  How many of us use
AGC only (RF Gain on full), RF Gain only (AGC off) or a combination?
Does it matter if you're running SSB or CW (or other)?
 
I run CW and use a combination of AGC and RF Gain.  AGC set to "fast"
with the RF gain turned down to bring the band noise down to a bit above
the rig's noise floor.  S/N ratio is great like this and if a truly big
signal hits me, I have the AGC there to act as a limiter to keep my ears
from taking a hit.
 
I also love to watch the S-meter move so leaving AGC on keeps the fun
alive.
 
What do you do?
 
- Keith N1AS -
- K3 711 -
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[Brett Howard]

I'd have to say my modes of operation is very similar to yours.  I turn the
RF Gain down to help with the noise but then also use the AGC to protect the
ears.  Lately I've been going with a somewhat high AGC threshold with a
pretty flat top to it.  So I minimize its action but when it gets hit things
are pretty flat up there.

I do like to watch the S-Meter move although I'm somewhat ashamed to say
so...  It sounds dumb but I dig it. :)

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Darwin, Keith
Sent: Monday, July 28, 2008 11:45 AM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: [Elecraft] Using both AGC and RF gain?

Ron's comments in another thread got me thinking.  How many of us use
AGC only (RF Gain on full), RF Gain only (AGC off) or a combination?
Does it matter if you're running SSB or CW (or other)?
 
I run CW and use a combination of AGC and RF Gain.  AGC set to "fast"
with the RF gain turned down to bring the band noise down to a bit above
the rig's noise floor.  S/N ratio is great like this and if a truly big
signal hits me, I have the AGC there to act as a limiter to keep my ears
from taking a hit.
 
I also love to watch the S-meter move so leaving AGC on keeps the fun
alive.
 
What do you do?
 
- Keith N1AS -
- K3 711 -
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[Gary, W7TEA]

I do the same thing although I've slowed the FAST AGC decay.  I'm still
looking for the optimum Threshold setting and have taken to adjusting it
for whatever band condx I find.  I run the SLP pretty high and flat.  

The receiver seems so "hot," or my antenna so susceptible to QRN, that
I seldom use the PRE.  

73, Gary W7TEA
K3 1001

Darwin, Keith wrote

Ron's comments in another thread got me thinking.  How many of us use
AGC only (RF Gain on full), RF Gain only (AGC off) or a combination?
Does it matter if you're running SSB or CW (or other)?
 
I run CW and use a combination of AGC and RF Gain.  AGC set to "fast"
with the RF gain turned down to bring the band noise down to a bit above
the rig's noise floor.  S/N ratio is great like this and if a truly big
signal hits me, I have the AGC there to act as a limiter to keep my ears
from taking a hit.
 
I also love to watch the S-meter move so leaving AGC on keeps the fun
alive.
 
What do you do?
 
- Keith N1AS -
- K3 711 -