Posted by
dj7mgq on
Jun 07, 2007; 6:47pm
URL: http://elecraft.85.s1.nabble.com/K3-S-meter-calibration-redux-tp448734p448771.html
Hallo,
Wayne wrote:
> I'd agree with you if there were a single world-wide standard for S-9,
> and no need to compensate for slight differences in receive gain from
There is a standard in Region 1, but, to be honest, a standard which up
to now has almost totally been ignored by the industry. This has been
bemoaned in almost all serious rig tests I can remember here in Germany.
When a rig has a s-meter which comes close to the Region 1 standard, it
is often considered by the authors to be a real plus point for the rig.
Wayne wrote:
> This is also more flexible. As I mentioned earlier, I set my S-meters up
> for 4 dB per S-unit. Here's why: I like a greater degree of sensitivity
Sorry but I do not agree.
A signal strength meter, which is what an s-meter should be, should not
be affected by changes in amplification after entering the rig, i.e. the
reading should not be affected by a built-in preamplifier.
Wayne wrote:
> If hams wanted to be precise in assessing signal levels, we'd report
> them in dBm and do a lot of averaging. But for most operators this is a
> hobby, not a job :)
I would prefer an s-meter which showed dBm or dBu and was fairly
accurate. For many, if not most amateurs, +/- 1.5dB would, I think, be
more than good enough. Professional style measurements are not really
what you would want to do with an amateur communications receiver, but
nonetheless the numbers from one rig to the next still ought to be
comparable.
BTW: To quote the head honcho of our local club: We do professional
amateur radio... ;-)
Leigh wrote:
> numbers. dBuV or dBmW is the measure to use. If you are filing
> interference reports with the FCC and cannot figure out how to convert
In some parts of the world and for some budgets I agree, in other cases,
all you might have is a s-meter. Then it would be more than just nice to
know that the numbers mean actually something, and that you can then say
+/- 3dB the following level in dBm can be seen at the antenna jack. Easy
math if the s-meter sticks to a standard.
Granted with the K3, you can go into menus, and set it up the way you
need it. However, this does lead to feel good metering, i.e. useless for
the other station, who does not know how you've set your rig up.
vy 73 de toby
PS: RST should be more than just "Raten, Schätzen, Täuschen"
--
DD5FZ, 4N6FZ (ex dj7mgq, dg5mgq, dd5fz)
K2 #885, K2/100 #3248
K3/100 #??? (< #200)
DOK C12, BCC, DL-QRP-AG
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