[Elecraft K3] Frequency Calibration using Sidetone

Posted by kd1na on Apr 05, 2011; 9:08pm
URL: http://elecraft.85.s1.nabble.com/Elecraft-K3-Frequency-Calibration-using-Sidetone-tp6243828.html

I see many references using the CW sidetone as a calibration tool for the K3's frequency readout. I fully understand the logic behind using the sidetone but this brings up a question.

What is the reference for the sidetone frequency within the K3? Is in the K3's master oscillator? If you are in fact changing the master oscillator frequency to match K3's readout to an actual frequency, and if the sidetone frequency is derived from the same master oscillator aren't you defeating the purpose of your calibration. It seems logical to me to a method of calibration that your reference is not derived from the same oscillator you are trying to calibrate.

Having said the above here is the method I use.

On usb mode I tune the K3 to the reference standard you are using ( Any AM station such as WWV or any station of a known frequency). I set the readout to the exact known frequency of that station. I note the pitch of the sound I hear from the station (the tone from WWV or CHU works best) . Next I switch to LSB and note the pitch of the sound. If they are identical then the K3 is calibrated. If the pitch changes then you have to configure the master oscillator's frequency so the pitch between USB and LSB match.  I relies the above method requires a good ability to note slight changes in pitch. Some of us do not posses that ability and must use a different method. For those that do, this method works.

73
Dave KD1NA
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