Posted by
K5WA on
Dec 05, 2011; 3:34pm
URL: http://elecraft.85.s1.nabble.com/Fw-CQ-WW-DX-Contest-CW-2011-Unofficial-claimed-scores-tp7060148p7063272.html
I really can't agree with the mush comment. I've just returned from ZF1A
where we put almost 8000 Qs in the log over the CQWW CW weekend. I took my
K3 and was able to evaluate it against the station's existing TS-850 since
we were M/S and rotated positions. In my opinion, the 850 WAS mushy and the
K3 was very clear however, K6AM, our host (who is a VERY serious contester),
prefers the 850 since he has been using it for 10 years. He also owns 4 K3s
but didn't bring them on the trip since the 850s "live" in Cayman and he
brought many pounds of other equipment. Personal preference plays a huge
part of this discussion. In this case, K6AM feels like his hearing is
limited to a frequency range of 6-7K while mine is still near 20K. Maybe
that is part of the puzzle.
We regularly saw the 10 minute QSO rate meter in the 300 range and topped
400 occasionally. I loved the way the K3 was able to plow through the
pileups which were calling us and work through them as fast as possible.
The only time I heard mush on the K3 was when we had worked down the pileup
and only had very low strength guys all calling on the same frequency (the
packet/reverse beacon spotting phenomenon). These must have been micro-watt
QRP'ers or stations with minimal/indoor antennas. I had my AGC on and
didn't have any time to try multiple settings but I am extremely happy with
the K3's receiver and think it is in the high end competition grade for me.
I am sending Eric my configuration file as he requested in case he is able
to find an improvement but I will be amazed if one can be found. I've
always been extremely happy with Elecraft's commitment and motivation to
exceed expectations but they have already exceeded mine as it is. ;-)
73,
Bob K5WA
>>>>>>>>>
This has been a very real problem for serious contesters and is the
number one dissatisfaction I have with the K3 ... and with Elecraft.
Multiple low level CW signals within a narrow passband simply turn to
mush and are very difficult to distinguish. I use the bare minimum AGC
settings in an attempt to cope since turning AGC completely off during a
contest can be painful to both the ears and the K3 itself (as those who
have had to replace their audio ICs can attest) but that often does not
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