I began this adventure by upgrading my KX3s Firmware to 1.61 and 1.23.
After that I attached my station antenna (which is normally connected to
an Icom 7700) to make sure the KX3 worked.
>From the KX3 I noticed a high amount of noise whilst receiving. A flip of
the coax switch connects the same antenna to the Icom radio and it shows
pretty low noise.
Quick noise test comparison examples:
* KX3 Icom*
40M S5-6 S2-3
30M S8-9 S0-1
20M S8-9 S0
17M S7-8 S0
15M S6 S0
Both radios were tuned to a no signal portion of the CW bands and the
radios were in the CW mode. Both radios bandpass were set to 500 Hz. On
each band, the antenna (66 ft doublet w/ auto tuner) was tuned to SWR of
1.5 or less.
Before I elaborate further... I Downgraded the KX3s software back to 1.50
and 1.21 and I still have high noise.
When a signal (higher level than the KX3s receive noise level) is tuned in,
both radios S meter tracks the same, i.e S9+10 = same. Also, I got out my
very old Elecraft XG-1, installed a fresh battery, and S8.5 on the Icom =
S8-S9 bars on the KX3. With the antenna removed from the KX3 there is no
noise.
My KX3 is serial no 1588, the Automatic Ant Tuner is switched to BYP, and I
do not have the Roofing Filter installed. AGC Threshold = 005. Changing
AGC Threshold to 004 reduces noise, but the S-meter shows the same reading.
ATT is off, PREamp is off.
I use my KX3 in the field for SOTA 95 percent of the time. The times I
have used it in my home shack it has performed well. Now it's very
difficult to hear low level signals.
My question to the group is... Why does my KX3 present such high receive
noise? Have I set something incorrectly? Any advise is appreciated.
Thanks and regards,
Rich KR7W
Tacoma WA
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