I make a deliberate choice to set the AGC threshold low, so I DO get AGC
action on weak signals. Perhaps my ears just don't have the dynamic
range they used to, but I find otherwise the strong signals are just
uncomfortably loud. Yes, I have to ride the RF gain to distinguish
signals of different strengths, but I find that a fair trade-off. Give
the average age of hams these days, I doubt I'm the only one with such
issues. Of course, younger operators may want to treat their ears
gently, to preserve that good dynamic range.
Note that high acoustic background noise can further reduce the
difference between audible and painful. The Radiosport headset is the
best remedy I've found for that, short of putting the amplifier in
another room.
73,
Scott K9MA
On 5/23/2018 15:37, Al Lorona wrote:
Scott,
If the weakest signals are already activating the AGC, that's the exact
condition that leads to the many 'my K3 is noisy' complaints that we see here.
Plus, that tends to make all signals sound like they're the same strength,
another complaint we've heard in the past.
In fact, you don't want weak signals activating AGC. You want strong signals,
above a certain threshhold (AGC THR on the K3) to activate it.
This gives you a nice, quiet linear region where weak signals sound weak, and
stronger signals sound stronger.
In addition, overload should not determine whether you turn off the preamp!
That's way bad advice.
Here's the general principle: you should only use as much gain as you need. AF
as well as RF. Less is usually better. Your ears will not be blown by reducing
your receiver gain.
R,
Al W6LX
--
Scott K9MA
k...@sdellington.us
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