# RF Gain Calibration

This wizard is used to calibrate the RF Gain of the main and sub receivers.

A 50 microvolt (-73 dBm) signal generator, such as an Elecraft XG1, XG2 or Elecraft XG3 RF Signal Source, is required for low-level calibration.

Optional High level calibration requires a 5000 uV (-33 dBm) signal generator, such as the Elecraft XG3 RF Signal Source.

Start by clicking the "Calibrate RF Gain" button on the Configuration tab page.

### Wizard Pages

#### Welcome to RF Gain Calibration

This page describes the procedure in general terms.

Click "Next" to continue.

#### Select Computed or Default Calibration

If you have an RF signal source available, click "Compute RF Gain calibration data using a signal source".

If you do not have a signal source available and wish to use the standard "factory default" RF Gain calibration values, click the indicated button.

Click "Next" to continue.

#### Connect Signal Generator

Your K3 has been placed into Tx Test to protect the signal source from accidental transmission.

Connect a -73 dBm signal source to your K3's ANT 1 connector.

Click "Next" to continue.

#### Set Main Receiver Controls

This page describes setting a number of K3 main receiver controls. Most of the needed settings are changed automatically by the K3 Utility. Be sure to follow these instructions carefully.

Note: Text Decode must be OFF for RF Gain calibration. To turn off Text Decode, first HOLD the Text Dec button (just above the VFO B knob), then turn the VFO B knob counterclockwise until the VFO B area of the display says "OFF", then press the Text Dec button to leave Text Decode setup.

You may find the K3's CW Tune and SPOT functions useful to tune the generator's signal in the center of the pass band.

Click "Next" to continue.

#### Main Receiver Low Level RF Gain Calibration

Click "Calibrate" to start main receiver low-level calibration.

Do not touch any K3 front panel controls during calibration.

If you have selected "factory default" calibration values on an earlier page, those values for the main receiver are stored at this time.

Click "Next" to continue.

#### Set Signal Generator to S9+40 dB

If you have a signal generator that can provide a -33 dBm signal (such as the Elecraft XG3), increase the level at this time.

Click "Next" to continue.

#### Main Receiver High Level RF Gain Calibration

High-level calibration is optional. If you do not have a -33 dBm signal source, click "Next" to use factory default values.

If your signal source is providing a -33 dBm signal, click "Calibrate" to start main receiver high-level calibration.

Do not touch any K3 front panel controls during calibration.

Click "Next" to continue.

#### Set Signal Generator to S9

This page is displayed only if the KRX3 Second Receiver Option is enabled.

Reduce the signal generator level to -73 dBm for low-level sub receiver calibration.

Click "Next" to continue.

#### Set Sub Receiver Controls

This page is displayed only if the KRX3 Second Receiver Option is enabled.

Adjust the sub receiver's controls as indicated.

Select the Main antenna (ANT1) for the sub receiver (tap ANT if you need to change it). The calibration procedure expects the sub receiver to use ANT1, and makes computational adjustments to account for the splitter attenuation when main and sub receivers share their input.

Click "Next" to continue.

#### Sub Receiver Low-Level RF Gain Calibration

This page is displayed only if the KRX3 Second Receiver Option is enabled.

Click "Calibrate" to start the sub receiver low-level RF Gain calibration.

Do not touch any K3 front panel controls during calibration.

If you have selected "factory default calibration values" on an earlier page, those values for the sub receiver are stored at this time.

Click "Next" to continue.

#### Set Signal Generator to S9+40 dB

If your signal source can provide a -33 dBm signal, increase the level at this time.

Click "Next" to continue.

#### Sub Receiver High-Level RF Gain Calibration

This page is displayed only if the KRX3 Second Receiver Option is enabled.

High-level calibration is optional. If you do not have a -33 dBm signal source, click "Next" to use factory default values.

If your signal generator is providing a -33 dBm signal, click "Calibrate" to start sub receiver high-level calibration.

Do not touch any K3 front panel controls during calibration.

Click "Next" to continue.

#### RF Gain Calibration is Complete

The completion page reminds you to disconnect the signal source.

The RF Gain Calibration wizard leaves your K3 in Tx Test to protect the signal generator from accidental transmission. After the signal source has been disconnected, HOLD the TEST button (the right side of the Mode button) to switch between Tx Test and Tx Normal.

You may wish to verify that the BSET, mode, filter width, Preamp, Attenuator, Noise Reduction, Notch, RF Gain, Squelch, VFO Linking, Text Decode, Antenna, Receive Antenna, and ATU settings are your preferred values for the calibration frequency. The K3 Utility attempts to restore the settings it changes.

Click "Finish" to complete the wizard and return to the Configuration tab page.