AR-DV3 Attenuator, RF Amp, AGC & RF Gain

Summary: Controlling the AR-DV3’s gain: attenuator, RF amplifier, AGC and manual RF gain.

Attenuator and RF Amplifier

[F] then [5] highlights the area at lower left; turn the dial to choose and press [ENT]. Settings can be made per VFO, per memory channel and per search bank.

• ATT: about 20 dB attenuation, for strong signals, overload and interference (especially with a big outdoor antenna).
• OFF: neutral.
• AMP: about 14 dB of gain, for weak signals, only on frequencies of 18 MHz and above.

Signal strength goes AMP (boost), OFF, then ATT (attenuate).

AGC

Applies to AM, SSB (LSB/USB) and CW. It’s the AGC release time: too fast raises the noise between SSB words or CW elements; too slow may miss the next signal. [F] then hold [5], turn the dial, press [ENT]:

• AGCF fast, AGCM medium, AGCS slow;
• RF-G: manual RF gain (AGC off).

Auto mode sets it for you.

RF Gain

With RF-G selected, turn the SQL knob and the S-meter switches to an RF gain display. Lowering gain in CW or SSB can reduce noise. Config items IF12k AGC (AGC or MAN) and IF12k MAN.GAIN (00-25) set the gain of the 12 kHz offset IF output.