- #1
linear_shift
- 16
- 0
I am looking at a cheap $100 shortwave radio, the Kaito KA-2100 (google it, there are a bunch of links, too many to mention), and I would like to know if disabling the AGC (automatic gain control), is possible for use as a radio telescope. Now I don't know that much about radio and electronics (a little here and there though), mainly being an optical astronomer, but under my scope of knowledge there are a few things that stand out:
1. The is an RF Gain control. Could using this disable or set the AGC threshold in any way?
2. There is a DX/Local switch. Could setting this in Local kill the AGC (seems to on my cheapo R'shack SW radio)?
3. This is most pressing, there is an IF (intermediate frequency) output. Could this bypass the AGC?
Now I found a schematic on the web, but I can't make any sense of it (too much stuff, poorly labeled/laid out, and even some traces connected nonsensically). It is http://nowsat.mforos.com/132607/6582475-roadstar-tra2350p/?pag=2 (search the page for the phrase "on the interweb" or look for the only post there in English). Anyway, any help is appreciated (even by telling me of another SW radio with an AGC disable under $200 would be helpful). Thanks, ls.
1. The is an RF Gain control. Could using this disable or set the AGC threshold in any way?
2. There is a DX/Local switch. Could setting this in Local kill the AGC (seems to on my cheapo R'shack SW radio)?
3. This is most pressing, there is an IF (intermediate frequency) output. Could this bypass the AGC?
Now I found a schematic on the web, but I can't make any sense of it (too much stuff, poorly labeled/laid out, and even some traces connected nonsensically). It is http://nowsat.mforos.com/132607/6582475-roadstar-tra2350p/?pag=2 (search the page for the phrase "on the interweb" or look for the only post there in English). Anyway, any help is appreciated (even by telling me of another SW radio with an AGC disable under $200 would be helpful). Thanks, ls.