Elecraft PR6 - Manual

Elecraft • www.elecraft.com • 831-662-8345
E
LECRAFT PR6 6-Meter Receive Preamplifier
Owner’s Manual
Revision B, May 19, 2011
Copyright © 2011, Elecraft, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Introduction
The PR6 is a high-performance, low-noise 6-meter preamp that can be used with the Elecraft K3 or other
transceivers. It's especially well-suited to the K3, which has exceptional dynamic range, yet can benefit
from additional gain for 6-meter weak signal work. Adding the PR6 typically improves 6-meter MDS from
about -136 to -143 dBm. The noise figure of the preamp itself is typically 0.5 dB.
The PR6 can be connected directly to the RX ANT IN/OUT jacks on the K3's KXV3 module (required),
where it can be switched in automatically by the transceiver when operating on 6 meters. A second pair of
jacks is provided on the opposite side of the PR6 to allow use of the K3's normal RX ANT IN/OUT signal
path when the preamp is not in use.
Power for the PR6 can be obtained from any 11 to 14 VDC supply. When used with a K3, the PR6 can be
powered from the 12 VDC accessory output. It can be strapped permanently ON, or it can be turned on/off
externally from an open-source/open-drain logic signal. In the K3 case, the DIGOUT1 control line can be
used (on the 15-pin ACC jack), since it is stored on a per-band basis.
The PR6 is housed in a rugged, custom-machined enclosure.
Figure 1. Elecraft PR6 Low-Noise 6-Meter Receive Preamplifier.