On 4 Jan 2007 17:54:40 -0800, "john" wrote:

hi,

i'm noticing a discrepancy between the s-meter readings of these three
radios. all three radios are connected to the same antenna for the test
and signals can be heard equally well on all three, but the kenwood
r-5000 always has the highest signal levels, by quite a bit - followed
by the palstar and then the drake. the palstar and the drake are the
closest. when i turn the pre-amp on the drake closes in on the palstar,
but still a little low. are s-meter readings standardized - is this a
fair way to test for a radios sensitivity.

The readings are more or less standardized...

http://www.algonet.se/~k-jarl/ssa/IARU/smeter.html

.... but the meterings can be "off" and in need of recalibration.

bob
k5qwg