[hpsdr] Hermes board trouble/question

[Glen]

Hello,

I am trying to finish up my version of Alex for my two Hermes boards.

I am noticing the exact same thing on two different Hermes, and thought
someone might
comment on it.

Under configuration, I have the step attenuator enabled for either Hermes.

I have a rx splitter with a K3 on one side, the Hermes on the other, direct
into the
Hermes, bypassing the Alex.

I find a S5-S9 signal on a band, and set both the K3 and Hermes up to the
same signal.

I see no difference in S meter reading on the step-attenuator setting until
I reach 16db,
then it does start to attenuate.  With no preamp on the K3 the S meter
readings are identical
with the Hermes, and readability is virtually the same until I hit the 16db
mark.  Raising the
attenuator from 0db just raises the G-line on the display, with no effect on
the signal.

It was my understanding that the Hermes always has a 20db preamp on, so, to
compare apples
to apples with the K3,  the attenuator should be set at 20db to show no
preamp.  If I set it to 20db
the K3 is probably two S units better than the Hermes.

I think I have the latest Hermes code (3.1)  and PowerSDR 3.3.6 with W10
with a fast computer.

Whatever is happening is happening on BOTH Hermes, which I thought
eliminates the hardware...

Can anybody speculate as to what might be the trouble???

73's

Glen K4KV
Moultrie, GA