I've had both over the past 8 years with the K3: Computer bases system advantages: 1. Cheaper. $300 - $500 2. Better resolution potential but depends on which SDR or sound card you choose. 3. Point and click with mouse 4. Band changing from screen
Computer based disadvantages: 1. Cabling complexity i.e. external sound card + LP-Pan. Sound card can be eliminated with a Fun Cube Dongle. 2. Total dependency on computer. 3. Requires a serial port which mandates using a virtual serial port program such as LP-Bridge is you want to use a logging program at the same time. 4. Computer must be fast enough to keep up with NAP3's requirements. I use a quad core, I7 and 12gb of ram. You could do with less but I know this works. This will certainly increase the CPU load on your computer. 5. Unless you have 2 monitors you will be constantly frustrated wanting to see both your log and pan at once. P3 System advantages 1. Simple connectivity to K3 2. Instant bandscope by simply turning on the K3. 3. Eliminates the need for any computer or software. You really need to experience this to appreciate it. NAP3 is no longer supported by the author and is not bug free. 4. Easy interface to a large screen monitor...Even your 65" TV will work via the optional SVGA adapter. Note: Not all monitors have VGA inputs therefore the P3 may need an adapter. I use a VGA to HDMI adapter. P3 Disadvantages: 1. Expensive $700 to $1000 2. Point and click but requires cranking a knob on the P3...I usually just tune the K3s manually instead. Like I stated above....I'm relieved to no longer depend on the computer. There was always something needing attention and software was really a pain. I've learned to live the the P3's shortcomings. Now all my computer needs to do is run the logging program. BTW: I use Logger32 and it allows using your mouse wheel for tuning anyway. Steve N4LQ On Thu, Dec 24, 2015 at 11:47 AM, Juliean Galak <jga...@gmail.com> wrote: > I'm planning on getting a K3s and am wondering about panadapters. There's > obviously the P3, but there are also the computer-based I new like the > lp-pan, or using an sdr. I kind of like having one less box on the desk - > there'll be a computer there no matter what. How's the quality of these > solutions compared to the p3? Especially the integration? > > Thanks, > Juliean > KD2JPF > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to steven...@gmail.com > ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
