Hi Steve, I own a fully loaded K3 with a LP-PAN/PSDR panadapter. I agree, the LP-PAN/PSDR combo make existing panadapters on most rigs a joke. 192 KHz bandwidth, sensitivity down to -140 dbm and frequency resolution down to 10 Hz all in real time, at a screen refresh rate of up to 50 fps. Add serial port through LP_Bridge and you have "point-n-click" rig control for ultimate search and pounce operation.
I also purchased the FTdx5000MP. It came with the matching SM-5000 Station Monitor. After using the K3/LP-PAN/PSDR combo and comparing it to the scope display on the SM-5000 I too must admit that the SM-5000 is very disappointing. There are a few restricted bandwidth modes that improve the displayed sweep speed at the sacrifice of displayed bandwidth but the overall performance is poor at best. So in the words of Tim Allen (1990's Tool Time TV Show) I rewired it! With the help of Larry (N8LP) I ordered a LP-PAN unit with a Xtal that supports the FT5000 9 MHz IF output. Larry delivered the assembled unit to me within a week. My FT5000 with LP-PAN/PSDR works FB (same functionality as with my K3/PSDR combo). The panadapter on my FT5000 is no longer a joke or disappointment. Since I was the first to get LP-PAN/PSDR working on the FT5000, Larry asked if I would send him a photo of the station to post on his web site. http://www.telepostinc.com/LP-PAN.html I also uploaded a PDF file to Larry's site that shows photos of the SM-5000 display compared to the LP-PAN/PSDR tuned to the same frequency and both set to 100 KHz bandwidth. The link is located right below the photo of my station at the link above. I love my K3 and now that I have LP-PAN/PSDR on the FT5000, I'm acquiring the same affection for it too. The scope has so much impact on my operating performance that I'll never again purchase any rig that isn't provisioned for one. I need my "Radio Eyes". Best 73, Frank - W6NEK ----- Original Message ----- From: "Steve Ellington" <n...@carolina.rr.com> To: "Björn Mohr" <b...@broadcast.se>; "Elecraft Reflector" <elecraft@mailman.qth.net> Sent: Tuesday, March 23, 2010 5:42 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [OT] FT-5000 vs. K3 Yaesu had the FT-5k on display at the Charlotte fest. I got a close up look. Ergos are great with huge knobs etc. The bandscope is pathetic. It displays tiny, blurry, blue blobs of busy, bewildering bunk. Even the ICOM scope is superior. Compared to the LP-PAN/PSDR it's a joke. Steve N4LQ ______________________________________________________________ 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
