[Elecraft] P3 Questions

[David Yarnes]

I may need some assistance on how my P3 should act.  My P3 
arrived while I was away on an extended trip to the 
Northwest.  I now have it up and running, but I have some 
questions.  I've perused the manual, including the newer 
version on the website.  It seems that my levels may be 
wrong, but not sure.

Here's what I have done--I updated my K3 firmware to the 
latest version on the website.  I also updated the P3 
firmware.  I also had to make the mod to my K3 (#96) for the 
I.F. output gain.  Prior to making that modification, the 
noise level seemed to be around -110 dbm, but that was also 
before I updated my K3 firmware also.

Now, I seem to have a reference level way down to 
around -140 dbm.  I do see signal spikes, but it seems to 
take an S8 or S9 signal to really show on my screen (to 
differentiate them from just noise), which I assume is 
indicative of my noise floor.  None of the illustrations in 
the manual show something starting that low.  It makes me 
wonder if I did the K3 mod properly.  I did replace the SMT 
part with the supplied SMT device (or think I did!). 
Hopefully I didn't screw that up.

All of this scaling varies from band to band somewhat, but 
it's always -120 dbm or lower.  I see nice spikes from 
stronger signals, but some that are quite copiable on the K3 
don't seem to make much of a spike at all.  The waterfall 
does seem to show the signal better in those cases.  I'm 
assuming it's just because those signals are right at the 
noise level, but I was primarily concerned about the fact 
that my setting has to be so much lower (higher numberical 
value of "minus" dbm) than anything shown in the manual.

Dave W7AQK



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[Elecraft] P3 Questions

[pastormg2]

I am condidering a purchase of a P3 with my k3. Do I understand correctly that 
I would need an additional power supply for the P3?  Or would I be able to 
connect it to the power jack on back of the k3 for power?  If I need an 
addiitonal power supply that's going to make the equipment jammed packed.  But 
I also read on the reflector that the power jack on the back of the K3 doesn't 
have sufficient amps to run the K3.  Any advise would be greatly appreciated.  
Mark KB3Z
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[Elecraft] P3 Questions

[Jim Harris]

Hi,

Obviously, I'm not a P3 owner but maybe Santa might change that.  Last evening 
I perused the manual.  This morning I was rambling through how it might be used 
in conjunction with my K3.  Two questions came to mind that field testers and 
perhaps others might like to comment on.

My favorite activity in amateur radio is RTTY contesting.  Elecraft pictures of 
the P3 with the K3 shows it on the users right side of the radio.  My thinking 
is it might be better on the left side as I use the mouse with my right hand 
and operate the radio with my left when RTTY contesting.  It would seem the 
point and click and other functions on the P3 would be better accessed with my 
left hand than putting the radio on the right side and having to reach across 
with my left or move my right hand from the mouse to access the functions.  I 
realize the side is an operators choice (I think) but I'm wondering if anyone 
has any meaningful experience or thoughts on the subject.

That leads me to my second thought.  My prior experience with a "bandscope" was 
with a ProIII.  (It departed the shack several months ago.) To the best of my 
ability with it there was no way I could discern separate RTTY signals in a 
contest.  Does the P3 have enough resolution on the more narrow bandwidth 
sweeps to discern separate signals in a contest or is just a big blurs as the 
ProIII.  If separate signals are discernible in a contest is it possible to 
point and click on one with the P3, and perhaps with the AFC in MMTTY enabled, 
be able to near instantly work that signal?  I realize there are most likely a 
lot of variables involved but the thought occurred to me the P3 might be able 
to add a new dimension to RTTY contesting for me and perhaps others.

Perhaps I'm wishing for more than the P3 is capable of but constructive 
thoughts and ideas would be greatly appreciated.

CU in the Colorado QSO Party Sept 4th, 2010.

73,  Jim, W0EM


  
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[Elecraft] P3 Questions

[Steve, K4FJ via Elecraft]

Hi,

Until recently, I have not been interested in the P3 because I didn't think it 
would be useful for my way of operating.  Now, I think I am missing something 
quite useful but I need to get educated on it.

I am interested in some suggested reading which covers the capabilities and how 
those capabilities would help me in contesting and dxing.  For example, can I 
see a signal blip, identify it, move my K3 to it, etc.  Many more questions but 
I am sure someone has already documented the advantages.

I have two K3's which are ready to accept a P3.

Thanks in advance.

Steve, K4FJ

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[Elecraft] P3 Questions

[Johnny Siu]

Hello Gary,

As usually mentioned here, it is on their to-do list but there is no time frame 
at all.  They are still running for the KX3 additions - bigger market, more 
money.

cheers,

Johnny VR2XMC
 


 寄件人︰ Gary Gregory 
收件人︰ 
副本(CC)︰ Elecraft List  
傳送日期︰ 2014年06月21日 (週六) 9:15 AM
主題︰ Re: [Elecraft] P3 Questions
  

Steve,

The only negative is the lack of Tx monitoring. Was promised, and the label
on the back of the P3 is beckoning but as nothing is ever mentioned about
this option one can only assume it is not going to happen.

Gary


On 21 June 2014 09:01, Fred Jensen  wrote:

> You will get a lot of replies Steve, they will likely all be positive, the
> P3 is a really great addition to any station.
>
> I bought mine as just a toy ... my wife does needlepoint which is about as
> expensive as ham radio, we have an "equal hobby allowance" policy, and the
> radio balance was climbing.  However it has totally changed the way I
> operate.  I watch it now instead of the radio.
>
> Not sure what you mean by "identify it," but I can see the signals and
> pick out the RTTY in a RTTY contest, CW, PSK, and JT65 just from the
> display.  PACTOR signals are also obvious although I'm not a PACTOR-ite.
>  It won't give you the call sign however. :-))  [You can also discover that
> the 5, 10, and 15 MHz WWV signals are somewhat dirtier than you would
> expect from NIST]
>
> Yes, you can put a marker [there are two] on a signal, punch the knob, and
> your K3 will QSY to that frequency.
>
> The display runs rings around the "bandscopes" on other radios.  I have no
> color vision and the color waterfall wasn't working real well for me, so
> Alan added a monochrome waterfall option in the next FW update, maybe just
> for me. :-)
>
> I have yet to find a use for all 8 of the programmable function keys.
> DX'ing is amazing!  I see the DX and I see the pileup up a bit [well, not
> everyone, Up-Cops show up on the DX frequency].  Pileup looks like
> wide-band noise.  DX calls someone, pile dies off, and one signal is there
> [well, OK, several answer so sometimes I guess wrong], move VFO B to put
> the TX cursor on that station and at the "TU", call.  Works about 75% of
> the time.  Also very useful when I'm NCS in the traffic net, I don't send
> stations "up or down 3" and put them on top of someone.
>
> I run in Fixed Tune mode [screen displays a segment of the band and my
> frequency moves across it until I hit the edge of the segment].  There is
> also a Tracking mode where you're always in the center and the band moves
> past you.  Span is adjustable from 4 KHz to 200 KHz and you can assign
> specific spans to the function keys.  With the P3 Utility you can save
> screen shots to your computer.
>
> I wouldn't be without mine.
>
> 73,
>
> Fred K6DGW
> - Northern California Contest Club
> - CU in the 2014 Cal QSO Party 4-5 Oct 2014
> - www.cqp.org
>
>
> On 6/20/2014 2:20 PM, Steve, K4FJ via Elecraft wrote:
>
>  I am interested in some suggested reading which covers the
>> capabilities and how those capabilities would help me in contesting
>> and dxing.  For example, can I see a signal blip, identify it, move
>> my K3 to it, etc.  Many more questions but I am sure someone has
>> already documented the advantages.
>>
>
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-- 



*Gary - VK1ZZ, K3NHLSkype: Gary.VK1ZZhttp://www.qsl.net/vk1zz
<http://www.qsl.net/vk1zz> Motorhome Portable*
*"Grumpy's House"*


*Elecraft K3KPA500FTKAT500FT*



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[Elecraft] P3 Questions

[Dean]

Hi Steve,

 

If you are considering on whether or not to buy a P3, the answer is very
easy - GET IT. It is really a great value and I am surprised they do not
charge more for them.

 

I cannot say enough good about the P3.  It is the most useful and most used
ham radio implement I have ever had.

 

I was a ham for 26 years before I got a nice scope. Working CW, I would keep
my filters open and use my ears as a band scope as much as I could, tune up
and down the band every few minutes and form a mental vision of what is
going on above and below.

 

Now with the P3 it is as if I was blind and now I can see.  It gives you a
constant three dimensional view of the radio spectrum- Frequency, Time and
Amplitude. I have found that the waterfall gives you the best three
dimensional visualization while the spectrum scope is useful for comparative
measurements and such.  The color and crispness and smoothness of the
presentation is also excellent. It is comfortable to look at for long
periods and easy on the eyes. I do not have the SVGA option so my
observations are based on the basic P3 (#177).

 

The information that it gives you is probably useful in many more ways you
might now imagine.  Identifying and understanding the origins of RF noise,
what is it really doing across the whole band? All those strange blips or
sounds I would hear but only on my freq, are now much easier to identify and
understand. You will soon be learning to identify most individual modes of
digital signals, PSK31, Olivia, FieldHell, Thor, Throb etc just by seeing it
up or down the band. You will probably learn to identify many things about a
SSB signal even before you tune to it, and thus decide if you want to tune
to it. Is it a narrow signal with a lot of high end, is it a wider signal
and full bodied? Consistent repeat, using compression, heavy processing or
no processing. Many other details about CW or other digital signals also can
tell you if there is multipath or warble in the signal, coming over the
north pole etc. All this even before you tune to the signal.

 

I don't contest but I do DX and hunt for weak signals. The P3 is constantly
in use for both. In addition to finding the signals that you want, It is
very handy for finding and jumping to holes in the QRM or in QRN.

 

I am surprised that even the most expensive rigs from the Japanese
manufactures do not have scopes that even come close to the true usefulness
of the P3. They have really missed the boat when it comes to band scopes.

 

My request for Elecraft is that they finish the option to monitor your
transmitted signal, and I would like to see a peak hold setting on the
spectrum scope that decays after a few seconds rather than having to
manually reset it.

 

Thank you Elecraft for a job well done!

 

Dean

KG7MZ

 

 

 

**

Hi,

 

Until recently, I have not been interested in the P3 because I didn't think
it would be useful for my way of operating.  Now, I think I am missing
something quite useful but I need to get educated on it.

 

I am interested in some suggested reading which covers the capabilities and
how those capabilities would help me in contesting and dxing.  For example,
can I see a signal blip, identify it, move my K3 to it, etc.  Many more
questions but I am sure someone has already documented the advantages.

 

I have two K3's which are ready to accept a P3.

 

Thanks in advance.

 

Steve, K4FJ

***

 

 

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Re: [Elecraft] P3 Questions

[Alan Bloom]

A noise level of -140 dBm is reasonable with no antenna connected or a
quiet band.  It also depends on the span and how you have the K3 set up.
On mine, the noise level is around -160 dBm with no antenna connected to
the K3, the K3 preamp turned on, and the span set to 2 kHz.  If I turn
off the preamp, turn on the attenuator, and set the span to 200 kHz, the
noise level is a little below -120 dBm.  With an antenna connected it is
higher than that.

You can get an idea if everything is working right by comparing the K3
S-meter reading of a signal within the receive passband.  S9 should show
as roughly -73 dBm on the P3 display and change by 6 dB per S-unit below
that.  There's a table of dBm levels versus S-units in the latest P3
manual.

Alan N1AL


On Fri, 2010-10-29 at 11:38 -0700, David Yarnes wrote:
> I may need some assistance on how my P3 should act.  My P3 
> arrived while I was away on an extended trip to the 
> Northwest.  I now have it up and running, but I have some 
> questions.  I've perused the manual, including the newer 
> version on the website.  It seems that my levels may be 
> wrong, but not sure.
> 
> Here's what I have done--I updated my K3 firmware to the 
> latest version on the website.  I also updated the P3 
> firmware.  I also had to make the mod to my K3 (#96) for the 
> I.F. output gain.  Prior to making that modification, the 
> noise level seemed to be around -110 dbm, but that was also 
> before I updated my K3 firmware also.
> 
> Now, I seem to have a reference level way down to 
> around -140 dbm.  I do see signal spikes, but it seems to 
> take an S8 or S9 signal to really show on my screen (to 
> differentiate them from just noise), which I assume is 
> indicative of my noise floor.  None of the illustrations in 
> the manual show something starting that low.  It makes me 
> wonder if I did the K3 mod properly.  I did replace the SMT 
> part with the supplied SMT device (or think I did!). 
> Hopefully I didn't screw that up.
> 
> All of this scaling varies from band to band somewhat, but 
> it's always -120 dbm or lower.  I see nice spikes from 
> stronger signals, but some that are quite copiable on the K3 
> don't seem to make much of a spike at all.  The waterfall 
> does seem to show the signal better in those cases.  I'm 
> assuming it's just because those signals are right at the 
> noise level, but I was primarily concerned about the fact 
> that my setting has to be so much lower (higher numberical 
> value of "minus" dbm) than anything shown in the manual.
> 
> Dave W7AQK
> 
> 
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] P3 Questions

[Rick Prather]

Alan,

My S9 appears to be off by about 10db.  How are you coming on a level 
calibration routine?

TIA,
Rick
K6LE


 
On 10/29/2010, at 3:23 , Alan Bloom wrote:

> A noise level of -140 dBm is reasonable with no antenna connected or a
> quiet band.  It also depends on the span and how you have the K3 set up.
> On mine, the noise level is around -160 dBm with no antenna connected to
> the K3, the K3 preamp turned on, and the span set to 2 kHz.  If I turn
> off the preamp, turn on the attenuator, and set the span to 200 kHz, the
> noise level is a little below -120 dBm.  With an antenna connected it is
> higher than that.
> 
> You can get an idea if everything is working right by comparing the K3
> S-meter reading of a signal within the receive passband.  S9 should show
> as roughly -73 dBm on the P3 display and change by 6 dB per S-unit below
> that.  There's a table of dBm levels versus S-units in the latest P3
> manual.
> 
> Alan N1AL

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Re: [Elecraft] P3 Questions

[Alan Bloom]

Rick,

That's what I'm working on right now.

73,

Alan N1AL


On Fri, 2010-10-29 at 17:20 -0700, Rick Prather wrote:
> Alan,
> 
> My S9 appears to be off by about 10db.  How are you coming on a level 
> calibration routine?
> 
> TIA,
> Rick
> K6LE
> 
> 
>  
> On 10/29/2010, at 3:23 , Alan Bloom wrote:
> 
> > A noise level of -140 dBm is reasonable with no antenna connected or a
> > quiet band.  It also depends on the span and how you have the K3 set up.
> > On mine, the noise level is around -160 dBm with no antenna connected to
> > the K3, the K3 preamp turned on, and the span set to 2 kHz.  If I turn
> > off the preamp, turn on the attenuator, and set the span to 200 kHz, the
> > noise level is a little below -120 dBm.  With an antenna connected it is
> > higher than that.
> > 
> > You can get an idea if everything is working right by comparing the K3
> > S-meter reading of a signal within the receive passband.  S9 should show
> > as roughly -73 dBm on the P3 display and change by 6 dB per S-unit below
> > that.  There's a table of dBm levels versus S-units in the latest P3
> > manual.
> > 
> > Alan N1AL


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Re: [Elecraft] P3 Questions

[George & Jan]

Mark,
The K3 can power the P3 directly from its switched power output connector 
(12 V DC Out).
If you already are powering other devices make sure you do not exceed the 
maximum output of 0.5 amps.

BTW - I use a relay fed from the K3 switched DC output to turn on everything 
associated with the K3.
George
AI4VZ


. . .  would I be able to connect it to the power jack on back of the k3 for 
power? 

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Re: [Elecraft] P3 Questions

[Mike]

I don't have a P3, so I don't know what it's power requirements are, but you're 
going 
to have to have a power supply anyway for the K3..

73, Mike NF4L

On 12/5/2010 8:23 AM, pastor...@verizon.net wrote:
> I am condidering a purchase of a P3 with my k3. Do I understand correctly 
> that I would need an additional power supply for the P3?  Or would I be able 
> to connect it to the power jack on back of the k3 for power?  If I need an 
> addiitonal power supply that's going to make the equipment jammed packed.  
> But I also read on the reflector that the power jack on the back of the K3 
> doesn't have sufficient amps to run the K3.  Any advise would be greatly 
> appreciated.  Mark KB3Z
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Re: [Elecraft] P3 Questions

[Robert Bajuk]

>From the P3 instruction manual:

When used with a K3, this power may be taken from the 12VDC OUT jack on the
K3 rear panel. The K3 is capable of supplying power to both the P3 and the
Elecraft PR6 six-meter preamplifier at the same time if 12VDC or greater is
supplied to the K3’s power connector.
Lower voltages at the K3 connector will cause the total current required by
the P3 and PR6 to exceed the 500 mA limit from the K3’s 12VDC outlet.

P3 requirements:
Power: 10-15 VDC is a standard 2.1 mm barrel connector for a 10-15 VDC
supply capable of delivering up to 0.5A.

73 Robert, s57aw

2010/12/5 Mike 

> I don't have a P3, so I don't know what it's power requirements are, but
> you're going
> to have to have a power supply anyway for the K3..
>
> 73, Mike NF4L
>
> On 12/5/2010 8:23 AM, pastor...@verizon.net wrote:
> > I am condidering a purchase of a P3 with my k3. Do I understand correctly
> that I would need an additional power supply for the P3?  Or would I be able
> to connect it to the power jack on back of the k3 for power?  If I need an
> addiitonal power supply that's going to make the equipment jammed packed.
>  But I also read on the reflector that the power jack on the back of the K3
> doesn't have sufficient amps to run the K3.  Any advise would be greatly
> appreciated.  Mark KB3Z
> > __
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>
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Re: [Elecraft] P3 Questions

[Amateur Radio Operator N5GE]

The K3 will handle the P3 nicely, but if you don't want the P3 connected to the
K3 you don't need to buy another power supply.  Just connect it to the one you
already have.  The P3 draws very little amperage.

73,

Tom Childers
Radio Amateur N5GE
Licensed since 1976
QCWA Member 35102
ARRL Life Member



On Sun, 05 Dec 2010 07:23:14 -0600 (CST), pastor...@verizon.net  wrote:

>
>I am condidering a purchase of a P3 with my k3. Do I understand correctly that 
>I would need an additional power supply for the P3?  Or would I be able to 
>connect it to the power jack on back of the k3 for power?  If I need an 
>addiitonal power supply that's going to make the equipment jammed packed.  But 
>I also read on the reflector that the power jack on the back of the K3 doesn't 
>have sufficient amps to run the K3.  Any advise would be greatly appreciated.  
>Mark KB3Z
[snip]

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Re: [Elecraft] P3 Questions

[Lyle Johnson]

> ... Elecraft pictures of the P3 with the K3 shows it on the users right side 
> of the radio.

You can place the P3 on either side, your preference.  The supplied 
cables are long enough to accommodate either placement.

> ...Does the P3 have enough resolution on the more narrow bandwidth sweeps to 
> discern separate signals

If the bandwidth is set narrow enough, you can easily see both peaks of 
an RTTY signal.

73,

L:yle KK7P

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Re: [Elecraft] P3 Questions

[Andy Faber]

Jim,
  I can't talk directly about the P3 and RTTY, but in WPX CW, I did use a 
prototype P3 at P49Y.  Right next to it as the second radio was a 756 Pro2. 
The display on the P3 had a much finer resolution than the Pro2, which 
looked "smoothed" in comparison.  Individual CW sigs were much narrower on 
the P3.
 73, andy ae6y
www.arubaqth.com

--
From: "Jim Harris" 
Sent: Saturday, July 31, 2010 1:57 PM
To: "Elecraft Email" 
Subject: [Elecraft] P3 Questions

>
> Hi,
>
> Obviously, I'm not a P3 owner but maybe Santa might change that.  Last 
> evening I perused the manual.  This morning I was rambling through how it 
> might be used in conjunction with my K3.  Two questions came to mind that 
> field testers and perhaps others might like to comment on.
>
> My favorite activity in amateur radio is RTTY contesting.  Elecraft 
> pictures of the P3 with the K3 shows it on the users right side of the 
> radio.  My thinking is it might be better on the left side as I use the 
> mouse with my right hand and operate the radio with my left when RTTY 
> contesting.  It would seem the point and click and other functions on the 
> P3 would be better accessed with my left hand than putting the radio on 
> the right side and having to reach across with my left or move my right 
> hand from the mouse to access the functions.  I realize the side is an 
> operators choice (I think) but I'm wondering if anyone has any meaningful 
> experience or thoughts on the subject.
>
> That leads me to my second thought.  My prior experience with a 
> "bandscope" was with a ProIII.  (It departed the shack several months 
> ago.) To the best of my ability with it there was no way I could discern 
> separate RTTY signals in a contest.  Does the P3 have enough resolution on 
> the more narrow bandwidth sweeps to discern separate signals in a contest 
> or is just a big blurs as the ProIII.  If separate signals are discernible 
> in a contest is it possible to point and click on one with the P3, and 
> perhaps with the AFC in MMTTY enabled, be able to near instantly work that 
> signal?  I realize there are most likely a lot of variables involved but 
> the thought occurred to me the P3 might be able to add a new dimension to 
> RTTY contesting for me and perhaps others.
>
> Perhaps I'm wishing for more than the P3 is capable of but constructive 
> thoughts and ideas would be greatly appreciated.
>
> CU in the Colorado QSO Party Sept 4th, 2010.
>
> 73,  Jim, W0EM
>
>
>
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Re: [Elecraft] P3 Questions

[The Smiths]

If I'm not mistaken the p3 will only go down to a 2KHz display. That seems VERY 
wide an area to view for a cw guy who is trying to use the display to zero beat 
on a cw signal using the 50 hz filter width. 
That and the ability to adjust the notch filter just above or below the zero 
beat freq. 
Is there any talk about software to zoom in to  a smaller region like 100 or 
200 Hz for example?  
The p3 can be used for more than just finding signals across an entire band. I 
see great uses for it as a convenient spectrum analyzer.  

Also, is there a reason that you can't toggle into full screen waterfall 
display?  I can see this being very helpful to the digital mode guys. 

> 



On Jul 31, 2010, at 2:33 PM, Lyle Johnson  wrote:

> 
>> ... Elecraft pictures of the P3 with the K3 shows it on the users right side 
>> of the radio.
> 
> You can place the P3 on either side, your preference.  The supplied 
> cables are long enough to accommodate either placement.
> 
>> ...Does the P3 have enough resolution on the more narrow bandwidth sweeps to 
>> discern separate signals
> 
> If the bandwidth is set narrow enough, you can easily see both peaks of 
> an RTTY signal.
> 
> 73,
> 
> L:yle KK7P
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] P3 Questions

[Duncan Carter]

.How many lines does the spectrum that's displayed on screen have.  The 
manual gives the display pixels but I didn't see the actual spectrum 
information.

Dunc, W5DC
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Re: [Elecraft] P3 Questions

[Doug Joyce]

Full screen waterfall seems to be one of the settings -  see the manual page 
14 under "Configuring the Display".

73,  Doug  VE3MV

- Original Message - 
From: "The Smiths" 
To: "Lyle Johnson" 
Cc: "Elecraft Email" ; "Jim Harris" 
Sent: Saturday, July 31, 2010 8:06 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] P3 Questions


>
> If I'm not mistaken the p3 will only go down to a 2KHz display. That seems 
> VERY wide an area to view for a cw guy who is trying to use the display to 
> zero beat on a cw signal using the 50 hz filter width.
> That and the ability to adjust the notch filter just above or below the 
> zero beat freq.
> Is there any talk about software to zoom in to  a smaller region like 100 
> or 200 Hz for example?
> The p3 can be used for more than just finding signals across an entire 
> band. I see great uses for it as a convenient spectrum analyzer.
>
> Also, is there a reason that you can't toggle into full screen waterfall 
> display?  I can see this being very helpful to the digital mode guys.
>
>>
>

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Re: [Elecraft] P3 Questions

[Alan Bloom]

Hi Doug,

You found a misprint in the manual.  Full-screen waterfall is in the
works but it's not there yet.  It turns out that for technical reasons
it is harder to implement than you might think.  But it is definitely on
the list.

Alan N1AL


On Sat, 2010-07-31 at 20:35 -0400, Doug Joyce wrote:
> Full screen waterfall seems to be one of the settings -  see the manual page 
> 14 under "Configuring the Display".
> 
> 73,  Doug  VE3MV
> 
> - Original Message - 
> From: "The Smiths" 
> To: "Lyle Johnson" 
> Cc: "Elecraft Email" ; "Jim Harris" 
> Sent: Saturday, July 31, 2010 8:06 PM
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] P3 Questions
> 
> 
> >
> > If I'm not mistaken the p3 will only go down to a 2KHz display. That seems 
> > VERY wide an area to view for a cw guy who is trying to use the display to 
> > zero beat on a cw signal using the 50 hz filter width.
> > That and the ability to adjust the notch filter just above or below the 
> > zero beat freq.
> > Is there any talk about software to zoom in to  a smaller region like 100 
> > or 200 Hz for example?
> > The p3 can be used for more than just finding signals across an entire 
> > band. I see great uses for it as a convenient spectrum analyzer.
> >
> > Also, is there a reason that you can't toggle into full screen waterfall 
> > display?  I can see this being very helpful to the digital mode guys.
> >
> >>
> >
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] P3 Questions

[Alan Bloom]

On Sat, 2010-07-31 at 17:06 -0700, The Smiths wrote:
> If I'm not mistaken the p3 will only go down to a 2KHz display. That seems 
> VERY wide an area to view for a cw guy who is trying to use the display to 
> zero beat on a cw signal using the 50 hz filter width. 
> That and the ability to adjust the notch filter just above or below the zero 
> beat freq. 

At the 2 kHz span in CW mode the markers are adjusted in 5 Hz steps, so
you can easily center the passband, even with a 50 Hz bandwidth.

Alan N1AL


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Re: [Elecraft] P3 Questions

[Jim Harris]

Thanks Lyle,

Hot Diggidie,..the P3 is going to be some real fun.  
Amazing...amazing   Elecraft products are totally outstanding.  Way 
to go guys at Aptos and where ever else the rest of the crew might be.

CU in the Colorado QSO Party Sept 4th, 2010.

73,  Jim, W0EM




> Date: Sat, 31 Jul 2010 14:33:51 -0700
> From: k...@wavecable.com
> To: w...@q.com
> CC: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] P3 Questions
> 
> 
> > ... Elecraft pictures of the P3 with the K3 shows it on the users right 
> > side of the radio.
> 
> You can place the P3 on either side, your preference.  The supplied 
> cables are long enough to accommodate either placement.
> 
> > ...Does the P3 have enough resolution on the more narrow bandwidth sweeps 
> > to discern separate signals
> 
> If the bandwidth is set narrow enough, you can easily see both peaks of 
> an RTTY signal.
> 
> 73,
> 
> L:yle KK7P
> 
  
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Re: [Elecraft] P3 Questions

[Jim Harris]

Andy,

That is good info to know.  That enforces my original thoughts.  Thank you for 
sharing.

CU in the Colorado QSO Party Sept 4th, 2010.

73,  Jim, W0EM




> From: andrewfa...@ymail.com
> To: w...@q.com; elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] P3 Questions
> Date: Sat, 31 Jul 2010 15:10:41 -0700
> 
> Jim,
>   I can't talk directly about the P3 and RTTY, but in WPX CW, I did use a 
> prototype P3 at P49Y.  Right next to it as the second radio was a 756 Pro2. 
> The display on the P3 had a much finer resolution than the Pro2, which 
> looked "smoothed" in comparison.  Individual CW sigs were much narrower on 
> the P3.
>  73, andy ae6y
> www.arubaqth.com
> 
> --
> From: "Jim Harris" 
> Sent: Saturday, July 31, 2010 1:57 PM
> To: "Elecraft Email" 
> Subject: [Elecraft] P3 Questions
> 
> >
> > Hi,
> >
> > Obviously, I'm not a P3 owner but maybe Santa might change that.  Last 
> > evening I perused the manual.  This morning I was rambling through how it 
> > might be used in conjunction with my K3.  Two questions came to mind that 
> > field testers and perhaps others might like to comment on.
> >
> > My favorite activity in amateur radio is RTTY contesting.  Elecraft 
> > pictures of the P3 with the K3 shows it on the users right side of the 
> > radio.  My thinking is it might be better on the left side as I use the 
> > mouse with my right hand and operate the radio with my left when RTTY 
> > contesting.  It would seem the point and click and other functions on the 
> > P3 would be better accessed with my left hand than putting the radio on 
> > the right side and having to reach across with my left or move my right 
> > hand from the mouse to access the functions.  I realize the side is an 
> > operators choice (I think) but I'm wondering if anyone has any meaningful 
> > experience or thoughts on the subject.
> >
> > That leads me to my second thought.  My prior experience with a 
> > "bandscope" was with a ProIII.  (It departed the shack several months 
> > ago.) To the best of my ability with it there was no way I could discern 
> > separate RTTY signals in a contest.  Does the P3 have enough resolution on 
> > the more narrow bandwidth sweeps to discern separate signals in a contest 
> > or is just a big blurs as the ProIII.  If separate signals are discernible 
> > in a contest is it possible to point and click on one with the P3, and 
> > perhaps with the AFC in MMTTY enabled, be able to near instantly work that 
> > signal?  I realize there are most likely a lot of variables involved but 
> > the thought occurred to me the P3 might be able to add a new dimension to 
> > RTTY contesting for me and perhaps others.
> >
> > Perhaps I'm wishing for more than the P3 is capable of but constructive 
> > thoughts and ideas would be greatly appreciated.
> >
> > CU in the Colorado QSO Party Sept 4th, 2010.
> >
> > 73,  Jim, W0EM
> >
> >
> >
> > __
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> > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> >
> > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
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> 
  
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Re: [Elecraft] P3 Questions

[Phil Wheeler]

Steve,

This might help:

http://www.elecraft.com/P3/How%20to%20Set%20Up%20and%20Interpret%20the%20P3%20Display.pdf

http://www.elecraft.com/manual/P3%20Owner%27s%20man%20Rev%20D.pdf

And */Note: /*/Either the KXV3 or the KXV3a K3 
option is required to feed the K3's IF output to 
the P3./


I was skeptical of my need for the P3. Now I wish 
all my rigs had one :-)


Phil W7OX

On 6/20/14, 2:20 PM, Steve, K4FJ via Elecraft wrote:

Hi,

Until recently, I have not been interested in the P3 because I didn't think it 
would be useful for my way of operating.  Now, I think I am missing something 
quite useful but I need to get educated on it.

I am interested in some suggested reading which covers the capabilities and how 
those capabilities would help me in contesting and dxing.  For example, can I 
see a signal blip, identify it, move my K3 to it, etc.  Many more questions but 
I am sure someone has already documented the advantages.

I have two K3's which are ready to accept a P3.

Thanks in advance.

Steve, K4FJ

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Re: [Elecraft] P3 Questions

[Jim - KE8G]

Hi Steve,
Yes, the P3 is a great tool to use in both contesting and dxing.  It also tells 
a lot about what is going on with the band.

Please follow this link to familiarize yourself with the P3:
http://www.elecraft.com/manual/P3%20Owner's%20man%20Rev%20D.pdf

73 de Jim - KE8G


 "Steve wrote: 
> 
> Hi,
> 
> Until recently, I have not been interested in the P3 because I didn't think 
> it would be useful for my way of operating.  Now, I think I am missing 
> something quite useful but I need to get educated on it.
> 
> I am interested in some suggested reading which covers the capabilities and 
> how those capabilities would help me in contesting and dxing.  For example, 
> can I see a signal blip, identify it, move my K3 to it, etc.  Many more 
> questions but I am sure someone has already documented the advantages.
> 
> I have two K3's which are ready to accept a P3.
> 
> Thanks in advance.
> 
> Steve, K4FJ
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] P3 Questions

[Bill Turner]

ORIGINAL MESSAGE:  (may be snipped)

On 6/20/2014 2:20 PM, Steve, K4FJ via Elecraft wrote:

Until recently, I have not been interested in the P3 because I didn't think it 
would be useful for my way of operating.  Now, I think I am missing something 
quite useful but I need to get educated on it.


REPLY:

I use the P3 for two things primarily:

1. Finding stations when the band appears dead
and
2. Finding a clear spot to call DX when working split, or alternatively, 
finding the calling station so I can be on his frequency.


There are other radios which have a version of a "spectrum scope" such 
as my two recent Icoms, but the P3 is so far superior in resolution and 
menu options that there is almost no comparison. The P3 is enough reason 
alone to buy a K3. It is expensive but you get what you pay for. You 
will not be disappointed.


73, Bill W6WRT
dez...@outlook.com
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Re: [Elecraft] P3 Questions

[Fred Jensen]

You will get a lot of replies Steve, they will likely all be positive, 
the P3 is a really great addition to any station.


I bought mine as just a toy ... my wife does needlepoint which is about 
as expensive as ham radio, we have an "equal hobby allowance" policy, 
and the radio balance was climbing.  However it has totally changed the 
way I operate.  I watch it now instead of the radio.


Not sure what you mean by "identify it," but I can see the signals and 
pick out the RTTY in a RTTY contest, CW, PSK, and JT65 just from the 
display.  PACTOR signals are also obvious although I'm not a PACTOR-ite. 
 It won't give you the call sign however. :-))  [You can also discover 
that the 5, 10, and 15 MHz WWV signals are somewhat dirtier than you 
would expect from NIST]


Yes, you can put a marker [there are two] on a signal, punch the knob, 
and your K3 will QSY to that frequency.


The display runs rings around the "bandscopes" on other radios.  I have 
no color vision and the color waterfall wasn't working real well for me, 
so Alan added a monochrome waterfall option in the next FW update, maybe 
just for me. :-)


I have yet to find a use for all 8 of the programmable function keys. 
DX'ing is amazing!  I see the DX and I see the pileup up a bit [well, 
not everyone, Up-Cops show up on the DX frequency].  Pileup looks like 
wide-band noise.  DX calls someone, pile dies off, and one signal is 
there [well, OK, several answer so sometimes I guess wrong], move VFO B 
to put the TX cursor on that station and at the "TU", call.  Works about 
75% of the time.  Also very useful when I'm NCS in the traffic net, I 
don't send stations "up or down 3" and put them on top of someone.


I run in Fixed Tune mode [screen displays a segment of the band and my 
frequency moves across it until I hit the edge of the segment].  There 
is also a Tracking mode where you're always in the center and the band 
moves past you.  Span is adjustable from 4 KHz to 200 KHz and you can 
assign specific spans to the function keys.  With the P3 Utility you can 
save screen shots to your computer.


I wouldn't be without mine.

73,

Fred K6DGW
- Northern California Contest Club
- CU in the 2014 Cal QSO Party 4-5 Oct 2014
- www.cqp.org

On 6/20/2014 2:20 PM, Steve, K4FJ via Elecraft wrote:


I am interested in some suggested reading which covers the
capabilities and how those capabilities would help me in contesting
and dxing.  For example, can I see a signal blip, identify it, move
my K3 to it, etc.  Many more questions but I am sure someone has
already documented the advantages.


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Re: [Elecraft] P3 Questions

[Gary Gregory]

Steve,

The only negative is the lack of Tx monitoring. Was promised, and the label
on the back of the P3 is beckoning but as nothing is ever mentioned about
this option one can only assume it is not going to happen.

Gary


On 21 June 2014 09:01, Fred Jensen  wrote:

> You will get a lot of replies Steve, they will likely all be positive, the
> P3 is a really great addition to any station.
>
> I bought mine as just a toy ... my wife does needlepoint which is about as
> expensive as ham radio, we have an "equal hobby allowance" policy, and the
> radio balance was climbing.  However it has totally changed the way I
> operate.  I watch it now instead of the radio.
>
> Not sure what you mean by "identify it," but I can see the signals and
> pick out the RTTY in a RTTY contest, CW, PSK, and JT65 just from the
> display.  PACTOR signals are also obvious although I'm not a PACTOR-ite.
>  It won't give you the call sign however. :-))  [You can also discover that
> the 5, 10, and 15 MHz WWV signals are somewhat dirtier than you would
> expect from NIST]
>
> Yes, you can put a marker [there are two] on a signal, punch the knob, and
> your K3 will QSY to that frequency.
>
> The display runs rings around the "bandscopes" on other radios.  I have no
> color vision and the color waterfall wasn't working real well for me, so
> Alan added a monochrome waterfall option in the next FW update, maybe just
> for me. :-)
>
> I have yet to find a use for all 8 of the programmable function keys.
> DX'ing is amazing!  I see the DX and I see the pileup up a bit [well, not
> everyone, Up-Cops show up on the DX frequency].  Pileup looks like
> wide-band noise.  DX calls someone, pile dies off, and one signal is there
> [well, OK, several answer so sometimes I guess wrong], move VFO B to put
> the TX cursor on that station and at the "TU", call.  Works about 75% of
> the time.  Also very useful when I'm NCS in the traffic net, I don't send
> stations "up or down 3" and put them on top of someone.
>
> I run in Fixed Tune mode [screen displays a segment of the band and my
> frequency moves across it until I hit the edge of the segment].  There is
> also a Tracking mode where you're always in the center and the band moves
> past you.  Span is adjustable from 4 KHz to 200 KHz and you can assign
> specific spans to the function keys.  With the P3 Utility you can save
> screen shots to your computer.
>
> I wouldn't be without mine.
>
> 73,
>
> Fred K6DGW
> - Northern California Contest Club
> - CU in the 2014 Cal QSO Party 4-5 Oct 2014
> - www.cqp.org
>
>
> On 6/20/2014 2:20 PM, Steve, K4FJ via Elecraft wrote:
>
>  I am interested in some suggested reading which covers the
>> capabilities and how those capabilities would help me in contesting
>> and dxing.  For example, can I see a signal blip, identify it, move
>> my K3 to it, etc.  Many more questions but I am sure someone has
>> already documented the advantages.
>>
>
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-- 



*Gary - VK1ZZ, K3NHLSkype: Gary.VK1ZZhttp://www.qsl.net/vk1zz
 Motorhome Portable*
*"Grumpy's House"*


*Elecraft K3KPA500FTKAT500FT*
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Re: [Elecraft] P3 Questions

[GRANT YOUNGMAN]

I suspect that’s a reasonably poor assumption based only on the fact that it 
isn’t in the hype thread.

But even it it turns out to be good, the P3 is worth every nickel … 

Grant NQ5T


On Jun 20, 2014, at 8:15 PM, Gary Gregory  wrote:

> Steve,
> 
> The only negative is the lack of Tx monitoring. Was promised, and the label
> on the back of the P3 is beckoning but as nothing is ever mentioned about
> this option one can only assume it is not going to happen.
> 
> Gary
> 
> 
> On 21 June 2014 09:01, Fred Jensen  wrote:
> 

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Re: [Elecraft] P3 Questions

[Charlie T, K3ICH]

Operating without the P3 is like listening to the CD.

Running the P3 (and the VGA) with your K3  is like attending a live concert.

73, Charlie k3ICH


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Re: [Elecraft] P3 Questions

[Scott Manthe]

Based on my discussions with Elecraft personnel at Dayton, I wouldn't be 
quite so quick to give up on the TX sensor just yet...


73,
Scott, N9AA


On 6/20/14, 9:15 PM, Gary Gregory wrote:

Steve,

The only negative is the lack of Tx monitoring. Was promised, and the label
on the back of the P3 is beckoning but as nothing is ever mentioned about
this option one can only assume it is not going to happen.

Gary





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[Elecraft] P3 Questions concerning measurement

[Fred Atchley]

Hi all. While waiting for the P3 I have a few questions on setup and
measurement. Since I have never used LP pan or similar devices I'll need
some Elmering. Specifically there are two capabilities listed in the
Elecraft P3 page that I need help on:

1.  Adjustable reference level and amplitude range scaling 

2.  User calibration of the display to show absolute signal level in dBm 

Number 1 suggests two parts. It has an "adjustable reference level".
Question: WRT what reference: 0 dBm, the bottom of the spectrum display
baseline or some particular value? The other part adds "amplitude range
scaling". Is this a separate function or is part 2 the conclusion of the
process? 

My second question concerns the use of the absolute signal level in dBm. If
I am assisting a Ham friend in adjusting his signal, will this capability
allow me to evaluate such things as his BW and compression? I know that I
can do that now by ear but will the P3 give me a visual clue WRT onset of
changes over-the-air? I have an HP Spectrum Analyzer that I have used to
check my own K3 on- the-bench. So the phrase "over-the-air" is the big
question.  

These questions do not pertain to the main reason I am looking forward to
the P3 (I.e. operating) but rather to the "other" useful possibilities. I
appreciate the group's Elmering.

73, Fred, AE6IC, K3 #2241, P3 #?

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Re: [Elecraft] P3 Questions concerning measurement

[Alan Bloom]

Hi Fred,

The amplitude scale on the P3 shows the signal level in dBm at the K3's
antenna connector.  As the K3 attenuator and preamp are turned on or
off, the P3 automatically adjusts its internal gain so the display
always reads the correct signal level.

The reference level and scale can be adjusted from the P3 front panel.
"Reference level" is the level in dBm at the bottom of the display.
"Scale" is the difference in dB between the top and bottom of the
display.  So, for example, if the REF LVL is -120 dBm and the SCALE is
80 dB, then signal levels between -40 dBm and -120 dBm can be seen.

One complicating factor is that the P3 automatically adjusts its DSP
sample rate proportional to the frequency span.  As a consequence, the
noise level drops as you narrow the span.  (That works both for thermal
noise and band noise coming in the antenna.)  There is a MENU option to
have the REF LVL change automatically as you vary the span to keep the
noise level at the same point on the display.  In this way you always
get the best possible dynamic range.

On my "to-do" list is to add a calibration routine, similar to the
S-meter calibration in the K3.  The signal level at the K3's IF output
connector changes somewhat from band to band and from unit to unit.  The
accuracy should be plenty good enough for giving signal reports on the
air, but for those who want to do more accurate measurements it would be
nice to be able to calibrate it.  Even without calibration, the RELATIVE
amplitude accuracy is excellent, limited only by the display resolution.
So if you tell Alex that his signal is 7 dB weaker than Monica's, he
will have no grounds for argument.  :=)

73,

Alan N1AL



On Sun, 2010-05-02 at 13:12 -0700, Fred Atchley wrote:
> Hi all. While waiting for the P3 I have a few questions on setup and
> measurement. Since I have never used LP pan or similar devices I’ll
> need some Elmering. Specifically there are two capabilities listed in
> the Elecraft P3 page that I need help on:
> 
> 1.  Adjustable reference level and amplitude range scaling 
> 
> 2.  User calibration of the display to show absolute signal level in
> dBm 
> 
> Number 1 suggests two parts. It has an “adjustable reference level”.
> Question: WRT what reference: 0 dBm, the bottom of the spectrum
> display baseline or some particular value? The other part adds
> “amplitude range scaling”. Is this a separate function or is part 2
> the conclusion of the process? 
> 
> My second question concerns the use of the absolute signal level in
> dBm. If I am assisting a Ham friend in adjusting his signal, will this
> capability allow me to evaluate such things as his BW and compression?
> I know that I can do that now by ear but will the P3 give me a visual
> clue WRT onset of changes over-the-air? I have an HP Spectrum Analyzer
> that I have used to check my own K3 on- the-bench. So the phrase
> “over-the-air” is the big question.  
> 
> These questions do not pertain to the main reason I am looking forward
> to the P3 (I.e. operating) but rather to the “other” useful
> possibilities. I appreciate the group’s Elmering.
> 
> 73, Fred, AE6IC, K3 #2241, P3 #?
> 
> 


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Re: [Elecraft] P3 Questions concerning measurement

[juergen]

Hi Alan

Does the P3 also have a "peak hold" function? How does the P3 integrate with 
the K3 for transmit signal monitoring? How many markers can you set  and are 
the markers smart indicating peak or average values?

I am using a Perseus with Linrad in "TX TEST" mode, its excellent.
If the P3 can emulate some  of Linrads TX Test mode functionality it would be a 
 mandatory test tool for every ham station. I like the ability to monitor 
simultaneously average and peak signal traces in Linrad.

Anything that extends the P3's functionality beyond a simple panadapter would 
make it an attractive option. The pricing is  very close to the Perseus price. 
People will have to think hard and long about its purchase if the functionality 
is lacking  and they do want to go beyond a simple panadapter

John

--- On Sun, 5/2/10, Alan Bloom  wrote:

> From: Alan Bloom 
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] P3 Questions concerning measurement
> To: "Fred Atchley" 
> Cc: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> Date: Sunday, May 2, 2010, 5:44 PM
> Hi Fred,
> 
> The amplitude scale on the P3 shows the signal level in dBm
> at the K3's
> antenna connector.  As the K3 attenuator and preamp
> are turned on or
> off, the P3 automatically adjusts its internal gain so the
> display
> always reads the correct signal level.
> 
> The reference level and scale can be adjusted from the P3
> front panel.
> "Reference level" is the level in dBm at the bottom of the
> display.
> "Scale" is the difference in dB between the top and bottom
> of the
> display.  So, for example, if the REF LVL is -120 dBm
> and the SCALE is
> 80 dB, then signal levels between -40 dBm and -120 dBm can
> be seen.
> 
> One complicating factor is that the P3 automatically
> adjusts its DSP
> sample rate proportional to the frequency span.  As a
> consequence, the
> noise level drops as you narrow the span.  (That works
> both for thermal
> noise and band noise coming in the antenna.)  There is
> a MENU option to
> have the REF LVL change automatically as you vary the span
> to keep the
> noise level at the same point on the display.  In this
> way you always
> get the best possible dynamic range.
> 
> On my "to-do" list is to add a calibration routine, similar
> to the
> S-meter calibration in the K3.  The signal level at
> the K3's IF output
> connector changes somewhat from band to band and from unit
> to unit.  The
> accuracy should be plenty good enough for giving signal
> reports on the
> air, but for those who want to do more accurate
> measurements it would be
> nice to be able to calibrate it.  Even without
> calibration, the RELATIVE
> amplitude accuracy is excellent, limited only by the
> display resolution.
> So if you tell Alex that his signal is 7 dB weaker than
> Monica's, he
> will have no grounds for argument.  :=)
> 
> 73,
> 
> Alan N1AL
> 
> 
> 
> On Sun, 2010-05-02 at 13:12 -0700, Fred Atchley wrote:
> > Hi all. While waiting for the P3 I have a few
> questions on setup and
> > measurement. Since I have never used LP pan or similar
> devices I’ll
> > need some Elmering. Specifically there are two
> capabilities listed in
> > the Elecraft P3 page that I need help on:
> > 
> > 1.  Adjustable reference level and amplitude
> range scaling 
> > 
> > 2.  User calibration of the display to show
> absolute signal level in
> > dBm 
> > 
> > Number 1 suggests two parts. It has an “adjustable
> reference level”.
> > Question: WRT what reference: 0 dBm, the bottom of the
> spectrum
> > display baseline or some particular value? The other
> part adds
> > “amplitude range scaling”. Is this a separate
> function or is part 2
> > the conclusion of the process? 
> > 
> > My second question concerns the use of the absolute
> signal level in
> > dBm. If I am assisting a Ham friend in adjusting his
> signal, will this
> > capability allow me to evaluate such things as his BW
> and compression?
> > I know that I can do that now by ear but will the P3
> give me a visual
> > clue WRT onset of changes over-the-air? I have an HP
> Spectrum Analyzer
> > that I have used to check my own K3 on- the-bench. So
> the phrase
> > “over-the-air” is the big question.  
> > 
> > These questions do not pertain to the main reason I am
> looking forward
> > to the P3 (I.e. operating) but rather to the
> “other” useful
> > possibilities. I appreciate the group’s Elmering.
> > 
> > 73, Fred, AE6IC, K3 #2241, P3 #?
> > 
> > 
> 
> 
> __

Re: [Elecraft] P3 Questions concerning measurement

[Geoffrey Mackenzie-Kennedy]

Hi John,

Indeed it would.

The only and very small nit-pick I have about Perseus is that I wish that it 
had more than the 4 markers available, at times I could use more markers 
when using it as a Spectrum Analyser.

In case you have not seen it, the May 2010 issue of Radcom includes a review 
of Perseus by Peter Hart, G3SJX.

73,
Geoff
GM4ESD



From: "juergen" 
Sent: Monday, May 03, 2010 10:52 AM

> Anything that extends the P3's functionality beyond a simple panadapter 
> would make it an attractive option. The pricing is  very close to the 
> Perseus price. People will have to think hard and long about its purchase 
> if the functionality is lacking  and they do want to go beyond a simple 
> panadapter







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Re: [Elecraft] P3 Questions concerning measurement

[Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft]

Yes it does.
73,Eric  WA6HHQ
--

On 5/3/2010 2:52 AM, juergen wrote:
> Hi Alan
>
> Does the P3 also have a "peak hold" function?
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Re: [Elecraft] P3 Questions concerning measurement

[Alan Bloom]

Hi John,

As you might imagine for a former Agilent/HP design engineer, I have all
kinds of grandiose fantasies about adding test equipment features to the
P3.  But panadapter operation comes first and I expect I'll be working
on that for some time.  

> Does the P3 also have a "peak hold" function?

Yes.  It's a MENU selection, but you can assign it to a
programmable-function key so you can toggle it on and off with a
keystroke.  Averaging is available also.  It has its own dedicated
front-panel key function.

Alan


On Mon, 2010-05-03 at 02:52 -0700, juergen wrote:
> Hi Alan
> 
> Does the P3 also have a "peak hold" function? How does the P3 integrate with 
> the K3 for transmit signal monitoring? How many markers can you set  and are 
> the markers smart indicating peak or average values?
> 
> I am using a Perseus with Linrad in "TX TEST" mode, its excellent.
> If the P3 can emulate some  of Linrads TX Test mode functionality it would be 
> a  mandatory test tool for every ham station. I like the ability to monitor 
> simultaneously average and peak signal traces in Linrad.
> 
> Anything that extends the P3's functionality beyond a simple panadapter would 
> make it an attractive option. The pricing is  very close to the Perseus 
> price. People will have to think hard and long about its purchase if the 
> functionality is lacking  and they do want to go beyond a simple panadapter
> 
> John
> 
> --- On Sun, 5/2/10, Alan Bloom  wrote:
> 
> > From: Alan Bloom 
> > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] P3 Questions concerning measurement
> > To: "Fred Atchley" 
> > Cc: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> > Date: Sunday, May 2, 2010, 5:44 PM
> > Hi Fred,
> > 
> > The amplitude scale on the P3 shows the signal level in dBm
> > at the K3's
> > antenna connector.  As the K3 attenuator and preamp
> > are turned on or
> > off, the P3 automatically adjusts its internal gain so the
> > display
> > always reads the correct signal level.
> > 
> > The reference level and scale can be adjusted from the P3
> > front panel.
> > "Reference level" is the level in dBm at the bottom of the
> > display.
> > "Scale" is the difference in dB between the top and bottom
> > of the
> > display.  So, for example, if the REF LVL is -120 dBm
> > and the SCALE is
> > 80 dB, then signal levels between -40 dBm and -120 dBm can
> > be seen.
> > 
> > One complicating factor is that the P3 automatically
> > adjusts its DSP
> > sample rate proportional to the frequency span.  As a
> > consequence, the
> > noise level drops as you narrow the span.  (That works
> > both for thermal
> > noise and band noise coming in the antenna.)  There is
> > a MENU option to
> > have the REF LVL change automatically as you vary the span
> > to keep the
> > noise level at the same point on the display.  In this
> > way you always
> > get the best possible dynamic range.
> > 
> > On my "to-do" list is to add a calibration routine, similar
> > to the
> > S-meter calibration in the K3.  The signal level at
> > the K3's IF output
> > connector changes somewhat from band to band and from unit
> > to unit.  The
> > accuracy should be plenty good enough for giving signal
> > reports on the
> > air, but for those who want to do more accurate
> > measurements it would be
> > nice to be able to calibrate it.  Even without
> > calibration, the RELATIVE
> > amplitude accuracy is excellent, limited only by the
> > display resolution.
> > So if you tell Alex that his signal is 7 dB weaker than
> > Monica's, he
> > will have no grounds for argument.  :=)
> > 
> > 73,
> > 
> > Alan N1AL
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > On Sun, 2010-05-02 at 13:12 -0700, Fred Atchley wrote:
> > > Hi all. While waiting for the P3 I have a few
> > questions on setup and
> > > measurement. Since I have never used LP pan or similar
> > devices I’ll
> > > need some Elmering. Specifically there are two
> > capabilities listed in
> > > the Elecraft P3 page that I need help on:
> > > 
> > > 1.  Adjustable reference level and amplitude
> > range scaling 
> > > 
> > > 2.  User calibration of the display to show
> > absolute signal level in
> > > dBm 
> > > 
> > > Number 1 suggests two parts. It has an “adjustable
> > reference level”.
> > > Question: WRT what reference: 0 dBm, the bottom of the
> > spectrum
> > > display baseline or some p