[Elecraft] K3 panadapter choices

[K7TV]

Researching my options for a K3 panadapter (Softrock, LP-PAN, SDR-IQ,
Perseus, Mercury...) I want to thank Paul W9AC for sharing his experience
with the SDR-IQ on the list:

"When observing signal strength on the display, there's ample resolution for 
signal comparisons.  SDR-IQ is powered from the PC's USB port, so only two 
connections are made (I.F. and USB).  SpectraVue supports the K3 and using 
the "point 'n click" feature has been great.  Click on the display and the 
K3 instantly moves to that frequency.  The only shortcoming I've found is 
that SpectraVue needs to poll the K3's mode offset data so that changing 
modes does not require an offset change in SpectraVue.  Not sure if that's 
handled automatically when using LP-PAN and PowerSDR."

I would be very interested to read similar detail about the other possible
hardware and software choices. An overview table showing which spectrum
analysis software packages work with which hardware choices would be very
helpful. 

As long as a the hardware is used for spectrum display (not as a receiver to
be listened to) it seems to me that hardware in the low to middle price
range is good enough. The issue then is the software choice first and then
finding hardware compatible with the software. When choosing software I
would really like to know if there is any package available today that
already adjusts for the mode offset, or is planned to do so in the near
future. A wide and narrow spectrum display window may also be a positive
feature in comparing one software package to another, especially if one is
going to run other software at the same time. 

If one contemplates actually listening to the outboard SDR, it seems that
more money does buy better performance, although probably none of the
reasonable hardware choices will be as good in some contests as the second
receiver option of the K3, which has roofing filters. On the other hand, it
would hardly be practical for an assistant operator to reach the K3 controls
to make use of the second receiver, while the computer controlling an
outboard SDR could easily be used by an assistant operator. (Of course
depending on the contest, this may or may not be legal for a given entry
class.) Maybe the second RX in a K3 could be run from a computer while the
rig is otherwise run from the front panel? Maybe two computers (one per
operator) could be used to control the K3 with second RX. I don't have
experience with the various rig control software available, so I hope
someone can enlighten me.

73,
Erik K7TV

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