[Elecraft] K3 panadapter choices

[Lance Collister]

K7TV wrote:
 > 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
 >
Hello Erik,

I have been using an SDR-IQ receiver here as strictly a waterfall display of the 
band.  I also have purchased an LP-PAN here, which I think will be nice because 
its center will move as the K3 is tuned.  The reason I don't have it working so 
far is because my setup here is kind of non-traditional, and they way I have my 
logging program connected to my K3 and sequencer doesn't seem to easily work with 
LP-PAN, and I can't get the PowerSDR software to run on my Vista 64 bit O/S :-(

On the other hand, the SDR-IQ works great with the Vista 64 computer.  I watch the 
spectrum with Linrad for Windows, which is most certainly NOT AT ALL user 
friendly, but is probably the most sensitive, flexible and powerful software 
program for use with the SDR-IQ.   I have not tried the SDR-IQ powered out of the 
K3 IF port yet, since I like being able to read the frequency off the screen....if 
I change the dial on the K3 and use the IF out as input to the SDR-IQ, I would 
never be sure of the frequency of the signals shown on the Linrad waterfall.

I originally got the SDR-IQ 1.5 years ago to be able to use it as an indicator to 
watch for 6m band openings (I use it with a 6 to 10 m Hamtronics converter ahead 
of it), and for that it has been outstanding!  Of course, it has really powerful 
wide band IF noise blanking capabilities too, as well as a small window to adjust 
filtering on any individual station if you want to use it as a receiver.  More 
information on the Linrad for Windows is here:

  http://www.sm5bsz.com/linuxdsp/usage/newco/newcomer.htm

GL and VY 73, Lance

-- 
Lance Collister, W7GJ (ex: WN3GPL, WA3GPL, WA1JXN, WA1JXN/C6A, ZF2OC/ZF8)
P.O. Box 73
Frenchtown, MT  59834  USA
QTH: DN27UB
TEL: (406) 626-5728   URL: http://www.bigskyspaces.com/w7gj
2m DXCC #11, 6m DXCC #815