[Elecraft] [P3] Discoveries

[Paul Christensen]

> Yes. RFI consultant Mike Martin recently posted a note that he's now
> using a P3 and K3 as part of his RFI chasing kit. I intend to do the
> same with mine. Connected to a suitable antenna, it's a powerful (and
> portable) tool.

Jim, similar setup here for chasing down switch-mode noise in the 
surrounding neighborhood.  For the past eighteen months, I've been using the 
K3 with gel cell, SDR-IQ, netbook PC, SpectraVue software, and Palstar 
rotating loop antenna with the tropical band loop.  Most of my switch-mode 
noise is pronounced between 2-7 MHz.  The loop will resonate anywhere 
between 160m and 40m.

Although this set-up works very well, the next step is to eliminate the K3 
and use only the SDR-IQ with netbook PC + loop.  This should significantly 
reduce the package size and weight for my treks in the neighborhood.  Since 
the SDR-IQ is powered by the netbook PC, it also eliminates an external 
battery power source required for the K3 and P3.

The results with SpectraVue are self-documenting with fast screen captures. 
This has helped when showing problems to the neighbors and if necessary, its 
excellent supporting evidence if filing an RFI/EMI complaint with the FCC. 
The loop antenna's directivity up through 40m is so sharp that most 
switch-mode noise sources can be localized to one part of the house from 
street distance.

So, although the K3 and P3 would be effective as a noise detection tool, I 
think a netbook PC with SDR-IQ would be more effective for noise 
identification when considering the ability to quickly save screen captures 
to disc, as well as size/weight of the gear package needed while on foot.

Paul, W9AC