[Elecraft] [OT] FT-5000 vs. K3

[W6NEK]

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" <n4lq at carolina.rr.com>
To: "Björn Mohr" <bm at broadcast.se>; "Elecraft Reflector" 
<elecraft at 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