[Elecraft] P3 Understanding the REF LVL Settings and Signal Level in General

[Phil Hystad]

I am trying to get a better understanding of the P3 signal level scale (left vertical scale) with respect to absolute signal levels and the S meter readings.

I have my REF LVL set to -132 dBm.  My first question is: what is a reasonable setting?  I merely am guessing at the value of -132 dBm and also I am not quite sure how accurate this is.  According to the P3 manual, this is essentially the signal strength at the antenna terminal of my K3 (taking into account the pre amplifier which I happen to have Off).

Also, I was monitoring a signal using the PEAK reading capability of the P3 and noticed that this particular SSB signal on 17 meter band this morning read peak about -100 dBm or about a 32 dBm strength over the minimum reading on the scale.  I would like to equate this to a rough idea of an S meter reading.  By my calculations, this should be a little bit above an S4 reading.  Can someone confirm that I am in the right ball park?

Thanks for the help.
73, phil, K7PEH