[Elecraft] K3 S meter vs P3 S scale

[n5ge at n5ge.com]

Good Morning Jim,

First, go to the Elecraft web site and verify that you have the latest version
of the firmware for the K3 and P3.  If you don't have it installed, install it.

You do need to calibrate the P3 and the K3 S-Meters.  To do this you will need
an XG1, XG2 or XG3.  Either will work.
  
1. Calibrate the K3 according to the instructions in the manual.
2. Enter the P3 menu by tapping the menu button.
3. Find the "Ref Lvl scale display mode menu item and tap the Select knob on the
k3 until you see S-meter readings on the left side of the scale.
4. Find the "Calibrate amplitude level menu item.
5. Using the which ever XG version you have (You can also use a signal
generator) adjust the amplitude level with the XG device set to 50 microvolts
output until the signal in the P3 reads S9.

Both the K3 and P3 have instructions for setting the K3 S-meter and the P3
amplitude level.

Enjoy your K3 and P3.

73,
Tom
Amateur Radio Operator N5GE
 

On Thu, 5 May 2011 21:59:43 -0600, "Jim Miller KG0KP" <JimMiller at STL-OnLine.Net>
wrote:

>Seems to be quite a difference in the readings between the P3 showing S 
>scale and he S meter reading on the K3.  The software in both is up to 
>date(recently at least).  The difference is quite significant with the P3 
>being considerably lower.  Maybe I don't know how to read the two meters. 
>On the K3 I read the mostly steady peak reading excluding the static crashes 
>if any.  On the P3 using clear frequency noise as an example, I tend to read 
>the "average" of the noise trace.  Should I be reading the peaks 
>(disregarding static crashes)?
>
>Is there a calibration I need to do?  To which and where is the procedure 
>spelled out?
>
>Will I will need to order the new XG3? (please)
>
>TIA, de Jim KG0KP 
[snip]