[Elecraft] K3 - panadapter or subreceiver

[N4QS]

Robert,

I have both the subRX and the panadapter, and I love and use both a lot. 
But if I had to choose between one or the other, I would definitely 
recommend the P3.  I use the P3 all the time -- it is a revolutionary new 
way to interface with the radio.  I just used it a moment ago to break a 
huge pile up trying to work 1A0C on 20M RTTY.  I also use the panadaptor to 
view band openings and gage the general acitivity on the bands.  When 
tunring the K3, I hardly ever look at the frequency readout anymore.  I 
instead look at the P3 and move from one signal to another much faster.

I do use the subRX, especially when I have to go split in a big pileup.  But 
I don't use it nearly as much as the P3.  I orginally bought my K3 without 
the subRX and was very comfortable going split with two VFOs.  When I added 
the subRX, I quickly learned how to use it to listen and tune through a pile 
to find the station being worked or a gap in the pileup as a whole.  But 
once I got the panadaptor, I don't have to listen on the sub RX nearly as 
much.  The panadaptor allows me to see the pileup and move my VFO B 
frequency visually and much more quickly.

So if I had to choose, I would vote for the P3.  But the real answer is the 
two in combination are lights out!  One final thought: if you are going to 
order your K3 factory built, it might make more sense to buy the subRX.  It 
is a bit involved adding the subRX after the fact.  It is super easy to add 
the P3 at any time.  If you already have a K3, then it is a lot easier to 
add the P3.  Eventually, you will want to have both.

Dave, N4QS

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Robert G. Strickland" <rcrgs at verizon.net>
To: "Elecraft" <elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Monday, July 02, 2012 12:50 PM
Subject: [Elecraft] K3 - panadapter or subreceiver


>I have never used either a panadapter or a sub-receiver, so I'm a newbie
> in this area. I use CW almost exclusively, and I chase DX and enter
> contests [less so in the past, more in the future]. I have a "small
> pistol" station with no allusions of being a band master. Question:
> which of these two options might I find more useful for my station and
> operating preferences? Yes, I can have them both in my K3, but if I had
> to choose, which one would seem preferable? Thanks for all opinions.
>
> ...robert
> -- 
> Robert G. Strickland, PhD, ABPH - KE2WY
> rcrgs at verizon.net
> Syracuse, New York, USA
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:Elecraft at mailman.qth.net
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html