[Elecraft] Interpretation of P3 display

[Harold V]

I have a question for the group regarding interpretation of the P3 display of 
SSB signals.

Primarily I use it to spot stations on quiet bands or spot openings on busy 
bands.  But I am trying to gain a better understanding of what it is showing me 
regarding the quality of signals as well.

I have my P3 set up to show the band width as a column and the span set to +/- 
25.  I have noticed that most SSB signals will remain within the bounds of the 
column.  However, some SSB signals will exceed the width of the column and will 
resemble a pyramid, occupying several kilohertz above and below the column on 
voice peaks.  The proximity of the station does not appear to matter as these 
observations apply to distant stations as well as local stations.

Is this what is known as "splatter"?  Is the station overdriving their 
transmitter or linear?  Is their ALC or compression too high?  Is the frequency 
response of their microphone too wide?

A good friend of mine has a K3/P3 and we have discussed this at length and come 
to the conclusion that we really don't understand what we are seeing.  Anyone on 
the list have comments as to what they have observed or an explanation of what 
we are seeing?

Any relevant comments would be appreciated.

Thanks
Van
K0HCV