[Elecraft] Interpretation of P3 display

[Tom Azlin N4ZPT]

Hi Harold,

On 6/8/2012 2:45 PM, Harold V wrote:
> 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?

Send a captured snapshot using the P3 utility. On the water fall I see 
stations there their signal goes well past other signals.

Yes, I see similar and I would call it splatter.  Especially when it is 
clear other stations are not doing this. Over driving something past 
their SSB filters. On a local net where the are mixtures of vintage and 
modern the vintage ones ( on this net) tend to be much broader and for 
sure they are not over driving.

73, tom n4zpt