[Elecraft] New P3 "meters"

[Dave Olean]

Alan,
    The only complaint that I have about my K3s is the darn S-meter chicklet 
display that is basically worthless to me as it does not show small changes 
in signal strength. I am an antenna phreak and like to experiment and 
compare antenna options. I am on ten meters and have six yagis at different 
heights and combinations. 160 has six choices. On six meters I have four 
yagis in various combinations. (don't ask how many antennas I use on 144 
MHz!) With the 6 dB LEDs on the K3, any comparison between antennas is 
pretty meaningless oftentimes. I found a neat software package that gives me 
a much more sensitive signal level meter, but it uses the serial port so it 
interferes with computer logging etc. Anything that will show fine detail in 
signal strength will be a Godsend for me. I loved my old analog S meter on 
my Ten Tec rigs. It was so valuable in such mundane things as tracking down 
power line noise with my very directional 144 MHz antenna. I could locate 
noise 3 miles away to almost the correct pole just from my shack! With the 
K3, I have lost that capability entirely as the chicklets do not change 
unless it sees a huge change in strength. Calling the power company to fix 
noise is a full time job here. Of course, for casual operating and 
contesting, the green chicklet display is fine.  If Elecraft solves my 
S-meter problem, I will definitely become a true blue Kool-Aid drinker.

Dave K1WHS
ps. I have had thought about digging into the K3 rx circuit to install an 
outboard analog S-meter. I am getting desperate!
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Alan Bloom" <alan at elecraft.com>
To: <elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Monday, April 20, 2015 11:31 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] New P3 "meters"


> We're not done arguing about how the meters should look yet.
>
> :=)
>
> Alan N1AL
>
>
> On 04/20/2015 04:05 PM, George via Elecraft wrote:
>>
>> This thread is no good without pics!    When are we gonna see it?
>>
>> George NE2I
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> On Apr 20, 2015, at 5:07 PM, Jeff Cathrow 
>> <cathrowinternational at hotmail.com> wrote:
>>
>>> Very excited about the new P3 features soon to debut; one of the things 
>>> I miss the most in my K3 is a good old-fashioned analog S-meter.  Now it 
>>> will be like my earlier radio/audio days with these bouncing needle 
>>> analogue displays to watch!  I am sure this feature will be worth 
>>> whatever small wait we might have to endure.
>>>
>>> Just wondering, will these S/SWR meters display side-by-side 
>>> (simultaneously) or will they be switched in/out as need be?
>>>
>>> Will they resemble the beautiful Icom 7800 VU-type metering display, by 
>>> any chance?
>>>
>>> Hope that Wayne or Eric  or anyone in the know at Elecraft can take a 
>>> moment to answer these questions; meanwhile I'm already setting aside 
>>> some extra $$ come "P3 upgrade ordering day."
>>>
>>> My hat is off to Elecraft once again; thank you for the good news!
>>>
>>> 73,
>>>
>>> Jeff, NH7RO
>>>
>>> K3-P3-KPA500 (my modular K4)
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
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