[Elecraft] New P3 "meters"

[dmb at lightstream.net]

Dave,

You must not have a P3. It's a far better tool for evaluating the rf
environment than an s-meter; analogue or not. In addition to having
significantly greater amplitude resolution, you can simultaneously see the
nature of the signal spectrum you're trying to evaluate. I do a lot of
experimenting with receive-only antennas, and can't imagine trying to make
evaluations without the P3.

We have power line noise issues here too, and I use the K3/P3 along with
my rotator and few yagis covering the range from 20m to 2m, to pinpoint
the location, and then take the P3, a battery and small loop antenna in
that direction until I find the source (which I always do).

Then after half a dozen phone calls to the power company and 3 to 6
months, the issue is (usually) resolved.

73, Dale
WA8SRA

> 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!