[Elecraft] New P3 "meters"

[Dave Olean]

Hello Jim,
Yes that is the software that I have running on my laptop. It works really 
well. I tried the dBv feature on the K3 DISPLAY button, and that does not 
work well at all for rapidly varying signals. My brain can't process it all. 
A steady signal is much better, but there are very few steady signals on the 
bands when I want to check antenna levels.  I can adjust the P3  for a 
limited scale of say 30 dB, so I can see changes there, but then there is 
the problem of signals going up out of sight on the screen. I tried it today 
on ten meters. Lacking a good analog meter, having a P3 seems to be the best 
choice now for what I need.
    Thanks for all the suggestions.
Dave K1WHS
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jim N7US" <jim at n7us.net>
To: "'Dave Olean'" <k1whs at metrocast.net>; <elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Tuesday, April 21, 2015 3:28 PM
Subject: RE: [Elecraft] New P3 "meters"


> Have you looked at S Meter Lite Software?
>
> http://www.seed-solutions.com/gregordy/Software/SMeterLite.htm
>
> I've used it with a 2nd CAT port in microHAM Router, which I use with my
> microKEYER II.
>
> 73, Jim N7US
>
> -----Original Message-----
>
>
> 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!
>
>