[Elecraft] Choosing a monitor for the P3 w/SVGA option card?

[Jim Brown]

Gary,

Almost any decent computer monitor works just fine. I've used 1024x768 
and been happy.  A menu setting in the PS/SVGA lets you select from the 
scanning rates you listed. The SVGA module does its own FFT based on the 
horizontal resolution of the selected display.

For about a year, Costco has been selling a very nice 23-in LCD Samsung 
monitor that has the added advantage of running from 12V. That means you 
can cut the power cable, install a power pole, and toss out the 
switching power supply.  I've replaced four older monitors with these. 
They draw about 1A.  Max resolution is 1920 x 1080.

Specs are not critical for use with the P3/SVGA, and it adapts to 16/9 
just fine.

73, Jim K9YC



On Tue,7/28/2015 5:03 PM, Gary K9GS wrote:
> Hello,
>
> I need some help in choosing a monitor.  I'm looking to buy a monitor 
> to pair with my P3/SVGA combination.  I'm more than slightly confused 
> what to buy.  The guy at my local computer store was less than 
> helpful.  He asked me twice what kind of video card I have in my 
> computer :)
>
> In the SVGA manual it states::/
> //
> //1024 X 768 //For faster screen updates when using fixed tune//
> //1280 X 1024     mode, we recommend setting the P3SVGA//
> //1440 X 900       resolution to 1440 x 900 or less. Note that
> 1920 X 1080    1440 x 900 will display correctly on
> 1920 x 1080 monitors.
>
> I want to get a nice big screen to take full advantages of the SVGA 
> card.  Several questions:
>
> 1)  What is the best display type?  TN (most common), IPS (what 
> type?), MVA?  Is the TN good enough or is there an advantage to buying 
> an enhanced display?
>
> 2)  What resolution should I buy?  It seems that the most readily 
> available is 1920 X 1080.  Is there a problem with screen updates as 
> stated in the manual?
>
> 3)  The P3 display is square.  What happens if I buy a wide screen 
> monitor with a 16:9 format?
>
> 4)  Do I need to worry about the refresh rate?
>
> 5)  Do I have to worry about the contrast ratio or response time?
>
> 6)  Is there any advantage to buying, say a 23 or 24 inch screen? Even 
> a 19" screen is a big step up from the P3 screen so is going to a 
> really big screen overkill?
>
> /7) If I add the P3TXMon option will that make any difference in 
> monitor choice?
>
> 8)  If I buy a monitor without a VGA input will one of the VGA to HDMI 
> or DVI adapters work?
> ///
>
> I don't mind spending some money on the right display but don't want 
> to buy something I don't need or won't see the advantages of.  I'm 
> beginning to think that I am over-thinking this whole thing.
> /
>